Prof. Dr. Ümit Özdağ’s Vision for a Secure and Sovereign Turkey
The tumultuous Middle Eastern landscape, with its intertwined threads of sectarianism, proxy wars, and territorial disputes, continues to cast a long shadow on the stability of the region. Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Türkiye faces a unique set of challenges. This article examines the outspoken and controversial political discourse of Zafer Partisi (Victory Party) leader, Prof. Dr. Ümit Özdağ, offering a rare glimpse into his vision for Türkiye’s future within the volatile region.
A World on the Brink of Conflict:
Prof. Özdağ opens his analysis with a stark warning: the world is on the verge of a catastrophic conflict akin to the 1900s. He draws a parallel between the tensions in the Middle East today and those that preceded World War I, arguing that we are dangerously close to a global escalation fueled by an arms race that rivals pre-war Germany’s rapid militarization.
He emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the current situation, where even traditionally non-nuclear powers like Russia are developing hypersonic missiles capable of wiping out entire cities in a single strike. The war in Ukraine, he contends, is a smokescreen for a much larger geopolitical game, a testing ground for the military alliance forged between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, setting the stage for a potential World War III.
Hamas, Israel, and a Brutal Reality:
Özdağ takes a critical stance on Hamas’s provocative attacks on Israel, characterizing them as reckless and ultimately responsible for the ensuing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While acknowledging the atrocities committed by Israel, particularly against Palestinians, he condemns Hamas’s actions for setting in motion a cycle of violence that has led to widespread civilian casualties.
He highlights the sheer scale of the devastation in Gaza, surpassing the destruction inflicted on Dresden during World War II. This stark comparison underlines the human cost of the conflict, the stark reality of which resonates beyond the traditional paradigms of geopolitical analysis.
The Spectre of a “Greater Kurdistan”:
Prof. Özdağ attributes the region’s turmoil to a larger strategy employed by Israel, claiming it seeks to establish a “Greater Kurdistan” encompassing parts of Iraq, Syria, and Türkiye. This, he argues, is Israel’s attempt to secure a safe haven and ensure its long-term security. He cites the involvement of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, in the Kurdish regions of Iraq as early as the 1950s, a stark indicator of its long-term strategic aims.
Drawing upon a 1982 article published in the World Zionist Organization’s official journal, he explains that this vision seeks to dismantle and divide both Iraq and Syria, strategically creating buffer zones under Kurdish control, thus effectively neutralizing Türkiye and Iran.
Türkiye’s Role in a Complex Equation:
Prof. Özdağ critiques Türkiye’s current approach to foreign policy, asserting that the present government has mismanaged its interactions with both its allies and rivals. He claims that Türkiye, while harboring fears about Israel’s expansionism, has acted in a contradictory manner by cooperating with Israel in various sectors.
He highlights Erdoğan’s 2009 proposal to outsource mine clearance along the Turkish-Israeli-Syrian border to an Israeli company, a move that, according to Özdağ, would have granted Israel significant influence over the region’s strategic geography. This decision was vehemently opposed by nationalist factions in Türkiye at the time, reflecting a deeper apprehension about Israel’s long-term ambitions.
Peace in a Turbulent Sea:
Özdağ views peace in the Middle East as an exceptionally challenging task, due to conflicting interests and historical animosities. He accuses both the United States and Israel of pursuing misguided strategies rooted in outdated geopolitical understandings. He critiques Israel’s belief in the creation of a “Greater Kurdistan” as a strategic advantage, arguing that this could unwittingly pave the way for Chinese expansionism in the region.
He outlines his views on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. While acknowledging Hamas’s brutality, he also acknowledges that their desire for a “right to exist” is a legitimate grievance. The most promising path towards peace, he suggests, involves a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), where both sides recognize each other’s right to exist.
A New Dawn for Türkiye’s Foreign Policy?
Prof. Özdağ proposes a dramatic shift in Türkiye’s foreign policy approach, advocating for a return to Atatürk’s “realist” doctrine. He advocates for a policy based on strong national interest and strategic independence, breaking away from the current “Muslim Brotherhood-indexed political ummah” that, according to Özdağ, currently governs Türkiye’s global outlook.
