Although US leaders have long regarded Turkey as a crucial strategic ally, relations between Ankara and Washington have been deteriorating for years. Domestic changes in Turkey, especially the decline of secular forces, account for some of that estrangement but fundamental disagreements about international issues are a more important cause. The United States and Turkey differ sharply about policy regarding Iraq, Iran, the Israeli-Arab conflict, and other matters. In addition to disagreements about those specific issues, Turkish leaders increasingly view the United States as a reckless, destabilizing power in the Middle East rather than a cautious, stabilizing power. Given that perspective, the estrangement between the two countries is unlikely to diminish in the foreseeable future.

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