I'm interested to see how Egypt will fit into this, for lack of a better word, Islamic alliance. If Morsi manages to weather the storms of discontent for the time being, or focus the attention of the Egyptian people elsewhere, he could end up securing his own power in Egypt. I see a surviving Morsi as wanting to be a key player in this Turkish-Iranian alliance.
Sultan Erdogan: Arab Spring ATL
- Thread starter hasdrubal barca
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Who else would benefit from such an alliance?
I do admit,I find a Turkey focusing on the Neo-Ottomanist ideology seems to be working much better wonders that the Kemalist ideology towards European Integration...a shame the AKP has lost all sorts of popularity...
I do admit,I find a Turkey focusing on the Neo-Ottomanist ideology seems to be working much better wonders that the Kemalist ideology towards European Integration...a shame the AKP has lost all sorts of popularity...
Libya will benefit. If Turkey and Iran get Egypt stable, Libya will most likely not fall back into civil war. Iraq i could see benefiting from this alliance as well. Turkish and Iranian teamwork will prevent anything like ISIS from emerging.
Yes, the Kurds are going to be defacto independent anyway so they might as well be given autonomous zones in both Syria and Iraq.
Erdogan I don't think shares the same prejudices against Kurds as previous Turkish leaders. As long as they don't became a threat and accept a peace process things should be fine. Then they can both help each other out economically.
This article summarizes why Turkey and the Kurds need each other.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...of-iraqi-kurds-shows-trade-eroding-old-enmity
Part 12: Visit From Abbas
The next event to merit Erdogan's attention was the arrival of Mahmoud Abbas the President of the Palestinian Authority in Istanbul. Erdogan, surrounded by Ottoman fitted soldiers, gave him a regal welcome. Abbas and Erdogan then withdrew behind close doors to discuss the business of the day.
Erdogan: I congratulate you on Palestine's upgrade to an observer state in the United Nations. It is a big step for your people on the road to statehood.
Abbas: Thank you. With luck we can move forward in negotiations with Israel. I hope I don't have to beg the United States to assist.
Erdogan: Do you think that is wise to continue down this current path? Israel hasn't exactly been forthcoming, the settlements rate has increased. The United States also if i am not mistaken just voted against your new statues in the United Nations. Both of them seem hardly worth your time.
Abbas: Yes, I know but what choice do we have.
Erdogan: It is my view the current policy is not working. The United States is too far under their influence. Getting talked into another Oslo Accords, will solve nothing and make the violence worse. The Palestinian people don't want action a bold stroke.
Abbas: What do you have in mind?
Erdogan: Well, what if I went to Gaza myself.
Abbas: Gaza!! I don't know about this, you know how i feel about Hamas.
Erdogan: Hamas is not the issue it is Israel, how they massacre the innocent on a daily basis. I just meet with Mashaal in Doha he is very reasonable these days. Perhaps in the future i can work as intermediary between the two of you. I would love to see a united Palestinian government.
Abbas: I'm open to anything as long as it makes the situation better and lessens the suffering of my people.
Erdogan: Does my mission have your blessing?
Abbas: Of course.
With this Erdogan plotted his master stroke. He would go to Egypt next month to visit his good friend Morsi. From Egypt, he would then slip into Gaza. The Turkish Navy meanwhile would escorting a fleet of aid ships through the Israeli blockade to the suffering people. If all went according to plan, Erdogan would deal Israel the most embarrassing blow in years.
The next event to merit Erdogan's attention was the arrival of Mahmoud Abbas the President of the Palestinian Authority in Istanbul. Erdogan, surrounded by Ottoman fitted soldiers, gave him a regal welcome. Abbas and Erdogan then withdrew behind close doors to discuss the business of the day.
Erdogan: I congratulate you on Palestine's upgrade to an observer state in the United Nations. It is a big step for your people on the road to statehood.
Abbas: Thank you. With luck we can move forward in negotiations with Israel. I hope I don't have to beg the United States to assist.
Erdogan: Do you think that is wise to continue down this current path? Israel hasn't exactly been forthcoming, the settlements rate has increased. The United States also if i am not mistaken just voted against your new statues in the United Nations. Both of them seem hardly worth your time.
Abbas: Yes, I know but what choice do we have.
Erdogan: It is my view the current policy is not working. The United States is too far under their influence. Getting talked into another Oslo Accords, will solve nothing and make the violence worse. The Palestinian people don't want action a bold stroke.
Abbas: What do you have in mind?
Erdogan: Well, what if I went to Gaza myself.
Abbas: Gaza!! I don't know about this, you know how i feel about Hamas.
Erdogan: Hamas is not the issue it is Israel, how they massacre the innocent on a daily basis. I just meet with Mashaal in Doha he is very reasonable these days. Perhaps in the future i can work as intermediary between the two of you. I would love to see a united Palestinian government.
