"Erdogan's Berlin Visit Sparks Controversy"
Is the Turkish president's history of supporting Hamas and criticizing Israel suitable for a meeting at the Chancellery? That's the question on everyone's minds.
NAH, argues Turkish journalist Can Dündar (62), who has long been a critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (69).
Dündar believes that Erdogan's provocative comments about Hamas and Israel warrant a delay in meetings with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (65, SPD) at the Berlin Chancellery. Instead, the German government should stand firm and uphold its principles, rather than bending to Erdogan's will.
The former editor-in-chief of "Cumhuriyet" accused the German government of playing into Erdogan's hands. "Erdogan is already the winner of this game, even before the visit takes place," Dündar stated. "Germany has managed to submit to him, knowing that he is a staunch supporter of Hamas and labels Israel as a terrorist state."
Scholz extended an invitation to Erdogan after his re-election as president in May, despite the terrorist attack in Israel which left over 1,200 dead. Erdogan then defended Hamas as a "liberation organization," a view that clashes with Germany's stance on Israel's security and Hamas as a terrorist organization.
While Scholz described Erdogan's accusations as "absurd," he proceeded to uphold his invitation, citing various topics of importance for discussion, such as the potential revival of the refugee agreement between the EU and Turkey.
"It appears that they don't wish to upset Erdogan because they require the support of Erdogan," Dündar says. However, anyone who condemns Hamas must also demonstrate the necessary resolve in dealing with those who support this Islamist organization.
In Germany, public demonstrations in support of Hamas are prohibited. "Yet, they extend an invitation to a Hamas supporter, whose arrival is celebrated with fanfare. That's rather peculiar, a form of self-contradiction."
The controversy surrounding Erdogan's visit to Germany persists due to his backing of the Islamist Hamas and his labeling of Israel as a terrorist state. Some find it surprising that Germany allows a text-to-speech translation of Erdogan's controversial remarks, which could incite international tension.
Additionally, while public demonstrations in support of Hamas are illegal in Germany, the country is welcoming Erdogan, a supporter of Hamas, with open arms, prompting concerns about a perceived double standard.
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Historical Context and Diplomatic Relations
Germany's invitation to President Erdogan is rooted in a complex interplay of historical responsibility, strategic interests, and regional security concerns. The Holocaust has left a deep and lasting impact on Germany's relationship with Israel, compelling it to uphold Israel's security as a matter of state. Simultaneously, Germany seeks to maintain good relations with Turkey, acknowledging the importance of its influence in regional conflicts and bilateral economic ties.
Stance on Hamas
Germany regards Hamas as a terrorist organization, aligning itself with the EU and the US on this issue. Despite this stance, Germany is cognizant of the broader political and historical factors that inform regional conflicts and the multifaceted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Conclusion
The invitation to President Erdogan represents a delicate balancing act, reflecting the intricate web of historical responsibility, strategic considerations, and regional security concerns that underpin Germany's foreign policy. Although Germany's criticism of Hamas remains unwavering, its diplomatic engagement with Turkey demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in managing regional dynamics.
