WI: Nazis invaded Turkey?

As I understand it, no. Mussolini didn't want to loose prestige or face, he was immensely embarrassed by his military failures. Italy and Germany were allies, and while Germany could suggest to Italy what was wanted, or possibly coerce them into an agreement, Hitler didn't order Mussolini "do this or else". The Soviets navy was capable of growth, and of doing so with domestic or German designs, they were not dependent upon Italy. Allowing the Soviets to take Turkey means the addition of powerful rival into what the Italians wished to be their sphere of influence. Doing this deprives Italy of it's original war aims, ie, controlling the Mediterranean. I can't see this happening.
As to the article, it appears to be the press speculating. Mussolini fought the Communists in Spain, he was a Fascist, and a dire opponent of Communism, I can't see him doing a 180 degree turn to embrace them when doing so undermines his position.
 
As I understand it, no. Mussolini didn't want to loose prestige or face, he was immensely embarrassed by his military failures. Italy and Germany were allies, and while Germany could suggest to Italy what was wanted, or possibly coerce them into an agreement, Hitler didn't order Mussolini "do this or else". The Soviets navy was capable of growth, and of doing so with domestic or German designs, they were not dependent upon Italy. Allowing the Soviets to take Turkey means the addition of powerful rival into what the Italians wished to be their sphere of influence. Doing this deprives Italy of it's original war aims, ie, controlling the Mediterranean. I can't see this happening.
As to the article, it appears to be the press speculating. Mussolini fought the Communists in Spain, he was a Fascist, and a dire opponent of Communism, I can't see him doing a 180 degree turn to embrace them when doing so undermines his position.
Yes, and I don't think that Soviet entry into such a war would achieve much for the Germans or the Italians that they would not be able to achieve as well or better with Soviet neutrality. There's not even that many places the Soviets could attack the Western allies directly. The only real justification I can think of for this is to appease Stalin to buy time for the rest of the operation.

On the other hand, if the objective is to support Japan, there are some very big benefits to Soviet cooperation. For example, if they found a way get the Soviets to sell a lot of oil to Japan, and, maybe, to cut back on their aid to China. Of course, this would only be a worthwhile endeavor as long as the attack on Pearl Harbor had not yet been carried out.
 
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