Turkey: Background and U.S. Relations in Brief [Updated December 17, 2021]   [open pdf - 2MB]

From the introduction: "This report provides background information and analysis on the following topics: [1] Domestic Turkish political and economic developments under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's largely authoritarian and polarizing rule, including an ongoing currency crisis and its implications; [2] Turkey's strategic orientation--including toward the United States and Russia-- as affected by Turkey's S-400 surface-to-air defense system acquisition from Russia and U.S. responses (including sanctions), Turkey's greater use and export of drone aircraft, the continuing U.S./NATO presence in Turkey, and regional disputes and conflicts (such as those involving Syria, Greece, Cyprus, and Libya); and [3] various U.S. options regarding Turkey, including a possible sale and upgrade of F-16 aircraft, sanctions, military basing, and balancing U.S. ties with Turkey and its regional rivals."