For decades, Turkey was not even able to pursue a regional role in foreign policy, even though foreign policy writers say otherwise. After the First World War, the policies of the neighboring countries in Turkey’s region were consistently determined by the superpowers. Therefore, the authors who defined Turkey as a regional power could do nothing but remain silent when asked what important steps it had taken in its region.
Our country could not find a solution to the coups that occurred every ten years, even within the country itself. It was as if the US was redesigning Turkey’s administration every ten years. What could be the foreign policy of a country whose internal politics was determined by the superpowers?
This policy had become so entrenched that those who had been nominated to govern Turkey were not only seeking permission from the US or the UK, but were completely subservient to their policies, desires and whims. This reached its peak during the process of borrowing money from the IMF. It was impossible to take a step against them. What happened to those who tried to do so was enough to bring those who came from behind into line.
As a matter of fact, after 2000, when the governments and maps were being reshaped in the Middle East, Turkey did not have the slightest attitude or intervention. After 2010, the Western attempts in the Middle East were a disaster for Turkey. In the end, there were even plans to divide Turkey into three parts and occupy it.
After surviving the 2016 invasion attempt, Turkey’s eyes were opened. For the first time, it stopped unconditionally surrendering to the policies of superpowers. It started independent policies.
In Syria, Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean and Azerbaijan, it took an unexpected stance.
This attitude, which reshaped Turkish foreign policy, caused great surprise all over the world. Especially after 2016, the steps taken jointly by the government, the army, intelligence and security forces have been the key to great successes.
The saddest part of the matter is that those who have been making policy for decades as losers against the West, while all these successful steps were being taken, did not go beyond saying, “What are we doing in Syria, Libya, the Eastern Mediterranean and Azerbaijan?”.
They did not see what was happening around them, how countries were being divided and weakened, how the future centuries of states were being mortgaged.
Sadly, this mentality has also infected our youth. While a horrible genocide and massacre was taking place in Gaza, there was no unity at home. There was still a clamor that “the Arabs stabbed us in the back”, “the Palestinians sold land…”.
Israel and Cyprus
However, the Gaza War allowed Israel’s ambitions over Turkey to be revealed more clearly.
First of all, it should be noted that in addition to the ten cities of Turkey in Anatolia, the island of Cyprus is also included in the “Arz-ı Mev’ud” goals of the Jews. For this purpose, it has been quietly and deeply pursuing an important policy in both Northern and Southern Cyprus for years.
Despite this, Israel’s interest in Cyprus was never brought up in Turkey. However, Israel was bigger than Greek danger.
The importance of Cyprus for Israel can be easily understood just by the location of the two countries on the map, facing each other. In addition, the Jews have never forgotten that Christians used Cyprus as a base when they were expelled from Jerusalem.
Yes, while we were discussing whether Abdülhamid II was the “Red Sultan” or not, whether the Arabs were backstabbing or not, whether the Palestinians were selling land or not, someone was taking very important steps for the future.
We, on the other hand, only woke up when the danger was at our doorstep. Perhaps this was the way it was intended to be. Because the Turkish press had little to do with such national causes. They are interested in the general elections two years in advance and the local elections one year in advance, discussing them day and night, and they love the issue of whether the headscarf should be worn or not.
As soon as it was established, the State of Israel became interested in every corner of the Middle East region. Foremost among these was the island of Cyprus, which is a gigantic aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean. Because the Zionist State, which was surrounded by Arab-Muslim countries on three sides, saw the island of Cyprus as a gateway to the outside world.
In this respect, Israel has always been closely involved in the political developments on the island. It has tried not to allow any development that could be to its detriment.
With the Gaza War, Israel’s plans for Cyprus have also begun to emerge. The nations of the region know that Israel will not stop after Gaza. It has already started to create disturbances in the West Bank. So where will Israel’s new targets be? These questions have led to the emergence of Cyprus on the agenda.
Dr. Hasan Küçük, MP of the National Unity Party in Northern Cyprus, stated that the Netanyahu Government in Israel has started to build Israel’s famous air defense system ‘Iron-Dome’ in the SCGA.
It has also been claimed that the SCGA has allocated a secret budget allocation of 900 million dollars for this new armament project. In the face of these developments, it will be impossible to achieve political and military stability in Cyprus.
So, is Israel bypassing the TRNC while settling in Southern Cyprus through armaments and increasing its influence there? Of course not. Israel has made its real fortune in Northern Cyprus.
As a matter of fact, the most important news of last week was the moves of the Jews in Northern Cyprus. It was recently revealed that Jews have been buying land in the TRNC in increasing numbers…
The end of heedlessness is catastrophic!
Governments can take steps in the administration of states that can cause great troubles for the future. The rulers of that day are dead and gone, their reputations are gone, but the decisions they take in their heedlessness can pave the way for the destruction of a nation in the future.
As a matter of fact, Israel’s interest in the TRNC gained momentum in the 2000s during the Prime Ministry of Mehmet Ali Talat. At that time, the message of the Jews, “They only came for investment” was skillfully conveyed to the public. With the facilities provided to Jewish business people, a project for a marina and a five-star hotel zone in Erenköy was approved. With this investment, the Israeli lobby quickly became one of the most influential lobbies on the island.
This was followed by construction businesses and land purchases. Jews are the owners of three major construction companies operating in the TRNC. Since they have obtained TRNC citizenship, they can easily make bulk land purchases.
Now, 23 years later, it is beginning to be seen what kind of danger the decisions taken in ignorance and perhaps with treachery will pose in the near future.
Future Israeli policies will reveal how we have been sleeping on time. Look, after the Gaza issue emerged, the “Larnaca-Gaza Humanitarian Corridor” project suddenly came to the agenda. Have you thought about what is the real purpose behind this? Is it really humanitarian aid or is it to take steps that will turn Cyprus into a second homeland for Israel?
First of all, it should be discussed whether Israel has any humanitarian feelings!
From now on, in addition to the political and military will, the parties, cadres, the Turkish education system, the press and social media that are destined to govern Turkey in the future must nationalize and take national stances.
Otherwise, while we are discussing on social media “Let’s boycott this or that product of Israel …”
men are buying our lands in Cyprus like apples and pears from the market!..
REFLECTION
To each his own place seems bright.
Let’s have a mute conversation if there is a man of the heart.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil
1th December 2023
Türkiye Gazetesi