US Ambassador to Ankara admits slow American response to Türkiye’s 2016 coup

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Jeff Flake, acknowledged that the United States was slow to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government during the 2016 coup attempt orchestrated by the Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization (FETO).

In an interview with Politico, Flake discussed several issues, including U.S. relations with Türkiye, the ongoing situation in Gaza and the recent F-16 sale negotiations.

Flake’s three-year tenure ends on Sept. 1.

US support during 2016 coup attempt

Reflecting on the U.S. response to the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, Flake admitted: “There were criticisms at the time that President Obama did not call President Erdogan, while Russian President Vladimir Putin did. This caused some discomfort for a while.”

He emphasized that the U.S. response was perceived as slow, which was a point of contention during the period.

Türkiye’s role in recent hostage exchange

Flake also highlighted Türkiye’s crucial role in the August 1, 2024, hostage exchange involving the United States, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus.

“The logistics were handled by the Turks. Seven countries, seven planes arrived in Ankara, and they did a remarkable job,” he said.

Flake noted that this time, U.S. President Joe Biden called President Erdogan to thank him, whereas Russian President Vladimir Putin did not, marking a reversal of the 2016 scenario.

Situation in Gaza

Discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel continues its attacks, Flake stressed the importance of regional actors like Türkiye in achieving a long-term solution.

“It is hard to envision a lasting resolution to the situation in Gaza without Türkiye and other regional players acting as guarantors or being involved in Gaza’s reconstruction,” he stated.

F-16 sale, NATO

Flake further commented on Türkiye’s strategic importance, particularly in the context of Sweden’s NATO membership.

He revealed that during the approval process; he had multiple phone conversations with U.S. senators Ben Cardin, Jim Risch, Michael McCaul and Gregory Meeks to persuade them of the need for F-16 sales to Türkiye.

“There are well-intentioned people who recognize that Türkiye is an indispensable partner,” he noted.

Türkiye’s strategic importance

Emphasizing Türkiye’s critical role, Flake remarked: “When the world is at peace, Türkiye is important geographically, but when the world is in turmoil, Türkiye becomes even more crucial.”

He advised the next U.S. ambassador to continue working on strengthening relations.

Türkiye is an irreplaceable ally, and we haven’t always treated them as such. But they are, and they are a growing regional power with the second-largest army in NATO after the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Jeff Flake