Guilty Men

You make an interesting point. NATO is an alliance treaty, not a "you've arrived" club. Can we expect Turkey to abide by the articles of the NATO treaty which require it to come to the defense of other NATO members? If not, then I'm not sure their membership is anything but a cost. Turkey's military fierceness or nationalism is not an argument to keep them in the alliance. Turkey's military capability is well known...their intent, not so much anymore. Removing them from NATO does more than send a signal to Turkey that actions have consequences...it also puts other NATO nations on notice that the alliance carries responsibilities.

Col Joseph Lenertz Your point is well taken sir. However, Turkey is fiercely proud of its NATO membership. They have always insisted that they are dedicated to their role in the alliance. This support is only bolstered by the fact that Turkey has always has, and continues to, desire European membership VERY BADLY. Since the EU denied them membership (poor judgement on their part as Turkey has always had double digit financial growth), they see their membership in NATO as validation of their status as a European country. Additionally, for his many faults, President Erdoğan was instrumental in the U.S. gaining access to their country to deploy an early warning radar for the Missile Defense Agency in spite of bitter resistance form the military "Turkish General Staff". They also have maintained continued support for U.S. basing of air forces in country (the only foreign country allowed this honor).

Excellent points, thanks. Still, the world is watching Turkey move along the spectrum away from Ataturk's democratic principals and toward sharia. This will not help establish their resume for joining the EU, or convince skeptics of their commitment to NATO (while bombing US-supported Kurds). You last sentence may be a typo. Japan, South Korea, and the UK are 3 others that have maintained continued USAF basing.

Col Joseph Lenertz - I may well have been mistaken or mis-stated my case. I don't recall there being any Forces stationed in Turkey other than U.S. Forces.