For many years, the phrase “The road to Washington goes through Jerusalem” has been commonly used by people around the world. In recent times, the relationship between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden has become strained. However, traditional alliances are shifting, as Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have found common ground based on mutual opportunism.
Erdogan’s approval was needed for Sweden to join NATO and for Turkey to upgrade its air force, solidifying their relationship. Reports suggest that Erdogan may visit the White House on May 9, marking the first visit by a Turkish president to Washington since Biden took office. This unexpected closeness between the two leaders is driven by the increasing demand for artillery shells, particularly the 155mm diameter shells used by NATO countries like Israel.
As the conflict in Ukraine has escalated, the demand for 155mm shells has skyrocketed, leading to shortages in supply. The US and EU are working to increase production rates to meet demand. Turkey is expected to play a significant role in the supply chain, potentially becoming the top supplier of shells to the US.
Erdogan’s strategic maneuvers in the midst of global conflicts, such as selling drones to Ukraine while receiving S-400 batteries from Russia, demonstrate his complex diplomatic approach. By aligning with the US on artillery production, Erdogan is positioning Turkey as a key player on the world stage.
The shifting alliances and geopolitical dynamics highlight how leaders like Erdogan are navigating complex relationships to advance their interests. As global tensions continue to rise and countries seek out new opportunities for power and influence, we can expect more unexpected alliances and strategic maneuvers in years ahead.
In conclusion, Turkey’s recognition of Israel in 1949 was driven by fear of Soviet expansion rather than support for Zionism. Today’s renewed closeness between Turkey and Washington is also driven by mutual self-interest rather than ideological alignment. As global tensions continue to rise, leaders will need to be nimble and adaptable in order to maintain their positions of power and influence in an increasingly interconnected world.