Abbas: I'm open to anything as long as it makes the situation better and lessens the suffering of my people.
Erdogan: Does my mission have your blessing?
Abbas: Of course.
With this Erdogan plotted his master stroke. He would go to Egypt next month to visit his good friend Morsi. From Egypt, he would then slip into Gaza. The Turkish Navy meanwhile would escorting a fleet of aid ships through the Israeli blockade to the suffering people. If all went according to plan, Erdogan would deal Israel the most embarrassing blow in years.
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Part 13: Erdogan in Egypt
Arriving for his official visit to Egypt Erdogan was greeted at Cario International Airport by Egyptian President Morsi.
They first discussed solutions to economic issues Egypt was still facing. Erdogan generously promised a three billion dollar credit line and to pressure the other D-8 members to provide more economic support to Egypt. He then informed Morsi the full extent of his agreement with Iran and the important part he believed Egypt could play in the Islamic alliance. Morsi seemed slightly dismissive about allying with a Shiite power, the Turkish Prime Minster reminded Morsi that it was the Shia Fatamid's who built Cairo and that they could not longer afford to be sectarian. Morsi consented and promised to be cooperative with the Iranians.
The two men then went on to discuss the tensions between Morsi and the Egyptian Military. Erdogan told Morsi to take it easy with Islamizing Egyptian society and that foreign affairs was most important. He warned Morsi that if he pushed things too far he could end up like former Islamist Turkish Prime Minster Necmettin Erbakan who was deposed from power by the Turkish military. Morsi took Erdogan's advice well and stated he would hold off.
Erdogan after this finally came to his Gaza plan. Morsi reacted well to the plan saying it would be a remembered for centuries to come. At the meetings end, Morsi gave Erdogan a gift, the book "Milestones" by Sayyid Qutb. With this the Sultan was off to prepare for his visit to the Gaza Strip. Before leaving he received one more sign of good news popular Islamic Scholar Yusuf al Qaradawi, whos show on Al Jazeera has an estimated audience of 60 million, proclaimed his support for Erdogan.
Arriving for his official visit to Egypt Erdogan was greeted at Cario International Airport by Egyptian President Morsi.
They first discussed solutions to economic issues Egypt was still facing. Erdogan generously promised a three billion dollar credit line and to pressure the other D-8 members to provide more economic support to Egypt. He then informed Morsi the full extent of his agreement with Iran and the important part he believed Egypt could play in the Islamic alliance. Morsi seemed slightly dismissive about allying with a Shiite power, the Turkish Prime Minster reminded Morsi that it was the Shia Fatamid's who built Cairo and that they could not longer afford to be sectarian. Morsi consented and promised to be cooperative with the Iranians.
The two men then went on to discuss the tensions between Morsi and the Egyptian Military. Erdogan told Morsi to take it easy with Islamizing Egyptian society and that foreign affairs was most important. He warned Morsi that if he pushed things too far he could end up like former Islamist Turkish Prime Minster Necmettin Erbakan who was deposed from power by the Turkish military. Morsi took Erdogan's advice well and stated he would hold off.
Erdogan after this finally came to his Gaza plan. Morsi reacted well to the plan saying it would be a remembered for centuries to come. At the meetings end, Morsi gave Erdogan a gift, the book "Milestones" by Sayyid Qutb. With this the Sultan was off to prepare for his visit to the Gaza Strip. Before leaving he received one more sign of good news popular Islamic Scholar Yusuf al Qaradawi, whos show on Al Jazeera has an estimated audience of 60 million, proclaimed his support for Erdogan.
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Part 14: Erdogan Enters Gaza
News of Erdogan's plans had already leaked out prior to his visit to Gaza. Almost the entire city's population had turned out to meet their savior. On the 14th of April, Erdogan at the head of a convoy of Egyptian aid trucks arrived in the city to crowds cheering his name. Taking to a podium in the city center, Erdogan openly crying of joy delivered a speech to the liberated people.
" Rejoice my children keep your heads high your deliverance is at hand. Turkey is with you, the entire Islamic world is with you. We will never abandon you again, for this day to the ending of the world Gaza will benefit from the full protection of the Turkish state. Any attack on this city and its people will be viewed as an attack upon Turkey itself. No longer will you be suffocated by the burdens of this siege, i declare to you the blockade is over. The Turkish and Palestinian people are one in the same. May Allah protect our brotherhood and never allow our unity to be broken. In closing, I will quote the great poet Yunus Emre 'I didn't come to fight, my business is with love. The house of friends is the heart, I came to make hearts.'
The Turkish navy meanwhile escorted an aid flotilla towards Gaza. The task force was spearhead by Turkey's first self produced warship the TCG Heybeliada. Defying the Israeli blockade the ships pushed onto Gaza port. With this Erdogan's propaganda coup was complete.
