Turkey, a long-standing member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has faced mounting criticism for its alleged collaborations with Islamist militant groups, particularly in efforts to suppress Kurdish autonomy and resistance movements. While Turkey positions itself as a critical ally in the global fight against terrorism, its actions in Syria, Iraq, and other regions suggest a disturbing pattern of support for extremist factions to achieve its strategic goals.

Turkey’s Role in Syria: Allegations of Supporting Extremists

The Syrian Civil War highlighted Turkey’s controversial policies toward Kurdish groups, such as the People’s Protection Units (YPG). As a leading force within the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (#SDF), the #YPG played an instrumental role in dismantling ISIS. However, #Turkey persistently labels the YPG as a terrorist organization, citing its affiliation with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (#PKK), which has long sought Kurdish autonomy within Turkey.

Turkey has been accused of directly supporting Islamist groups to counteract Kurdish forces in northern Syria. During its 2018 and 2019 military operations in Afrin and northeastern Syria, Turkey reportedly allied with armed Syrian factions known for their links to radical Islamist ideologies and involvement in human rights abuses. These Turkish-backed groups have been implicated in atrocities such as ethnic cleansing, looting, and targeting of Kurdish civilians.

Turkey and #ISIS: Overlapping Interests?

The rise of ISIS in Iraq and #Syria revealed troubling overlaps between Turkey’s geopolitical objectives and the actions of extremist groups. Reports from the mid-2010s suggest that Turkey’s border policies allowed foreign fighters, weapons, and other resources to flow freely into ISIS-controlled territories. Critics argue that this tacit complicity was part of a broader effort to counter Kurdish territorial and political gains in the region.

Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, Turkey has faced accusations of actively aiding Islamist groups to weaken Kurdish forces. A notable example is the 2014 ISIS siege of Kobane, during which Kurdish forces accused Turkey of obstructing reinforcements and humanitarian aid to the besieged city. Turkey’s denial of these allegations did little to dispel concerns over its priorities in the fight against ISIS.

Proxy Forces as Tools of Influence

Turkey’s use of proxy forces, particularly Islamist militias, has further complicated its role in regional conflicts. Groups under the banner of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have faced accusations of war crimes and human rights violations. This strategy has enabled Turkey to project power in Syria while evading direct confrontation with NATO allies. However, the human cost of this policy has been immense, particularly for Kurdish civilians in areas like Afrin, where widespread displacement and violence have been documented.

In Iraq, Turkish military operations targeting PKK bases in the Kurdistan Region have led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, exacerbating tensions in Kurdish communities. These actions underscore a broader pattern in which Turkey’s counter-terrorism narrative serves as a pretext for suppressing Kurdish political aspirations.

Implications for NATO and Global Stability

Turkey’s alleged alliances with Islamist groups stand in stark contrast to NATO’s founding principles of collective defense and democratic values. By targeting Kurdish forces—key allies in the fight against ISIS—Turkey undermines the credibility and operational unity of the alliance.

Turkey has also exploited its geopolitical position to wield disproportionate influence within NATO and the European Union, often leveraging its membership to deflect criticism and extract concessions. Critics argue that Turkey’s actions represent a destabilizing force within NATO, weakening its ability to respond effectively to global security threats.

A Call for Accountability

The international community, including NATO, must hold Turkey accountable for actions that undermine regional stability and the fight against terrorism. NATO member states should demand adherence to the alliance’s principles and ensure that policies aligning with extremist factions are unequivocally condemned.

Supporting Kurdish forces, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to combating terrorism, should be a cornerstone of efforts to stabilize the region. A balanced approach that prioritizes human rights, counterterrorism, and the peaceful resolution of Kurdish-Turkish tensions is essential for maintaining long-term regional stability and upholding NATO’s integrity.

Turkey’s strategic importance in the Middle East cannot excuse actions that violate international norms and jeopardize global security. It is imperative for NATO and the broader global community to address these issues decisively and transparently.