THE US misses no opportunity to squeeze the Muslim countries. After Iran and Pakistan, it is now threatening to impose economic sanctions on Turkey for holding an American pastor in its custody which Ankara accuses of helping to plot a 2016 coup attempt against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
While the US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey for detaining the pastor, Erdogan who indeed has emerged as a towering figure and leader not only in his own country but also in the entire Muslim world for his clear and daring stance on Muslim related issues, in a tit-for-tat response has stated very categorically that his country will not acquiesce to the US pressure. Indeed one does not want see deterioration of relations between two important countries but in the realm of international relations countries also need to respect the sovereignty and integrity of others which the US has openly violated time and again. The relationship should be on the basis of mutual respect and in case of any tension; matters must be resolved through dialogue. And we expect that the US will shun arrogant mindset and sit with Turkey to address the matters.
Pakistan and its PM-in-waiting Imran Khan’s reaction on US-Turkey row has been very positive as full support has been extended to the fraternal Turkey in this hour of trial. In fact both the countries have always stood by each other in difficult times. Most recently, one saw its manifestation at the meeting of FATF where Turkey supported Pakistan’s case. Similarly, the people of Pakistan feel deep love and affection for their Turkish brothers. Given the current situation evolving in the world, it has become imperative that all Muslim and other likeminded countries such as China and Russia engage and cooperate closely to manage conflicts and make it cradle of peace and prosperity where no single country has the authority to dictate others.
Source:Â https://pakobserver.net/us-turkey-row/
