Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for Hamas risks weakening the NATO alliance, an analyst who branded Turkey as the “least trustworthy” member of NATO told Daily Express US.
Erdogan previously claimed Hamas was “not a terrorist organization, but a group of freedom and mujahideen [warriors] who are striving to protect their lands and their citizens” from Israel.
Geopolitical analyst Kervin AuCoin said the comments could serve to weaken NATO’s effectiveness as they don’t align with US and European interests.
Speaking to Daily Express US, he said: “Turkey has always been, in my opinion, the least trustworthy NATO ally, and this certainly doesn’t change that.”
He added that “perceived threats or shifts in strategic interests” among NATO’s members could lead to disputes and weaken the alliances – something which would be a win in the end for Russia.
As public attention shifted from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas conflict, a key challenge for NATO would be balancing different international priorities and continued support for Ukraine, the CEO of AuCoin Analytics added.
Erdogan is likely playing to a domestic audience while speaking about Hamas – Turkey is a Muslim-majority country where scenes of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza are not likely to play well among the population.
Mr AuCoin added: “Turkey also must speak to an Islamic audience. While the U.S. and myself as an analyst consider Hamas a terror organization, the majority of countries around the world only view its military as a militant group.
“Turkey considers Hamas a legitimate government for Gaza. This is certainly at odds with US interests, because they clash with American priorities in the region, most notably the protection of allies and preventing a nuclear Iran.”
Don’t miss… Iran sends chilling threat to Israel as it hints at plans to fight beside Hamas[REPORT]
President Erdogan threatens to get involved in Israel war
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Israel is a firm US ally and Joe Biden’s Administration, while quietly urging Tel Aviv to do more to prevent civilian deaths, has stood firmly behind the country since Hamas attacked on October 7.
That unprecedented terror attack killed at least 1,400 Israelis – mostly civilians – while 240 hostages were taken by Hamas to the Gaza Strip.
Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas and launching thousands of strikes on Gaza before launching a ground invasion.
The Hamas-run health ministry there claims that more than 11,000 people have died in Gaza since the fighting began.
Get all the latest news, entertainment, sport and lifestyle updates from our dedicated American team.
Follow Daily Express US on Facebook and Twitter @ExpressUSNews
Source: Read Full Article