Turkey announced plans late Sunday to send the research ship at the centre of an energy rights row with Greece to the eastern Mediterranean again, a move likely to reignite tensions with Athens.

Turkey to send its ship back to eastern Mediterranean again

The Libyan Civil war, the war in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean conflict, and now the Nagorno-Karabakh clashes - Turkey's gunboat diplomacy has raised tensions across all battlegrounds. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about Erdogan's many wars for world power.

Gravitas: How Turkey fueled four conflicts?

Turkey's President Erdogan has a dream. He wants to be the Caliph - the leader of the Muslim World. Where does that leave Turkey and its dream of being a part of the E.U.? WION's Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: Why Erdogan is wooing Islamic countries?

Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war.

The Turkish president also intervened in Syria. Now, Turkey is instigating Azerbaijan, pushing for a full blown war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armed and reckless: Modern day Turkey&nbsp;

The Turkish president is pushing Turkish arms, the military, and proxies to volatile regional battlegrounds. This began in Libya when Turkey announced a military intervention in civil war in January.

Erdogan is a key supporter of the Tripoli-based government of National Accord that is fighting the Libyan National Army, led by commander Khalifa Haftar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/unga-2020-erdogan-calls-kashmir-conflict-a-burning-issue-329483" hreflang="en">UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'</a>

Last year in April, the Libyan National Army launched an offensive to seize the capital. Despite a UN embargo,&nbsp; Turkey has deployed its military forces, sent Syrian militants, and even armed the government of National Accord.

French president Emmanuel Macron has accused Turkey of meddling in the Libyan conflict. In Macron's eyes, Turkey has threatened European interests with its military deployments.

“I have already had the opportunity to make this very clear to president Erdogan: I now consider that Turkey is playing a dangerous game in Libya and is in breach of all the commitments it made at the Berlin conference. This is the same speech I made this afternoon during the exchange I&nbsp;had with president Trump, because it is in the interests of Libya, of its neighbours, of the whole region, but also of Europe”, Emmanuel Macron had said.

The response?

In August, Turkey pursued an aggressive gas exploration effort in eastern Mediterranean. Greece claims the same disputed regions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/will-erdogans-support-to-azerbaijan-create-conflict-between-turkey-and-russia-331248" hreflang="en">Will Erdogan's support to Azerbaijan create conflict between Turkey and Russia?</a>

Encounters between Turkish and Greek vessels on the high seas raised the threat of war. France sided with Greece. Erdogan responded with the following: “France is often on the agenda. I don't want to give names, but I am forced to because he comes at me a lot. It isn't with our people but he says we have a problem with Erdogan.&nbsp;Mr Macron, you are going to have way more problems with me."

No backing down

By the end of September, Erdogan triggered a new conflict, and ramped up support to Azerbaijan. On September 27, fighting broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

For 11 days now, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in deadly clashes. With Erdogan sending Syrian mercenaries to assist Azerbaijan, the international community wants a ceasefire. Erdogan has offered Azerbaijan complete military support, and defied calls for a ceasefire.

“Given that the three Minsk countries, USA, Russia and France have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years, first of all, it is unacceptable that they are involved in a search for a ceasefire in the face of these negative developments that came to surface in these days but if something is wanted, the invaders should leave these lands in order to achieve a solution”, Erdogan said.

Erdogan believes that he can get a seat at the high table by initiating proxy battles.&nbsp; But by flexing his military muscle, the Turkish president is only isolating his country further.

Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war.

Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war. The Turkish president also intervened in Syria. Now, Turkey is instigating Azerbaijan, pushing for a full blown war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armed and reckless: Modern day Turkey The Turkish president is pushing Turkish arms, the military, and proxies to volatile regional battlegrounds. This began in Libya when Turkey announced a military intervention in civil war in January. Erdogan is a key supporter of the Tripoli-based government of National Accord that is fighting the Libyan National Army, led by commander Khalifa Haftar. Also read: UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue' Last year in April, the Libyan National Army launched an offensive to seize the capital. Despite a UN embargo, Turkey has deployed its military forces, sent Syrian militants, and even armed the government of National Accord. French president Emmanuel Macron has accused Turkey of meddling in the Libyan conflict. In Macron's eyes, Turkey has threatened European interests with its military deployments. “I have already had the opportunity to make this very clear to president Erdogan: I now consider that Turkey is playing a dangerous game in Libya and is in breach of all the commitments it made at the Berlin conference. This is the same speech I made this afternoon during the exchange I had with president Trump, because it is in the interests of Libya, of its neighbours, of the whole region, but also of Europe”, Emmanuel Macron had said. The response? In August, Turkey pursued an aggressive gas exploration effort in eastern Mediterranean. Greece claims the same disputed regions. Also read: Will Erdogan's support to Azerbaijan create conflict between Turkey and Russia? Encounters between Turkish and Greek vessels on the high seas raised the threat of war. France sided with Greece. Erdogan responded with the following: “France is often on the agenda. I don't want to give names, but I am forced to because he comes at me a lot. It isn't with our people but he says we have a problem with Erdogan. Mr Macron, you are going to have way more problems with me." No backing down By the end of September, Erdogan triggered a new conflict, and ramped up support to Azerbaijan. On September 27, fighting broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. For 11 days now, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in deadly clashes. With Erdogan sending Syrian mercenaries to assist Azerbaijan, the international community wants a ceasefire. Erdogan has offered Azerbaijan complete military support, and defied calls for a ceasefire. “Given that the three Minsk countries, USA, Russia and France have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years, first of all, it is unacceptable that they are involved in a search for a ceasefire in the face of these negative developments that came to surface in these days but if something is wanted, the invaders should leave these lands in order to achieve a solution”, Erdogan said. Erdogan believes that he can get a seat at the high table by initiating proxy battles. But by flexing his military muscle, the Turkish president is only isolating his country further.

Modern-day Turkey: Armed and reckless

For the longest time in recent history, Turkey tried to maintain a facade of a peace-loving, secular country in hopes of making it to the European Union.

In 1959, Turkey applied for EEC, or the European Economic Community membership, which was accepted. In 1989, Turkey applied for a full membership of the European Union. But Europe was not comfortable with the idea of letting Turkey in, claiming it is a very populous country. Turkey also had disputes over Cyprus, prompting EU to be careful.

