In recent years, the world has entered a harsh period again. The war in Ukraine continues, the balance in the Middle East is constantly shifting, and the Iran-Israel tension is at a point where it could turn into a new crisis at any moment. In such a situation, the question frequently asked is: Where is Turkey in these wars?
Turkey today is not a party to a war in the classical sense. It is neither on a front line in the war in Ukraine, nor directly involved in the major tensions in the Middle East. However, this does not mean that Turkey is outside the conflict. Due to its geographical location, Turkey is a country at the center of wars.
While Russia and Ukraine are fighting in the Black Sea, Turkey owns the straits. Thanks to the Montreux Convention, it tries to keep the balance by limiting the passage of warships. At the same time, as one of the few countries that can talk to both Moscow and Kiev, it plays the role of a diplomatic bridge.
There is a completely different picture on the southern borders. The effects of the years-long civil war in Syria still directly affect Turkey's security policies. Turkey maintains a military presence along the border and closely monitors developments in the region. Similarly, developments in northern Iraq continue to be an important item on Ankara's security agenda.
In the face of major tensions in the Middle East, Turkey often tries to pursue a policy of balance. It has not completely severed relations with Iran, it has not closed diplomatic channels with Israel despite occasional tensions, and as a NATO member it remains part of the Western alliance. This sometimes puts Turkey in a difficult position: To be a regional actor and at the same time stay as far as possible away from the confrontation of the great powers.
In fact, this is exactly where Turkey stands: Not at the front, but right next to it.
It is not easy to stay completely out of wars in this geography. However, Turkey's policy in recent years has been based more on not being a direct party to the war, balancing as much as possible and playing a diplomatic role when necessary.
This is perhaps the most difficult position in today's world: Trying to remain as much as possible a party to peace in a geography in the midst of wars.