The one-man regime has been implementing de facto emergency measures in the capital for weeks in the run-up to the NATO Summit in Ankara, whilst expanding the scope of bans and repression to please the leaders of the war alliance.
The reason Erdoğan and the political Islamist regime are attaching such importance to the summit is their desire to secure ‘legitimacy’ from ‘abroad’ – having lost it at home – through their position within the ‘war alliance’.
As the ruling party, eager to please the US and Atlantic Alliance leaders, heads to the summit, seeking to silence any dissent, criticism or dissenting voices and painting a rosy picture of the country, US President Donald Trump’s remarks once again revealed the bond forged with Erdoğan.
THEY GAVE HIM EVERYTHING HE ASKED FOR
Following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump once again praised Erdoğan. Speaking at the White House, Trump said: “He is a wonderful leader, a very strong man. He has a great army. Erdoğan is my friend. He was the strongest candidate to go to war with Iran. It is well known that he is not a great fan of Israel; he could even have sided with Iran. I asked him not to get involved in this war, and he stayed out of it. So far, he has done everything I’ve asked of him.”
President Trump described the AKP leader as “a somewhat controversial figure, but so am I. But I know him,” the US president said, adding that Erdoğan had been “very helpful” to them: “I like him. When people in NATO have a problem with Erdoğan, they often call me and say, ‘Can you speak to him?’ They call me and say, ‘Could you do us a favour and speak to him?’”
THEY’LL BE PLEASED
When asked about Turkey’s request to purchase the engines needed for its F-35 fighter jets and domestically produced combat aircraft, Trump replied, “I’ll probably do something that will please Turkey.” Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, said that the review process regarding the F-35 programme – which was suspended following Turkey’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems in 2019 – is ongoing.
According to international media, Washington will authorise the sale of engines to Turkey for the KAAN aircraft, despite objections from Congress. It was reported that this would serve as a gesture to Turkey ahead of Trump’s summit.
WHAT HAS BEEN GRANTED SO FAR
The AKP government, the most pro-American administration in the country’s history, has done everything Washington has asked of it since coming to power in 2002. Key examples include:
The 1 March Resolution: Erdoğan and the AKP did everything in their power to ensure the passage of the resolution that would have turned the country into a central base for the invasion of Iraq. Although the resolution was accepted, it failed to reach the required number of votes for an absolute majority.
BOP: Tayyip Erdoğan assumed the co-chairmanship of the Greater Middle East Project (BOP), which originated from American imperialism.
Arab Spring: Within the framework of the BOP, efforts were made to reshape the Middle East in line with imperialist interests. During the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islamists were openly supported.
Syria: Action was taken in Syria in line with US-Israeli policies. There was open cooperation with the US and covert cooperation with Israel.
7 October Attacks: Support was given to the policies aimed at the bloody transformation of the Middle East as a whole, initiated in the wake of Hamas’s attacks on 7 October 2023. Turkey sided with the US.
The Gaza Plan: Support was extended to the Gaza Plan, which was put into effect by American imperialism with Israel’s approval. Ankara took on a role in Trump’s Peace Council.
The war in Ukraine: In line with Washington’s urging, Turkey did not allow sanctions against Russia to be circumvented via its territory. Turkey blocked the transit of goods subject to Western sanctions to Russia. Furthermore, it is providing Ukraine with all manner of military and logistical support.
The war in Iran: Although Turkey has adopted a neutral stance, it has repeatedly condemned Iran due to the ongoing conflict. The previous evening, Trump singled out Erdoğan as one of the strongest candidates who could become involved in the war with Iran.
Defence budget: In line with Trump’s wishes, the commitment for allies to allocate at least 2% of their GDP to defence has been fulfilled. This figure is to be increased to 5 per cent. It is stated that Turkey will reach this level by 2030.
Contribution to NATO: With the second-largest army in the 32-member alliance, Turkey ranks among the top five countries contributing most to NATO operations.
THE LOVE FOR NATO KNOWS NO BORDERS
Whilst the relationship established by right-wing, conservative governments in Turkey with American imperialism has been ongoing historically, this relationship has taken on a new dimension under the AKP. Now, the government—which is set to take on greater responsibilities within NATO’s new concept—is doing everything in its power to hand the country over to Trump and NATO. From those bowing down to the 6th Fleet in ’68 to today, there is a consistent pattern of devotion to the US and NATO amongst the right, nationalists and conservatives.
Note: This article is translated from the original article titled ABD emperyalizmi-AKP işbirliğinin itirafı: Şimdiye kadar her denileni yaptı, published in BirGün newspaper on June 26, 2026.
Kaynak: BirGün