Turkey at the Crossroads
TRAVERSE CITY — Turkey is a key member of NATO and America’s most important Muslim ally. It plays a crucial role both in the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, and in Europe’s struggle to deal with the flood of refugees and migrants, taking in more than 3 million Syrians itself. But following a failed coup last summer and an increase in terrorist attacks within its borders, Turkey seems to be undergoing a transformation.
Lawrence Mandel, a 30-year diplomat most recently posted as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, will address recent events and how they might impact the Trump Administration's foreign policy at an International Affairs Forum lecture at 6 p.m. April 20 in Milliken Auditorium. Questions include: How is Trump likely to deal with Turkish President Erdogan, who moved quickly following the coup to consolidate power and shut down the opposition, including the jailing of journalists? How will terrorist attacks in Turkey’s main cities affect the American presence in Turkey as well as tourism? How will Turkey’s relations with the Kurds, Russia and Iran influence U.S. policy in the region?
Mandel served in Turkey from 2014-2016 and retired in September 2016.
The IAF is affiliated with NMC and the World Affairs Council of America. All lectures are held in the Dennos Museum Center's Milliken Auditorium on the NMC campus at 6 p.m., with a reception prior to the lecture from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Admission is free to all students and educators, and $10 for others. Subscriber tickets for the entire season are available; visit www.tciaf.com or call (231) 995-1700 for more information.
IAF lectures are rebroadcast on UpNorth TV public access cable television three times a week, and available online for streaming on demand. Board members also produce “Beyond the Headlines,” a roundtable-style interview program that focuses on current foreign affairs issues and airs on UpNorth TV.
Release Date: April 5, 2017
For More Information:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
jsegal_kpuschel@yahoo.com