The Rise and Fall of Turkey’s Middle East Policy

Turkey had enjoyed a sustained political stability and economic growth from the beginning of the millennium. A stable government with satisfactory economic performance was an object of admiration in a region where authoritarian governments associated with poor economic performance were the rule. The neutral stand in regional issues that had rendered Turkey an accepted partner to all sides began to erode beginning at the end of 2008, first with relations with Israel, then NATO, and finally with the Arab Spring and Syria. Whether it would succeed in restoring its former role as a trusted partner for all countries of the region is open to question.