In 2007, France&nbsp; and Germany blocked all negotiation about Turkey's EU membership after because the country refused to admit its role in the Armenian genocide. In 2016, after the failed military coup, Turkey’s human rights record worsened.

New dream

In the last 15 years, Turkey has been chasing a new dream. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current president of Turkey came to power in 2003, when he was the prime minister. Erdogan wanted to become the Caliph, or in other words, the ruler of the Muslim world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-day-turkey-armed-and-reckless-333280" hreflang="en">Modern-day Turkey: Armed and reckless</a>

On paper, Erdogan maintained that joining the EU was Turkey's strategic goal. But in practice, Erdogan was looking east, towards the Arab world.

Turkey refused to recognise the Republic of Cyprus. In 2013, Turkish police cracked down on protesters. In 2014, and 2016, the government launched a purge, and Erdogan became more authoritarian.

To justify its posturing in West Asia, Turkey started dwelling on it Ottoman history. With his intervention in Syria and Iraq, Erdogan became unapologetically authoritarian.

Turkey's present goal does not include peace or Brussels: it involves unseating Saudi Arabia as the leader of the Muslim world.

Saudi Arabia is the guardian of the Muslim holy places of Mecca and Medina. Turkey wants to project itself as a country not too concerned with the Shia-Sunni divide.

The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi gave Erdogan the opportunity to slam Saudi Arabia. He uses Pakistan as a tool against Saudi dominance. And he buys Pakistan's loyalty with anti-India statements on Kashmir.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/unga-2020-erdogan-calls-kashmir-conflict-a-burning-issue-329483" hreflang="en">UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'</a>

Turkey could have been the bridge between the Muslim and the secular world. But Erdogan chose to be the wedge. His priority was to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque.

Turkey's army is one of the most powerful in the NATO, and he’s using it to fuel the fight between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Why?

Azerbaijan is a Muslim country with oil. Erdogan's dreams of a caliphate do not acknowledge boundaries and contradictions. He attacks the ISIS, then does business with it. He fights for the Muslim brotherhood, but also commits crimes against the Kurds. He occupies parts of Syria. But contests Israeli occupation of the West Bank. He remains a member of the NATO, but fights NATO forces in the Mediterranean. Turkey now stands between democracy and dictatorship; the West and West Asia.

For the longest time in recent history, Turkey tried to maintain a facade of a peace-loving, secular country in hopes of making it to the European Union. In 1959, Turkey applied for EEC, or the European Economic Community membership, which was accepted.

For the longest time in recent history, Turkey tried to maintain a facade of a peace-loving, secular country in hopes of making it to the European Union. In 1959, Turkey applied for EEC, or the European Economic Community membership, which was accepted. In 1989, Turkey applied for a full membership of the European Union. But Europe was not comfortable with the idea of letting Turkey in, claiming it is a very populous country. Turkey also had disputes over Cyprus, prompting EU to be careful. In 2007, France and Germany blocked all negotiation about Turkey's EU membership after because the country refused to admit its role in the Armenian genocide. In 2016, after the failed military coup, Turkey’s human rights record worsened. New dream In the last 15 years, Turkey has been chasing a new dream. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current president of Turkey came to power in 2003, when he was the prime minister. Erdogan wanted to become the Caliph, or in other words, the ruler of the Muslim world. Also read: Modern-day Turkey: Armed and reckless On paper, Erdogan maintained that joining the EU was Turkey's strategic goal. But in practice, Erdogan was looking east, towards the Arab world. Turkey refused to recognise the Republic of Cyprus. In 2013, Turkish police cracked down on protesters. In 2014, and 2016, the government launched a purge, and Erdogan became more authoritarian. To justify its posturing in West Asia, Turkey started dwelling on it Ottoman history. With his intervention in Syria and Iraq, Erdogan became unapologetically authoritarian. Turkey's present goal does not include peace or Brussels: it involves unseating Saudi Arabia as the leader of the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia is the guardian of the Muslim holy places of Mecca and Medina. Turkey wants to project itself as a country not too concerned with the Shia-Sunni divide. The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi gave Erdogan the opportunity to slam Saudi Arabia. He uses Pakistan as a tool against Saudi dominance. And he buys Pakistan's loyalty with anti-India statements on Kashmir. Also read: UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue' Turkey could have been the bridge between the Muslim and the secular world. But Erdogan chose to be the wedge. His priority was to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque. Turkey's army is one of the most powerful in the NATO, and he’s using it to fuel the fight between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Why? Azerbaijan is a Muslim country with oil. Erdogan's dreams of a caliphate do not acknowledge boundaries and contradictions. He attacks the ISIS, then does business with it. He fights for the Muslim brotherhood, but also commits crimes against the Kurds. He occupies parts of Syria. But contests Israeli occupation of the West Bank. He remains a member of the NATO, but fights NATO forces in the Mediterranean. Turkey now stands between democracy and dictatorship; the West and West Asia.

Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as&nbsp;"NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members."

However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria.

Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents&nbsp;were seized by the state and dissent&nbsp; was crushed.

Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states.

As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't&nbsp;represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a>

However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance.

The alliance

NATO, which was created in&nbsp;1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question.

Today,&nbsp;the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.

Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight.

However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year.

In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France.

NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However,&nbsp;Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies.

Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict&nbsp;in Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia.

NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls.

"It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said&nbsp;NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw.

"Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The conflict began 11 days ago and&nbsp;it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its&nbsp;relationship with many NATO allies is now straining.

Should turkey remain in the military alliance?

NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite&nbsp;vehement objections of the United States and NATO members.

The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's&nbsp;air defences.

The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page.

If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change,&nbsp;veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence.

In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO&nbsp;partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations&nbsp;— countries that share a border with Russia.

Reports say, Erdogan relented&nbsp;only after considerable pressure from Washington and&nbsp;this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all.

Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members." However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria. Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents were seized by the state and dissent was crushed. Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states. As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner. Also read| Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance. The alliance NATO, which was created in 1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question. Today, the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight. However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year. In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France. NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However, Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies. Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia. NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls. "It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw. "Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The conflict began 11 days ago and it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its relationship with many NATO allies is now straining. Should turkey remain in the military alliance? NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite vehement objections of the United States and NATO members. The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's air defences. The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page. If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change, veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence. In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations — countries that share a border with Russia. Reports say, Erdogan relented only after considerable pressure from Washington and this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all. Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

Fall of democracy: Turkey's Erdogan openly challenging NATO's values

Turkey has entered the new era of tight social restrictions from October 01, 2020. The Draconian law has came into force.

Turkey enters era of tight social restrictions, Draconian law comes into force

Turkey on September 30 enters a new era of tight social media restrictions that threaten to erase the local presence of Facebook and Twitter should they fail to take down contentious posts.

Erdogan's Draconian law comes into force: 'Contentious posts' to be taken down

Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems intent on burning bridges. He is now wading into the conflict in the Caucasus, openly backing Azerbaijan -- even though it means antagonising one of his few remaining allies - Russia President Vladimir Putin.

Dozens have been reported killed and hundreds wounded since clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region broke out on Sunday in a new eruption of a decades-old conflict.

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-armenia-azerbaijan-clash-erdogan-wades-into-the-dispute-331284/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp; 
Armenia and Azerbaijan reported further bloodshed on Tuesday, as heavy weaponry was moved to the front lines. 
&nbsp; 
Erdogan on Monday demanded Armenia put an end to its “occupation” of Nagorno-Karabakh and called for it to leave the territory.

&nbsp;

But Russia is not happy. It has urged Turkey to work on bringing an end to deadly clashes

Armenia has even accused Turkey of sending mercenaries to back Azerbaijan, its close ally, a charge Ankara denies.

The Turkish president even said Armenia is the biggest threat to peace in the region.

Turkey conducted joint military drills with Azerbaijan last month. It has also established an army and an air force base within the country to support Azerbaijan.

This aggressive posturing puts Erdogan at odds with Vladimir Putin. The Russian president is already dealing with a full-blown crisis in Belarus.

He is keen to avoid another one in the Caucasus.

And one can simply say Turkey is risking its relationship with Russia for the same reason it triggered the conflict with Greece -- energy, oil and gas.

In 2019, Azerbaijan delivered 9.2 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Turkey. It was delivered through the South Caucasus pipeline, which is part of a US-backed energy corridor.

The region is also rich in crude oil reserves. &nbsp;

Oil is exported to an energy terminal on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. In short, most of Azerbaijan's energy exports end up in Turkey.

And this fits perfectly into Erdogan's plan of making Turkey a crucial cog in the energy trade between the Caspian sea and Europe.

Most of the pipelines in the region run perilously close to the disputed border.

If Azebaijian takes control of this land, Erdogan would be able to dictate energy exports to Europe.

But that's not all.

Azerbaijan's former president once described the relationship as 'one nation with two states'. Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan back in 1991.

Last month, when tensions flared between Greece and Turkey, Azerbaijian was unequivocal in its support for Ankara.

On the other hand, Turkey's relations with Armenia have always been troublesome.

The Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman empire is not something the country will so easily forgive. Armenia claims as many as 1.5 million people were killed or expelled.

Turkey on its part rejects the use of the word 'genocide' for what happened between 1914 and 1923.

Now, by positioning himself with Azerbaijan, Erdogan has put himself in a tight spot.

Most of the world leaders, including Putin, want both sides to stand down.&nbsp;

If Azerbaijan and Armenia do opt for diplomacy, Erdogan's warpath may end up denying him a seat at the negotiating table.

Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems intent on burning bridges. He is now wading into the conflict in the Caucasus, openly backing Azerbaijan -- even though it means antagonising one of his few remaining allies - Russia President Vladimir Putin.

Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems intent on burning bridges. He is now wading into the conflict in the Caucasus, openly backing Azerbaijan -- even though it means antagonising one of his few remaining allies - Russia President Vladimir Putin. Dozens have been reported killed and hundreds wounded since clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region broke out on Sunday in a new eruption of a decades-old conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan reported further bloodshed on Tuesday, as heavy weaponry was moved to the front lines. Erdogan on Monday demanded Armenia put an end to its “occupation” of Nagorno-Karabakh and called for it to leave the territory. But Russia is not happy. It has urged Turkey to work on bringing an end to deadly clashes Armenia has even accused Turkey of sending mercenaries to back Azerbaijan, its close ally, a charge Ankara denies. The Turkish president even said Armenia is the biggest threat to peace in the region. Turkey conducted joint military drills with Azerbaijan last month. It has also established an army and an air force base within the country to support Azerbaijan. This aggressive posturing puts Erdogan at odds with Vladimir Putin. The Russian president is already dealing with a full-blown crisis in Belarus. He is keen to avoid another one in the Caucasus. And one can simply say Turkey is risking its relationship with Russia for the same reason it triggered the conflict with Greece -- energy, oil and gas. In 2019, Azerbaijan delivered 9.2 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Turkey. It was delivered through the South Caucasus pipeline, which is part of a US-backed energy corridor. The region is also rich in crude oil reserves. Oil is exported to an energy terminal on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. In short, most of Azerbaijan's energy exports end up in Turkey. And this fits perfectly into Erdogan's plan of making Turkey a crucial cog in the energy trade between the Caspian sea and Europe. Most of the pipelines in the region run perilously close to the disputed border. If Azebaijian takes control of this land, Erdogan would be able to dictate energy exports to Europe. But that's not all. Azerbaijan's former president once described the relationship as 'one nation with two states'. Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan back in 1991. Last month, when tensions flared between Greece and Turkey, Azerbaijian was unequivocal in its support for Ankara. On the other hand, Turkey's relations with Armenia have always been troublesome. The Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman empire is not something the country will so easily forgive. Armenia claims as many as 1.5 million people were killed or expelled. Turkey on its part rejects the use of the word 'genocide' for what happened between 1914 and 1923. Now, by positioning himself with Azerbaijan, Erdogan has put himself in a tight spot. Most of the world leaders, including Putin, want both sides to stand down. If Azerbaijan and Armenia do opt for diplomacy, Erdogan's warpath may end up denying him a seat at the negotiating table.

