For many years, the phrase “The road to Washington goes through Jerusalem” has been commonly used by people around the world. The original intent of this saying was to highlight the relationship between Turkey and Israel, which has evolved over time.
Turkey was the first Muslim country to recognize Israel in 1949, with the aim of strengthening ties with Washington and eventually joining the NATO alliance in 1952. This move was driven by a fear of Soviet expansion after World War II rather than support for Zionism.
Fast forward to today, and traditional alliances are shifting once again due to the strained relationship between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden. Despite their differences, Erdogan and Biden have found common ground based on mutual opportunism.
Erdogan’s approval was needed for Sweden to join NATO, and for Turkey to upgrade its air force, solidifying their relationship. Reports suggest that Erdogan may visit the White House on May 9th, marking his first visit since Biden took office. This unexpected closeness between two leaders is being driven by an increasing demand for artillery shells, particularly 155mm diameter shells used by NATO countries like Israel.
As tensions rise in Ukraine, demand for these shells has skyrocketed, leading to shortages in supply. The US and EU are working hard to increase production rates to meet demand. Turkey is expected to play a significant role in the supply chain, potentially becoming the top supplier of shells to the US.
Erdogan’s strategic maneuvers in the midst of global conflicts demonstrate his complex diplomatic approach. By aligning with the US on artillery production, Erdogan is positioning Turkey as a key player on the world stage. His actions highlight how leaders navigate complex relationships while advancing their interests amidst global politics.
The demand for artillery shells continues to rise as countries like Turkey capitalize on opportunities presented by shifting alliances and geopolitical dynamics.
In conclusion, it’s fascinating how political relationships can change over time as global dynamics shift constantly. As leaders continue to navigate these changes and make strategic decisions based on their interests, we can expect more unexpected closeness between two leaders who were once at odds or had different ideologies or agendas.