News of Erdogan's plans had already leaked out prior to his visit to Gaza. Almost the entire city's population had turned out to meet their savior. On the 14th of April, Erdogan at the head of a convoy of Egyptian aid trucks arrived in the city to crowds cheering his name. Taking to a podium in the city center, Erdogan openly crying of joy delivered a speech to the liberated people.
" Rejoice my children keep your heads high your deliverance is at hand. Turkey is with you, the entire Islamic world is with you. We will never abandon you again, for this day to the ending of the world Gaza will benefit from the full protection of the Turkish state. Any attack on this city and its people will be viewed as an attack upon Turkey itself. No longer will you be suffocated by the burdens of this siege, i declare to you the blockade is over. The Turkish and Palestinian people are one in the same. May Allah protect our brotherhood and never allow our unity to be broken. In closing, I will quote the great poet Yunus Emre 'I didn't come to fight, my business is with love. The house of friends is the heart, I came to make hearts.'
The Turkish navy meanwhile escorted an aid flotilla towards Gaza. The task force was spearhead by Turkey's first self produced warship the TCG Heybeliada. Defying the Israeli blockade the ships pushed onto Gaza port. With this Erdogan's propaganda coup was complete.
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Due to a family illness i will not be able to post for a few days at least.
I hope everyone enjoys the latest posts.
I hope everyone enjoys the latest posts.
Well written! (The Ottoman soldiers are hilarious, it seemed over the top, but then I had a second look at the opening picture...)
I don't know how to feel about this TL honestly: I am certainly no fan of Erdogan, but, provided no war starts with Israel, this is quickly turning into an utopia, at least when compared to OTL. It is strange, but in a good way, so keep it up!
Edit: sorry to hear about the illness. Obviously RL has precedence, so don't worry about us readers!
My best wishes for the health of your loved ones.
I don't know how to feel about this TL honestly: I am certainly no fan of Erdogan, but, provided no war starts with Israel, this is quickly turning into an utopia, at least when compared to OTL. It is strange, but in a good way, so keep it up!
Edit: sorry to hear about the illness. Obviously RL has precedence, so don't worry about us readers!
My best wishes for the health of your loved ones.
Israel is now almost surrounded by unfriendly nations, and even its dominance over the area of 1947 Palestine is being challenged. I'd be really nervous to see how close to their breaking point they are, though realistically they have no counter to the Turkish-Iranian-Egyptian Axis without nuclear arms.
The Israelis aren't without diplomatic options though, as the Jordanians aren't going to like Erdogan's stunt, nor will Saudi Arabia. Also, would the Israelis also go so far as to ask the United States to try and break the Turkish relief of the Israeli blockade? I bet that is what the Republicans will demand that US would do.
Europe will definitely be on the fence about this though, and how they react will be key.
Also, I wonder what Egypt's military establishment thinks of Morsi joining with Erdogan to relieve Gaza? Will they still coup him, or is he now so popular that doing so would produce a civil revolt?
Part 15: Escalation
The entire Mid East region was shocked at Erdogan's entrance into Gaza. Netanyahu furiously declared that he would hold Turkey responsible for any aggression by Hamas. The Gulf States as well were dismayed at Turkey's move. King Abdullah already disliked Erdogan and this event was only increasing tensions. The Gulf Cooperation Council, minus Qatar, viewed this move as a major threat and decided to establish unofficial military ties with Israel to counter the Turkish-Iranian-Egyptian Axis.
Reactions in the United States, to Erdogan's Gaza, stunt was overwhelmingly negative. U.S. State Department condemned what it called an "escalation." Senator John McCain stated Erdogan was "acting like a dictator" and the New York Times made him out to be some sort of madman. Congress voted to officially suspend all financial and military aid to Turkey. There was even a further push to try and kick Turkey out of NATO, though this failed.
In Europe the countries most critical of Turkey were Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Britain and France took a more conciliatory tone, wishing to calm the situation down. The most serious European threat to Turkey however came from an unexpected source, Golden Dawn in Greece. This far right movement was rising in the polls exploiting the supposed threat of Turkish aggression. If these radicals were ever allowed to gain power it could mean war.
The entire Mid East region was shocked at Erdogan's entrance into Gaza. Netanyahu furiously declared that he would hold Turkey responsible for any aggression by Hamas. The Gulf States as well were dismayed at Turkey's move. King Abdullah already disliked Erdogan and this event was only increasing tensions. The Gulf Cooperation Council, minus Qatar, viewed this move as a major threat and decided to establish unofficial military ties with Israel to counter the Turkish-Iranian-Egyptian Axis.