Will Erdogan's support to Azerbaijan create conflict between Turkey and Russia?

As world leaders urge restraint, Erdogan is on a warpath. The Turkish President has decided to jump into the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. What explains the Turkish president's move that risks Putin's wrath? WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Armenia - Azerbaijan clash: Erdogan wades into the dispute

Turkey has ordered the arrest of 82 people in connection to a 6-year-old demonstration. Arrest warrants have been issued against opposition leaders, including a current Mayor. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is going after opposition leaders. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Erdogan trying to silence dissent?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t miss a beat during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that he, unlike the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, would not accept a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is not endorsed by the Palestinians.

Mr Erdogan’s solemn pledge may earn him brownie points with large segments of Middle Eastern and Muslim public opinion critical of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the two Gulf states but does not strengthen his weak hand.

The UAE, with whom Mr Erdogan is at loggerheads over Libya, Syria, and the future of political Islam, may have less clout than it thinks in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but has, for now, more cards to play.

What those cards are worth will only emerge over time.

The UAE is betting that a combination of soft power garnered through recognition of Israel and close security, economic and technological cooperation will enable it to convince the Israeli government that an independent Palestinian state is in Israel’s interest.

While there is little reason to believe that the UAE will succeed where others have failed in recent decades, Emirati leaders, in contrast to Turkey, potentially could in cooperation with Israel also try to impose an unpopular Palestinian figure who has close ties to the US, Emirati and Israeli leadership.

The move would be designed to install a leader who would be &nbsp;more conducive to engaging in peace talks on terms that hold out little hope of meeting long-standing Palestinian aspirations.

It is a scenario that 84-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appears to be taking seriously and appears to be trying to pre-empt.

The Democratic Reform Bloc, a political group headed by Mohammed Dahlan, a controversial Abu Dhabi-based former Palestinian security chief believed to be close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE’s de facto ruler, said dozens of his supporters had been arrested or summoned for questioning by Palestinian security forces in recent days.

Mr Dahlan appeared to be walking a fine line when he recently denied any role in mediating relations between the UAE and Israel.

Mr Abbas’ suspicions stem from an unsuccessful effort last year by the UAE to engineer a deal in which Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, would share power with Mr Dahlan.

Mr Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control of Gaza. US President George W Bush described Mr Dahlan at the time as “our boy.”

He has since been indicted by Mr Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges.

UAE recognition of Israel constituted an acknowledgment that the 18-year old Arab peace plan that offered Israel diplomatic relations in exchange for land and a Palestinian state had produced naught.

In its rivalry with Turkey, whose assertive support for the Palestinian cause has likewise failed to produce results so far, the UAE is banking on the expectation that it has the upper hand in getting not only Israeli but also the attention of Washington that under US President Donald J Trump has disregarded Palestinian rights.

The UAE assumes that it will be able to capitalize on the fact that Emirati recognition of Israel has further complicated Turkey’s relations with its NATO ally, the United States.

Turkey’s relations with the US are already troubled by US support for Syrian Kurds; Turkish military backing of the Libyan government in Tripoli; tensions between Turkey and Greece, another NATO ally, in the Eastern Mediterranean; and Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system.

The Trump administration hopes to finalize by December the sale of F-35 fighter planes to the UAE in the wake of the deal with Israel. &nbsp;Earlier, it cancelled Turkey’s acquisition of the same plane in response to the country’s S-400 deal with Russia.&nbsp;

For now, Turkey can look at appreciation by important segments of Arab and Muslim public opinion as an upside of its strident support for the Palestinians.

Seeking to capitalize on its Palestinian goodwill, Turkey has been attempting to end the rift between Mr Abbas’ Al Fatah movement and Hamas in a bid to get the Palestinians to agree on elections and the formation of a joint government.

The two groups, agreed during talks in Istanbul this week to work together and hold long overdue elections in the next six months.

The joker in Turkish-Emirati differences over Israel and Palestine is the upcoming US presidential election in November.

Irrespective of who wins, Turkey has lost to the UAE the beneficial mantle of being Israel’s best Muslim friend.

Nonetheless, an electoral victory by Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who is expected to be more critical of arms purchases by the UAE and other Gulf states and take them to task on human rights issues, could put both Turkey and the Emirates on the back foot.

A Biden victory would be for Turkey a lost opportunity. The very issues that are at the core of its strained relations with the UAE are likely to complicate its relations with a Democratic administration.

Recent media reports reminded Mr. Erdogan that Mr. Biden had described him in a conversation with The New York Times early this year as an “autocrat.” The Democratic candidate suggested that the US. should “embolden” his opponents to defeat him in elections.

In the conversation, Mr. Biden mentioned other issues, including the Kurds, Syria, and tension in the Eastern Mediterranean that do not bode well for US-Turkish relations should the Democrat occupy the White House. Mr. Biden is expected to be also critical of the UAE’s interventions in Yemen and Libya.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the UAE, despite its own issues with the US, is likely to still find itself in a better place in Washington no matter who emerges victorious from the November election.

A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox.

Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture in Germany.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may have the upper hand in its competition with Turkey in efforts to shape Palestinian politics. Similarly, the UAE’s recognition of the Jewish state gives it a leg up in ensuring that its voice is heard in Israel and Washington irrespective of who wins the November US election. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t miss a beat during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that he, unlike the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, would not accept a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is not endorsed by the Palestinians. Mr Erdogan’s solemn pledge may earn him brownie points with large segments of Middle Eastern and Muslim public opinion critical of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the two Gulf states but does not strengthen his weak hand. The UAE, with whom Mr Erdogan is at loggerheads over Libya, Syria, and the future of political Islam, may have less clout than it thinks in bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, but has, for now, more cards to play. What those cards are worth will only emerge over time. The UAE is betting that a combination of soft power garnered through recognition of Israel and close security, economic and technological cooperation will enable it to convince the Israeli government that an independent Palestinian state is in Israel’s interest. While there is little reason to believe that the UAE will succeed where others have failed in recent decades, Emirati leaders, in contrast to Turkey, potentially could in cooperation with Israel also try to impose an unpopular Palestinian figure who has close ties to the US, Emirati and Israeli leadership. The move would be designed to install a leader who would be more conducive to engaging in peace talks on terms that hold out little hope of meeting long-standing Palestinian aspirations. It is a scenario that 84-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appears to be taking seriously and appears to be trying to pre-empt. The Democratic Reform Bloc, a political group headed by Mohammed Dahlan, a controversial Abu Dhabi-based former Palestinian security chief believed to be close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, the UAE’s de facto ruler, said dozens of his supporters had been arrested or summoned for questioning by Palestinian security forces in recent days. Mr Dahlan appeared to be walking a fine line when he recently denied any role in mediating relations between the UAE and Israel. Mr Abbas’ suspicions stem from an unsuccessful effort last year by the UAE to engineer a deal in which Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, would share power with Mr Dahlan. Mr Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control of Gaza. US President George W Bush described Mr Dahlan at the time as “our boy.” He has since been indicted by Mr Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges. UAE recognition of Israel constituted an acknowledgment that the 18-year old Arab peace plan that offered Israel diplomatic relations in exchange for land and a Palestinian state had produced naught. In its rivalry with Turkey, whose assertive support for the Palestinian cause has likewise failed to produce results so far, the UAE is banking on the expectation that it has the upper hand in getting not only Israeli but also the attention of Washington that under US President Donald J Trump has disregarded Palestinian rights. The UAE assumes that it will be able to capitalize on the fact that Emirati recognition of Israel has further complicated Turkey’s relations with its NATO ally, the United States. Turkey’s relations with the US are already troubled by US support for Syrian Kurds; Turkish military backing of the Libyan government in Tripoli; tensions between Turkey and Greece, another NATO ally, in the Eastern Mediterranean; and Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile defense system. The Trump administration hopes to finalize by December the sale of F-35 fighter planes to the UAE in the wake of the deal with Israel. Earlier, it cancelled Turkey’s acquisition of the same plane in response to the country’s S-400 deal with Russia. For now, Turkey can look at appreciation by important segments of Arab and Muslim public opinion as an upside of its strident support for the Palestinians. Seeking to capitalize on its Palestinian goodwill, Turkey has been attempting to end the rift between Mr Abbas’ Al Fatah movement and Hamas in a bid to get the Palestinians to agree on elections and the formation of a joint government. The two groups, agreed during talks in Istanbul this week to work together and hold long overdue elections in the next six months. The joker in Turkish-Emirati differences over Israel and Palestine is the upcoming US presidential election in November. Irrespective of who wins, Turkey has lost to the UAE the beneficial mantle of being Israel’s best Muslim friend. Nonetheless, an electoral victory by Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who is expected to be more critical of arms purchases by the UAE and other Gulf states and take them to task on human rights issues, could put both Turkey and the Emirates on the back foot. A Biden victory would be for Turkey a lost opportunity. The very issues that are at the core of its strained relations with the UAE are likely to complicate its relations with a Democratic administration. Recent media reports reminded Mr. Erdogan that Mr. Biden had described him in a conversation with The New York Times early this year as an “autocrat.” The Democratic candidate suggested that the US. should “embolden” his opponents to defeat him in elections. In the conversation, Mr. Biden mentioned other issues, including the Kurds, Syria, and tension in the Eastern Mediterranean that do not bode well for US-Turkish relations should the Democrat occupy the White House. Mr. Biden is expected to be also critical of the UAE’s interventions in Yemen and Libya. Nonetheless, the UAE, despite its own issues with the US, is likely to still find itself in a better place in Washington no matter who emerges victorious from the November election. A podcast version of this story is available on Soundcloud, Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker, Pocket Casts, Tumblr, Podbean, Audecibel, Patreon and Castbox. Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture in Germany. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Shaping Palestinian politics: The UAE has a leg up on Turkey

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan ratcheted up his rhetoric on Monday (September 7), amid growing tensions between the neighbours over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey begins military exercises near northern Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences.

"They're either going to understand the language of politics and diplomacy, or in the field with painful experiences," he said at a hospital's opening ceremony in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Ankara is currently facing off against Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. All sides have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey was "ready for every eventuality and result."

Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that tanks were being moved towards the Greek border.&nbsp;

The Cumhuriyet newspaper said 40 tanks were being transported from the Syrian border to Edirne in northwest Turkey and carried photographs of armored vehicles loaded on trucks. 
There was no immediate official confirmation of the deployment.

The president's comments come after NATO said military officers from Greece and Turkey had begun technical discussions to reduce the risk of armed conflict or accidents.

The two NATO allies have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf.

The EU, which numbers Greece and Cyprus as members, has also threatened possible sanctions against Ankara over its actions.

This week, the US announced it was easing a 33-year-old arms embargo against ethnically divided Cyprus.

The recent crisis is the most serious in Turkish-Greek relations in decades. The neighbours have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences. "They're either going to understand the language of politics and diplomacy, or in the field with painful experiences," he said at a hospital's opening ceremony in Istanbul. Ankara is currently facing off against Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. All sides have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region. Erdogan stressed that Turkey was "ready for every eventuality and result." Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that tanks were being moved towards the Greek border. The Cumhuriyet newspaper said 40 tanks were being transported from the Syrian border to Edirne in northwest Turkey and carried photographs of armored vehicles loaded on trucks. There was no immediate official confirmation of the deployment. The president's comments come after NATO said military officers from Greece and Turkey had begun technical discussions to reduce the risk of armed conflict or accidents. The two NATO allies have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf. The EU, which numbers Greece and Cyprus as members, has also threatened possible sanctions against Ankara over its actions. This week, the US announced it was easing a 33-year-old arms embargo against ethnically divided Cyprus. The recent crisis is the most serious in Turkish-Greek relations in decades. The neighbours have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean.

Erdogan warns Greece over standoff in Mediterranean

The eastern Mediterranean conflict between Turkey and Greece has escalated to the skies. The Ionian seas is now a scene of war with naval frigates, submarines and, the sonic boom of the fighter jets.

