Why Does Turkey Have Many Enemies: Geopolitical Complexities and Refugee Challenges
Turkey, a nation surrounded by geopolitically unstable regions like the Middle East, Balkans, and Caucasus, faces a multitude of challenges and complexities that often lead to strained relationships with its neighbors. As a de-facto successor to the Ottoman Empire, Turkey continues to grapple with the historical legacy of its predecessor, including the geopolitical wishes and policies of its former regions.
Geopolitical Outskirts and Neighboring Tensions
Turkey is strategically positioned in a region where political instability and conflicts are prevalent. This places it in a delicate balance, often at the center of broader regional and international disputes. For instance, the Middle East, Balkans, and Caucasus regions are rife with tension, and Turkey is frequently caught in the crossfire.
The legacy of the Ottoman Empire, even though Turkey is no longer an empire, continues to influence its standing and policies in these neighboring countries. Turkey's modern borders are the result of a series of treaties and agreements that followed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. However, these countries, which were once part of the Ottoman empire, often exhibit a degree of reserve when it comes to Turkey's geopolitical ambitions.
The Burden of Refugees and EU Relations
One of the most significant challenges Turkey faces is the burden of hosting millions of Syrian refugees. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Turkey has taken in approximately 3.7 million Syrian refugees, providing them with shelter, food, clothes, and other essential needs. This generosity has not gone unnoticed, but it has also created a complex relationship with European Union (EU) countries and Turkey.
The use of Syrian refugees as a political tool, particularly in EU-Turkey relations, is a contentious issue. Turkey often threatens to open its borders if its demands are not met, such as for assistance in keeping refugees from moving further into Europe. However, it's important to note that while it may be morally and humanely justifiable for Turkey to host these refugees, there's no logic in blackmacling the EU by using refugees as leverage.
For example, Greece, a frontline EU member state, is nearly eight times smaller than Turkey and may not have the same capacity to host refugees. Despite Turkey's efforts, Greece is often the first to bear the brunt of Turkey's geopolitical pressure. Maritime border disputes between Turkey and Greece, such as those surrounding Cyprus, further strain their already tense relations.
Border Disputes and Historical Misunderstandings
The relationship between Turkey and Greece exemplifies the broader challenges faced by Turkey in its neighborhood. Greece has accused Turkey of unilaterally crossing into its territorial waters and conducting operations in areas that Greece considers disputed, such as the Lebanon-Greece and Cyprus-Greece maritime boundaries. This has led to endless maritime disputes and heightened tensions between the two countries.
Another example is Turkey's operations in Iraq, where the Turkish military has at times intervened in Iraqi territories, often without the consent of the Iraqi government. Such actions, while defended by Turkey as a form of self-defense, are often viewed with suspicion by the international community. Even if the intentions are indeed noble, they often lead to strained relations with neighboring countries.
Refugees and the Conflict with Syria
The ongoing Syrian civil war, in which Turkey has played a significant role, further complicates the geopolitical landscape. While Turkey has a humanitarian incentive to assist refugees fleeing the war, the involvement of Turkish military forces in Syria, particularly in the Idlib region, raises moral and strategic questions.
For instance, Turkish soldiers were killed in Idlib, a region predominantly under the control of the Syrian government and allied forces. There has been no clear justification for their deaths, and it has been difficult for Turkey to explain its involvement to its allies and the international community. This has led to speculation that Turkey may have been trying to negotiate a power-sharing agreement or achieve a more nuanced outcome in Syria.
Despite Turkey's efforts to balance its national interests with humanitarian concerns, the complex nature of the conflict in Syria, involving multiple power players including Russia and the United States, has frustrated Turkey's geopolitical goals.
In conclusion, Turkey's complex geopolitical environment, the burden of hosting Syrian refugees, and lingering disputes with neighboring countries have led to a situation where Turkey is often perceived as having many enemies. It is crucial for Turkey to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to find solutions to these challenges and work towards more stable regional relations.