Considering regional and global dynamics and the overall momentum of 2025, Türkiye will face imminent security threats originating from multiple fronts, particularly in the Middle East, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The ongoing Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip and regional expansionism further destabilize the Middle East. Several other regional crises, such as Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, remained unresolved. The protracted Ukrainian-Russian war in the Black Sea threatens the overall security of the Black Sea region. The most recent military buildup by Israel and Greece on the island of Cyprus has increased tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Furthermore, Türkiye will face some secondary threats emanating from other regions, such as the Horn of Africa. The fragile peace in Ethiopia and the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan are among the major reasons for regional instability in the Horn of Africa. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has severely destabilized the already fragile balance in the Horn of Africa. All these developments negatively affect Türkiye’s diplomatic, military and economic standing.
However, the Middle East will continue to occupy the most critical position in Turkish foreign policy. Destabilizing developments that dominated the region in 2025 will continue to play an important role in shaping Türkiye’s foreign policy. The regional balance of power in the Middle East has changed dramatically. In this short piece, I will briefly examine the main regional crises and their relevance for Türkiye.
National integration in Syria
Syria will remain one of the main regional crises in the Middle East and the most important security threat to Türkiye.
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