As President Donald Trump arrives in Ankara for the NATO summit, Turkey is once again presenting itself as an indispensable ally deserving of Washington’s trust. The timing is no accident. Reports that the administration may ease sanctions, reopen defense cooperation, and explore a path for Turkey’s return to advanced U.S. weapons programs have created new optimism in Ankara.

Washington should be careful. Turkey is not Iran. But in too many of the region’s most important crises, Ankara has pursued policies that undermine U.S. interests while still expecting to be treated as a trusted ally.

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Mission: Save the US-Turkey alliance