The eastern Mediterranean conflict between Turkey and Greece has escalated to the skies. The Ionian seas is now a scene of war with naval frigates, submarines and, the sonic boom of the fighter jets. In the guise of military drills, Turkey and Greece are confronting each other. But, what are they fighting over? Oil and gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean seas. 1.7 billion barrels of oil and 3.5 trillion cubic meters of gas is found in these seas. It's a pot of gold ----- but, in disputed waters. It was Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who started the conflict. He sent a research vessel accompanied by warships to look for oil. Erdogan is challenging maps that were drawn nearly 100 years ago. Erdogan first roped in Libya signing a deal to start drilling. This angered Egypt. Greece said it won't allow Turkey to drill. × Erdogan says it is Turkey's right to do so. He said: "Can those who are standing before us in the Mediterranean and its adjacent areas face up to the sacrifice (the same amount we are willing to sacrifice)? Do the Greek people accept what will happen to them because of their greedy and deficient administrators?" It's a clash of NATO allies. Both Turkey and Greece are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Europe has pressed the panic button. France, Italy and Cyprus have joined the Greek fleet. Europe is backing Greece asking Erdogan to show restraint. EU's Foreign Policy Chief said: "The (EU foreign) ministers were very clear and determined to show eu solidarity with its two affected member states - namely Cyprus and Greece - and they were very clear in their call on Turkish authorities to end any unilateral activities, which are escalating tensions in the Mediterranean and the ministers and the eu are very clear in preferring dialogue." Turkey has long wanted to join the EU. But, this rush to lay siege to the oil wells is backfiring. Instead of membership, Turkey may get sanctions. The Netherlands and Austria, among the richest EU members, are for it. The EU is stressing on dialogue but, is also open to sanction Turkey that'll cut off Ankara's access to European ports, capacities, and technology. Germany, the mediator in this case, is asking Turkey and Greece to halt naval exercises. Germany has an obligation to both countries. As the president of the EU council ----- it owes its power to Greece. But with 3 million citizens of Turkish origin attacking Erdogan may cause unrest at home. Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that he is paying attention to every little spark that can lead to catastrophe.

Turkey risks sanctions from EU after conflict with Greece intensifies

Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece

Greek parliament ratified an accord defining maritime boundaries between Greece and Egypt on Thursday, amid rising tensions with neighbouring Turkey over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

Greek parliament ratifies maritime accord with Egypt

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wants to increase his influence over Muslim countries to become its leader.

To fulfil his ambition, he is folllowing the footsteps of China by adapting its technique of expansionism.

Like China, Erdogan&nbsp;is supporting countries such as Pakistan which propagate terrorism. He is converting churches into mosques to appease Muslims living all over the world.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-hagia-sophia-turkeys-historic-chora-church-to-be-converted-into-mosque-322191">After Hagia Sophia, Turkey's historic Chora church to be converted into mosque</a>

Turkey is provoking its neighbours by claiming disputed terroritories. And it is due to him that Europe is looking at a military conflict.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are facing off in one of their fiercest rows in months over a wealth of energy deposits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

It is far from the first time tensions have flared between the two uneasy neighbours. While Athens is ready for&nbsp;"significant de-escalation", Erdogan is not halting his&nbsp;"provocative actions".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-is-following-chinas-playbook-of-expansionism-323297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both the countries vehemently disagree over claims to hydrocarbon resources in the area based on conflicting views on the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands.

"If there is anyone who wants to pay its price, they are welcome to confront us. If not then they should go away so we can handle our own business," Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Turkey and Greece have several unresolved issues ranging from terrority to gas reserves which seems to be proving the last working straw.&nbsp;

However, it was Erogan who triggered the situation by fishing in troubled waters and announced Turkey's exploration in eastern&nbsp;Mediterranean region which is a contested terroritory. His unilateral decison has put his country on a collosive course with Greece in particular and Europe in general.

The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between the two countries.

According to an American survey conducted by Levant basin in 2010, the disputed region has 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 3.5 trillion cubic meters of recoverable gas. These reserves are enough to feed the world for 19 days.

These territories were spilt in 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed. However, the&nbsp;peace treaty had ended World War I.

It recognized the boundaries of the modern state of Turkey. Now, Erdogan is no longer willing to accept its terms.

He claims that Turkey was disadvantaged by how the borders were drawn. So, he&nbsp;launched an explosive fight for a greater share of the Mediterranean.

EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves.

Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning&nbsp;Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks.

After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase.

Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wants to increase his influence over Muslim countries to become its leader. To fulfil his ambition, he is folllowing the footsteps of China by adapting its technique of expansionism.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wants to increase his influence over Muslim countries to become its leader. To fulfil his ambition, he is folllowing the footsteps of China by adapting its technique of expansionism. Like China, Erdogan is supporting countries such as Pakistan which propagate terrorism. He is converting churches into mosques to appease Muslims living all over the world. Also see: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey's historic Chora church to be converted into mosque Turkey is provoking its neighbours by claiming disputed terroritories. And it is due to him that Europe is looking at a military conflict. NATO allies Turkey and Greece are facing off in one of their fiercest rows in months over a wealth of energy deposits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is far from the first time tensions have flared between the two uneasy neighbours. While Athens is ready for "significant de-escalation", Erdogan is not halting his "provocative actions". Both the countries vehemently disagree over claims to hydrocarbon resources in the area based on conflicting views on the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands. "If there is anyone who wants to pay its price, they are welcome to confront us. If not then they should go away so we can handle our own business," Erdogan said on Wednesday. Turkey and Greece have several unresolved issues ranging from terrority to gas reserves which seems to be proving the last working straw. However, it was Erogan who triggered the situation by fishing in troubled waters and announced Turkey's exploration in eastern Mediterranean region which is a contested terroritory. His unilateral decison has put his country on a collosive course with Greece in particular and Europe in general. The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between the two countries. According to an American survey conducted by Levant basin in 2010, the disputed region has 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 3.5 trillion cubic meters of recoverable gas. These reserves are enough to feed the world for 19 days. These territories were spilt in 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed. However, the peace treaty had ended World War I. It recognized the boundaries of the modern state of Turkey. Now, Erdogan is no longer willing to accept its terms. He claims that Turkey was disadvantaged by how the borders were drawn. So, he launched an explosive fight for a greater share of the Mediterranean. EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves. Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks. After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase. Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue."

How Turkish President Erdogan is following China's playbook of expansionism

What explains Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aggression in Eastern Mediterranean? Erdogan is junking old treaties and provoking through the military. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how the Turkish President is following China's playbook of expansionism.

