TR Foreign Policy & Geopolitics

Sanchez · Wednesday at 12:35 PM

contricusc said:
If the Annan plan was the best deal Greek Cypriots were ever going to get, it means there was never a honest intention to allow for reunification. The Annan plan was not fair to Greek Cypriots and was destined to be rejected in the referendum.

As for the Turkish Cypriot elections this year, what are the options offered to the electorate?

Annan Plan gave everything Greek Cypriot leaders asked to GCs. Mind you, this was still the same group of people that murdered their ethnic minority neighbours a few decades ago. What's with this chasing equality when history of the island very clearly shows that when the majority had absolute power, they tried to kill the minority. Are we supposed to act like stuff didn't happen now?

As usual, main candidates will be one pro federation, one pro two state solution candidate with smaller parties added in.

-
As I was saying yesterday, this was shared today by Greece as their new "maritime spatial planning" map, for the first time ever officially claiming the Seville map in an official document.

Should we accept this to have better relations with EU, without an EU membership in this century of course, and accept that most of our maritime traffic will now have to pass through Greek national waters as claimed by Greece under the right of innocent passage? You can't take TCG Anadolu from Istanbul to Antalya using the given Turkish waters in this above map and not be harassed all the way with their so called right to raise territorial waters in Aegean to 12nms.

Back to my original question again. Should we accept this? In return for what? So that EU will accept us as a peripheral partner and allow us to use our soldiers to die for EU security and visa free travel? What do we gain by this?

GoatsMilk · Wednesday at 3:50 PM

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912387838965875176

contricusc · Wednesday at 8:51 PM

Sanchez said:
Should we accept this to have better relations with EU, without an EU membership in this century of course, and accept that most of our maritime traffic will now have to pass through Greek national waters as claimed by Greece under the right of innocent passage?

If Turkey would become a EU member, the right of passage through Greek territorial waters would not be an issue, because there is freedom of movement inside the EU.

I know there are many disputes between you and Greece, but the optimal way to handle them is through negotiation and diplomacy, while sharing a pro-European stance.

Look at North Macedonia, which managed to resolve their naming dispute with Greece through EU mediation, because they wanted to join the union and it was the common interest to have a resolution.

While joining the union may look like an impossible thing now, in the long term it could be achieved if Turkey would realign closer to Europe and would work to resolve the disputes. The EU still has a few more countries to swallow and digest, but if you look at the long game, the expansion options are limited and Turkey would be necessary if the EU wants control of the Black Sea and plans to include countries like Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaidjan.

contricusc · Wednesday at 9:06 PM

RMZN said:
The EU will always be hostile as Turkey is a geopolitical rival vying for the same spheres of influences and resources.

Turkish military presence predates Cyprus becoming a EU member. Thus it was the EU which chose a path of hostility, not Turkey.

I don’t think you understand the long term strategy of the EU. The EU simply swallows countries that are geographically close and politically aligned, and the borders of the EU are not limited to the current ones.

Cyprus was an easy to get country (they wanted inside the EU and it had a good geographical location and small population) that was easy to swallow and digest, so taking them in was a no brainer.

In the same manner, you will see countries like Montenegro, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia get absorbed one by one into the EU, because they fit geographically and are small enough not to alter the balance of power and destabilize the economy.

The bigger targets like Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey are much more difficult to absorb and integrate, because of their size, so there needs to be a very high political alignment first. We are seeing this evolution in Ukraine, where the current regime is 100% pro-EU, unlike the governments of the pro-Russian past. This means that Ukraine was already “conquered” in the sense that the population and leadership has been converted to a pro-EU mindset. But since Ukraine’s situation is so complicated because of the war, it will take some time before it will be able to join the EU, as it will need to end the war and reclaim its territories first, and also rebuild its economy. But Ukraine’s future in the EU is almost certain.

With Turkey, the population size is a big issue, because it would technically be the largest country in the union, with the most voting power in the EU parliament, which makes Germany and France weary. But if Turkey would become a very pro-EU country in both population and political opinion, the pressure on France and Germany to accept Turkey would rise.

The thing is, the main objective of the EU is to become one of the big boys, together with the US and China. And when it comes to total power, the addition of countries like Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaidjan and Armenia could greatly incease the overall size of the union. But this is something for a later time, because the EU institutions need to get more power themselves first, in order to be able to slowly bypass the opposition from certain countries.

I_Love_F16 · Wednesday at 10:32 PM

contricusc said:
I don’t think you understand the long term strategy of the EU. The EU simply swallows countries that are geographically close and politically aligned, and the borders of the EU are not limited to the current ones.

Cyprus was an easy to get country (they wanted inside the EU and it had a good geographical location and small population) that was easy to swallow and digest, so taking them in was a no brainer.

