Barrack’s Bombshell: “These issues will be resolved within 4–6 months”
Speaking at the annual Doha Diplomatic Forum in Abu Dhabi, Barrack stated:
“My belief is that these issues will be resolved in the next 4–6 months.”
According to him:
- Turkey is closer than ever to removing the Russian S-400 system,
- such a move could unlock access to the F-35,
- and behind the scenes, negotiations have “advanced more than people realize.”
Sources say the topic was also raised during Erdoğan’s visit to the White House, with rumors of proposals that even involved Russia — though nothing materialized publicly.
Why the S-400 Is a “Toxic Asset” for Washington
The dispute goes back a decade when Turkey purchased the Russian S-400 air-defense system. For the U.S. and NATO, the system is considered:
- a security threat exposing F-35 data to Russia,
- a strategic vulnerability for NATO’s southeastern flank,
- a sign of Turkey’s attempt to balance between East and West.
As a result, the U.S. Congress froze Turkey out of the F-35 program entirely.
Ankara Outraged: Barrack Accused of Overstepping
Barrack’s remarks triggered fierce backlash inside Turkey.Devlet Bahçeli — Erdoğan’s powerful coalition partner — lashed out, not only at the F-35 comments but also at Barrack’s separate announcement that the Halki Theological School would reopen in 2026.
Bahçeli blasted:“Their recklessness and arrogance know no bounds.”
Many in Ankara see Barrack’s words as an American intrusion into domestic policy.
Hope or Illusion? Analysts Doubt a Quick Fix
Despite Barrack’s confidence, analysts caution that:
- the real obstacle is Congress, not Erdoğan or Trump,
- bipartisan opposition in Washington remains strong,
- concerns persist that Turkey may never fully deactivate or relinquish the S-400,
- past crises have created deep skepticism in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.
Thus, many interpret Barrack’s comments as a gesture of goodwill, designed to keep communication channels open between Trump and Erdoğan.
Geopolitical Reading: What Is Barrack Really Aiming For?
Tom Barrack is not a traditional diplomat. He is:
- a billionaire businessman,
- a close friend and political ally of Donald Trump,
- U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria,
- a figure who often moves between diplomacy and private influence.
His statement:
- is politically significant,
- signals U.S. interest in repairing ties with Turkey,
- tests reaction within Ankara and NATO,
- suggests Washington does not want to “lose Turkey” to Russia.
Turkey’s Strategic Dilemma: Moscow or the F-35?
Ankara wants:
- access to cutting-edge F-35 technology,
- continued cooperation with Russia,
- strategic autonomy,
- regional influence in the Middle East and Caucasus.
But the S-400 locks Turkey into a corner. A return to the F-35 program would be:
- a major diplomatic win for Ankara,
- a strong signal of re-alignment with the West,
- a message to Moscow that Turkey retains flexibility.
Yet it requires credible removal, storage, or verified deactivation of the S-400 — something that must satisfy Congress.
A “window of opportunity” exists — but it’s narrow
Barrack’s comments brought an unexpectedly optimistic tone to a frozen dispute. But:
- Ankara remains suspicious,
- Congress remains the biggest roadblock,
- Washington is testing soft diplomatic signals,
- Moscow watches carefully.
There may indeed be a 4–6 month window, as Barrack claims —but it could close quickly, or evolve into a major geopolitical shift.
Source: pagenews.gr