Turkiye Is Playing an Exceptional Role Between the East and the West By Ibrahim Karatash and Hilal Kaplan The Daily Sabah, September 24, 2022

President Erdogan giving a speech at the UNGA, September 22, 2022

 

Türkiye respects its pivotal role between the East and the West

BY İBRAHIM KARATAŞ

Having turned its attention to the West in the last two centuries, Türkiye’s possible membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which represents non-Western powers, will mark the end of an era in the country’s history

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently disclosed that his government plans to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in near future.

The SCO currently represents non-Western powers such as China, Russia and India. Having turned its attention to the West in the last two centuries, Türkiye’s likely membership in the SCO will mark the end of an era in the country’s history. Yet, Ankara's final decision depends on Western states’ attitudes rather than Türkiye.

We should remember that Türkiye and Greece had applied to be associate members of the then-European Economic Community (EEC) in 1959. While Greece became an EU member in 1981, Türkiye is still kept waiting due to baseless reasons such as a large population, being a Muslim country, a democracy deficit and an undeveloped economy. Other candidates had the same insufficiencies but they were still welcomed by the European Union.

Besides the Turkish elites’ desire to be a part of the West, the EU was seen as a way of sustaining economic development. Thus, the EU membership would be a gift to the Turkish state and the people through which Türkiye would enter a wealthy world. However, the decadeslong patience’s fruit was just disappointment. No Turk believes that the EU will ever accept the country as a member.

On the other hand, Türkiye has gone through a fast process of development in the last 20 years and it is stronger than ever. It has become a regional actor that none can ignore. Moreover, if political turmoil had not taken place in the last 10 years, as per estimations, it would have a $1.5 trillion (TL 27.60 trillion) gross domestic product (GDP), which is almost equal to the Italian economy’s size. Despite pauses, a boom in the Turkish economy is not out of sight. Even if the expected boom does not happen, it can still be said that Türkiye is not the old poor country.

Türkiye cannot be ignored

The country is strong and this strength attracts all political blocs in the world. In fact, when Türkiye hinted at SCO membership 10 years ago, other members politely rejected it. But they will be pleased to see Türkiye among themselves now. As stated above, Türkiye cannot be ignored in its region as it is close to all battlefields and a buffer zone between safe regions and warring ones. If migrant influxes are slowing down, if the grain is exported from Russia, and if gas flow is to be ensured from East to West, Türkiye’s help is needed more than any other country.

Previously, Türkiye’s location and foreign policy were not vital but now it has become a significant mediator for ongoing conflicts and wars, from Libya to Ukraine. Contrary to Türkiye, the EU is in a defensive position and either remains silent or tries to find ineffective solutions. The union still uses economic tools to secure itself but it doesn’t work. In addition, using Ukraine as a proxy against Russia has culminated in economic difficulties on the continent.

Loss of trust in the West

In such circumstances, the confident Türkiye now believes it no longer needs the EU and will not knock its door again. Instead, Ankara prefers to utilize its upper hand and maximize its interests. It can be said that besides being a pivotal country, what pushed Türkiye to act so independently is the loss of trust in the West. Unrealizable EU membership, the humiliating candidacy process, hostile acts such as undeclared embargoes and hosting terrorist members have all made Türkiye build a new road between the contending groups of countries.

In other words, Türkiye does not want to choose a side but wants to be chosen by either side with lucrative promises. Had the EU and the United States not estranged Türkiye, the process would probably have taken a different direction, which would have been in favor of them. But since weak and loyal Türkiye was belittled, the strong Türkiye wants to utilize its advantage now.

Based on the new circumstances, Türkiye will not tolerate more disdain from Western powers and will only align with the West provided that it is given an honorary position free of conditions.

Particularly Greek and Greek Cypriot administration blackmail, tolerance of terrorism and requests like parting ways with Russia will further uproot Türkiye from the EU. Since Türkiye has alternatives, it will not hesitate to align with them or remain in the middle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holder of a Ph.D. in International Relations

Türkiye respects its pivotal role between the East and the West | Opinion (dailysabah.com)

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Türkiye: The exception to the rule

By Hilal Kaplan

The country's exemplary diplomatic approach signals that President Erdoğan has the ability to resolve any regional crisis around the world

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) started the cross-border operation in Syria some six years ago. In the same period, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan kicked off the S-400 process and the Western countries went on alert. They immediately started ordering embargos and leveling diplomatic threats against Türkiye. The know-it-all Washington think-tank community and foreign writers called for sanctions after sanctions, claiming that Erdoğan had dragged Turkish foreign policy into a disaster.

