Turkey's Risky Path: Erdogan's Actions Could Isolate Turkey and Hinder its Ambitions

Turkey's Risky Path: Erdogan's Actions Could Isolate Turkey and Hinder its Ambitions
November 19, 2023, 11:32 am

Michael Arizanti

President Erdogan's recent actions have raised concerns among European nations and drawn renewed attention to Turkey's complex relationship with the West. His alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood and his stance on Sweden's NATO bid have cast a shadow over Turkey's aspirations for greater influence in the world of Islamism and its desire to secure weapons deals and approval for its fight against the PKK.

Erdogan's ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a controversial organization with a history of connections to extremist groups, have raised fears among European leaders that Turkey is once again aligning itself with forces that could radicalize Muslim youth in the West.
This concern is particularly acute in light of Turkey's past role in facilitating the flow of foreign fighters to groups like ISIS and al-Nusra.

Europe's apprehension towards Erdogan's actions is further compounded by Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership bid. Despite Sweden's efforts to address Turkey's concerns regarding Kurdish groups, Erdogan has remained steadfast in his opposition, creating an impasse that has strained relations within the NATO alliance.

Erdogan's actions have also jeopardized Turkey's chances of securing F-16 fighter jets and weapons from the United States. The US has expressed concerns about Turkey's ties to Russia and its purchase of the S-400 missile system from Moscow.
Erdogan's support for the Muslim Brotherhood and his stance on Sweden's NATO bid are unlikely to improve Turkey's chances of securing these crucial military procurements.

Erdogan's refusal to accept Sweden's NATO bid is particularly puzzling given the country's close alignment with the alliance.
Sweden has long participated in NATO exercises and contributes to its peacekeeping operations. Its membership would further strengthen the alliance's presence in Northern Europe, a region of growing strategic importance.
Erdogan's actions appear to be driven by a desire to enhance Turkey's regional influence and assert its dominance in the Middle East. However, his approach is creating friction with its Western allies and could ultimately isolate Turkey, hindering its ambitions for greater global influence.
Erdogan faces a critical decision: whether to continue down a path that risks alienating Turkey's allies and partners or to pursue a more conciliatory approach that prioritizes cooperation and integration with the West. The future of Turkey's standing in the world hinges on this choice.

BY: Michael Arizanti

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