In the same manner, you will see countries like Montenegro, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia get absorbed one by one into the EU, because they fit geographically and are small enough not to alter the balance of power and destabilize the economy.

The bigger targets like Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey are much more difficult to absorb and integrate, because of their size, so there needs to be a very high political alignment first. We are seeing this evolution in Ukraine, where the current regime is 100% pro-EU, unlike the governments of the pro-Russian past. This means that Ukraine was already “conquered” in the sense that the population and leadership has been converted to a pro-EU mindset. But since Ukraine’s situation is so complicated because of the war, it will take some time before it will be able to join the EU, as it will need to end the war and reclaim its territories first, and also rebuild its economy. But Ukraine’s future in the EU is almost certain.

With Turkey, the population size is a big issue, because it would technically be the largest country in the union, with the most voting power in the EU parliament, which makes Germany and France weary. But if Turkey would become a very pro-EU country in both population and political opinion, the pressure on France and Germany to accept Turkey would rise.

The thing is, the main objective of the EU is to become one of the big boys, together with the US and China. And when it comes to total power, the addition of countries like Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaidjan and Armenia could greatly incease the overall size of the union. But this is something for a later time, because the EU institutions need to get more power themselves first, in order to be able to slowly bypass the opposition from certain countries.

Turkiye being a member of the EU, means that the borders of the union will be extented to Iran, Syria, Irak … And let’s be real, this won’t happen. Europe always used Turkiye as a buffer zone to contains refugees. And this won’t change now.

By the way, if you want to be totally independant, you have to stay out of the union. I’m personnally in favor of France being out of the union, even tho I know it won’t happen.

contricusc · Wednesday at 11:49 PM

I_Love_F16 said:
Turkiye being a member of the EU, means that the borders of the union will be extented to Iran, Syria, Irak … And let’s be real, this won’t happen. Europe always used Turkiye as a buffer zone to contains refugees. And this won’t change now.

The US incorporated far away lands like Alaska and Hawaii into their country, because of their strategic importance. I don’t think that it is unreasonable to believe that Turkey can be included in the EU in the longer term. The Roman Empire used to include Northern Africa as well, so there is no predefined limit on where the EU has to stop expanding.

If we look at UEFA member countries, you will find the likes of Israel, Azerbaidjan, Georgia and Armenia, as well as Kazakhstan. If Israel and Kazakhstan can be “European”, than why not Turkey?

I_Love_F16 said:
By the way, if you want to be totally independant, you have to stay out of the union. I’m personnally in favor of France being out of the union, even tho I know it won’t happen.

You can’t be totally independent in Europe. Ask the British, the Swiss and the Norwegians if they are “totally independent”. They basically abide by the EU rules without having a seat at the table that makes the rules.

And the more integrated and powerful the EU will become, the harder it will bully its neighbors. It’s simply safer to be inside the union.

TheInsider · Thursday at 2:53 AM

Costin1984 said:
Italy offers Greece 2 used FREMM Frigates, with deliveries in 2028, 2029.

https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/greece-might-acquire-two-bergamini-class-frigates-from-italy-following-fremm-evo-commissioninghttps://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/greece-might-acquire-two-bergamini-class-frigates-from-italy-following-fremm-evo-commissioning

Hope Greece takes them. Those weigh over 6.500 tons and they are undergunned compared to their size. Greece is in the same shitty cycle. Binge buy whatever is available, and after a few years, can't maintain them due to a lack of funds, and let them rot in the harbor.

Agha Sher · Thursday at 6:10 AM

Why does Turkiye allow RAF to use her airspace when flying missions in support of the PKK? This aircraft was ferrying 2 Typhoons to the location from Cyprus.

GoatsMilk · Thursday at 6:24 AM

Agha Sher said:
Why does Turkiye allow RAF to use her airspace when flying missions in support of the PKK? This aircraft was ferrying 2 Typhoons to the location from Cyprus.

View attachment 74555

good boy.

steppeWolf · Thursday at 9:30 AM

Ryder said:
Our so called Central Asian "Brothers"

Backstabbing us oh well when Russia comes knocking on the door.

I hope Turkiye pulls the middle finger.

Closest will get to Turkic unity is with Azerbaijan. You dont have people like Elchibeys in any of the Central Asian countries.

Tajiks actually performed much better than the Kyrgz in the latest skirmish. Thats how piss poor Central Asian Turkic militaries are.

We can all blame Erdogan and Akp all we like. At the same time time you have your Muslim brothers and Turkic brothers all backstabbing you at the same time.

Maybe its best Turkiye puts its interests first before any deluded bullshit union.

Drop hayals and come back to reality. This is a good lesson we all learn. Geopolitics does not care about our feelings.

