Is Turkey's radical foreign policy shift sustainable?
The Turkish president's willingness to put practicality ahead of pettiness in international relations might be driven solely by his survival instincts, but it is desperately needed.
The motivation behind Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent gestures of reconciliation toward other countries in the region is questionable, but there's no doubt the moves had to be made.
New York Times reporter Sabrina Tavernise wrote in her July 5 piece titled "Turkish Leader Erdogan Making New Enemies and Frustrating Old Friends" that Erdogan "had grown so alone that this past week he moved to make peace deals with Russia over [a] jet's downing and with Israel over its killing of several Turkish activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010." She quoted me on the subject: "I think this is an indicator of how desperate they are."
Whatever the reasons behind the latest Turkish actions, the steps were essential. They will contribute to Erdogan's political survival and demonstrate the approach not of an ideological zealot but of a political pragmatist, and should be seen as an asset for any political operator.
After Turkey's moves to reconcile with Russia and Israel, there are now signs of similar intentions with Egypt and even Syria. Saban Disli, deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party, hinted that Turkey may be planning to restore relations with both countries.
