War Over Turkey Erupts Within NATO: British Press Coverage

Prominent English publications have commented on the NATO summit taking place in London on December 3-4, focusing on the future of the alliance amidst heated discussions, reports ermenihaber.

There are several contradictions within the alliance, with one of the most discussed being related to the actions of Turkey, a member of the organization. The English newspaper "Daily Telegraph" titled its article on the summit, "What is the end for this alliance?" The paper writes that Europe’s desire for an independent defense system, particularly from France, is encouraged by Trump’s isolationist policies, which present Macron with an opportunity to challenge NATO’s effectiveness.

"All of this gives NATO a chance to be tested by Russia," states the newspaper, adding that there are more serious issues facing the alliance, with Turkey being the foremost. "Turkey's purchase of S-400 missiles and its claims regarding the YPG (the armed units of Syrian Kurds - ‘People's Protection Units’) as a terrorist organization have caused disagreements within the alliance. However, removing one of the largest armies in the Middle East from the alliance is not an easy decision," writes the "Daily Telegraph."

In the concluding part of the article, it is mentioned that Washington, London, and other partners hope for a leader to come to power after Erdoğan who will create fewer problems. John Coughlin, the defense editor at the "Daily Telegraph," also writes in his article that NATO is on the brink of an existential crisis. In his opinion, there is a diminished trust in the US within the alliance.

Coughlin believes that part of the European partners' concerns relates to Trump’s actions towards the Kurds. They think that if the US President treats fighters and the dead in such a manner, one day he might turn against them as well. "European leaders are also dissatisfied with Trump’s contradictory signals regarding relations with Russia and Turkey. If it weren’t for Erdoğan’s good relations with Trump, Turkey would likely be subjected to NATO sanctions for purchasing S-400 systems. Similarly, Trump's efforts to build friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin overshadow the thesis that Russia is a threat to NATO," Coughlin writes.

Allocating the first two pages of the NATO summit coverage, "GUARDİAN" reports that the clash between Trump and Macron regarding Turkey has sparked a war within NATO. According to the newspaper, everything has added up: on the eve of the summit, Macron accused Turkey of working with groups linked to ISIS. Trump labeled Macron’s statement about NATO’s brain being dead as "impudent." Erdoğan announced that he would block the defense plan for the Baltic states until the member states recognize the YPG as a terrorist organization.