Allies:

Qatar:

  • Turkey and Qatar have cultivated a strong strategic partnership based on shared interests, particularly in regional politics and security.
  • Both countries have supported each other diplomatically and economically, especially during times of regional tension and crisis. Turkey has provided diplomatic and military support to Qatar during the 2017 blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt.
  • Qatar has also invested in Turkey’s economy, providing financial assistance during periods of economic volatility. Additionally, both countries share similar positions on regional issues, such as the conflict in Syria and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA):

  • Turkey has formed a close alliance with Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which is recognized by the United Nations and led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.
  • Turkey has provided military support to the GNA in its fight against the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Russia, Egypt, and the UAE.
  • The alliance between Turkey and the GNA has been instrumental in preventing the LNA from capturing the capital, Tripoli, and has shifted the balance of power in Libya’s complex civil conflict.

Some Factions in Syria:

  • Turkey has supported various factions in Syria, particularly rebel groups and opposition forces opposed to the Assad regime.
  • In northern Syria, Turkey has backed groups fighting against Kurdish militias, such as the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey considers an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization.
  • Additionally, Turkey has supported rebel groups in Idlib province and other areas of northwestern Syria, aiming to maintain influence and prevent the Assad regime and its allies from gaining full control over the country.

Enemies:

Kurdish Groups (like PKK and YPG):

  • Turkey considers Kurdish groups like the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as significant security threats.
  • The PKK has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state, seeking greater autonomy or independence for Kurds in southeastern Turkey. Turkey has conducted military operations against the PKK both within its borders and across the border in Iraq.
  • Turkey views the YPG, which is a key component of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an extension of the PKK and has launched military operations against YPG-held areas in northern Syria, including Afrin and northeast Syria.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (opposition):

  • Turkey has been a vocal opponent of the Assad regime in Syria since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
  • Turkey has supported various rebel groups and opposition forces fighting against the Assad regime, aiming to overthrow Assad and establish a government more favorable to Turkish interests.
  • Despite backing different factions in the Syrian conflict, Turkey has engaged in diplomatic efforts, including the Astana and Sochi processes with Russia and Iran, to find a political solution to the conflict. However, Turkey’s relations with Assad remain hostile, and it continues to support opposition groups opposed to his rule.

The question of Turkey’s geographical and cultural identity and its potential membership in the European Union (EU) has been a topic of debate and discussion for many years. Turkey’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as its historical and cultural ties to both regions, has led to differing perspectives on its inclusion in the concept of the Middle East and its potential integration into European institutions like the EU.

  1. Geographical Location:
  • Turkey’s geographical location straddles both Europe and Asia, with its territory spanning the Anatolian Peninsula in Asia and the Balkans in Europe. This dual identity has led to debates about whether Turkey should be considered part of the Middle East or Europe.
  • While some argue that Turkey’s proximity to the Middle East, its predominantly Muslim population, and its historical connections to the Ottoman Empire align it more closely with the Middle East, others emphasize its European heritage, Western orientation, and aspirations for European integration.
  1. Cultural and Historical Ties:
  • Turkey has a rich and diverse cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. This cultural mosaic reflects Turkey’s historical connections to both Europe and the Middle East.
  • Turkey’s Ottoman past and its status as a former imperial power in the region have shaped its relations with neighboring countries in the Middle East and its perception as a bridge between East and West.
  1. EU Accession Process:
  • Turkey first applied for associate membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the EU, in 1959. Its formal accession process began in 1987, but progress has been slow and fraught with challenges.
  • The EU accession process has been complicated by various factors, including concerns about Turkey’s human rights record, democratic governance, rule of law, and unresolved disputes with EU member states like Cyprus.
  • Despite ongoing negotiations and reforms aimed at meeting EU criteria for membership, Turkey’s accession talks have stalled in recent years, with many EU member states expressing skepticism or outright opposition to Turkey’s full integration into the EU.
  1. Political and Strategic Considerations:
  • Turkey’s potential EU membership has implications for European integration, regional stability, and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. It could enhance Turkey’s economic ties with Europe, promote democratic reforms, and strengthen EU engagement in the region.
  • However, Turkey’s EU aspirations have also been influenced by shifting political dynamics, including domestic politics, populist sentiments, and concerns about European identity and values.
  • Turkey’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, especially under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, has raised questions about its compatibility with EU norms and values, further complicating its path to EU accession.

Note

In summary, Turkey’s relationship with the Middle East and its potential membership in the EU reflect its complex geopolitical position, cultural heritage, and political aspirations. While Turkey’s inclusion in the Middle East is influenced by its geographical proximity and historical ties, its flirtation with EU membership underscores its desire for closer integration with Europe and the broader Western community. However, the road to EU accession remains uncertain, with significant challenges and obstacles on both sides.