{"id":4319,"date":"2026-07-02T07:38:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:38:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/genesisarmenia.am\/?p=4319"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:50:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T12:50:47","slug":"what-game-is-turkey-playing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/genesisarmenia.am\/en\/what-game-is-turkey-playing\/","title":{"rendered":"What game is Turkey playing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

he previous part of the research series can be read at the following link:\u00a0An Ally of the West or Hamas\u2019s Political Patron: Turkey\u2019s Double Game<\/a>\u2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is Turkey considered a reliable ally within NATO?<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, many politicians and analysts are attempting to address this important question.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite a number of contradictions with NATO, President Erdo\u011fan, speaking about the alliance\u2019s prospects, has stated that the NATO summit scheduled for July 7\u20138, 2026 in Ankara could become one of the most significant events in the alliance\u2019s history, and an opportunity for a systemic reset of strained US\u2013NATO relations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turkey remains formally a trusted NATO member, yet in practice its positions have often been a source of criticism and concern among alliance members.<\/span><\/p>\n

Officially, Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952. It participates in military cooperation programs, joint drills, and supports NATO\u2019s defense systems. From this perspective, it is considered a reliable member, as it has not committed serious violations of its legal obligations.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, in pursuit of its own interests, Turkey seeks to maintain a balance between NATO and Russia, who are at war on Ukrainian territory. And it must be said that, so far, Ankara has largely succeeded in sustaining this balancing policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, tensions between Turkey and US ally Israel have visibly escalated, though for now I do not believe they will develop into a full confrontation. Israel is attempting to extend its influence into parts of the Middle East where Turkey holds significant sway, including the South Caucasus. Interestingly, Israel is seeking to do so through Azerbaijan. This process is still in its early stages, and its continuation will depend in part on the unresolved war in Iran and new geopolitical realignments in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Turkey has long been concerned about Iran\u2019s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and, of course, did not want Iran to become stronger, it is also worried that Iran\u2019s potential fragmentation would create unprecedented instability in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Iran were to emerge from this war strengthened militarily and politically, Turkey\u2019s role would undergo significant change\u2014largely in the direction of redefinition.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For NATO, many regional problems are difficult to solve without Turkey. Taking advantage of its geographic position, Turkey seeks to position itself as a country that can engage with all regional actors, especially in times of crisis. At the same time, one of Turkey\u2019s goals is to become the leader of the Sunni Muslim world. However, a strong Iran would clearly serve as a counterweight to Turkey\u0589<\/span><\/p>\n