So what happened at this point?

Currently, Türkiye has placed itself in an exceptional position that the West very much needs. It has become the only channel of dialogue between Russia and the West. The country did not agree to be a pawn in the proxy wars of either the West or the East. It created a unique position for itself for its own benefits and interests.

Now, the fruits of Ankara’s six-year diplomatic efforts have been observed in many areas. The grain diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine war, the steps to become the most concrete opponent of French influence in Africa, its role as one of the key countries in the tensions between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia as well as the border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia are a few examples.

The New York speech

An important part of Erdoğan's speech at the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York actually referred to Türkiye’s stance, which is the "exception to the rule.” Erdoğan stated that Türkiye’s exceptional role between Russia and Ukraine reached new heights with the Istanbul deal that also contributed to the global weight of the U.N. He said that "we brought the parties together first at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF) and then in Istanbul. As a result of our intense efforts with the secretary-general, we ensured that Ukrainian grain reaches the world."

The leader of Türkiye, a country that should be defined as "the spirit in a soulless world" with its refugee policy, showed a picture of the lifeless body of 9-month-old Asım to "the masters of the global order" and held them accountable in one of the unforgettable speeches at this year's UNGA. Türkiye continues to be the "exception to the rule" regarding refugees.

Thanks to this exceptional position, the country has also made it possible for a huge prisoner exchange to take place between Russia and Ukraine. It would not be surprising if Erdoğan were to play a mediating role in other international crises as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hilal Kaplan is a journalist and columnist. Kaplan is also board member of TRT, the national public broadcaster of Turkey.

Türkiye: The exception to the rule | Column (dailysabah.com) 

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Erdoğan, at the UNGA, highlights cooperation to overcome global crises

BY DAILY SABAH WITH AGENCIES

 ISTANBUL SEP 20, 2022 -

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the importance of cooperation and joint action, and restructuring of the U.N. in the face of ongoing global crises during his much-anticipated speech at the 77th session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

"We are currently in a period when we have to take joint action against common tests affecting the world," he said, noting that regional crises have global implications, such as in the example of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Praising the Istanbul grain deal mediated by Türkiye and the U.N., Erdoğan said it is one of the greatest achievements of the world body in recent years. He noted that it has been essential to maintain Ukraine's grain supply and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Türkiye, the U.N., Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to restart grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which were paused after the Russia-Ukraine war began in February.

A Joint Coordination Center with officials from the three countries and the U.N. was set up in Istanbul to oversee the shipments.

Since the first vessel sailed under the deal on Aug. 1, more than 160 ships have carried over 3 million tons of agricultural products through the grain corridor.

"Türkiye emphasizes the key role of dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tension between Russia, and Ukraine," he said, adding that Ankara strives to resolve conflicts through mediation.

He also called for a "dignified way out" of the seven-month crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Erdoğan has been using his good working relations with both Moscow and Kyiv to try and find a diplomatic solution to the war.

He spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone moments before addressing the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly with an urgent appeal for peace.

"Together, we need to find a reasonably practical diplomatic solution that will give both sides a dignified way out of the crisis," Erdoğan told the United Nations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shows a picture of a ship carrying Ukrainian grain as part of the recently signed deal, at the 77th session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, U.S., Sept. 20, 2022. (AA Photo)

He said a lasting peace must be based on protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity.

"We will continue to increase our efforts to end the war that has flared up again in recent days on the basis of Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence.

"I invite international organizations and all countries to give sincere support to Türkiye's efforts."

He noted that Türkiye's foreign policy vision has always focused on peace: "We undertake a constructive role in eliminating disagreements and tensions in different regions," he said.

Regarding the issue of energy, Erdoğan said Türkiye has always regarded the issue of energy as a matter of cooperation rather than competition.

Erdoğan also touched upon Türkiye's security concerns regarding the PKK terrorists and its offshoots in Iraq and Syria.

"Türkiye cannot be expected to remain indifferent to the PKK, its offshoots, which carry out terrorist attacks and threaten Syria's territorial integrity," he said, adding that those who arm terrorists, try to legitimize them must abandon this path. He stated that Türkiye will ensure its border security in the face of YPG/PKK terrorist threats.

Reiterating Türkiye's support for solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Erdoğan said the safety and security of Palestinians and their properties is crucial.

"A Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital must be established," he said, adding that Ankara is determined to continue to build ties with Israel for regional peace.

Erdoğan noted that Türkiye strongly supports a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to facilitate permanent peace in the Middle East.

Erdoğan highlights cooperation to overcome global crises | Daily Sabah

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