Causes.com
| 5.21.22
Turkey's Erdogan Threatens to Block Finland & Sweden From Joining NATO
Do you think Turkey’s concerns justify blocking Finland and Sweden from joining NATO?
What’s the story?
- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan doubled down on his threat to block Finland and Sweden from their bids to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) unless they stop harboring Kurdish separatists.
- These threats come as the formal accession process for Finland and Sweden to join NATO is ramping up and they may become full members this summer ― but that will require unanimous support from all current NATO members which gives Turkey an effective veto.
- Erdogan spoke with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg about his concerns on Saturday. Finnish and Swedish leaders, along with the head of NATO, have said they’re confident they will be able to resolve Turkey’s concerns.
Erdogan’s concerns
- Erdogan said earlier this week, “We have told our relevant friends we would say ‘no’ to Finland and Sweden’s entry into NATO, and we will continue on our path like this.”
- Specifically, Erdogan says Finland and Sweden have harbored members of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) militant group in addition to followers of Fethullah Gulen, whom Erdogan has accused of attempting to topple his government in a failed 2016 coup.
- Since the late 1970s, the PKK has been engaged in an insurgency against the Turkish government that has been interspersed with several ceasefires. One of the PKK’s primary goals is the formation of an independent Kurdistan.
- Erdogan has also taken issue with Western support for the Syrian Kurdish group known as the YPG (People’s Defense Units), which has fought against the Islamic State insurgency in Syria and Iraq.
- While the Turkish government views the YPG and PKK as one and the same, many other Western governments including the U.S. and EU have sanctioned the PKK as a terrorist group but backed the YPG.
- Aside from concerns about allowing Kurds affiliated with the YPG and PKK to stay in Finland and Sweden, Erdogan likely wants assurances that weapons won’t be provided to those groups by the Finnish and Swedish governments. However, Sweden and Finland haven’t sent arms to those groups and it seems unlikely they would begin to do so as they join NATO or after they become members.
Turkey-NATO tensions
- Turkey’s status in NATO has been through a turbulent period over the last decade. The failed coup which sought to topple Erdogan in 2016 raised concerns about the country’s stability, as Erdogan’s government cracked down on dissent and the free press in the aftermath.
- Additionally, a 2019 military incursion into Syria aimed at displacing Kurdish groups from areas near the Syrian-Turkish border led to sanctions on Turkey and calls to transfer nuclear bombs stored at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey as part of NATO’s strategic deterrent. That was a particularly sensitive moment for Turkey-NATO relations given Western support for the YPG’s campaign against the Islamic State terror group in Syria and Iraq.
- Turkey was also removed from the F-35 Lightning II, which has been developed as a joint strike fighter by the U.S., numerous NATO countries, along with Israel, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and other global allies. Turkish participation in the program was suspended after the country purchased the advanced S-400 air defense system from Russia due to concerns the exposure of the fighter to advanced Russian radars while in stealth mode could undermine its capabilities in a potential conflict with Russia. The U.S. purchased the F-35s that were allocated to Turkey and Turkish defense firms were removed from their portion of the production line.
- Despite those circumstances fraying the bonds between NATO and Turkey, they remain part of NATO and have helped the alliance support Ukraine by providing military aid in the face of Russia’s invasion. Turkey is currently seeking to purchase updated F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. to offset the denial of F-35 purchases, although Turkey’s NATO member neighbor Greece has expressed opposition to that deal as it too seeks to buy F-35s.
Finland, Sweden, & NATO respond
- Finnish President Sauli Niinistö spoke to Erdogan’s concerns while he visited the White House with the Swedish prime minister as part of a trilateral event with the U.S. regarding their NATO applications. He said:
“Finland has always had proud and good bilateral relations to Turkey. As NATO Allies, we will commit to Turkey’s security, just as Turkey will commit to our security. We take terrorism seriously. We condemn it in all its forms, and we are actively engaged in combating it. We are open to discussing all the concerns Turkey may have concerning our membership in an open and constructive manner. These discussions have already taken place, and they will continue in the next days.”
- Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was also at the White House and thanked the U.S. for supporting the Swedish and Finnish NATO bids, adding that “we look forward to a swift ratification process by NATO members” and:
“(W)e are right now having a dialogue with all NATO member countries, including Turkey, on different levels to sort out any issues at hand.”
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is working closely with Finland, Sweden, and Turkey to resolve the dispute:
“We are in close contact with Finland and Sweden and Turkey and also with all the Allies. I don't think it will be helpful if I go into the specifics of all those conversations, but of course we're addressing the concerns that Turkey has expressed. Because when an Ally, an important Ally as Turkey, raises security concerns, raises issues, then of course, the only way to deal with that is to sit down and find ways to find a common ground and an agreement on how to move forward.”
RELATED READING
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- Finland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)
- Finland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)
- NATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)
- NATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)
- Arctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)
- Kurds Accuse Turkey of Violating Temporary Ceasefire Brokered by US (10/18/19)
- Trump Announces Sanctions on Turkey for Syria Incursion (10/14/19)
- Turkey Invades Northern Syria, Attacks Kurds After US Troops Withdrawn (10/9/19)
- NATO Turns 70: Truman Completed the Ratification of the North Atlantic Treaty On This Date (7/25/19)
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— Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: G20 Argentina via Flickr / Creative Commons)
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Erdogan: NATO’s very own Joe Manchin - willing to use his threat of a veto to gain leverage for preferential treatment.
If NATO does not have the authority to expel nation state members for violating NATO’s charter, they should begin looking into doing so. ‘Strong men’ leaders do not respond well to anything but strength, it’s the only thing that they truly understand.
Look at Erdogan’s record. He refused to buy NATO air defense missiles and instead purchased Russian air defense missiles, with a Russian contingent to install the systems, train operators and provide at least initial maintenance in the very same area where Turkey’s NATO joint strike fighters were housed - I consider it to be a distinct NATO security threat to have Russian missile air defense missile experts close enough to NATO joint strike fighter aircraft to possibly discern the best way to shoot them down.
After a call from Erdogan, the trump ordered US troops to abandon their positions along side our long standing Kurdish allies in Northern Syria, who for years led our fight to contain Al Qida, the Taliban and ISIS. There was no consultation with our National Security specialists or the military. There has never been any explanation for our county’s sudden abandonment of our long term and valued allies, which we left to be slaughtered by Turkish mercenary forces made of freed Al Qida and ISIS fighters thirsty for vengeance. The Kurds appealed to only large military force left, Russia and were then removed from their ancestral home land to wasteland deeper within Syria - all done so Turkey could simply take a twenty to fifty mile wide strip of land along the Syrian border.
These actions certainly seems to be quite out of line with what NATO portends to be.
I really think that Erdogan is just looking for leverage by calling the Swedes out for giving sanctuary to Kurds who I would think would have to carry some animus for Erdogan’s pivotal role in breaking their long time alliance with the US and his attempt to eradicate the Kurdish people altogether. … So what! … Actions have consequences and Erdogan will have to just live with that.
Time for the big boys of NATO to have a serious discussion about Turkey’s future role as a member of the NATO alliance - or, I guess Russia could just annex Turkey outright
Turkey has avoided using the “V” word (veto) suggesting they are negotiating with Finland, Sweden, US though US State Department has said joining NATO is not a bilateral negotiation.
Highly suspect Turkey will support after receiving arms sales from Scandinavian countries & US, and pledges to protect Turkey’s security concerns over groups Turkey considers terrorists.
Turkey has danced around saying “veto” instead saying Turkey:
“is not of a favorable opinion”
“does not hold positive views”
Turkish concerns:
1) called Nordic countries:
“home to terrorists organizations”
“guesthouses for terrorist organizations”
“They are even members of the parliament in some countries. It is not possible for us to be in favour,”
Turkey considers Kurdish refugees terrorists and has requested extradition
2) US & EU host supporters of a religious sect that is widely believed to have been behind a 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.
