Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements at the UN General Assembly in New York reflected the confusion surrounding Turkish policy concerning the Islamic State (IS).

He offered “both military and political” contributions from Turkey to the joint action led by the United States and participated in by a number of Sunni Arab countries.

His statements were confusing, if not to his own government, then to many others in Turkey. Just days ago, Turkey seemed adamant on going no further than providing “humanitarian assistance” to the anti-IS coalition. True, the main obstacle that had hampered Turkey’s active role in any anti-IS engagement was removed when the hostages came back home safely on Sept. 20. Yet, although Turkey’s hands were now free, Erdogan had not given any indication that Turkey would be as accommodating as the Americans wish.

Turkey sounded so decisive about taking part in military action against IS that The Independent published an editorial under the very long and expressive headline, “Turkey we need you: There can be no further prevaricating over [IS],” with the introductory remark, “Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, is reportedly considering offering his country’s backing, 'both military and political,' to the US-led campaign against IS. If that support is given, the chances will improve greatly of defeating the jihadist group — a defeat that American air strikes alone are unlikely to secure.”