Bipartisanship, Biden fashion: president nominates anti-Trump Republican Jeff Flake as ambassador to Turkey

President Joe Biden has nominated former Republican Senator Jeff Flake as his ambassador to Turkey. Whereas the appointment technically crosses partisan traces, Flake supported Biden over Donald Trump final 12 months.

Biden tapped Flake for the submit on Tuesday, in a transfer that at the beginning look lends weight to his marketing campaign path promise to achieve throughout the aisle and be a “president for all People.” In an announcement following the nomination, Flake mentioned that “US international coverage can and needs to be bipartisan. That’s my perception… and my dedication.”

But the previous Arizona senator spent a lot of the Trump administration as what the previous president would name a “RINO” (Republican in Title Solely). He introduced in 2017 that he wouldn’t search reelection, accusing the Trump-era GOP of “informal undermining of our democratic norms and beliefs” and a “flagrant disregard for fact or decency.” A 12 months later he held up the nomination of Supreme Court docket Justice Brett Kavanaugh so unproven claims of sexual assault in opposition to him might be investigated (earlier than ultimately voting to substantiate), and final 12 months he joined two dozen former Republican lawmakers in declaring his assist for Biden within the presidential election.

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Now, Biden has apparently rewarded Flake’s loyalty. As ambassadorships go, nevertheless, Flake has been handed a tricky one.

The US and Turkey are NATO allies, however their relationship has been strained in recent times. Ankara angered Washington when it purchased Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles in 2017 and took supply of them regardless of fierce American opposition in 2019. A 12 months later, Turkey blocked a NATO protection plan for Poland and the Baltic states until the US would declare the Kurdish PYD/PKK group a “terrorist entity.” 

Relations have remained frosty since Biden took workplace this 12 months. In April, Biden formally acknowledged the 1915 Armenian genocide, prompting Ankara to summon its US envoy and accuse Washington of “hindering peace and stability in our area.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan then accused Biden of getting “blood on [his] arms” resulting from his assist for Israel’s strikes on Gaza.

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Fortunately for Flake, a thaw could also be on the playing cards. Earlier than assembly Biden at a NATO summit in Brussels final month, Erdogan mentioned that the US and Turkey ought to “depart [their] troubles behind.” 

Earlier than taking his submit, Flake will must be confirmed by the Senate. He’s not anticipated to face any critical opposition from both get together.

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