Why and where the USA needs Turkey.

Why and where the USA needs Turkey

Why and where the USA needs Turkey The United States needs Turkey on multiple fronts, as Ankara has evolved into a critical power factor from the Middle East to Central Asia, Europe, and Africa. The United States needs Turkey both in the Middle East (Iran, Syria, and Lebanon), where there are voices suggesting that Turkey and Jolani’s Syria could do the job that Israel cannot, and in the highly critical region of Central Asia — especially after Turkey’s major victory over Armenia (where it also acted alongside Israel on the same side, that of Azerbaijan) and the creation (opening) of the Zangezur Corridor. In the Middle East, and especially on issues concerning Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, voices are heard arguing that Turkey, in combination with the new Syrian reality under Jolani, can take on roles that Israel struggles with or is unable to carry out. At the same time, Turkey is gaining increased weight in the extremely critical region of Central Asia. Following Azerbaijan’s major victory over Armenia — in which Ankara found itself on the same side as Israel, supporting Baku — and with the creation of the Zangezur corridor, a new geopolitical axis is taking shape. This corridor connects Turkey with Azerbaijan and, by extension, with the rest of the “Turkic” Central Asia. It essentially constitutes a wedge in Russia’s backyard, as well as in a sensitive space between Russia and China. At the same time, Turkey is also indispensable in Europe, especially in an environment where the US appears to be considering a partial or even broader withdrawal from the European continent. Its geostrategic position, military power, and ability to function as an autonomous regional player make it useful both for Washington and for European centers of power. Ankara’s importance does not stop there. In North, Central, and East Africa, in Libya, Iraq, and the Gulf kingdoms, Turkey appears as a force that can fill voids, offer military and political support, and act as a counterweight to the perception of American weakness. It should also not be overlooked that Turkey is now a significant industrial country, with a developed defense industry, technological achievements, and a young, ambitious population. In recent years, it has recorded important military and geopolitical successes in theaters such as Syria, Libya, and the Caucasus, while acquiring valuable operational experience. Ankara consistently plays two cards: on one hand, the card of Islamism and Islamic unity, and on the other, the card of Turkism — that is, the elevation of Turkey as the center of the broader Turkish world. Since 2002, Turkey has followed this strategy with persistence and, in several cases, with tangible results. This is also why, despite the contradictions and conflicts of interest, the United States continues to need.