What is Turkey's role in forming an anti-West alliance?

"Putin is actually very good at striking alliances of convenience over particular issues."

Putin is meeting with Iran and Turkey's leaders because they are countries "which also have a grievance to pick with the West", says Russian politics expert Dr Jenny Mathers.

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[EvilGrin]

One criminal looking to get other criminals on his side so he can blame all on his allies when he falls.

[BjorckBengt]

"These men cannot remain in power."
applies to both of them.

[razorrabbit]

If Turkey wasn't under the shelter of NATO, they couldnt play that important role. They would run high risk to end up one day in a Russian puppet state. If Turkey leaves NATO, Russians wouldn't wait for long to declare the Bosporus seaway as vital a vital national interest. And that's it with Turkey as an independent state.

[davidbradford]

But it's not a children's game is it when people are dying and families torn apart and that includes Russian's all because of one mans ego.

[geraldshields]

Erdogan should be warned: You can’t play it both ways!

[futonclutch]

Regarding the NATO alliance, Turkey really is the odd one out. I may be quite wrong, but sometimes I think Turkey's NATO membership will not stand the test of time.

[ralphhardie]

Thank you.

Excellent report..
very interesting
Let Ukraine have all the guns rockets planes logistics and training that they need to beat back the cruel bully Russia.
The big issue now is to fight back against undemocratic forces, especially Russia. .

[kensnape]

It's why I worry about giving western tech and weapons to Turkey, I don't think Turkey is playing above board. The west needs to keep an eye on Turkey.

[davezad]

Two dictators with limited allies are cooperating in an attempt to preserve their power.

[epluribusu]

Oh my, what a surprise. The magnificent "democracies" of Africa don't know which side to pick in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Yes, the ancient African tradition of democracy and self government.

[freemind]

Nato is a Christian not democratic club and they cleverly accept Turkey as they need Turkey. Turkey is aware of it and behaves accordingly, so why blame Turkey?!

[gooner]

Erdogan is playing a dangerous game, it could backfire on them massively and they could be left in a sticky situation if both sides back away from them.

[Ghhyuttgg]

Anyone who thinks they can make a deal with Russia must have a very good understanding of politics and betrayal. I can't think of a more appropriately skilled public administration as the Turks who have been doing this for hundreds of years

[kathrinekerns]

Turkey is so important. Resident Erdogan is really so wishy washy. On one hand they supply Ukraine with drones, close off the Bosphorus strait from war vessels. They have been mediators for negotiations. I will hope that Turkey does the right thing concerning Putin.

[philmckay]

Erdy’s ambitions have always been Ottoman Empire 2.0

[ncgruntdiggers]

We should trade them Turkey for Ukraine.😂

[erikkaareson]

Turkey 2022 = Germany some time between 1923 and 1932. In so many ways.

[JDWardBand]

I like the fact that Turkey is being diplomatic in NATO however everyone can see that Turkey is taking advantage of their position. If this keeps happening, NATO may need to reconsider Turkey's position in NATO.

[AlfieDoug]

Bush ? is he still the American president ?

[Frogmad]

There always has to be a melding point of Russia and the West, and here we can see it's Turkey. I'm not sure if Turkey is just trying to benefit of all the camps at the same time and play a sly game. But melding point has to exist or else you get friction