Turkey's Plan

Summary

In an Al Jazeera interview marking 25 years since founding the AK Party, Erdogan blames Israel for the region's war, backs Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan and Gaza, and balances ties with the US and Russia.

What it argues

1. Israel blamed for warPolitics

   Erdogan calls Israel "the leader of this war" and says it bears responsibility. He pledges to protect Kurdish communities in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. He says Turkey keeps backing Gaza as Israel ignores the peace plan. Erdogan frames Turkey as opposing Israel's regional role while standing by Gaza.

2. Syria and Lebanon tiesPolitics

   Erdogan calls Syria "our brother," says Turkey will never leave it alone, and plans a Damascus visit. He says Turkey backs Lebanon against Israeli attacks and works with the US to protect it. Erdogan presents Turkey as protector of both Syria and Lebanon against Israeli pressure.

3. Libya and SudanPolitics

   Erdogan says Turkey plays the main role in Libya and will not abandon it. He praises Sudan's president, calling him a leader worthy of Sudan. Erdogan positions Turkey as the leading outside power in Libya and an ally of Sudan.

4. Balancing US and RussiaPolitics

   Erdogan says Turkey awaits Trump's signature on an F-35 deal. He says Turkey keeps "phone diplomacy" and good relations with Russia. Erdogan describes Turkey pursuing ties with Washington and Moscow at the same time.

5. Libya's oil reservesEconomics

   Erdogan says Turkey is taking Libya's oil reserves "as our own." He says Turkey is taking steps to develop and evaluate those reserves. Turkey claims an economic stake in Libya's oil alongside its political backing.

6. US trade talks unresolvedEconomics

   Erdogan says trade agreement talks with the US remain unresolved. He describes both defense industry cooperation and trade competition with Washington. Turkey's economic relationship with the US mixes unresolved cooperation and rivalry.

7. Turkey's economic transformationEconomics

   Erdogan says Turkey now produces its own cars, now driven on European roads. He calls this part of the country's economic change since 2001. Erdogan cites domestic car production as evidence of Turkey's economic shift.

Open questions

• The machine transcript is fragmented, leaving some statements, including on Gaza's peace plan and a reference to "playing a game of the devil," unclear in context.
• The precise terms of the Turkey-US F-35 and trade discussions are not detailed.
• Turkey's stated position on eventual EU membership is cut off before it is fully explained.
• The extent of Turkey's stated development of Libya's oil reserves is not elaborated.