Gravitas: Erdogan is following China's playbook of expansionism

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues.

Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation.

Turkish and Greek ships are sailing in waters of geopolitics in the eastern Mediterranean.

The differences are old. But some have turned into disputes, threatening to engulf the whole of Europe.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-greece-and-turkey-on-a-war-path-323295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A battle for gas reserves could push Turkey and Greece into a military confrontation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to budge, he said: "We are determined to do whatever is necessary in military, politic and economic sense. We invite our counterparts to get it together and avoid mistakes that would bring their destruction."

What explains Erdogan's assertiveness?

The Turkish president has consolidated power at home. He now wants to make Turkey a superpower.

That's the promise he made to the voters of Turkey in 2018.

These territorial claims and new-found aggression are a message to the people of Turkey.

In 2017, Erdogan challenged a hundred-year-old Lausanne treaty and revived the territorial dispute.

In 2019, Turkey claimed that northern Syria is part of the Turkish homeland.

Erdogan backed his words with his military posturing to assert control over the region. He even intervened militarily, alongside its proxy --- the Syrian national army. As of today --- they control several parts of northern Syria.

Here is the pattern of Erdogan's moves.&nbsp;

1. Rejection of mutually agreed treaties

2. Military adventurism

3. Claiming disputed territory

4. And bullying neighbours

Which country has mastered this playbook?

These are the hallmarks of Chinese expansionism and this is how China approaches territorial disputes.

Beijing has been sailing its ships in the disputed South China sea. Staking claim to territory that belongs to others, or is disputed.

Rejecting old treaties-- like the Simla accord and the McMahon line. These are used by India to define its boundary with China.

On Tuesday, the Turkish navy held a drill in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan declared Turkey will not make any concessions.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Turkey, in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black sea will get what is its right. In the same way we don't have our eyes on someone else's territory, sovereignty, interests, we will not give any concessions on that which is ours."

The Turkish president wants to appear strong at home and the blue motherland plan --- a pitch by Erdogan to turn Turkey into a real maritime power -- is a step in that direction.

But unlike China, it does not have the firepower to back its territorial claims and it's up against some formidable navies in the Mediterranean.

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues. Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation.

Turkey and Greece are NATO allies but, they have mobilized their navies against each other. Both sides have been at odds over a host of issues. Now, a spark, triggered by Recep Tayyi̇p Erdogan is pushing Turkey and Greece closer to a military confrontation. Turkish and Greek ships are sailing in waters of geopolitics in the eastern Mediterranean. The differences are old. But some have turned into disputes, threatening to engulf the whole of Europe. A battle for gas reserves could push Turkey and Greece into a military confrontation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to budge, he said: "We are determined to do whatever is necessary in military, politic and economic sense. We invite our counterparts to get it together and avoid mistakes that would bring their destruction." What explains Erdogan's assertiveness? The Turkish president has consolidated power at home. He now wants to make Turkey a superpower. That's the promise he made to the voters of Turkey in 2018. These territorial claims and new-found aggression are a message to the people of Turkey. In 2017, Erdogan challenged a hundred-year-old Lausanne treaty and revived the territorial dispute. In 2019, Turkey claimed that northern Syria is part of the Turkish homeland. Erdogan backed his words with his military posturing to assert control over the region. He even intervened militarily, alongside its proxy --- the Syrian national army. As of today --- they control several parts of northern Syria. Here is the pattern of Erdogan's moves. 1. Rejection of mutually agreed treaties 2. Military adventurism 3. Claiming disputed territory 4. And bullying neighbours Which country has mastered this playbook? These are the hallmarks of Chinese expansionism and this is how China approaches territorial disputes. Beijing has been sailing its ships in the disputed South China sea. Staking claim to territory that belongs to others, or is disputed. Rejecting old treaties-- like the Simla accord and the McMahon line. These are used by India to define its boundary with China. On Tuesday, the Turkish navy held a drill in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan declared Turkey will not make any concessions. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Turkey, in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black sea will get what is its right. In the same way we don't have our eyes on someone else's territory, sovereignty, interests, we will not give any concessions on that which is ours." The Turkish president wants to appear strong at home and the blue motherland plan --- a pitch by Erdogan to turn Turkey into a real maritime power -- is a step in that direction. But unlike China, it does not have the firepower to back its territorial claims and it's up against some formidable navies in the Mediterranean.

Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation

Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

"Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet.

The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly92b2Rha20uemVlbmV3cy5jb20vdm9kLzYzMjMwNWVmNzRjODkzZjQ5MGQ4ZTE2MWUwZDNjMjEwLm1wNC9pbmRleC5tM3U4Iiwic2hhcmVMaW5rIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lvbmV3cy5jb20vdmlkZW9zL3R1cmtleS1zYXlzLW5vLXByZWNvbmRpdGlvbnMtZm9yLWRpYWxvZ3VlLXdpdGgtZ3JlZWNlLTMyMzIxMiIsInBsdWdpbnMiOnsiZ29vZ2xlQW5hbHl0aWNzIjp7InRyYWNraW5nSWQiOiJVQS03ODQwMDgwOC0xIiwiZXZlbnRzIjp7IlBMQVlJTkdfU1RBUlQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBQbGF5IiwiY2F0ZWdvcnkiOiJBbnZhdG8gUGxheWVyIiwibGFiZWwiOiJBbnZhbnRvIFZpZGVvIFBsYXlpbmciLCJtZXRyaWMiOiIxIn0sIkJVRkZFUl9TVEFSVCI6eyJhbGlhcyI6IlZpZGVvIEJ1ZmZlciIsImNhdGVnb3J5IjoiQW52YXRvIFBsYXllciIsImxhYmVsIjoiQW52YW50byBWaWRlbyBCdWZmZXIgc3RhcnRzIiwibWV0cmljIjoiMiJ9LCJWSURFT19DT01QTEVURUQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBDb21wbGV0ZSIsImNhdGVnb3J5IjoiQW52YXRvIFBsYXllciIsImxhYmVsIjoiQW52YW50byBWaWRlbyBDb21wbGV0ZWQiLCJtZXRyaWMiOiI0In0sIkFEX0JSRUFLX1NUQVJURUQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBBZHZ0IEJyZWFrIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnkiOiJBbnZhdG8gUGxheWVyIn19fSwiZGZwIjp7ImNsaWVudFNpZGUiOnsiYWRUYWdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmFkcy5nLmRvdWJsZWNsaWNrLm5ldC9nYW1wYWQvbGl2ZS9hZHM%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn19LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It did not specify the military drills' location or other details.