3) Sweden block arms sales to Turkey because of Kurdish human rights issues
4) didn’t want to make mistake like it did readmitting Greece also considered a terrorist state by Turkey
5) wants Finland & Sweden to lift ban on sales of arms to Turkey
6) ending U.S. support for the Kurdish militia in Syria that Ankara sees as terrorists
7) lifting of the U.S. sanctions imposed after Ankara's purchase of the S-400 Russian defense system as well as potentially expediting Ankara's request to buy F-16s.
8) Finland calls for patience suggesting a deal in the making
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-finland-nato-sweden-turkey-b2078248.html
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/05/13/turkeys-leader-opposes-letting-finland-sweden-join-nato/
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-says-turkeys-approach-sweden-finland-nato-bid-not-bilateral-topic-2022-05-20/
https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2022/5/20/pkk-central-to-turkish-opposition-to-sweden-finland-joining-nato
If, indeed Finland and Sweden do support terriorist groups, then yes, this would be a concern. However, if they don't provide support and safehavens to terriorist groups then it should not be an issue. If there is lingering concerns, I would think NATO could remove either or any country that harbors/supports terriroist and if they can't, then they need to make that a part of their policies for joining and remaining members. While, I don't know alot about Trukey, if memory serves me correctly, Turkey is not squeeky clean when it comes to human rights, etc. However, I could be totally wrong about that. At any rate, the concerns should be thoroughly investigated and if unfounded and both countries pledge to not support/harbor terriorist groups, then there should be no problem. If however either country does support terriorist groups then membership should be delayed until either country can prove that they have ceased their support and again, continued membership assured only if any NATO country does not support terriorist groups in any form-overt or covert. Additionally, what groups are designeated as terriroist should be based upon NATO definations, not any one countries definition.
These concerns by Turkey about letting Finland and Sweden join NATO are valid.
Besides Turkey's concerns now Germany and France have voiced concerns.
While Turkey has been troublesome over Finland & Sweden joining NATO they are a strategically valuable member so I hope that an agreement can be reached so Turkey doesn't veto Finland and Sweden joining like an arms deal with security guarantees as Turkey's membership in NATO provides:
1) control of the Bosphorous which Turkey controls and has closed to Russian warships angering Putin
2) refugee camps for Syrians. There would be far more Syrian refugees flooding Europe which Russia & Belarus have tried to accelerate by providing passage to Poland.
3) Turkish drones that have been instrumental to Ukraine in the war. In addition Ukraine is partnered with Turkey to produce these drones in Ukraine, and has not sold any to Russia again angering Putin.
Matter of fact, much of Turkey's dancing around the "V" word (veto) is to appease Putin and at the same time negotiate with Finland, Sweden, US for arms sales & security guarantees involving those Turkey considers terrorists (Greeks, Kurds, Turkish Sect in US).
https://www.causes.com/comments/9195
Regarding the Misinformation about NATO Expansion.
This is from the NATO Web site.
https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/pdf_2016_07/20160627_1607-factsheet-enlargement-eng.pdf
<Direct Quote>
NATO Enlargement & Open Door
NATO’s “open door policy” is based on Article 10 of the Alliance’s founding document, the North Atlantic Treaty (1949). The Treaty states that NATO membership is open to any “European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area”. It states that any decision on enlargement must be made “by unanimous agreement”.
NATO enlargement has helped increase stability and prosperity in Europe. It is aimed at promoting stability and cooperation, and at building a Europe united in peace, democracy and common values
<End Quote>
https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/pdf_2016_07/20160627_1607-factsheet-enlargement-eng.pdf
It is Turkey's citizens being injured and killed, there needs to be clarity and a united cause on safeguarding all Nato Allies.
It is not dufficient for one man's revolutionary vs. one man's terrorist.
