War in the Middle East Is Boosting Russia-Turkey Ties

The article delves into the evolving diplomatic relationship between Russia and Turkey, particularly in the context of their shared support for Hamas amidst the recent Middle East conflict. This alignment has led to an improvement in Moscow-Ankara relations, which had previously experienced tension due to Turkey's overtures towards Ukraine and its stance on NATO.

The article begins by highlighting the recent diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Despite earlier tensions, such as Turkey's support for Ukraine's NATO membership and the transfer of commanders from Ukraine’s Azov regiment to Kyiv, Russia and Turkey have found common ground in their response to the conflict in the Middle East. Both nations have criticized Israel and its Western allies, positioning themselves similarly in the international arena.

Economically, the trade turnover between Russia and Turkey saw a significant increase in 2022, emphasizing the strengthening ties. However, the article points out that foreign policy issues, including disagreements over Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, have historically been sticking points in their relationship. The shared stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, where both countries support the two-state solution and have shown openness towards Hamas, marks a unique instance of alignment in their foreign policy.

The motivations behind Russia and Turkey's support for Hamas differ. Russia's stance is influenced by its cooling relations with Israel and strengthening ties with Iran, a major sponsor of Hamas. For Turkey, supporting Hamas aligns with President Erdogan's ideological background and his aspiration to lead the Muslim world. This support, however, means neither Russia nor Turkey can act as mediators in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Their engagements with Hamas have not been particularly effective compared to the efforts of countries like Egypt and Qatar.

Domestically, this stance allows both Putin and Erdogan to criticize the West, aligning with their respective narratives against Western influence. Despite Erdogan's critical rhetoric towards the West, the article notes that he does not intend to sever ties with NATO, evidenced by his support for Sweden's NATO membership.

In conclusion, the article suggests that while the Israel-Hamas conflict has brought Russia and Turkey closer diplomatically, especially in areas like the South Caucasus and Syria, this warming of ties is situational. There is no guarantee it will prevent future disputes, indicating a pragmatic and calculated approach in the Russia-Turkey relationship.