Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming his actions "would make Hitler jealous." The comment, widely seen as extreme, came in response to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. While Erdoğan positioned himself as a moral authority, Netanyahu hit back by highlighting Turkey's crackdown on journalists, war against the Kurds, and suppression of dissent—accusations rooted in verified international reports.
In a bold but economically risky move, Erdoğan followed up his words by cutting off all trade with Israel. This decision disrupted billions of dollars in bilateral trade and delivered a blow to Turkey's already struggling economy. Analysts questioned the logic behind the action, calling it self-defeating and politically symbolic rather than practical.
Erdoğan's approach reflects a pattern of isolating Turkey from global consensus. Rather than promoting stability, his government has increasingly leaned into polarizing foreign policy moves. Observers argue this may be aimed at domestic political gain or to reassert influence in the Muslim world.
Understanding Turkey's current role requires historical perspective. Situated between East and West, Turkey has long been a cultural and geopolitical crossroads. Its deep roots in the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras make its global stance influential.
The Ottoman Empire, once powerful, declined due to corruption and fragmentation. Modern Turkey, under Erdoğan, appears at risk of repeating similar cycles of internal strain and external alienation.
With rising economic pressures and growing political opposition, Erdoğan's international provocations may carry heavy costs at home.
Source: https://www.jns.org/turkeys-dangerous-drift-from-nato-ally-to-islamist-agitator/