This means a reassessment of Türkiye’s relations with countries like Egypt, where cooperation has been strained due to the political and ideological differences between the current Egyptian leadership and the Muslim Brotherhood.
He criticizes Türkiye’s current relationship with the European Union, deeming it an unproductive process geared toward granting individual European states the power to undermine Türkiye’s interests. He suggests a new economic cooperation model, breaking away from the existing customs union and preventing the EU from intervening in Türkiye’s internal affairs.
The Impending US Presidential Election and Türkiye’s Dilemma:
Prof. Özdağ analyses the upcoming US presidential elections in the context of the tumultuous international landscape. While acknowledging that a Trump victory could bring a new wave of nationalism and a backlash against globalization, it could also pose a challenge to Türkiye’s economy due to potential capital flight from developing markets.
He argues that a Biden victory, while not necessarily a desirable outcome, would result in a continuation of existing policies by the US military and diplomatic institutions.
A Call for Action:
Özdağ concludes with a clarion call for systemic change within Türkiye. He demands a complete overhaul of the bureaucratic structures, including the reestablishment of the State Planning Organization and the Public Personnel General Directorate, ensuring accountability and competent leadership across government institutions. He advocates for a strong and independent judiciary, arguing that the current system fosters injustice and erodes the public’s trust in the legal system.
He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issue of illegal immigration, advocating for the repatriation of millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing in Türkiye. He argues that their presence has contributed to societal and economic instability, stressing that their return is a critical step towards achieving national security and stability.
An Independent Journalist’s Analysis:
Prof. Özdağ’s discourse, marked by a strong sense of nationalism and unwavering conviction, offers a potent blend of historical analysis, political observation, and personal perspective. While his views might be considered extreme by some, his arguments demand careful consideration, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges facing Türkiye and its role in the turbulent global landscape. His fiery rhetoric resonates with a segment of the Turkish populace who feel disillusioned with current government policies.
However, it’s essential to approach his claims with a discerning eye. His focus on conspiracies and the “Greater Kurdistan” project, while generating intrigue, require thorough scrutiny. It’s critical to weigh his pronouncements against a broader understanding of the historical context and the geopolitical realities shaping the Middle East today. Ultimately, his perspective offers valuable insights into the underlying anxieties and tensions shaping the Turkish national narrative.
FAQs:
- What is Prof. Özdağ’s position on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas?
Prof. Özdağ criticizes Hamas’s attacks on Israel, deeming them reckless and responsible for the resulting humanitarian crisis. He also acknowledges the violence perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians and condemns Hamas for escalating the situation. - How does Prof. Özdağ envision the future of Turkish foreign policy?
Prof. Özdağ advocates for a complete overhaul of Türkiye’s foreign policy, advocating for a return to Atatürk’s principles of national interest and strategic independence. He urges a break from the current “Muslim Brotherhood-indexed political ummah” and a reexamination of Türkiye’s relations with key players in the region. - How does Prof. Özdağ propose to tackle the issue of illegal immigration in Türkiye?
Prof. Özdağ argues that the repatriation of millions of undocumented immigrants currently residing in Türkiye is essential for national security and economic stability. He advocates for a decisive policy based on enforced repatriation and a rejection of “voluntary return” programs that have failed to significantly decrease the number of migrants in Türkiye. - What are Prof. Özdağ’s views on the US Presidential election?
Prof. Özdağ observes that a Trump victory could create a global wave of nationalism while also causing economic turbulence due to capital flight. A Biden victory, in his view, would mean a continuation of existing policies by US military and diplomatic institutions. - What specific solutions does Prof. Özdağ propose to address security and societal issues in Türkiye?
Prof. Özdağ proposes several concrete solutions:
- Restoring the rule of law: He advocates for a stronger and independent judiciary to curb corruption and enforce justice.
- Rebuilding a capable state apparatus: He stresses the importance of competent government institutions, with an emphasis on restoring the State Planning Organization and the Public Personnel General Directorate.
- Reclaiming the streets: He argues for a zero-tolerance approach to crime, with increased police presence in urban areas and stricter penalties for criminal offenses.
- Preventing the rise of extremist ideologies: He emphasizes the need for a return to core Turkish values and principles of secularism and patriotism, advocating for a nationwide program of civic education aimed at fostering tolerance and promoting social cohesion.
