Turkey's hopes waver as Trump's cabinet stirs unease
Turkey was one of the countries that welcomed Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections with satisfaction. However, after the nominations for the new administration were announced, the situation began to change. In Ankara, there is a growing concern that the United States' policies may threaten Turkish interests.
4:33 AM EST, November 16, 2024
The euphoria in Ankara following Donald Trump's election as President of the United States has given way to uncertainty as candidates for the new administration have been revealed. According to Asli Aydıntaşbaş, an expert from the American think tank, Brookings Institution, Turkey may face difficulties in its relations with the USA.
Joy over Trump's victory gives way to concern in Turkey
Initially, Turkish authorities enthusiastically received the news of Trump's victory, hoping for improved relations with Washington.
Ankara hoped the elections would mean that Turkey would no longer be ignored and Erdoğan would return to the global stage, resuming personal contacts with the US president, as was the case during Trump's first term, said Aydıntaşbaş.
However, the nominations for the new administration suggest a direction that raises concerns in Ankara. They involve the new cabinet's right-wing Christian and nationalist nature and its support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which may negatively impact relations between Washington and Ankara.
New Trump administration: Concerns for Turkey
An important issue for Turkey is the candidates who have previously supported Syrian Kurds and Netanyahu's policy towards the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These are significant issues for Turkey, especially for President Erdoğan, the expert emphasized.
Ankara regards the Kurdish YPG militias as a branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is recognized internationally as a terrorist organization. Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip also draw sharp criticism from the Turkish authorities. According to Aydıntaşbaş, the new "Christian, nationalist" administration may be reluctant to cooperate closely with Turkey's "conservative, Islamic government."
I think the initial euphoria over Trump's presidency is now being replaced by a more sober realization that Ankara will still face challenges, added Asli Aydıntaşbaş in a conversation with PAP.
Despite potential challenges, Turkey will attempt to position itself in Trump's world, but it remains uncertain whether it will succeed, summarized the expert from the American think tank. Ankara's priorities may include securing a US commitment to withdrawing forces from Syria and playing a key role in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
