Turkey’s Shifting Alliances: A NATO Concern

A new report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies is raising questions about Turkey’s role in the Middle East and its alignment with NATO. The report, titled 'Islamist Domination of Turkey: A Forward Base for Muslim Brotherhood-Aligned Jihadism,' argues that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has moved away from traditional Western partnerships and towards increased engagement with Islamist movements.

Report Details Alleged Ties to Hamas

The report, led by senior fellow Sinan Ciddi, focuses on Turkey’s relationship with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. It alleges that Hamas expanded its presence in Turkey after 2011, establishing offices and networks within the country.

Hamas Operations Within Turkey

According to Ciddi, Hamas utilized Turkey’s government to “establish offices, engage in recruitment [and] fundraising” starting in 2011. U.S. authorities have reportedly taken action against some of these networks, with the Treasury Department designating Hamas-linked individuals and entities operating in Turkey. The report also claims some Hamas operatives have traveled using Turkish-issued documents, and senior figures have been publicly received by Erdoğan.

The Muslim Brotherhood and Regional Hub

Beyond Hamas, the report describes Turkey as a central hub for figures associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly those who have relocated from countries like Egypt and Yemen following crackdowns. The Muslim Brotherhood has been banned or restricted in several Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have designated it a terrorist organization.

Syria and Potential Sanctions

The report also examines Turkey’s involvement in Syria, where it supported opposition forces during the civil war. It alleges Turkish support for groups like al-Nusra and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, raising concerns about potential U.S. sanctions under existing laws. Ciddi stated the Syrian National Army was “a hodgepodge collection of militias that Turkey directly armed, paid and organized.”

U.S.-Turkey Relations: A Complex Dynamic

Despite these concerns, analysts note that Turkey’s relationship with the United States continues to influence its behavior. The relationship between Donald Trump and President Erdoğan has been described as “transactional,” with Trump praising Erdoğan’s role in Gaza diplomacy.

Trump's Praise for Erdoğan

Following a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in October 2025, Trump publicly praised Erdoğan, calling him “a friend” and “one of the most powerful in the world.” However, Turkish academic Hüseyin Bağcı emphasized that Ankara remains closely tied to Washington, stating, “You cannot be good with America and then be in conflict with Israel.”

NATO Membership and Future Concerns

Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952, providing logistical support and military capabilities. However, Ciddi argues that Turkey’s current path increasingly diverges from alliance priorities, citing U.S. sanctions related to supplying goods to Russia. He believes Turkey has a “track record … where Turkey significantly undermines the transatlantic alliance’s core security concerns.”

Iran and Regional Competition

Regarding Turkey’s relationship with Iran, Ciddi suggests Turkey would prefer a weakened Iranian regime over a complete collapse. Bağcı echoed this sentiment, describing Turkey and Iran as “two regional competitors.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Turkish government and the State Department for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.