Russia-Ukraine war recasts Turkish policies and priorities
Erdogan sees opportunity in Ukraine crisis, including enhanced global role and dramatic reset in ties with Israel, as he weighs next steps in Libya and elections next year.
Erdogan: Turkey will leave its mark on 21st century
"Turkey’s diplomatic isolation was the focus of excited punditry in recent years," writes Amberin Zaman, "but today, Ankara is running out of red carpet as a deluge of foreign dignitaries knock at its door."
Recent knockers include NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis — all as a result of Turkey’s critical role, geographically and diplomatically, in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest star turn in global and regional diplomacy is connected to both a dire economy, made worse by the Russia-Ukraine war, and elections in June 2023, where he and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will face a more united and determined opposition.