There wouldn't be no Turkic Union, atleast not in the forseaable future. Uzbeks don't like Kyrgyz and vice versa for example. Huge parts of Central Asian society still have that old soviet mentality. Self serving pricks. Being from Uzbek origin background from Afghanistan, I have spent alot of time with the folks. I have no good expectations.

Sanchez · Thursday at 11:57 AM

Agha Sher said:
Why does Turkiye allow RAF to use her airspace when flying missions in support of the PKK

TR is in talks with US to assume the same anti-ISIS ops these RAF jets fly at the moment.

GoatsMilk · Thursday at 1:45 PM

steppeWolf said:
There wouldn't be no Turkic Union, atleast not in the forseaable future. Uzbeks don't like Kyrgyz and vice versa for example. Huge parts of Central Asian society still have that old soviet mentality. Self serving pricks. Being from Uzbek origin background from Afghanistan, I have spent alot of time with the folks. I have no good expectations.

Turks have to work, anything of value doesn't come easy.

begturan · 2025-04-18T01:45:35-0500

US has started drawing down hundreds of troops from northeastern Syria: NYT

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912955858180612398

Israel media: US security officials have informed Israel's defense establishment that a phased withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Syria will begin within two months

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912168315109138933

If the news is true, America seems to have abandoned Israel and the PKK by withdrawing from Syria. There have been rumors recently that America is interested in valuable minerals in Türkiye, now I understand better why Trump is trying to get closer to Turkey. Let's see what kind of developments we will witness in the coming months...

Strong AI · 2025-04-18T13:21:13-0500

Turks in Germany have to pay every month for this sh*t (Public broadcasting license fee 18,36 €), so german national TV can make terrorist propaganda.

Erdogan’s War Against the Kurds – On the Road with German Aid Workers in Northern Syria
Episode 66

As the ARD team enters a completely destroyed house in northern Syria, the sound of drones can be heard overhead. Kurdish residents report that they are being continuously bombed and shelled from Turkey—even their water and power substations, as well as a dam, are said to be targets of Turkish attacks. Are these just Kurdish propaganda tales, or is there evidence to support these claims? The documentary investigates the allegations on site.

As the ARD team enters a completely destroyed house in northern Syria, the sound of drones can be heard overhead. A nine-member Kurdish family was killed here in mid-March by a drone. Relatives claim it was a combat drone from Turkey. ARD correspondent Matthias Ebert wants to find out if that’s true and searches for evidence.

He accompanies German doctor Michael Wilk through northeastern Syria and repeatedly experiences drone strikes and militia shelling. Observers say the targets of these attacks are water facilities, power substations, and even a dam in the oil-rich region. The Kurds believe that NATO member Turkey is behind the attacks. Are these just Kurdish propaganda tales, or is there evidence to support them? The documentary investigates the allegations on site.

The film also analyzes what Erdogan’s fight against the Kurds could mean for Germany and Europe: What happens if the Islamists regain the upper hand? And how could Germany prevent that?

(Text: ARD)
German TV Premiere: Wed. 04 June 2025 on Das Erste

ARD Story Folge 66: Erdogans Krieg gegen die Kurden – Unterwegs mit deutschen Helfern in Nordsyrien

Während das ARD-Team ein völlig zerstörtes Haus in Nordsyrien betritt, sind am Himmel Drohnen zu hören. Kurdische Bewohner berichten, sie würden …

www.fernsehserien.de

Fuzuli NL · 2025-04-18T18:05:43-0500

Strong AI said:
Turks in Germany have to pay every month for this sh*t (Public broadcasting license fee 18,36 €), so german national TV can make terrorist propaganda.

ARD Story Folge 66: Erdogans Krieg gegen die Kurden – Unterwegs mit deutschen Helfern in Nordsyrien

Während das ARD-Team ein völlig zerstörtes Haus in Nordsyrien betritt, sind am Himmel Drohnen zu hören. Kurdische Bewohner berichten, sie würden …

www.fernsehserien.de

ARD and ZDF used to be respectable and trustworthy.
Recently they're no different than any Rupert Murdoch sh1tty media outlet. Closer to the toilet paper Bild than serious news channels.

CAN_TR · 2025-04-19T03:23:06-0500

Agha Sher said:
Why does Turkiye allow RAF to use her airspace when flying missions in support of the PKK? This aircraft was ferrying 2 Typhoons to the location from Cyprus.

View attachment 74555

Why does Türkiye allow Mazloum Abdi walking freely near the Tishreen Dam? Because this Goverment is ANTI Turkish in every aspect, they don‘t have something called dignity, honour or patriotism only a pricetag.

Ey Ingilitere, Ey ABD on TV but then you see planes taking up from not recognized South Cyprus through our airspace to an airfield under PKK/YPG control.

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