Saiful Islam Hafeez

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French president Emmanuel Macron are felicitated and criticised around the world. Mr. Erdogan is appreciated in the world  muslim society for nation-wide humanitarian work backed by the well-wishers. He strengthens his political future in his own country inculcating populism among the Turkish people.

According to enemies, he is also criticized for many unilateral actions. When he converted Hagia Sophia into mosque from museum then he got laudation by disciples but he was also vilified by many religionists including Christians. Backing Azerbaijan against Armenia over Nagarno-Karabakh conflict Erdogan`s effigy was burned with diatribe on the streets of Armenia. Somebody also told that Erdogan inhibits dissidents ferociously if they are proved as opposed to his government.

Document glints, in november 2020, Turkish court sentenced 337 people, including military officers and jet fighter pilots, to life sentences over the 2016 failed coup attempt. On the other hand Mr. Macron has been criticising for couple of months for patronising anti-Islamic activities in France. Following populism like Erdogan Macron heads his political party (La République En Marche party).

Under the signboard of secularism and protecting terrorism Macron administration stymies other religions followers. His main capital is Islamo-phobia, preaching around the Europe wants to fortify political basis and be entitled in EU.

Centering some issues both men are discussed in recent world. But we see there’s no good relationship between Erdogan and Macron but animosity exists. Their relation at daggers drawn in every global issue. If we focus just issues that happened last year,  their contradictory position will be cleared. In Libyan civil war Erdogan armedly supported Tripoli based government with United Nations. But French president Macron raised voice on behalf of revolted Khalifa Haftar. When Turkey and Greece were on the edge of war about the disputed area of East Mediterranean—then Mr. Macron supported Greece handing over Rafael Jet and took part in naval exercise to protest Turkish gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Same picture was showed about Armenia-Azerbaijan collapses over Nagarno-Karabakh in south Caucasus.

Their conflict isn’t halt yet and ending point is unknown. No single issue or phenomenon where they`re  homologate without controversy. What’s the truth behind the Erdogan-Macron`s strife? Question spins us all around. If we anatomize the exact reason of their strife verily some causes will be unveiled. Being elected as president Mr. Erdogan follows strong and Muslim friendly foreign policy. He has been taking part in many global phenomena despite some antagonistic views and discords of global leaders. The reemergence of Turkey can`t endure some world politicians Macron is one of them.

Experts say, Erdogan aims at reestablishing the Ottoman Empire to seize the regional leadership and control half of the world like the ancestors. Mr. Macron couldn’t do well in Syria and Libya for Erdogan`s befitting strategy. So Macron isn’t positive about Turkey. Franch won`t compromise anything in global issues. Macron wants to thwart Erdogan’s influence in global politics. Another secret, France has been devouring African wealth and dominates all countries  propagating so called unity. Basically, it exercises neo colonialism and enthralls many countries of the continent since second world war without any hindrances.

Muammar Gaddafi was threat for French illegal dominance who raised voice to be free from the aggression. But he`s usurped and couldn’t survive infront of their conspiracy. Without fixing up with French government no political party can come to the power in Africa. Turkey gains huge popularity  among African and Middle Eastern people through faithful business as well as telecasting cultural Tv series for the fresh entertainment. Increasing economical co-operation with the governments of African states Erdogan administration being closest to them. But this relationship is the matter of malice to Macron.

France seems the biggest threat for its neo colonialism and looting. It`s one of the significant reasons behind their conflict. Although Erdogan debates several times about Islamophobia and illegal activities as showing caricature of prophet (sm) sarcastically. Macron endeavours heart and soul to lessen Erdogan`s fame in Europe so that EU impose sanctions on Turkey. If Britain leaves EU completing Brexit process and the buzz comes true about Angela Merkel`s retirement from the power and politics—this organisation will face leader crisis indeed.

Macron is keen to take the leadership filling the vacancy. He preaches Turk-phobia in Europe to have bossing power of the world largest economic alliance. As Erdogan is ideologically divided from many Muslims country and  not in good relationship with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates—so he raises voice against Macron`s Islamo-phobia and anti-Islamic deeds. So that he can obtain support from these countries. There are many alliances in the world politics who are very eager and curious about Middle Eastern politics.

They have been trying to control the political system and grabbing the wealth of these countries—mainly gaining political advantages. Some how Turkish primary target`s building diplomatic relationship with Middle Eastern countries. Erdogan attempts hardly bumping up Turkish position beating others back. That`s why he works with Arabian countries including Iran, Qatar in well manner. Ankara inculpated that Paris heed to Middle East to grasp the wealth amplifying colonial power with Africa.

Standing an example Turkish foreign minister alleged, France throws its covetous look over Middle Eastern countries when Macron was in Lebanon after catastrophic explosion at Beirut’s port in August, 2020. France is so cooperative with Saudi-Amirat alliance where Turkey disappeared. Besides, Macron announced a World Bank-hosted humanitarian fund for crisis-hit Lebanon in early of december, 2020. Turkey can`t take easily such showing off functions of it’s rival in Middle East.

Here`s contradiction between Erdogan and Macron, which creates discords centering many issues. Who will win this game?  Politics isn`t game of talk but techniques and diplomacy. Strong diplomatic policy will do better in the game. But we the peace loving people around the globe always hopeful to see the end of their spat and strife within short time. They should bury the hatchet for the regional peace as well as geo-political stability.

But If they protract their enmity for decades the strif`ll turn into the devastating war like world war I. A news makes us very gleeful published a couple of days ago—both men exchanged letter where Mr. Macron called `dear Erdogan`! It’s not time to judge their triumph and defeat but we are very optimistic for their unity and friendship. Experts seem both men should enhance cooperation and make ever lasting diplomatic friendship strengthening national bounding instead feud.

Author: Saiful Islam Hafeez is a Student of Department of Political Science  at University of Rajshahi.