NATO vs. SCO

US military forces have been increasing their activity, particularly near regions that have been economically targeted through sanctions or tariffs (1) (2).

Relations with Turkey have deteriorated recently due to the punitive tariffs causing the lira to decrease rapidly against the dollar (3). Turkey accused the US of waging an economic war (4), and retaliate by raising tariffs (5) boycotting American products (6) and burning dollar bills (7).

Former US diplomat arrogantly refers to allies as “satellites” and stresses the consequences for misbehaviour (8). However, threats seems empty as even smaller economies are hitting back at US hegemony (9) (10).

The recent increase of US military activity coincides with major movements in political allegiance. Russia is poised to become the main weapons partner for “former” NATO allies (11) (12) (13), Turkey is looking to join the BRICS club (14) and is politically and economically aligning itself with Russia, China, and Qatar (15), while distancing itself from the punitive tactics of the US (16).

Iran and Syria are moving towards military cooperation (17), and Turkish relations with Russia are improving (18).

It seems as if the East bloc is working towards peaceful cooperation among themselves, while NATO is looking for any excuse to accuse others of aggressive behaviour (19).

References

1. US to more than double the number of Marines in Norway

2. US warships sail through Taiwan Strait for first time in a year as China tariffs kick in

3. Fresh lira drop takes decline to more than 11% this week

4. Turkey says U.S. waging 'economic war', lira weakens

5. U.S. tariffs to stay on Turkey, Qatar offers Ankara aid

6. Turkey to boycott iPhones & other US electronic products

7. Burn It Down, Rip It Apart: Turks Destroy US Dollars Amid Trump Sanctions

8. ‘A good satellite does what it is told’: US warns Turkey & other allies against buying Russian S-400

9. Duterte Says Buying U.S. F-16 Jets ‘Utterly Useless’

10. Duterte rejects ‘imposed friendship’ & questions US reputation as 'peerless' arms supplier

11. Turkey Prepares For First Batch Of Russian S-400 Air Defense Missiles

12. India Defies Washington, Will Acquire Russian S-400 Missile Shield

13. ‘Who are you to warn us?’: Duterte hits back after US warning to stay away from Russian arms

14. BRICTS: Turkey Is Getting Off The US Reservation

15. Defiant Erdogan Gets Political Support From Russia, China and Qatar

16. Turkey & Qatar are being punished for refusing to do Washington’s bidding on Iran

17. Iran and Syria sign deal for military cooperation

18. Russia to Lift Visa Regime for Turkish Nationals

19. NATO Sees Russia’s Vostok 2018 Drills as Preparation For Conflict - Spokesman