Washington Post: Two factors consolidate Türkiye’s position within NATO | policy

Turkey is witnessing a remarkable shift in its position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), after it moved from a country that faced repeated criticism from its Western partners to a party receiving increasing attention, driven by two main factors: the close personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the significant expansion of Turkish defense industries, which has become increasingly appreciated by European countries.

Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara next Tuesday, the atmosphere appears more favorable for Turkey compared to previous years, which witnessed tensions with the alliance due to Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, and its military operations against Western-backed Kurdish forces in Syria, in addition to its long-term objection to Sweden joining the alliance.

Especially for Erdogan

The personal relationship between Trump and Erdogan stands out as one of the most important factors in this transformation. The US President announced that he would participate in the NATO summit in Türkiye specifically for Erdogan, describing him on more than one occasion as a “friend” and “exceptional leader.” He also indicated that had Türkiye not hosted the summit, he would not have decided to attend it, which observers considered an important diplomatic gain for the Turkish president and a message that strengthens Ankara’s position within the alliance.

Analysts believe that this public support gives Erdogan an opportunity to strengthen his image internally and externally, and confirms Turkey’s ability to play a pivotal role in bringing viewpoints together within NATO at a stage characterized by tense relations between Washington and a number of European capitals.

At the same time, the boom in Turkey’s defense industries has contributed to strengthening the country’s position within the alliance. As Europe seeks to rearm itself and reduce its dependence on the American military umbrella, Turkey’s production capabilities in the field of weapons are receiving increasing attention, especially since Turkey has a vast military industrial base and experience in producing drones and various weapon systems.

Washington Post:

Türkiye has become seen in Europe as an indispensable military partner in light of the transformations taking place in European security and the increasing competition to enhance the alliance’s defense capabilities.

Geographical location

Its geographical location also gives it additional strategic importance, as it has the second largest army in NATO and controls the Bosphorus Strait, which makes it an essential partner in any security arrangements related to the Black Sea and the Middle East.

The newspaper indicates that the increasing European need for Turkish weapons was also reflected in political positions towards Ankara, as European governments became less inclined to criticize its record on issues of democracy and human rights, preferring to focus on security and defense cooperation in light of the challenges facing the continent.

In the same context, the possibility of a breakthrough in the US-Turkish dispute over F-35 fighters looms on the horizon. Trump hinted at the possibility of reaching a settlement regarding the program from which Turkey was excluded after purchasing the S-400 system. He also expressed a willingness to agree to the sale of American jet engines used by Turkish aviation industries, stressing that this might make Erdogan “very happy.”

An indispensable ally

Although Turkey maintains relations with Russia, and at the same time sells drones to Ukraine, Turkish officials continue to emphasize that the United States remains an indispensable ally, while Ankara seeks to expand its defense partnerships with a number of European countries through arms deals and bilateral agreements.

The newspaper concludes that the convergence of security interests between Turkey and the West, in addition to the special relationship between Trump and Erdogan, contributed to redrawing Ankara’s image within NATO, after it became seen as an indispensable military partner in light of the transformations taking place in European security, and the increasing competition to enhance the alliance’s defense capabilities.