What's happening between Turkey and the Netherlands can be described as "there's more going on than meets the eye." Tensions between the two countries have risen significantly, and Turkey has started taking punitive actions against the Netherlands. These actions include cutting off all diplomatic communication and banning the Dutch government or diplomatic delegation from entering Turkey. Additionally, a bill has been proposed in the Turkish parliament to cancel the "Dutch-Turkish Friendship Agreement," an essential agreement in political, economic, military, and security matters. In other words, relations between the two countries have reached a complete break.
Political Background and Constitutional Amendment
The main reason for these tensions is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's push for a constitutional amendment that will be put to a public vote. This amendment aims to change Turkey's government system from parliamentary to presidential, giving Erdoğan more power. Erdoğan has expressed feeling restricted by coup plotters and their supporters within the deep state, so he is seeking to strengthen his authority through this amendment.
The Turkish Community in the Netherlands and Its Impact
The Turkish community in the Netherlands is the third-largest Turkish group outside Turkey, with around 500,000 people. This community forms a significant voting bloc that can influence the outcome of any referendum, leading Erdoğan to seek their support for the constitutional amendment. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu announced plans to visit several countries to meet with Turkish communities, but the visit to the Netherlands was rejected, sparking the crisis.
Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The Dutch Prime Minister decided to revoke the Turkish Foreign Minister's plane's landing permission, further escalating tensions. In response, the Turkish Environment Minister attempted an unexpected visit to the Netherlands to attend a gathering of the Turkish community. Still, the Dutch authorities prevented her from entering the country, leading to further escalation. The Turkish gathering was met with force, resulting in clashes between the police and Turkish citizens.
Impact of the Crisis on International Relations
In another development, the Netherlands imposed a 10-year entry ban on the Turkish minister, threatening imprisonment if she attempted to enter any European country. Turkey responded by closing the Dutch embassy and consulate in Ankara and canceling the Dutch ambassador's return permit to Turkey. This escalation led to the European Union stepping in, calling for calm but supporting the Netherlands and condemning Erdoğan's statements.
Deeper Roots of the Dispute
The conflict between Turkey and the Netherlands has deeper roots than what appears on the surface. Over the past years, the Netherlands has been one of the most vigorous opponents of Turkey's entry into the European Union and withdrew its military support from Turkey at critical times. The Netherlands also accepted Turkish coup officers as refugees and refused to extradite them to Turkey, further heightening tensions.
Comparison of Power: Turkey vs. the Netherlands
Turkey is stronger than the Netherlands in terms of economic and military power. Turkey ranks 16th globally in total GDP, while the Netherlands ranks 28th. Militarily, Turkey ranks 8th globally in military strength, while the Netherlands ranks 39th and cannot fight alone without NATO.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
Despite these tensions, the conflict will likely end with a reconciliation meeting, as happened before between Erdoğan and Russia. Erdoğan is seeking public support in the referendum, facing opposition at home, but with this recent stance, he will gain significant support. Meanwhile, the Dutch Prime Minister is using the situation to score points against the far-right in his country.
In the End:
The world is complicated now, and every party has agendas and goals. However, countries like Turkey and the Netherlands can make the world talk about their issues. At the same time, the problems of other people, including those suffering from massacres or famines, remain ignored and unnoticed.