A new report has raised alarms regarding Turkey’s activities in the Middle East, reporting a shift under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Specifically, it suggests that Turkey is moving away from its traditional Western alliances and toward a closer relationship with Islamist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood.
The report, authored by Sinan Sidi from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, is titled “Islamist Domination of Turkey: Jihadist Front Bases Aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood.” It also asserts that Turkey maintains ties with Hamas, the organization the U.S. classifies as a terrorist group and which was involved in the recent tragic events of October 7. As a result, Turkey’s policy is now gaining renewed scrutiny at the NATO Summit.
Sidi noted that Turkey’s changing perspective reflects a broader shift in its understanding of threats.
“Turkey has completely rewritten the rules of how to interpret jihadist terrorist organizations,” he stated. “President Erdoğan has redefined what constitutes a terrorist group. Entities like Hamas and al-Nusra fit within Erdoğan’s wider pan-Islamist views.”
The scrutiny around Hamas is growing
The report delves into Turkey’s association with Hamas, which has established a solid presence in the country since 2011. This includes opening offices and engaging in recruitment and funding activities.
“Since 2011, Hamas has capitalized on favorable conditions in Turkey to set up operations,” Sidi explained.
U.S. authorities have acted against certain networks related to Hamas, showing deeper concerns that these ties may pose risks.
The report claims that some Hamas members have moved around using Turkish-issued documents and enjoyed gatherings with government officials.
Furthermore, Turkey serves as a refuge for figures from the Muslim Brotherhood across the Middle East, including Egypt and Yemen, especially after crackdowns in their home jurisdictions. The Brotherhood has been banned or restricted in various Arab nations for years.
Egypt outlawed the group in 2013, citing its destabilizing actions. Likewise, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have labeled it as a terrorist organization, while countries like Jordan have disbanded its branches. Some European nations are also tightening regulations around Brotherhood-affiliated networks, accusing them of attempting to sway public opinion and challenge state authority through various means, including political and charitable activities.
Turkey’s regional influence and internal policies
The study also looks at Turkey’s involvement in Syria, where it has backed rebel factions, including those that later evolved into the Syrian National Army.
“The Syrian National Army…was a coalition of militias that Turkey directly supported,” Sidi noted.
Concerns have been raised about whether these associations could subject Turkish officials to potential U.S. sanctions under current laws.
Complicated ties with Washington
Despite apprehensions regarding Turkey’s direction, some analysts believe that the U.S.-Turkey relationship still holds significant influence over Ankara’s choices. President Trump and President Erdoğan have developed a rapport, emphasizing cooperation in ongoing negotiations regarding Gaza.
During a recent summit in Egypt, Trump highlighted Erdoğan’s significant role in brokering a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, remarking on their long-standing friendship.
Turkish scholar Hisar Ozsoy described the relationship between the two leaders as somewhat “transactional,” acknowledging that the U.S. relies on Turkey’s regional capabilities.
Others, like Hussein Bakci, posit that Turkey is unlikely to engage in conflict with Israel if it wishes to maintain positive relations with the U.S.
There are suggestions that Turkey may at times keep a lid on Islamist activities within its borders.
NATO dynamics and regional competition
Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, continues to be an essential partner for the U.S., offering significant logistics and military support. However, Sidi expresses concern that Turkey’s current trajectory diverges from NATO’s priorities.
“Turkey has a record of undermining core security concerns of the Atlantic Alliance,” he asserted.
He pointed to U.S. sanctions against Turkish entities involved in supplying arms to Russia as evidence of this growing rift.
Looking ahead
The report suggests potential U.S. responses to reshape Turkey’s actions, including potential sanctions and more rigorous monitoring of Turkey’s financial dealings.
Fox News Digital attempted to obtain comments from Turkish officials and the State Department, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
