Iran: Turkey Plays Both Sides of the Street

A widely circulated Reuters news item (see, e.g.: http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2012/06/11/turkey-cuts-iranian-oil-buys-steeply-in-may/) informs us that Turkey reduced oil purchases from Iran by 20 percent in May, purportedly in keeping with EU and US sanctions. However, this decline comes after Turkey increased purchases and stockpiled Iranian oil from January until April. In other words, the drop in May is little more than an optical illusion.

The Reuters item goes on to say that Turkey will continue to buy oil from Iran after June notwithstanding the EU boycott, making it the only buyer of Iranian oil in Europe.

In this regard, let us not forget Obama's declaration following a March 2012 meeting with Erdogan in Seoul (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/25/remarks-president-obama-and-prime-minister-erdogan-turkey-after-bilatera):

"I think it's fair to say that over the last several years, the relationship between Turkey and the United States has continued to grow across every dimension. And I find Prime Minister Erdogan to be an outstanding partner and an outstanding friend on a wide range of issues."

That's one helluva friend you have there, Mr. President.