Turkey’s Embattled Strongman Eyes Charm Offensive in Middle East

As Turkey approaches critical general and presidential elections in 2023, President Erdogan is moving to fix frayed relations with rich Middle Eastern countries in the hope of securing a much-needed cash flow.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Turkey has had poor relations with almost all Middle Eastern countries for nearly a decade, following several disagreements on bilateral and regional affairs.

However, as the country approaches important general and presidential elections amid a deep economic crisis, Erdogan is moving to mend fences with several countries in the region, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria.

“A meeting with [Syrian President Bashar Al] Assad can take place. There is no resentment in politics. Sooner or later, we can take steps,” Erdogan told reporters in parliament on November 23.

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