Texas Targets Turkey, Again

Perry defends controversial claims - first made at Mon. debate - U.S. ally ruled by Islamic terrorists, questions NATO membership.

Tells CNN's Blitzer Tues: "This is a country that's got some explaining to do to the United States."

Earlier: Ankara releases scathing statement on "baseless and inappropriate" comments; calls out candidates "who do not even know their allies."

AND State Dept. spox jumps on '12er-bashing bandwagon: "We absolutely and fundamentally disagree with that assertion."