Developments in relations between Greece and Turkey, between Greece and the United States, and between the United States and Turkey show how interdependent they all are. Greece’s purchase of F-35 aircraft, the upgrading and purchase of F-16s by Turkey, the relaxing of tensions between the two neighbors, and Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession have the United States’ coordinating role as their common point. In this already complicated environment, we need to note the domestic dynamics which add another critical dimension to all these issues. These include the local elections in Turkey on March 31, European Parliament elections on June 6-9, and American presidential and congressional elections on November 5, all of which will play a decisive role in developments.

A return of Donald Trump would encourage Erdogan’s revisionist fervor, whereas a Biden victory would force the Turkish president to accept compromises in foreign policy

This year’s European Parliament elections find the Union with a war on its border and the possibility of a regional war in the Middle East, along with serious economic and social problems that are encouraging the rise of the extreme right and other enemies of Europe’s unification. The elections in June, and the leadership of the major institutions (Commission, Council and Parliament) that will arise from them, will determine the EU’s position towards Turkey, among other things.

On this shifting terrain, haste and inertia are equally dangerous.

Source: Ekathimerini.com