IN history, some events may dramatically change the course of nations and their foreign relations. After 9/11 for instance, the storm of anger and fear was used by the Bush Administration to enforce internal and external agendas without which it would have been difficult to overcome the constitutional, legal and democratic constraints, checks and balances. Similarly, the July 15 failed coup attempt will enter the Turkish history as a turning point. Erdogan has been riding the waves of public fear, anger and calls for closure and retribution. In defense of democracy, he made the best of public and political unity to strike at the heart of his enemies, weeding them out of the government, army, education, religious institutions, media and major companies, once and for all. In the name of the republic, he restructured the government, the army and is about to rewrite the constitution. In the foreign affairs department, the event became a yardstick by which to judge friends and enemies. "Either you are with me or against me" logic was borrowed from the Bush Jr.'s book to divide the world into allies and foes. In the midst of all the happenings, President Vladimir Putin won his place atop friends' list for calling first and showing solidarity. US and Europe were late, and worse ... criticized the Turkish government over its cleansing of army and government from "anti-democracy forces," and seemed, in the eyes of the suspicious, to regret the failure of the coup. Instead of giving full-support to a fellow NATO member, the European Union seemed critical of the Emergency Law, even as France and Germany applied it after less disrupting events. Threats of dropping the half century negotiations to join the union followed. It was a perfect timing for Russia to take advantage ... and it did! Erdogan was invited to St. Petersburg for a summit with Putin, Aug. 9. He went with high-ranking officials and businessmen. The news soon came out that the leaders insist that relations would not only go back to the best days before the downing to Russian fighter jets, Nov. 24, 2015, but would get even better ... much better! Quick fixes were announced at the Putin-Erdogan press conference. Russian and Turkish Airlines will be reactivated to carry four million of Russian tourists to Turkey, and equal number of visitors to Russia. The Turkish Stream gas pipeline project would continue. Trade relations will improve from some $20 billion, last year, to $100 billions by 2023. Other issues have been discussed intensively, as well. High-ranking committees were formed to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan land dispute, the Syrian war and the Kurdish aspiration to establish a homeland in northern Syria. A joint operation room is set to coordinate the war of terror and to avoid future aerial clashes. Also worrying for the United States and the West is the announced nuclear and military cooperation. What this means is that Turkey, the second biggest army in NATO with some of its largest bases facing Russia across the border, is going into some sort of alliance with the West staunchest enemy! At the same time, Turkey is engaged in a war of wards with Europe and America. Its officials are telling US to choose between Fethullah Gülen (the religious scholar accused of masterminding the coup), or good relations with Turkey. Over eighty criminals were handed over to US, in accordance to a mutual agreement, and now it is America's turn to return the favor. They handed tons of "evidence" materials to prove Gülen guilt and expect a quick handover. The US has no reason to delay the extradition, they say, unless it has something to hide. Other disagreements between the allies, include US refusal to support Turkish stand in Syrian War, while openly supporting its Kurdish enemies. US Vice President, Joseph Biden Jr, is scheduled to visit Ankara on Aug. 24. This is a step-up from previously announced trip of Secretary of State, John Kerry — now rescheduled to October. Biden visit comes two weeks after the Rosso-Turkish summit, and seemed to reflect deep worries in Washington regarding the increasing rift with the US, and Turkey newly found alliance with Russia. Relations with the West are not going to improve, unless the US extradites Gülen and Europe changes its critical tone. Even so, the bond with Russia would strengthen. Both giants need to balance their acts with the West. In addition, Turkey is returning, even before the coup, to the strategy of "zero problems," starting with Israel, Iran, Russia, Armenia and possibly ending up with Egypt and Greece. — Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
