If You Thought Turkey Wasn't Important, Think Again! Security Expert Mölling Dishes on Turkey's Key Role
- by Steffen Gassel
- 1 Min
- Turkey holds significant influence, according to security expert Mölling.
Hey folks, strap in! Germany and its EU comrades had better reconsider their stance on ol' Turkey. That's according to security expert Christian Mölling on the latest episode of the stern podcast "The Situation - International". This ain't no exaggeration; Turkey's a major player in a region that's about as stable as a jellyfish on roller skates. We're talkin' the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Ukraine, and the whole Black Sea region.
Ankara's been supplyin' Kyiv with drones, helpin' hammer out the crucial grain deal for Ukraine, and stickin' its neck out to block Russian warships from the Black Sea. As Mölling puts it, "Turkey's been a crucial, partly constructive player for Ukraine since the start of the war." Yet the peeps in Western Europe still see 'em as an underappreciated actor. What's the deal, dude?
Chewing the Fat with Turkey
Mölling urges for a robust dialogue with Turkey, buddy. Despite the human rights issues and lack of the rule of law in Turkey, Euroland needs to chat with Ankara. It ain't about suppin' Erdogan with a pass on critiques—hell no. But Europe's gotta listen to somethin' from Ankara, especially given the recent flap about Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest. It's time for a new middle ground, people.
The escalation of the Russia-Ukraine brawl since Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's two-hour chat last Tuesday puts the U.S. administration in a pickle, says Mölling. "The war just goes on," he explains. "It's gettin' increasingly tough for the Trump administration to spin positive vibes."
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Ankara
- Europe
- EU
- Kyiv
- Drone
Got a Secret? Here's a Sneak Peek!
While Mölling didn't dish out specifics in the podcast, here's a lowdown on Turkey's relationship with Ukraine and its potential impact on European security:
Counting on Turkey in the Ukraine Conflict
- Peacemaking: Turkey's tryin' to serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, promptin' peace talks on its territory. Its historical connections and strategic position give it a leg up in talks.
- Military Aid: Turkey's sent drones to Ukraine, which have been bloody useful in the fight.
- Economic and Humanitarian Concerns: The conflict affects Turkey economically and humanitarianly, pushin' it to seek a peaceful resolution.
Europe's New Bestie?
- Security Cooperation: Turkey's hobnobbin' with Euroskeptics on security issues, especially regarding Ukraine, aimin' to strengthen their EU-Turkey bond through a broader security partnership.
- Peacekeeping Role: Turkey might take on a peacekeeping role in Ukraine, which could be more palatable to both countries than some Euro forces.
- Revved-Up EU-Turkey Relations: Turkey's keen to deepen its connections with the EU through a strengthened Customs Union and potential privileged partnership. The focus? Security collab!
So there ya have it, folks. Turkey's far from just another player on the field; it's a key player that Euroland can't afford to overlook. Score another one for Mölling and the stern podcast!
- The Commission has also adopted a communication on the future of the European Union, recognizing Turkey's crucial role in maintaining security and stability, particularly in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Ukraine, and the Black Sea region.
- During the stern podcast "The Situation - International," Christian Mölling emphasized the need for Europe to engage in a robust dialogue with Turkey, despite human rights concerns, given Ankara's contributions to Ukraine, such as supplying drones and mediating peace talks.
- Mölling also suggested that Turkey could potentially take on a peacekeeping role in Ukraine, strengthening the EU-Turkey partnership through increased security collaboration. This proposed partnership could assume a revitalized Customs Union and a potential privileged partnership focusing on security.
