<blockquote>'The crux of the matter is this: Turkish foreign policy is no longer about Turkey but about Erdogan. Floundering at home and abroad, the Turkish president has embarked on an illiberal course at home undermining what are admittedly flawed institutions and reconstituting them in his image. His omnipresence and unchallenged position mean that foreign policy is the product of his worldview, whims, and preferences. There is no one who can challenge him. The systematic approach of the early years has given way to indulgence; this more than anything explains the ups and downs of Turkish foreign policy.'
- Henri J. Barkey,
Erdogan’s Foreign Policy Is in Ruins, February 4, 2016</blockquote>
Context<blockquote>
'..seeking a military solution to Syria's civil war will only pave the way for years more fighting.''Russia is more than willing to tolerate instability and economic weakness in the neighboring countries..'</blockquote>