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Intel: How Turkey sanctions relief risks leaving remaining US prisoners out to dry

U.S. President Donald Trump closes his eyes in prayer along with Pastor Andrew Brunson, after his release from two years of Turkish detention, in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, U.S., October 13, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Theiler     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC18ECD30AF0

After securing Turkey’s release last month of a detained US pastor, the Donald Trump administration is lifting sanctions on two Turkish ministers. But the sanctions relief could disincentivize Ankara from releasing several other American prisoners and Turks locally employed by US consular facilities. In return, Turkey has also removed sanctions it placed on US officials in retaliation.

Why it matters: In August, Trump sanctioned Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu over the detention of Andrew Brunson, a cause celebre among Trump’s evangelical base. Ankara was likely expecting today’s action as Trump had expressly tied the sanctions exclusively to Brunson and not the other prisoners. Their removal now gives the US less leverage in securing the other prisoners’ release.

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