Trump's new administration raises alarm in Ankara
Turkey was one of the countries that welcomed Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections with satisfaction. However, following the nominations for the new administration, the situation is beginning to change. In Ankara, there is concern that the United States' policy may threaten Turkish interests.
The euphoria in Ankara after Donald Trump's election as President of the United States has given way to uncertainty as the names of candidates for the new administration started to emerge. American think tank Brookings Institution expert, Asli Aydıntaşbaş, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency, assessed that Turkey may encounter difficulties in its relations with the USA.
Joy over Trump's victory. Now concern is growing in Turkey
Initially, Turkish authorities enthusiastically received the news of Trump's victory, hoping for improved relations with Washington.
Ankara hoped that the elections would mean that Turkey would no longer be ignored, and Erdoğan would return to the global stage and resume personal contacts with the US president, as was the case during Trump's first term - stated Aydıntaşbaş.
However, the nominations for the new administration suggest a direction that raises concerns in Ankara. They involve the new cabinet's right-wing Christian and nationalist nature and its support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. This may negatively impact relations between Washington and Ankara.
New Trump administration. Unacceptable for Turks
An important issue for Turkey is also the candidates who have previously supported Syrian Kurds and Netanyahu's policy towards the West Bank and Gaza Strip. - These are very important issues for Turkey, especially for President Erdoğan - the expert emphasised.
Ankara regards the Kurdish YPG militias as a branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), recognised internationally as a terrorist organisation. Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip also face sharp criticism from the Turkish authorities. According to Aydıntaşbaş, the new "Christian, nationalist" administration will not want to cross certain boundaries in cooperation with the "conservative, Islamic government" of Turkey.
I think the initial euphoria over Trump's presidency is now being replaced by a more sober realisation that Ankara will still have a difficult time - added Asli Aydıntaşbaş in a conversation with PAP.
Despite potential challenges, Turkey will try to position itself in Trump's world, but it is uncertain whether it will succeed - summarised the expert from the American think tank. Ankara's priorities may include the US commitment to withdrawing forces from Syria and the role of host in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
