Erdogan Tries to Leverage Turkey’s NATO Muscle as US Retreats
Turkey wants closer cooperation with Europe in return for security as the continent looks at ways to reduce reliance on Trump’s America.
A navy parade in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus, in July 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s takeover.
Photographer: Emin Sansar/Anadolu/Getty Images
When Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed foreign ambassadors at an iftar dinner in Ankara to break the Ramadan fast last week, he was clear about what he wanted: a permanent seat for an Islamic country on the United Nations Security Council and European Union membership for Turkey.
The demands are unlikely to be met anytime soon, if at all. But they reflect a renewed swagger for Erdogan as Turkey emerges as a more prominent power broker and NATO linchpin as the US reconfigures its commitment to Europe.