Is the Recent Agreement Between Turkey and Libya a Win for Turkey?

The recent agreement between Turkey and Libya has been termed an “agreement for arms” by many. However, this deal is not taken very seriously given that the Libyan Islamist government, supported by Turkey but barely recognized internationally, controls only a fraction of the country. Will this agreement be seen as a "win" for Turkey? Let's dive into the details.

Why It's Viewed as Chest-Thumping Posturing

For any memorandum or agreement to be recognized in international law and politics, it needs to have international recognition. In this case, the agreement between Turkey and the government of a fragmented state lacks the necessary widespread acceptance. There are already established rulings and decisions, such as those regarding Malta and the continental shelf, that dictate the validity of such agreements. This means that the agreement between Turkey and Libya is essentially just empty rhetoric, much like the chest-thumping displays of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, designed to provoke rather than achieve any substantive outcome.

Provocation Against Neighbors

Is provoking your neighbors, specifically Greece, Cyprus, the EU, Israel, and Egypt, considered a "win"? Erdogan’s actions are aimed at stirring tensions and creating conflicts. If this behavior is the definition of a "win," then Erdogan is indeed celebrating, but it is at the expense of international peace and cooperation. It is important to note that such actions can have severe repercussions on regional stability and diplomatic relations.

Strategic Necessity: Turkey's Approach in the Eastern Mediterranean

Considering the strategic landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean, it becomes clear why Turkey had to take this action. For years, Turkey has repeatedly proclaimed that she would not accept a fait accompli in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. The "mean spirited plans" and alliances formed by Greece, Greek Cypriot, Egypt, and Israel have only served to galvanize Turkey's resolve. Their actions have pushed Turkey to assert its interests and secure its maritime borders to protect its national security and economic interests.

International Perception and Reactions

The international community views Turkey's recent moves with a great degree of skepticism and even mockery. This agreement is seen as a political gesture that lacks legal and practical implications. It is important to consider the broader context and the historical and political background of the region when assessing the significance of such agreements.

Conclusion: Comprehensive View of the Situation

While Turkey's actions may seem like a strategic move to regain influence and protect its maritime rights, the international community is not convinced. The agreement needs international recognition and is subject to existing legal rulings. As we move forward, it is essential to monitor how these countries will navigate their complex relationships and the implications of such actions on the broader geopolitical landscape of the Mediterranean.

Keywords: Turkey, Maritime Agreement, Libya, Mediterranean, Greece