Understanding Turkey’s rollercoaster relations with the U.S. requires a grasp of advanced military hardware. Turkey says its army, NATO’s second-largest, will take delivery of Russia’s S-400 missile-defense system in early July. President Donald Trump’s administration contends that could help Moscow gather critical intelligence and it’s threatened sanctions that could cripple Turkey’s economy. Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is betting his personal rapport with Trump will fend off harsh penalties. But with Congress vigorously against the missile deal, there’s a high risk of punishments that could plunge Turkey into renewed economic turmoil.
Bloomberg: Why Russian missiles (again) divide Turkey and the US
(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 09, 2018 Russia's S-400 Triumph air defence missile systems rides through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow.
