Thomas Barrack: as Russia plans century ahead, EU loses allies in the East

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack has criticized Washington's European partners for a short-sighted foreign policy that he claims is leading the EU to geopolitical defeat, particularly in its strained relationship with Ankara. He also emphasized the importance for the United States of unlocking transportation routes in the South Caucasus.

"We are dealing with the Chinese, who are planning 50 years ahead. We are dealing with the Russians, who are planning 100 years ahead," Barrack said.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, he argued that these geopolitical rivals, driven by such long-term plans, methodically ensure their own progress and develop national technologies, understanding that stable growth is key to achieving distant goals. In contrast, the envoy said Europe currently thinks too tactically, damaging relations with the crucial NATO ally Turkey by blocking its access to advanced Western military technology.

"You want Turkey to defend Europe, but Europe resists Turkey's acquiring advanced weapon systems due to concerns over Russia," Barrack stated.

He assessed the EU's approach to relations with Turkey as not only illogical but "akin to madness."

The envoy noted that the U.S. has returned to crafting long-term strategies under the Trump administration. Regarding U.S. interests in the region, he highlighted the prospects for normalizing Armenia's relations with its neighbors, expressing Washington's expectation for the unlocking of South Caucasus transit routes.

Barrack explained that the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia would make the opening of Armenian borders inevitable, and the U.S. anticipates the unblocking of overland transport links between Turkey and Armenia.