Turkey’s geopolitical strategy is currently walking a tightrope, navigating a complex web of international relations. Recent developments highlight the inherent contradictions in its foreign policy. On one hand, Turkish Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov next week to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signaling continued engagement with Russia despite international condemnation. Simultaneously, relations with India have soured, leading to a boycott of Turkish goods by Indian retailers and online platforms following President Erdogan’s alignment with Pakistan. Visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen a significant drop, reflecting the strain in relations.
Domestic Affairs
Domestically, President Erdogan has declared 2026–2035 as the ‘decade of family,’ pushing for policies aimed at protecting the traditional family structure. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has voiced strong support for Erdogan’s leadership, particularly as Erdogan has hinted at potentially not seeking office again. This comes amid internal crackdowns, with Turkish authorities detaining dozens of soldiers and police officers over alleged links to the Gülen movement, and ongoing corruption probes related to the jailed mayor of İstanbul.
Trade Relations and Discrepancies
Adding to the complexity, there are conflicting reports regarding Turkey’s trade relations with Israel. The Turkish Trade Ministry has vehemently denied claims of ongoing trade with Israel, asserting that all trade has been halted since May of last year. However, UN data presents a different picture, indicating that Turkey was the fifth-largest exporter to Israel in 2024, despite the imposed trade ban. This discrepancy raises questions about the enforcement and transparency of Turkey’s trade policies.
Syria Relations
In other news, Syria’s al-Sharaa met with Erdogan in Turkey after the US and EU agreed to lift sanctions to allow the civil war-hit country to recover and rebuild. Turkey is expected to increase energy exports to Syria.
Positive News: Arkansas Turkey Harvest
While these geopolitical and domestic issues dominate headlines, there’s also positive news from abroad. Arkansas turkey hunters reported a nine-year high in turkey harvest, marking a 22% increase from the previous year, attributed to favorable weather conditions and increased bird populations. This serves as a reminder of the diverse facets of news surrounding Turkey, ranging from international diplomacy and trade disputes to domestic politics and even wildlife management.