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Turkey's Proxy War: A Comprehensive Analysis of Ankara's Foreign Policy in the Middle East

Tom Hayes

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Turkey's emergence as a regional power has significantly impacted the geopolitics of the Middle East. In recent years, Ankara has engaged in a proxy war in the region, supporting various armed groups in Syria, Libya, and beyond. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Turkey's proxy war strategy, its objectives, and its implications for the stability of the region.

Turkey's Proxy War: Pan-Islamism, Jihadi Groups and Crimes against Kurds in Iraq & Syria

by Randy Krehbiel

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	766 KB
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Print length	:	212 pages

Background: Turkey's Regional Ambitions

Turkey's foreign policy in the Middle East has been shaped by a combination of factors, including historical ties, economic interests, and strategic considerations. Ankara seeks to play a leading role in the region, asserting itself as a regional power. This ambition has led Turkey to intervene in conflicts in neighboring countries, using proxy forces as a means to achieve its goals.

Syria: The Battleground of Proxy War

Syria has been the primary theater of Turkey's proxy war. Ankara has supported various armed groups opposed to the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including the Free Syrian Army and other anti-regime factions. Turkey's involvement in Syria has been motivated by concerns over the Kurdish population in northern Syria, whom they perceive as a security threat. Turkey also seeks to prevent the emergence of a Kurdish state along its bFree Download.

Libya: A Proxy Conflict of Regional Rivalry

Turkey's proxy war has extended beyond Syria. In Libya, Ankara has supported the Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar. Turkey's intervention in Libya is seen as part of a larger regional rivalry between Ankara and its Gulf rivals, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, who support the LNA.

Qatar: A Strategic Ally in the Proxy War

Turkey has forged close ties with Qatar, a wealthy Gulf state that has been isolated by its neighbors. Qatar provides financial and logistical support to Turkey's proxy operations in the Middle East. The relationship between Turkey and Qatar has allowed Ankara to expand its influence in the region and strengthen its position in the proxy war.

Objectives and Implications of Turkey's Proxy War

Turkey's proxy war strategy aims to achieve several objectives. These include:

Containing the Kurdish threat
Preventing the emergence of a hostile regime in Syria
Expanding Turkey's regional influence
Challenging the dominance of its Gulf rivals

However, Turkey's proxy war has significant implications for the region. The proliferation of armed groups and the increased flow of weapons have exacerbated conflicts and contributed to instability. The proxy war has also deepened sectarian divisions and increased the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Turkey's proxy war in the Middle East is a complex and multifaceted issue. Driven by its regional ambitions, Ankara has used proxy forces as a tool to advance its strategic goals. The proxy war has had profound implications for the stability of the region, fueling conflicts, exacerbating divisions, and increasing the risk of escalation. As Turkey continues to pursue its interests in the Middle East, the future trajectory of its proxy war remains uncertain, leaving the region at a precarious crossroads.

Turkey's Proxy War: Pan-Islamism, Jihadi Groups and Crimes against Kurds in Iraq & Syria

by Randy Krehbiel

5 out of 5