As tensions between Turkey and its allies continue to mount, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has asserted that Turkey is becoming the “squad of NATO” in the wake of diplomatic disputes between Turkey and Israel.
In late May, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of committing “war crimes” after Israel launched airstrikes in response to rockets fired from Gaza.
In response to Erdogan’s comments, Senator Graham declared that “we need to make sure that Turkey is not a driver in the Middle East” during an appearance on Fox News. He continued to argue that Turkey is behaving “opportunistically” in the region, and that the country is damaging its reputation with its NATO allies.
Senator Graham further alleged that Turkey is “looking for opportunities to exert influence” in the Middle East and that their involvement in the ongoing Syrian crisis is further evidence that the country is trying to fill a “power vacuum”.
The United States and Turkey have been allies since the end of World War II, however, recent events have strained their diplomatic relations. In January of 2021, for example, President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on Turkey for its military offensive in Syria.
Despite Turkey’s troubled relationships with some of its allies, NATO has maintained its support for the country. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier this month that Turkey is “an important ally” and that it is “essential that we continue to work closely together.”
Although both the United States and NATO have reiterated their commitment to Turkey, Senator Graham’s remarks suggest that Turkey’s foreign policy is not without its problems and that the country’s actions could lead to greater division amongst its allies.
Whether Turkey is truly becoming the “squad of NATO” is unclear. However, it is evident that the country’s diplomatic decisions could create a rift in the alliance and could have long-term implications for the future of NATO.