Turkey at the Crossroads

Source:The Cipher Brief Date:12Apr2019

• Turkey’s ruling AKP party is asking for a full recount in the mayoral election in Istanbul, making accusations of ‘wide-spread crimes.’
• Defeats for the AKP in the nation-wide elections demonstrate that despite Erdogan’s attempt to consolidate power, there remains a very credible political opposition across Turkey.
• Erdogan has pivoted Turkey, an official but increasingly estranged member of NATO, in the direction of Russia.
• Erdogan is seeking a leading role in Syria and is now a full partner with Russia in shaping this phase of the conflict.