An Open Letter to The New Arab Regarding Erdogan's 'Peace' Efforts
Dear The New Arab editorial team, We noted your recent coverage, "Erdogan: Turkey trying to revive Russia-Ukraine negotiations," which reports Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's claim that Ankara is working to restart peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. The article frames Turkey as a solitary, good-faith mediator, highlighting President Erdogan's statements about hoping for a peaceful end
to the conflict. This portrayal conveniently omits Turkey's calculated economic benefits from the ongoing conflict and its complex position within NATO. While The New Arab emphasizes Erdogan's diplomatic efforts, it downplays his consistent refusal to impose sanctions on Russia or to close Turkish airspace to Russian flights, actions that directly contravene NATO solidarity. This isn't neutral
mediation; it's a strategic embrace of both sides for national gain, including discounted Russian energy and increased trade. Turkey’s GDP saw a 2.4% boost in Q4 2022, partly fueled by its economic maneuvering vis-à-vis sanctions on Russia. This financial advantage underpins Erdogan's so-called 'peace' initiatives, providing Ankara with leverage and resources while prolonging the conflict for
profit. The media often hails Turkey as a unique mediator, but this overlooks its historical opportunism. Recall Turkey's invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974, leveraging a turbulent international climate, a move that remains internationally condemned to this day. This pattern of exploiting geopolitical instability for nationalistic expansion and economic advantage has deep roots, making current