ISTANBUL: The consequences of the failed July 15, 2016 coup in Turkey increased Ankara’s international isolation, exposing shortcomings in the government’s sometimes overambitious foreign policy, analysts say. Meanwhile, the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf risks wrecking Turkey’s efforts to keep a tight strategic alliance with Qatar without upsetting Saudi Arabia. Turkey is increasingly banking on a close relationship with Russia and has made much of a multipolar foreign policy, vastly expanding its diplomatic presence in Africa. But Moscow could prove a rickety crutch on which to rest Turkey’s foreign policy. “Turkish foreign policy is undergoing a severe test,” said a European diplomatic source.

Source: Manila Times July 11, 2017 11:26 UTC