The greatest ambition of Erdogan is a revived Ottoman Empire. Should he obtain his goals of EU membership and the settling of large numbers of Muslim migrants throughout the EU, his ambition will be closer to realization.
Erdogan has referred to Europe as a “sick man” – “the slur European politicians used to describe the collapsing Ottoman Empire in the 19th century” — and has vowed to repay Europe for whatever ills he thinks it did to Turkey. He also issued a call to Turkish families in Europe to have five children, since they are “the future of Europe.”
Erdogan’s expansionary ambitions are crystal clear, as is his hatred for the EU, which he views as “collapsing.” All while he becomes bolder with time.
Ankara has dispatched research and drill ships to waters claimed by EU members Greece and Cyprus, sparking a military escalation over the summer.
“EU members have raised the prospect of sanctions against Turkey over its gas exploration missions in the eastern Mediterranean,” but beyond “prospect” sanctions, they should follow through in other ways to contain Erdogan.
Turkey should be have been kicked out of NATO long ago, and Erdogan’s accusations against the EU for “Islamophobia” should be flatly ignored. But as long as EU globalists continue to appease Turkey and to implement open-door immigration policies, the EU will indeed “collapse,” as Erdogan hopes.
“Turkish President Says Turkey ‘Part of Europe’, Wants ‘Full Membership’ of EU,” Associated Press, November 22, 2020:
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday that Turkey sees itself as a part of Europe, but he called on the European Union to “keep your promises” on issues such as the country’s membership bid and refugees.
He spoke before an EU summit due to be held next month. In recent weeks, EU members have raised the prospect of sanctions against Turkey over its gas exploration missions in the eastern Mediterranean.
“We always see ourselves as part of Europe,” Erdogan said in a virtual speech to ruling party members. “We chose to favour Europe as long as they don’t force us to look elsewhere.”
He added: “Keep your promises to our country, from full membership to the issue of refugees. Let’s establish a closer and more efficient co-operation together.”
Turkey applied for membership in the bloc in 1987 and four years ago signed a deal with the EU to manage the flow of migrants to Europe….
Last week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Turkey to stop “provocations” in the Mediterranean or face possible sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was “approaching a watershed moment in our relationship with Turkey.”…