The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union.

Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby. "Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet. The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags. × It did not specify the military drills' location or other details. The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union. Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey says conducted Mediterranean exercise with US

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries.

Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-bid-to-become-maritime-powerhouse-unsettles-mediterranean-322473">Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean</a>

Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights.

The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

EU foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission.

Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia.

Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track.

But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday.

The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday.

Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner".

The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas. The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries. Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10. Also read: Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights. The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea EU foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission. Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia. Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track. But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday. The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday. Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner". The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter&nbsp;gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter.

If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-step-up-mediterranean-energy-exploration-by-year-end-erdogan-322214" hreflang="en">Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan</a>

Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar.

"With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters.

"There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul.

"We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant."

Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday. President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter. If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year. Also read: Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar. "With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters. "There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul. "We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant." Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects big drop in gas imports after historic discovery in Black Sea

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

"We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-eastern-mediterranean-has-become-a-crisis-centre-for-europe-322001">Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe</a>

A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn19LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge.

There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began.

Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed&nbsp;tells a different story.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU. "We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul. Also read: Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe. × Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge. There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began. Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed tells a different story.

Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey's historic Chora church to be converted into mosque

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia.

The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-condemn-bidens-criticism-of-autocrat-erdogan-call-it-pure-ignorance-320963">Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance</a>

The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world.

It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.

It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958.

But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans.

Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship. The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia. The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul. Also read: Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world. It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as Turkey pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958. But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans. Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Now, Turkey to convert another former Istanbul church into mosque

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe.

On the one hand there are&nbsp;European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.&nbsp;On&nbsp;the other, there's Turkey&nbsp;which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate.

Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades.

A key strategic arena

In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars.&nbsp;Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month.

In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident.&nbsp;Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate.&nbsp;Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site.

Erdogan says that the&nbsp;vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23.&nbsp;Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate.&nbsp;“They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan.

Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal.&nbsp;Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters.

Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission.

Will EU stand the test?

The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence.&nbsp;The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue.

Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved.

Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU.&nbsp;Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece. On the other, there's Turkey which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate. Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades. A key strategic arena In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars. Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month. In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident. Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate. Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site. Erdogan says that the vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23. Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate. “They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan. Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal. Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters. Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission. Will EU stand the test? The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence. The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue. Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved. Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU. Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

As Erdogan's Turkey militarises eastern Mediterranean, EU remains divided

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.&nbsp;

The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media.&nbsp;

In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition.

"What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said.&nbsp;

He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." 
 
Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. <a href="https://t.co/06Uc8anfig">pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig</a>
— Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) <a href="https://twitter.com/YusufErim34/status/1294609616609959936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country.

"The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The analysis of Turkey by <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. 
 
The days of ordering Turkey around are over. 
 
But if you still think you can try, be our guest. 
 
You will pay the price.
— Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikalin1/status/1294874944971714561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price."

Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey".

Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States. &nbsp;

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents. The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media. In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition. "What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said. He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process." US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig — Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) August 15, 2020 × Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country. "The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted. The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price. — Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) August 16, 2020 × "The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price." Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey". Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States.

Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance

Turkey said today that is mulling closing its embassy in Abu Dhabi after US President Donald Trump announced the historic Israel-UAE peace deal on Thursday.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-israel-announce-historic-peace-deal-trump-brokers-historic-abraham-accords-world-news-320371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Erdogan said that his government is contemplating withdrawing its ambassador and suspending diplomatic ties with UAE over the peace deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hails-uae-deal-but-palestinians-and-settlers-dismayed-320395">Also Read:&nbsp;Israel hails UAE deal but Palestinians, and settlers, dismayed</a>

Iran had earlier condemned the agreement calling it an act of "strategic stupidity".&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign ministry had earlier said: "History and the conscience of the region's peoples will not forget and never forgive this hypocritical behaviour of the UAE, betraying the Palestinian cause for the sake of its narrow interests."

"It is extremely worrying that the UAE should, with a unilateral action, try and do away with the (2002) Arab Peace Plan developed by the Arab League. It is not in the slightest credible that this three-way declaration should be presented as supporting the Palestinian cause," it said.

Turkey said today that is mulling closing its embassy in Abu Dhabi after US President Donald Trump announced the historic Israel-UAE peace deal on Thursday. Watch: President Erdogan said that his government is contemplating withdrawing its ambassador and suspending diplomatic ties with UAE over the peace deal.

Turkey said today that is mulling closing its embassy in Abu Dhabi after US President Donald Trump announced the historic Israel-UAE peace deal on Thursday. Watch: President Erdogan said that his government is contemplating withdrawing its ambassador and suspending diplomatic ties with UAE over the peace deal. Also Read: Israel hails UAE deal but Palestinians, and settlers, dismayed Iran had earlier condemned the agreement calling it an act of "strategic stupidity". Turkey's foreign ministry had earlier said: "History and the conscience of the region's peoples will not forget and never forgive this hypocritical behaviour of the UAE, betraying the Palestinian cause for the sake of its narrow interests." "It is extremely worrying that the UAE should, with a unilateral action, try and do away with the (2002) Arab Peace Plan developed by the Arab League. It is not in the slightest credible that this three-way declaration should be presented as supporting the Palestinian cause," it said.

Israel-UAE peace deal: Turkey mulling closing embassy in Abu Dhabi, says Erdogan

Greece has put its armed forces on alert after Turkey sent a survey ship to a disputed area of the Mediterranean sea. Watch report.

Greece-Turkey tensions: 'Turkish provocation won't go unanswered', says Greece

erdogan

Erdogan, News on Erdogan, stories on Erdogan, articles on Erdogan, Erdogan stories at Wion, Erdogan news, Erdogan latest news