Necip F. Bahadır
“We can do to them (referring to Israel) exactly what we did in Karabakh and Libya. There is nothing stopping us. We just need to be strong enough to take these steps.”
These words were spoken by Erdoğan while addressing party members in his hometown of Rize. It’s clear whom he is addressing: Israel. Did Erdoğan make these statements as the ‘President’ or as the ‘AKP Chairman’? Since it was a party meeting, his role as ‘Chairman’ might be more prominent. These two identities have become so intertwined that it’s hard to distinguish between them. Let’s consider it a ‘state statement’ under both titles.
What should we make of these words? Is it the pinnacle of rhetoric? A war threat against Israel? Can we say that there are winds of war blowing between Turkey and Israel just because these words came from the mouth of the sole decision-maker, the President? Will these words turn into action? Will they go beyond words and translate into action? Has the region and the world interpreted this as a sign of war?
Is this another variation of the slogan “We could come suddenly one night”? Erdoğan has shouted this slogan many times while looking at the Greek islands. Many nights and days passed, and nothing happened. The slogan faded away, and diplomacy took over. How many times did he meet with the Greek Prime Minister after that? The last time was when they shook hands in New York for the NATO summit.
He’s been planning to go to Gaza for 11 years! Words are cheap, especially for Turkish politicians. Their words lack not just bones, but even muscles; they are as flexible as rubber. And they are forked too. There are words so powerful and loud that they could move mountains but then fail to make even a hair move. The politician who dances best with words is Erdoğan. Just looking at his statements and actions gives an idea of the flexibility of his language. This is a topic for another article.
Since it is related to the topic, let me give an example; in 2013, Erdoğan announced to the media that he would go to Gaza. Shortly afterward, nothing happened. Some time later, he said, “No, I haven’t postponed it, I will go!” The result? Exactly 11 years have passed. He did not go to Gaza or could not go. He didn’t even feel the need to correct this statement. There’s no explanation as to why he didn’t go.
A politician’s word is one thing, their action is another…
There are certainly obstacles regarding Gaza. Considering the possibilities, he shouldn’t have made such a strong statement. At least then he wouldn’t have to swallow his words. Unfortunately, Turkish politicians don’t even swallow their words… No one reminds them of their words because no one holds them accountable. Do they get away with it? Perhaps a journalist might remind them. And see what happens when they lose power…
The best words to describe Erdoğan are ‘language’ or ‘jaw’. The same goes for the AKP. It could well have a tongue as its emblem. Erdoğan or AKP means ‘rhetoric’. Their policies consist of reading grandiose and ornate sentences written by advisors from a script. I couldn’t quite understand if the words in Rize were impromptu or read from a script. Probably not written. Erdoğan’s tongue lacks bones and muscles, but the same cannot be said for his advisors.
Did Turkey enter Karabakh or Libya? By the way, did Turkey enter Karabakh? I know Karabakh is not a Turkish city, but just to be sure, I checked Google. I couldn’t find any information. Is Erdoğan referring to the Azerbaijani army liberating its occupied territories from the Armenians? Probably so. Turkey’s logistical support to Azerbaijan cannot be denied. Does this mean ‘we entered Karabakh’?
Speaking of Azerbaijan, is Erdoğan aware that the Baku administration aligns closely with Israel? Does he know that Israel’s oil needs are met by Azerbaijan? This must be a twist of fate… While challenging Israel over Gaza through Karabakh, Azerbaijan, which flies its flag in Karabakh, is one of Israel’s most functional allies.
We can ask the same question about Libya; is Turkey in Libya now? It’s true that Turkish troops went to Libya as a task force to support the government in Tripoli, just as they have gone to Somalia or other countries. Can this be expressed as ‘entering there’? No. In Erdoğan’s mouth, entering means ‘conquest’. Neither Karabakh nor Libya can be described as a conquest.
Massacre and trade are separate! There’s no need to remind how difficult it was for the AKP government to decide to cut trade with Israel. It emerged that ships leaving Turkey provided Israel with logistical support like iron and fuel, and Erdoğan couldn’t ignore the street and party base’s reactions and protests. If it weren’t for the young people detained by the police, those ships would still be operating between the two countries. Erdoğan’s advisor Nihat Zeybekçi ultimately defended trade with Israel despite all the debates. He said, “Massacre is one thing, trade is another!” If Erdoğan wasn’t worried about losing support, Zeybekçi’s words would undoubtedly have become the main policy.
While talking about ‘entering Israel,’ he is probably not referring to providing logistical support to the Palestinians similar to what Turkey provided to the Azerbaijanis in Karabakh. This isn’t like saying, “I will go to Gaza!” In international relations, this is the ultimate word, said when everything else is exhausted. This goes beyond ‘one minute.’
Demirel’s words had weight Back in the day, when Süleyman Demirel said, “We will enter Syria!” from the parliamentary podium, it had an immediate effect, and the Damascus administration panicked. They expelled PKK founder and leader Abdullah Öcalan and other elements from Syrian territory within days. The process that ended on İmralı started with Demirel’s threat, “We will enter Syria!”
Will Erdoğan’s words have the same effect? Will it stop Israel’s attacks? Will Erdoğan be able to panic the Netanyahu administration?
At the time of writing this article, 24 hours had passed, and there was no sign of panic from Israel. This time, Erdoğan’s test is very tough. Those words are out now… There’s no one to revise them. We know Erdoğan doesn’t have a reverse gear. Considering what’s happening in Gaza, I want to understand Erdoğan’s frustration, but when I remember the phrase “We are running a state,” I stop talking.
In the last period of his rule, realpolitik, history, and fate are testing Erdoğan with these words… He has a very difficult task.
