In his speech at the AKP Rize Provincial Organization Meeting, President Tayyip Erdogan addressed several critical issues, including the ongoing Israeli occupation in Gaza. Erdogan’s remarks, which included a veiled threat towards Israel, were characteristically bold and contentious: “Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we can do the same to them. There is nothing stopping us.” This statement is a reflection of Erdogan’s aggressive and often unstable and lunatic foreign policy stance, one that has increasingly alienated allies and adversaries alike.
Erdogan’s criticism of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for not accepting an invitation to Türkiye further highlights the Turkish leader’s diplomatic isolation. Erdogan lamented, “We invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, but he did not respond positively. We will proceed accordingly.” This points to a growing distrust and reluctance even among those whom Erdogan seeks to support. His inconsistent and imaginative political maneuvers have eroded confidence, rendering him an unreliable statesman on the global stage. This distrust is most damaging to Türkiye, as it undermines the credibility and stature that the country once enjoyed.
The Deterioration of Turkish Diplomacy
Erdogan’s statement “While taking all these steps, we are unfortunately being attacked from within. We opened this parliament to everyone. These people have no idea about these matters. If a few members from your party entered parliament today, it is thanks to us.” also showcases his growing paranoia and isolation. Such comments not only reveal Erdogan’s deep-seated insecurities but also his profound misjudgments about the world.
His vehement response to Israel’s actions in Gaza was particularly alarming: “Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we can do the same to them. There is nothing stopping us.” No statesman of sound mind would utter such a statement. It is a declaration befitting a madman or a dictator, spoken with an unserious and coarse tone. Erdogan’s desperation to restore his dwindling support, his crumbling image, and to prevent further electoral losses has led him to resort to such inflammatory rhetoric. He has nothing left to offer his base or his nation except polarization, hostility, and populist demagoguery. This approach aims to unite the populace by creating common enemies, but at the cost of Türkiye’s reputation and standing in the modern world.
Israel’s Harsh Response and Diplomatic Fallout
Erdogan’s remarks were met with immediate backlash from the Israeli media, which interpreted them as a direct threat of invasion. Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz responded with a sharp rebuke, likening Erdogan to Saddam Hussein. Katz tweeted, “Erdogan follows in the footsteps of Saddam Hussein and threatens to attack Israel. Just let him remember what happened there and how it ended.” This comparison was a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless leadership and aggressive posturing on the global stage.
Türkiye’s response to Katz’s comments was equally incendiary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye issued a statement on its X account, drawing a parallel between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler: “Just as Hitler met his end, so will Netanyahu. Those committing genocide against Palestinians will be held accountable. Humanity will stand with the Palestinians. You will not annihilate the Palestinians.”
Such undiplomatic and thuggish rhetoric is unbecoming of a country with a rich diplomatic tradition like Türkiye. It is more fitting of a rogue state, showing the severe mismanagement and partisanship led by Hakan Fidan, which plagues the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. This has resulted in Türkiye losing credibility and respect from both Western and Eastern nations.
The Role of Nepotism and Incompetence
The root cause of Türkiye’s weakening international standing, which is no longer taken seriously, can be traced to the deep-seated nepotism and incompetence that have become hallmarks of Erdogan’s rule. Over the past two decades, Erdogan has systematically eroded democratic institutions and filled key positions with loyalists, regardless of their qualifications. This cronyism has not only weakened the effectiveness of these institutions but also tarnished Türkiye’s global image.
Under Erdogan’s rule, the principles of meritocracy have been discarded in favor of personal loyalty. This has led to a significant brain drain, with many talented and educated Turks leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The remaining bureaucracy is often characterized by inefficiency and a lack of innovation, stifling Türkiye’s potential for growth and development.
Türkiye’s Tarnished Image
The cumulative effect of Erdogan’s policies has been a severe blow to Türkiye’s international reputation. Once seen as a bridge between East and West, a secular democracy in a predominantly Muslim region, Türkiye is now often viewed as a troubled and unreliable partner. Erdogan’s abrasive foreign policy, combined with his authoritarian domestic agenda, has alienated many of Türkiye’s traditional allies and partners.
Türkiye’s standing in international organizations has also suffered. Its relations with the European Union are at an all-time low, with accession talks effectively stalled. The United States, once a close ally, now regards Türkiye with suspicion and wariness. Even within the Muslim world, Türkiye’s influence has waned, as Erdogan’s erratic behavior and divisive rhetoric have created more enemies than friends.
Bottom Line
Erdogan’s leadership has led Türkiye down a perilous path. His aggressive foreign policy, coupled with domestic authoritarianism and rampant nepotism, has significantly damaged Türkiye’s international standing. The once-respected Turkish diplomatic tradition is now overshadowed by undiplomatic and inflammatory rhetoric, making Türkiye a less serious and less respected player on the global stage.
As Türkiye continues to grapple with these challenges, it is imperative for the country to reevaluate its leadership and policies. Restoring Türkiye’s reputation and standing in the world will require a return to democratic principles, competent governance, and a more balanced and respectful approach to international relations. Only then can Türkiye hope to regain its rightful place as a respected and influential nation on the global stage.
