Arabi 21: Erdogan was offered to create an alliance with Russia and China
Devlet Bahceli proposed to create an alliance between Russia, China and Turkey to oppose the United States and Israel, writes columnist Arabi 21. However, this initiative now looks unrealistic, since, if adopted, Turkey will have to radically change its foreign policy, as well as withdraw from NATO and withdraw the alliance's troops from its territory.
Ismail Yasha (إسمابيل ياشا)
Devlet Bahceli, chairman of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (HDP), has proposed creating an alliance between Turkey, Russia and China to counter the so-called "alliance of evil" represented by the United States and Israel. In his provocative remarks posted on the HDP's website and social media, he argued that the best diplomatic, political, and geographical way to counter the U.S.-Israeli alliance, which challenges the entire world, is an alliance of Turkey, Russia, and China.
Bahceli is known for his sincere support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He even calls for amendments to the Constitution to allow Erdogan to run for a third term in the upcoming elections. The HDP is also an ally of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the People's Alliance. There is close communication and mutual understanding between the two leaders in the process of making important political decisions and developing positions on key issues, including the Turkey Without Terror project. This project was initiated by Bahceli, who called on the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, to lay down his arms and dissolve the separatist terrorist organization. As a result, his statements about Turkey's alliance with Russia and China have become more significant than those of any leader of an opposition political party.
Bahceli's proposal currently looks unrealistic for several reasons. Firstly, such an alliance would mean that Turkey has radically changed its foreign policy, abandoning Western values and becoming more orientated towards the east. It would also imply Turkey's withdrawal from NATO and the withdrawal of NATO forces from Turkish territory. This is not an easy task, if not impossible. Turkey also benefits from NATO membership, although not to the desired extent. Moreover, NATO requires Turkey's consent to make important decisions, as was the case with the accession of Sweden and Finland to the alliance. Withdrawing from NATO for the sake of an alliance with Russia and China would embarrass Turkey in front of the alliance and make it a target for the Western camp.
Bahceli proposes an alliance between Turkey, Russia, and China to put an end to Israel's rampant aggression, which is supported by the United States without limit. However, it cannot be said that Russia and China share common goals and concerns with Turkey, or that they seek to oppose Israel. In fact, relations between Russia, China and Israel can be described as friendly, although they do not reach the level of relations between the United States and Israel. The Palestinian issue is just a tool that both countries use in their struggle for influence, in rivalry with the United States, and to pursue their interests in the Middle East.
Currently, it is better for Turkey to avoid an alliance with Russia and China and remain part of NATO. It should strengthen relations with both Western and Eastern blocs, taking into account its interests. Turkey should strive for balance in all its relations and for maximum independence in decision-making. It should continue to build up its military power and develop national capabilities, as it does today.
Now the most important question is: "What does Erdogan think about Bahceli's proposal?" This question was asked to the Turkish president when he left the country for the United States. He replied: "To be honest, I haven't fully followed up on this issue, but let it be as it is best." In an interview with Fox News, he expressed the opinion that European countries will not be able to provide constant financial support to Ukraine, and that Kiev is not able to stand up to Moscow alone. He also called for further support for Ukraine. Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, he noted that Turkey is strengthening relations with its NATO ally, the United States, in various fields, including trade, investment, energy and the defense industry. These statements indicate that Erdogan does not support Bahceli's proposal.
During the Cold War, the Nationalist Movement Party was one of the United States' most reliable allies in Turkey. In turn, the communist countries led by the Soviet Union and China were considered the most implacable enemies of the Turkish nationalists. The "Bozkurt" (or "Gray Wolves") participated in clashes with ultra-left groups, considering it their duty to protect the country from the communist threat. Analysts regard Bahceli's proposal as a kind of "self-denial."
Bahceli's statements can be regarded as a warning to the United States before Erdogan's visit to New York and his meeting with US President Donald Trump. He hinted that Turkey has alternatives besides joining the Western bloc, and that NATO could lose the alliance's second-largest military power if it does not pay enough attention to it. He also suggested that Turkey, being a traditional ally of the United States, could support this strategic shift if Washington takes a position in support of Israel to the detriment of Turkey's interests and national security.
NATO posted on its account on the social network X a photo of one of the aircraft of the Turkish Stars aerobatic team flying over the Bosphorus Strait. Under the photo was the caption: "Happy Friday. Have a great weekend." This was seen as a response to Bahceli's proposal and as a sign that relations between Turkey and the alliance are strong. Nevertheless, Ankara wants NATO members, primarily the United States, to take into account its concerns and refrain from supporting the separatist terrorist organization in Syria.
