Originally Posted by
Spunky Monkey
Probably because Turkey can't be trusted at the moment, playing both sides of the coin with NATO and Russia.
Turkey needs to start thinking what side they are on, then maybe they may get more assistance and deals.
I don't think it is just Turkey that has to consider its prospects. Turkey has seldom been a more crucial - and unique - player in so many important areas. If we go back a few years there is the (continuing ) EU agreement (for cash ) to limit refugees which has been broadly fufilled, however the refigee/migrant problem is headline news in all European countries, and if Turkey chose to sit back and let the hordes pass through, then there would be huge political consequences in the EU and GB.: now we have the Ukrainian war with Turkey holding a key-position on the Bosphorous concerning both movement of warships and grain supplies. I would also guess that Incirlik''s strategic position is also weighted much more heavily by the USAF, given all the political/military disturbances within flying distance.
Speaking bluntly ( or pragmatically ) if we sell arms to the Saudis, then we should do the same for the Turks. That only addresses the UK position and not that of Germany, who probably wouldn't have sold to the Saudis, however the German position is not so strong currently , with a unpopular coalition government ( and a dissenting member in the FDP ), significant headwinds in their industry. a major budgetary problem and the embattled joint venture with France to build the successor to Leopard/Leclerc. This venture is currently in stormy waters over major disagreements on design philosophy as well as divvying up the build, and a big dispute on sales-vetoes, where Germany turns down important sales on principle risks lighting one fire too many under the French who are traditionally very mercantillist in their approach to arms sales.