Turkey's Calculated Ambiguity: A Dangerous Game

Turkey has historically pursued a policy of balancing acts and diplomatic maneuvering, maintaining a stance of 'skillful neutrality.' This tactic, allowing Ankara to operate outside international frameworks and legality, appears to be effective due to the interests various third parties have in Turkey. Examples of this policy include Turkey's position in the Ukraine war, where it maintained trade relations with Russia while selling weapons to Ukraine, and its lack of a clear stance in the conflict against Iran. The absence of reaction from the US to these moves suggests a silent tolerance. History demonstrates that this tactic is longstanding, as evidenced by a discussion between Churchill and Inonu during World War II. The continued tolerance towards Turkey creates a dangerous situation, as it allows the country to violate international rules without consequences.