WikiLeaks: U.S. diplomats have doubts over Erdogan as partner
Diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks to German news magazine Der Spiegel show US diplomats have doubts about Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's dependability as a partner.
American diplomats distrust Erdogan and his unrealistic views on the world, wrote Der Spiegel.
The prime minister, one of the United States' most important NATO partners, has surrounded himself with "an iron ring of sycophantic (but contemptuous) advisors," writes a diplomat.
Despite his bragging, he is afraid of losing power, according to the dispatches viewed by Der Spiegel. One source is quoted as telling the Americans: "Tayyip believes in God but doesn't trust Him".
Erdogan's advisors, and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, are portrayed as having little understanding of politics beyond Turkey. A high-ranking government adviser, quoted by US diplomats, describes Davutoglu as "exceptionally dangerous" and warns that he would use his influence on Erdogan.