Congresswoman U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis continues to repeat one sided talking points that do nothing to strengthen American foreign policy, NATO unity, or the interests of the constituents she was elected to represent. Her latest statement regarding the Republic of Türkiye once again demonstrates a selective interpretation of history while ignoring the strategic realities facing the United States and its allies.
First, the official name of the country is the Republic of Türkiye. It is remarkable that someone who repeatedly comments on U.S.-Türkiye relations still refuses to use the internationally recognized name. If Congresswoman Malliotakis wishes to lecture Americans on foreign policy, she should begin by accurately identifying the nation she is criticizing.
Her accusations regarding Hamas deliberately ignore facts. For years, Türkiye has maintained communication with the political wing of Hamas while coordinating closely with Washington and other international partners whenever hostage negotiations, humanitarian efforts, and regional diplomacy required dialogue. Diplomacy is not endorsement. The United States itself has frequently relied upon partners that maintain channels with organizations America does not recognize. To portray Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement as “harboring Hamas” is a misleading political slogan designed to smear a NATO ally rather than educate the public.
Her criticism of Türkiye’s relationship with Russia is equally selective. Türkiye has supplied Ukraine with military assistance, including the wellknown Bayraktar drones, closed the Turkish Straits to additional warships under the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, facilitated critical grain export agreements, and served as one of the few nations capable of mediating between Moscow and Kyiv. Maintaining dialogue with Russia has often advanced Western interests rather than undermined them.
Congresswoman Malliotakis also repeats the claim that Türkiye is “illegally occupying” Cyprus while refusing to acknowledge the historical record. Türkiye’s 1974 action was an intervention following a Greek-backed coup seeking Enosis union with Greece and years of systematic violence against Turkish Cypriots. Even courts in Greece acknowledged legal arguments surrounding Türkiye’s intervention under the Treaty of Guarantee. The intervention prevented further massacres and protected an entire community from extermination. Ignoring those facts while presenting only one side of history does not promote peace or reconciliation.
Equally revealing is her silence regarding Greece’s own defense relationship with Russia. Greece has operated Russian-made S-300 missile systems on Crete for years, yet Congresswoman Malliotakis rarely mentions this reality while criticizing Türkiye. Such selective outrage raises legitimate questions regarding whether her positions are based upon American strategic interests or domestic ethnic politics.
Her opposition to modern defense cooperation with Türkiye also undermines American workers and American industry. Blocking advanced defense sales weakens NATO interoperability, damages U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs, and encourages allies to seek alternative suppliers outside the United States. That approach harms American economic interests while benefiting America’s competitors.
The Republic of Türkiye possesses NATO’s second-largest military and has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in numerous security operations for decades. It remains indispensable to Black Sea security, counterterrorism efforts, energy security, and regional stability. Weakening one of NATO’s strongest military members only strengthens America’s adversaries.
Representative Malliotakis was elected to represent all New Yorkersnot to elevate Greek nationalism over American national interests. Rather than fueling divisive smear campaigns against a critical NATO ally, she should support policies that strengthen the Alliance, protect American jobs, and advance U.S. strategic interests. Responsible leadership requires facts, historical balance, and diplomacy not inflammatory rhetoric designed to delegitimize one of America’s most important allies in a dangerous region.
Ibrahim Kurtulus
Staten island- New York
Community Activist
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