Washington Expresses Optimism over Missile Disagreement with Ankara

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters covering a meeting of foreign ministers from NATO-member countries that there were “great opportunities for the United States and Turkey to work closer together” and that he “had a good long conversation with the Turkish foreign minister… and I’m very confident we’ll find a path forward.” Pompeo was referring to a disagreement over Ankara’s plans to purchase and deploy the Russian-made S-400, an advanced anti-aircraft missile defense system, instead of the similar, US-made Raytheon Co Patriot. The S-400 is not compatible with the air defense systems of NATO member nations. However, his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, called the plans a “done deal.” The US had agreed to sell Turkey the F-35 stealth fighter jet, but there have been signs that the contract is now on hold over the missile purchase. Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, has been at odds with fellow members over its policies in the Middle East, especially toward Iran and Syria.