The Turkish Strategy toward the Middle East (2002-2020)

Abstract

This study aims at knowing the general characteristics of the Turkish strategy toward the Middle East and analyzing the nature of the Turkish relations with the international community, and the impact of the Turkish role in the Middle East, where it (the Turkish role) spread dangerously in the political, economic and military aspects. The methods adapted by the Turkish government in order to advance its regional role were many, particularly after the Justice and Development Party successfully led Turkey in 2002. The study implemented the decision making approach to get a realistic understanding to the decision making process in Turkey toward the Middle East, in addition to analyze the factors that affect that role. The descriptive approach was also used to describe and analyze the general characteristics of the Turkish strategy and the Turkish relations toward the Middle East. The study has found that the reasons that stand behind the expansion of Turkish role in the Middle East after 2002 were the success of the Justice and Development Party to lead Turkey in 2002 , the American occupation of Iraq, the Arab revolutions, the Arabic dissent and the vacant political Arabic role in the region. All these factors have led to the rise of Turkish role in the Middle East, and the construction of a Turkish strategy that aims at achieving its goals in the region as well as strengthening its presence in the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and eventually its distinguished relations with the United States in terms of its interests in the Middle East.