US sanctions could harm a Turkish economy struggling with a coronavirus-induced slowdown, double-digit inflation and badly depleted foreign reserves. A senior Turkish official said sanctions would backfire and hurt ties between the two Nato members. Having forged a working relationship with Erdogan, Trump long opposed US sanctions against Turkey despite the advice of advisers. Washington does not want to push Erdogan even closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose goal is to weaken and divide the Nato alliance. The US State Department could still change plans and widen or narrow the scope of planned sanctions against Turkey.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 11, 2020 01:41 UTC