Now is the time for Turkey and the United States to come together

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Recent developments in the Middle East, North Africa, the Black Sea Basin and Asia are having spillover effects that test the robustness of the transatlantic alliance. Political, social and security divides trigger massive flows of refugees and increased asymmetric threats that force us once again to rethink our partnership.

But the transition from transatlantic security priorities to an era of competition between great powers will inevitably require exploring avenues of gradual rapprochement between Turkey and the United States.

Already the transatlantic community is complex and delicate. Left unchecked, seemingly autonomous crises and conflicts across “Greater Eurasia” would trigger a chain reaction on the political, social, economic and security fronts with global repercussions.

We need optimal alliance and partnership commitments if we are to continue to operate together in non-permissive and semi-permissive environments. Any recalibration of these transatlantic commitments in the region must include capable, willing and reliable allies and partners if they are to produce timely and lasting solutions.

Turkey remains one of these allies and partners.

Consider Turkey’s contribution to Afghanistan. In this era of great power competition and asymmetric threats, the case of Afghanistan reaffirmed that transatlantic actors must continue to function as providers of mutual security. The fall of Afghan provincial capitals in less than 10 days, which led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, took the world by surprise. The unexpected turn of events and the images of desperation emanating from Kabul International Airport will long haunt the international community.

Turkey, a capable, willful and reliable NATO ally, has played a vital role in Afghanistan and is now setting an example for the transatlantic community. Here’s how.

Turkey engages with the Taliban to encourage them in the right direction, including forming an inclusive government, delivering on its counterterrorism promises and defending the rights of every segment of Afghan society, especially women and girls. . Turkey has already resumed humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. Turkish technical teams are on the ground to reopen KIA. In certain circumstances, we would consider favorably operating KIA in conjunction with Qatar.

This once again highlighted Turkey’s unique capability which cannot be replaced or subcontracted by any other state or non-state actor in the “Greater Eurasia”.

More importantly, Turkey’s increased contributions to the efforts of the transatlantic community open a window of opportunity for a newly defined alliance relationship between Turkey and the United States that can always operate under extreme duress, regardless differing opinions.

Any strategic calculation paving the way for multidimensional outreach towards Greater Eurasia – whether military, stabilization, counterterrorism or humanitarian efforts – should take fully into account the following facts. Turkey is at the epicenter of a complex web of fault lines across Greater Eurasia. Turkey presents itself as a reliable ally who can deliver in the time of crisis – a friend in need. The lack of reliable and lasting allies outside the transatlantic community – with real legitimacy and long-term potential – turns out to be the ultimate challenge.

Turkey and the United States must work together.

What Turkey can offer is manifold: Merging Turkey’s ability to mobilize grassroots support for stabilization efforts and its security-related efforts, such as those in Libya and Syria, would help strengthen continuity transatlantic efforts. The rapid readiness and maximum readiness of the Turkish armed forces enables a measured, efficient and innovative use of transatlantic military capabilities, which in turn would allow and further support collective operational actions against common threats.

Turkey is also helping to tip the balance of power in favor of the transatlantic community of Greater Eurasia by denying malicious actors access to strategic landscapes. In particular, the strengthening of Turkish-US relations will provide long-term and sustainable planning opportunities for decision-makers within the transatlantic community and prevent a single adversary or rival from exploiting intra-NATO discussions.

To navigate the waters of the Eurasian enigma in a stable and safe manner, the transatlantic community needs role models. Turkey enjoys a unique military scale in the region and a high rank within NATO, as well as an equally unique democratic and social fabric. Turkey will continue to offer best practices to merge democracy with globalization, urbanization and modernization in “Greater Eurasia”.

Turkey’s centuries of insight and experience in the Greater Eurasia will surely help the transatlantic community, whatever redesigned form it takes, to establish realistic end states and, if and when necessary, strategies for viable output.

Hasan Murat Mercan is Turkish Ambassador to the United States.

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