Trump and Erdogan's Phone Conversation; Emphasis on Combating All Forms of Terrorism

The President of the United States had a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart for the first time since taking office; according to the White House, the two discussed their "shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms." The White House stated that on February 8, Donald Trump emphasized U.S. support for Turkey "as a strategic ally and a NATO partner" during his phone call with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump also welcomed Ankara's role in the fight against the group known as the Islamic State. The Turkish newspaper Sabah, citing sources in the Turkish government, reported that the conversation between the two presidents was "positive." There are still not many details released about the phone call between Trump and Erdogan. U.S. and Turkish media that reported on Trump's call with Erdogan referenced tensions in Ankara-Washington relations during Barack Obama's presidency; issues such as the non-extradition of Fethullah Gülen, a critic of Erdogan residing in the U.S., who the Turkish government claims led the failed coup last July. Gülen has denied this accusation, and the Obama administration stated it could not extradite him without "court-admissible" evidence. Another topic highlighted in the media is the support of the U.S.-led coalition for the "Syrian Democratic Forces." Major members of this group are the Kurdish militants known as the "People's Protection Units," which Ankara views as affiliated with the PKK and thus "terrorist." This is something Washington does not accept. The "Syrian Democratic Forces" have announced that the Trump administration has promised to increase its support for this group. The Washington Post noted that since Trump's election, Erdogan has praised him on several occasions and has also invited him to visit Ankara. The newspaper also pointed out Erdogan's "lack of response" to the temporary travel ban order.