For many years, the phrase “The road to Washington goes through Jerusalem” has been commonly used by people around the world. This saying refers to the relationship between Israel and Turkey, which has been a key player in global politics for decades.
Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel in 1949, with the aim of strengthening ties with Washington and eventually joining the NATO alliance in 1952. However, this move was driven not by support for Zionism but by a fear of Soviet expansion after World War II.
In recent years, traditional alliances have shifted as leaders like Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have found common ground based on mutual opportunism. This is evident in Turkey’s approval being needed for Sweden to join NATO and for Turkey to upgrade its air force, solidifying their relationship.
Reports suggest that Erdogan may visit the White House on May 9, marking the first visit by a Turkish president to Washington since Biden took office. This unexpected closeness between the two leaders is driven by increasing demand for artillery shells, particularly 155mm diameter shells used by NATO countries like Israel.
As tensions escalate in Ukraine, there has been a surge in demand for these shells, leading to supply shortages. The US and EU are working hard to increase production rates to meet demand. Turkey is expected to play a significant role in this supply chain, potentially becoming the top supplier of shells to the US.
Erdogan’s strategic maneuvers during global conflicts showcase his complex diplomatic approach. For example, he has sold drones to Ukraine while receiving S-400 batteries from Russia – moves that demonstrate how he navigates complex relationships for his own benefit. By aligning with the US on artillery production, Erdogan positions himself as a key player on the world stage.