India Must Address Turkey’s Role as a Sponsor of Terrorism: Expert Insight

Michael Rubin, a Middle East expert, discusses Turkey’s support for terrorism in the context of its relationship with Pakistan and implications for India. He critiques Abdullah Ocalan’s influence over the PKK, explores Turkey’s ideological changes under Erdogan, and urges India to adopt a more assertive diplomatic strategy, including supporting the Kurdish movement. Rubin also reflects on shifting Western perceptions of Turkey’s role in global terrorism.

In a comprehensive interview with IANS, Michael Rubin, a distinguished Middle East scholar, elaborates on Turkey’s role as a sponsor of terrorism, particularly concerning its ties with Pakistan and influence in Kashmir. Rubin, who serves as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasizes the need for India to confront its strategic options in light of Turkey’s activities. He critiques the Turkish government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, particularly his long-standing ties with groups that engage in terrorist activities.

Rubin comments on Abdullah Ocalan’s recent statements advocating for the disarmament of the PKK, arguing that Ocalan’s lack of control over the PKK over years renders his calls ineffective. He highlights the PKK’s skepticism towards ceasefires, citing historical failures to adhere to such agreements, and draws a comparison between Ocalan and Nelson Mandela, stressing the pivotal conditions under which such commands should be heeded.

Regarding the intersections of Turkey and Pakistan, Rubin believes India’s response should involve supporting the Kurdish rights movement as a form of counter-strategy against Turkish hostilities. He describes the political evolution of Erdogan from a pragmatist leader to an ideologue within the Muslim Brotherhood and underlines the importance of India acknowledging its position as a major democracy, thus necessitating a more assertive diplomatic stance.

Rubin raises concerns about the varying perspectives within Western countries on Turkey’s alignment with Islamist groups, noting uncertainties surrounding the United States’ policy under former President Trump. He expresses skepticism about how Congress perceives Turkey’s influence, indicating that opinions have shifted significantly against Turkey as a supporter of terrorism. The dialogue illustrates the critical role that robust diplomacy and strategic recalibration play for India amidst these complex geopolitical realities.

In summary, Michael Rubin highlights the necessity for India to adopt a more confrontational stance towards Turkey, framed as a sponsor of terrorism. He examines the implications of Turkey’s relationships with terrorist entities and delineates strategic options such as supporting Kurdish aspirations. Rubin underscores that India’s diplomatic approach should reflect its prominence as a democracy, thereby squaring off against adversarial strategies fostered by countries like Turkey and Pakistan. Furthermore, the evolving perceptions in the West regarding Turkey suggest an opportunity for India to assert its position on the global stage more forcefully.

Original Source: www.thehansindia.com