You know there is a rule of law argument to be made against Nato expansion. NATO and the us have both signed treeties with Russia over 20 years ago promising not to expand nato. While there is little historical precedent for it, it isn't crazy to expect America (and by extension nato) to simply keep its word.
Turkey rebrands as 'Türkiye,' changing name at the United Nations
turkey may be turkiye but erdogan is still a turkey!
Absolutely No! Turkey has always played the money game, even back to WWll and more recently. Sweden and Finland are viable choices. There should be no hesitation.
While it is important for each member's concerns to be addressed, one member cannot be permitted to prevent action that the entirety of other members support. Address Turkey's concerns, and approve the admission of Sweden and Finland
Erdogan is just doing this to remain in good terms with Russia
I think he sucks
NATO doesn't need more members especially ones that will obviously threaten the security of other nations
it's obvious that Russia will see it as a threat to their national security
and have already expressed their concern
we members of NATO are supposed to be a peacekeeping force
so surely we should be trying to calm the war in Ukraine
not throw logs on too the fire
it seems to me our interest is more on country's resources and it's mot
about people .
Erdogan is as much a dictator as is Putin, and the two are allies. He is insecure and feels threatened by anyone who wants free and fair elections in Turkey or is critical of his government. Yes, even those who have fled to other countries to live peacefully away from his death squads. A demand that other nations not supply or finance terrorists or freedom fighters in his country (he has BOTH to deal with) is not unreasonable, but demanding that no new NATO country allow refugies from his country is unreasonable and would require NATO to break existing treaties and agreements. It shoudl be interesting to watch this play out, but for the record I approve of NATO and exapanding NATO to reduce the likelyhood of war.
Erdowan is a criminal himself! Cutting off the heads of reporters because you don't like what they say? Yes, he is a criminal.
Erdogan is a bully anyway.
The Turks have grown closer to Russia.
Every country has rights to secure themself for future perspective in terms of security for its country along with people. So I will oppose to Turkey...
NATO/US trying to beef up its military dominance. Please stop it!!
The USA MUST not Vote For allowing Finland and Sweden into NATO. What do those Countries have to offer current NATO Countries??!! Or do you think it is more about two more Countries that the USA Taxpayers shovel money to?!!! Great idea, Borrow Money from our Enemies, then, Give That Money Away with No Strings Attached. Nevermind the USA Citizens and Taxpayers don't want this. Why would the USA Fed Govt be concerned about what USA Citizens want? And if there happens to be more agressions the USA Citizens get Fleeced Again but for even bigger money. Hopefully not USA Citizens fighting to protect Foreign Borders getting killed. That wouldn't bother Joe a bit. In Fact, he wouldn't even miss lunch to spend time with the Families of the dead Soldiers. Probably a good thing because he makes an ass of the entire USA anytime he opens his mouth. So, NO!!! Do not expand NATO!!!
This appears to be a move akin to blackmail Erdogan will support this action once he is paid his bribe price. I also fear Hungary may jump on this same bandwagon. Turkey is vital to NATO due to their controlling access to the Black Sea.
He's in bed with Putin.
Erdogan is a scumbag. Only reason he's part of NATO is because of his enormous nuclear arsenal and the geopolitical implications of that arsenal being under the control of an arrogant asshole. Not because he's a Democracy trailblazer.
Do not forget what he did to the Kurds.
I'm sure we can send Dr. Oz to talk to him. I hear they're close.
Erdogan doesn't believe in democracy and is too close to Russia. Might be time to reevaluate the way NATO membership is determined.
I support Finland and Sweden, and hope they can join.
Why do they care about former citizens moving to Finland or Sweden?
Too bad we can't ask Turkey to leave. They are playing a game of "only what's good for Turkey" instead of thinking about working with other countries to keep peace. NATO really needs to sit Erdoğan down to explain the expectations of NATO membership. You don't vote solely on what's best for your country or what you can gain in a bargain. If he can't do that, then give Turkey the boot.