Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman ambitions could see Turkey, Israel locking horns

Summary

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is strengthening Turkey’s regional influence while opposing Israel, recently hosting Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who thanked Erdogan for support in lifting sanctions against Syria. This support enhances Sharaa’s governance and Turkey’s military infrastructure in Syria, framed as a fight against ISIS despite past cooperation. Additionally, Turkey is witnessing potential progress on the Kurdish front with the PKK’s disarmament announcement, while Erdogan’s political suppression at home goes largely unnoticed by the West.