Erdogan’s dangerous dance with extremism

Most of the vessels from the so-called “Gaza flotilla” have been intercepted by the Israeli Navy, with passengers set to be expelled in the coming days. Despite the fact that all detainees are reportedly in good health and have suffered no violence, Ankara has reacted with outrage.

The Turkish government, a staunch supporter of Hamas, denounced the interception as an “act of terror” and claimed it endangered the lives of “innocent civilians.” In reality, those on board were activists knowingly seeking confrontation, not neutral bystanders.

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced it has opened an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens from the flotilla, filing charges such as deprivation of liberty, seizure of transport vehicles, and damage to property. This move is less about justice and more about political theater, designed to inflame nationalist sentiment at home.

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has increasingly aligned itself with the Muslim Brotherhood and some of the most radical organizations operating in Gaza. This radicalization is not accidental—it is a calculated political move.

Domestically, Erdogan seeks to shore up his Islamist base and even appeal to sympathizers of the PKK, despite the contradictions, ahead of the presidential elections. Regionally, he is eager to portray himself as the “defender of the Arab world” against so-called imperialist forces.

Opportunism Disguised as Leadership

Erdogan’s posture is less about principle than about political opportunism. He has shown time and again that he is willing to back the most extreme causes if it boosts his standing at home or expands his influence abroad.

This latest episode with the Gaza flotilla is a dangerous gamble. By siding with groups widely regarded as terrorist organizations, Erdogan risks further isolating Turkey internationally, while using foreign crises to distract from his own economic and political failures at home.

Turkey’s regional ambitions could come at a steep cost. Instead of fostering stability and constructive partnerships, Erdogan’s tactics deepen divisions, fuel extremism, and undermine Turkey’s credibility on the global stage.

What Ankara presents as a defense of “innocent civilians” is in reality an opportunistic maneuver—one that reveals Erdogan’s true priority: consolidating power, no matter the cost.