Erdogan is the first to blink

The Turkish president was convinced he was on the cusp of restoring the glory of the Ottoman Empire. Alas, this did not happen.

By Prof. Eyal Zisser, ISRAEL HAYOM

The latest election and its results have paralyzed Israel, stagnating the dynamism of its policies in the Middle East in recent years. Our region, alas, never stands still, nor is it waiting for Israel to get back on track. A series of initiatives are poised to change the reality in our region and will also affect Israel, which is failing to pay them the proper attention or prepare.

For instance, we recently learned about the rapprochement between Turkey and Egypt, two adversaries whose animosity seemed irrevocable. Several months ago, the two countries appeared to be on the verge of a clash at sea or in Libya, but based on numerous reports recently, Ankara and Cairo are reaching understandings and bridging the gaps between them.

Similar to the Israeli context, whereby Turkey expects Jerusalem to signal it is ready for rapprochement, in Egypt’s case, too, Erdogan is the one blinking first. The Turkish president was convinced he was on the cusp of controlling the Middle East and restoring the glory of the Ottoman Empire. After all, the Muslim Brotherhood had seized power in Tunisia and Egypt, Hamas had solidified its rule in Gaza, and in Syria, it seemed the Islamist forces were on the precipice of toppling the Assad regime.

This did not happen, however. Erdogan found himself facing a dead-end, and worse, was now a hated figure in most Arab countries. Among his newfound enemies, Egypt emerged as the most bitter. For the Egyptians, this wasn’t simply a matter of ego, but vital interests. Turkey had supported the Muslim Brotherhood against the Egyptian regime and sought to infringe on Cairo’s rights in the Mediterranean Sea. It even deployed armed forces to Libya, Egypt’s neighbor.<
>
<
>
<
>
<
>
Now, however, Turkey is seeking to make amends and is willing to compromise with Egypt. Indeed, Turkey’s “zero problems” policies have left it with zero friends, bogged down in the Syrian quagmire, and a Kurdish question that remains a thorn in its side. The Trump administration was replaced by the Biden administration, and the shadows of Iran and Russia, supposed friends but historical enemies, are also a source of anxiety for Ankara.

Hence Turkey’s efforts to improve relations with Israel and Egypt. It’s important to note that Erdogan struggles to control his mouth, and when his true nature comes out, wounds are reopened. In fairness, though, although his words betray him on occasion, he is ensuring that diplomatic efforts remain on course. As evidence, relations with Egypt, and certainly with Israel, are not only being maintained but even developed, particularly in the economic sphere.