Reactions in the United States, to Erdogan's Gaza, stunt was overwhelmingly negative. U.S. State Department condemned what it called an "escalation." Senator John McCain stated Erdogan was "acting like a dictator" and the New York Times made him out to be some sort of madman. Congress voted to officially suspend all financial and military aid to Turkey. There was even a further push to try and kick Turkey out of NATO, though this failed.
In Europe the countries most critical of Turkey were Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Britain and France took a more conciliatory tone, wishing to calm the situation down. The most serious European threat to Turkey however came from an unexpected source, Golden Dawn in Greece. This far right movement was rising in the polls exploiting the supposed threat of Turkish aggression. If these radicals were ever allowed to gain power it could mean war.
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Part 16: Elections!
In Syria meanwhile the security situation had improved. The number of violent occurrences was down and the restless Kurds had finally accepted a peace plan. On May 7th. 2013 the first free Parliamentary election was held.The Muslim Brotherhood secured a majority 168 out of the 250 seats. The rest of the seats were split between the National Bloc, Damascus Declaration and People's Will Party.
In the Parliamentary elections aftermath the country now began to prepare for the Presidential election to be held in June, 2014. The major candidates were Mohammad Tayfour, Sadiq Al-Azm, Mouaffaq Nyrabia, Qadri Jamil and Manaf Tlass.
Mohammad Tayfour served as deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and general secretariat of the Syrian National Council. He was Erdogan's favored candidate and most represented Turkey's viewpoint.
Sadiq Al-Azm is a well known writer and philosopher in Syria. He is most famous for his book "Critique of Religious Thought." His family is very prominent in Damascus his relative Khalid al-Azm previously served as Syrian President during the 1940's. His election is backed by the secular National Bloc.
Mouaffaq Nyrabia is a secular politician. He was one of the main figures behind the Damascus Declaration of 2005 that criticized the Assad regime.
Qadri Jamil is a Syrian politician and Moscow State University graduate. He represents the communist far left in Syria. Any remaining Assad loyalists will vent their frustrations by voting for Jamil. He garners support from the People's Will Party.
Manaf Tlass was a former Brigadier General in the Syrian Republican Guard. He defected to Turkey in July 2012 as the invasion of Syria was commencing. His family is one of the most important in Syria and have a net worth of over a billion. His father is Mustafa Tlass the Syrian Defence Minster during the Yom Kippur War. Manaf's main interests include cigars and women.
In Syria meanwhile the security situation had improved. The number of violent occurrences was down and the restless Kurds had finally accepted a peace plan. On May 7th. 2013 the first free Parliamentary election was held.The Muslim Brotherhood secured a majority 168 out of the 250 seats. The rest of the seats were split between the National Bloc, Damascus Declaration and People's Will Party.
In the Parliamentary elections aftermath the country now began to prepare for the Presidential election to be held in June, 2014. The major candidates were Mohammad Tayfour, Sadiq Al-Azm, Mouaffaq Nyrabia, Qadri Jamil and Manaf Tlass.
Mohammad Tayfour served as deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and general secretariat of the Syrian National Council. He was Erdogan's favored candidate and most represented Turkey's viewpoint.
Sadiq Al-Azm is a well known writer and philosopher in Syria. He is most famous for his book "Critique of Religious Thought." His family is very prominent in Damascus his relative Khalid al-Azm previously served as Syrian President during the 1940's. His election is backed by the secular National Bloc.
Mouaffaq Nyrabia is a secular politician. He was one of the main figures behind the Damascus Declaration of 2005 that criticized the Assad regime.
Qadri Jamil is a Syrian politician and Moscow State University graduate. He represents the communist far left in Syria. Any remaining Assad loyalists will vent their frustrations by voting for Jamil. He garners support from the People's Will Party.
Manaf Tlass was a former Brigadier General in the Syrian Republican Guard. He defected to Turkey in July 2012 as the invasion of Syria was commencing. His family is one of the most important in Syria and have a net worth of over a billion. His father is Mustafa Tlass the Syrian Defence Minster during the Yom Kippur War. Manaf's main interests include cigars and women.
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My family issues turn out to be nothing serious thankfully
Who you voting for?
Hooray for the not-seriousness of the family issues!
I would vote for Al-Azm, I suppose, but Manaf Tlass's picture has a real badass factor.
I think the key for any Syrian politician is the need to be perceived as, while being thankful for the Turks intervention to stop Assad, also to establish themselves as independent of Erdogan and not act as a 'de-facto governor for a new Ottoman Empire'.
Nyrabia seems to be the best choice, at least in my opinion, as Tayfour would look like a Turkish stooge and uncomfortably Islamist for many - like an Syrian Morsi.
Nyrabia seems to be the best choice, at least in my opinion, as Tayfour would look like a Turkish stooge and uncomfortably Islamist for many - like an Syrian Morsi.
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