Israel Matzav

Video: US servicemen attacked by Turkish mob in Istanbul

This video is sickening. Just plain sickening. I'm sure President Hussein Obama is pleased at the depths to which he has dragged the US military and that he will not be taking this video up with his Best Friend Forever, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Let's go to the videotape.


In case you're wondering, the US State Department is 'deeply troubled' by the incident, but has no intention of taking it up with Mufti Erdogan or Kasier Davutoglu.

QUESTION: Today in Turkey in Istanbul, a few of American sailors had some bags placed over their heads. Do you have any comments on that?

MS. PSAKI: Well, there was a statement put out by the U.S. Navy as well, which I’d point you to, but we’re deeply troubled by today’s assault against sailors of the USS Ross in Istanbul. The USS Ross is visiting Istanbul as a sign of the longstanding cooperation and friendship between the United States and Turkey. While we support the right to peaceful protest, this event clearly crossed the line from peaceful protest to violence and threats. We’re working – U.S. officials, I should say, are working with Turkish authorities to investigate this incident.

QUESTION: Do you see this incident as an isolated incident or part of trend about anti-Americanism in Turkey?

MS. PSAKI: Well, I’m not sure what other incidents you’re comparing it to, so we believe that Turkey remains an important NATO ally. We work closely with them on a range of issues. Obviously, we’re looking at this specific incident.

QUESTION: Recognizing that you – the Pentagon and the Navy have already spoken to this, as has the Embassy in Turkey, do you consider this case closed now, at least in terms of any conversation that you might have with Turkish authorities? Or is it something that you intend to raise beyond just the local police (inaudible)?

MS. PSAKI: Well, we’re continuing to work with Turkish authorities. I don’t believe there’s a plan to raise it at a different level than that. But this is – we’re continuing to work with them now.

QUESTION: Okay. So that would suggest – and correct me if I’m wrong – that you don’t think that this is symptomatic of some – that you think that this was an isolated incident and it’s not something that --

MS. PSAKI: I think I conveyed we’re speaking to this specific incident, yeah.

QUESTION: Right. But it’s not something that you feel the need to take up with the foreign minister or senior members in the – senior members of --

MS. PSAKI: I’m not aware of plans to raise it at that level, no.

Is this the most humiliating incident involving American troops in an allied country since... I'd say Benghazi, but I don't think anyone considers Libya a US ally.

When will the Obama administration acknowledge Erdogan's role in inciting this type of behavior? Probably never.

Labels: Ahmet Davutoglu, Barack Hussein Obama, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:05 AM