The assessment that Erdogan is trying to take advantage of her issue accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO to promote issues that are central to Ankara’s interests, says Dorothy Smith, researcher at Ifri (French Institute of International Relations).
Speaking to Les Échos newspaper, Smith recalled that there had already been a previous blockade with the Nordic countries, when Turkey opposed the election of Dan Rasmussen as NATO Secretary General. He points out, however, that the objections were lifted as soon as a Turkish deputy was appointed. Regarding the possibility of Turkey agreeing to Finland’s accession to NATO only, Smith notes that “the fact that they are targeting Sweden, which has been the most consistent supporter of Turkey’s EU membership, shows that the Atlantic Alliance is now more important from the EU for Turkey “.
Among other things, it is noted that Ankara wants to promote “its interests”especially in connection with the totalitarian war against the PKK, which is pushing the Turks into very dangerous operations in Iraq.
Finally, it is pointed out that the Turkey lately it has been involved on many fronts.
“Turkey is closely monitoring and engaging in all matters of US withdrawal from the Middle East. He had negotiated with the Americans to secure Kabul airport until the Taliban intervened. Turkey is still facing Russia in the Black Sea, which will be a huge issue, as in Syria (…). “And he is in a struggle for influence with France in the Mediterranean,” Smith explains.
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