Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, must make sure that Turkey is not forced to choose between membership in NATO and Finland and Sweden. According to James Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander of NATO, Turkey is adopting a “counterproductive stance” by preventing the Nordic countries from joining the military alliance because of what Ankara perceives as their “support for terrorist groups among Turkey’s Kurdish minority, in particular, their refusal to extradite dozens of Kurds wanted by the government.” Stavridis wrote this in a piece for Bloomberg on January 22.
“The unconscionable invasion of Ukraine by Russia is the great challenge to the alliance,” claims Stavridis, adding that “some NATO members are going to begin asking, ‘If it is a choice between Sweden/Finland and Turkey, maybe we should look at our options at some point soon.” ’ That would be a mistake. Turkey is home to NATO’s overall land-warfare command in Izmir, has significant facilities like Incirlik Air Base, and has the second-largest army in the alliance.
“NATO needs Turkey to continue being an active and positive member. It also needs to add Finland and Sweden. No one wants to have to choose between them. ”.
The likelihood that Turkey would back down and approve the applications from Sweden and Finland to join the defense bloc decreased over the weekend when Rasmus Paludan, a far-right politician, spoke out against immigration and Islam for an hour outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm before setting fire to a Qur’anic copy.
The previous day, Turkey’s foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s ambassador over the permission granted to Paludan’s protest. It was the second time Sweden’s ambassador to Ankara has been summoned this month. Previously, when a Kurdish group managed to hang an effigy of Erdogan outside Stockholm city hall on January 12, the envoy was forced to provide an explanation.
Pal Jonson, the minister of defense for Sweden, was scheduled to visit Ankara on January 27 to discuss Turkey’s refusal to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership. However, Ankara canceled the visit on January 21 in advance of Paludan’s stunt. Turkey’s defence minister, Hulusi Akar, said the meeting was cancelled because it “has lost its significance and meaning”.
Erdogan’s top advisor Ibrahim Kalin tweeted, “The burning of the Holy Qur’an in Stockholm is a clear crime of hatred and humanity.” “We vehemently condemn this. Allowing this action despite all our warnings is encouraging hate crimes and Islamophobia. The attack on sacred values is not freedom but modern barbarism. ”.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that Islamophobic provocations were appalling. “It does not imply that the Swedish Government, or myself, endorse the opinions expressed,” Billstrom tweeted. “Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression.”
The May 14 national elections in Turkey are another reason why it is unlikely that Erdogan will back down over his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Erdogan’s core vote will expect him to keep up a tough line in this foreign policy matter.
The question of whether Turkey can be expelled from NATO has been a topic of much debate in recent years. This article will delve into the complexities of this issue, examining the legal and political factors involved.
NATO’s Founding Principles and Turkey’s Membership
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance established in 1949. Its founding principles include the commitment to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. Turkey joined NATO in 1952, aligning itself with these principles.
Concerns About Turkey’s Actions
However, in recent years, there have been growing concerns about Turkey’s actions under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These concerns include:
- Erosion of democratic institutions: Crackdown on dissent, suppression of free speech, and curtailment of media freedom.
- Human rights violations: Arbitrary arrests, torture, and imprisonment of political opponents and journalists.
- Military interventions: Incursions into Syria and clashes with Kurdish forces.
- Acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system: This move undermines NATO’s collective defense and raises concerns about interoperability.
Can Turkey Be Expelled from NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty does not contain provisions for expelling a member state. However, there are legal arguments suggesting that Turkey could be considered in “material breach” of its treaty obligations. This could potentially lead to the suspension or termination of its membership.
Material Breach of Treaty Obligations
A material breach occurs when a member state violates a provision essential to the accomplishment of the treaty’s object and purpose. In this case, Turkey’s actions could be argued to violate the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law, which are fundamental to NATO’s existence.
Legal Arguments for Expulsion
- Violation of Article 2: This article requires members to “strengthen their free institutions” and “bring about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded.”
- Violation of the Preamble: The preamble emphasizes the importance of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.
- Violation of Article 10: This article states that new members must be in a position to further the principles of the treaty.
Political Considerations
Expelling Turkey from NATO would be a significant political decision with far-reaching consequences. It would require unanimous agreement among all NATO members, excluding Turkey. Factors to consider include:
- Strategic importance of Turkey: Turkey’s geographic location and military capabilities make it a key ally in the region.
- Potential for instability: Expelling Turkey could destabilize the region and create a power vacuum.
- Relationship with Russia: Turkey’s close ties with Russia could be further strengthened if it were expelled from NATO.
The question of whether Turkey can be expelled from NATO is complex and multifaceted. While there are legal arguments suggesting that it is possible, the political considerations involved make it a difficult decision. Ultimately, the decision rests with the NATO member states, who must weigh the various factors involved before taking any action.
Additional Considerations
- The possibility of suspending Turkey’s membership instead of expulsion.
- The potential for diplomatic and economic sanctions against Turkey.
- The importance of dialogue and engagement with Turkey to address concerns.
FAQs
- Can a NATO member be expelled?
There is no explicit provision for expulsion in the North Atlantic Treaty. However, legal arguments suggest that a member could be considered in “material breach” of its obligations, potentially leading to suspension or termination of membership.
- What are the grounds for expelling Turkey from NATO?
Turkey’s actions under President Erdoğan have raised concerns about its commitment to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law, which are fundamental principles of NATO.
- What are the political implications of expelling Turkey from NATO?
Expelling Turkey would be a significant political decision with far-reaching consequences, including potential instability in the region and a shift in Turkey’s relationship with Russia.
Additional Resources
- Can Turkey be Expelled from NATO? It’s Legally Possible, Whether or Not Politically Prudent: https://www.justsecurity.org/66574/can-turkey-be-expelled-from-nato/
- Should the country of Turkey be expelled from NATO in 2023?: https://www.quora.com/Should-the-country-of-Turkey-be-expelled-from-NATO-in-2023
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The Serbian president has repeatedly warned that the world could be heading for the worst conflict since WW
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