Meanwhile in the East

Turkey has for years been embroiled in turmoil, which has only intensified after the failed coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in July 2016.

Antagonism between the country's Kemalists and Islamists has escalated into an all-out confrontation. Meanwhile, the ultranationalist party can be seen swinging between the two camps.

Suddenly, however, virtually all forces have rallied behind the president. And the military operation in northern Syria, which is aimed at destroying Kurdish forces in the area, has drawn passionate support from all Turkish parties - barring the Kurdish party.

To be sure, Turkey cannot serve as a role model of political behavior - either at home or abroad. It is nevertheless clear that Turkey, and particularly its political parties, have a solid understanding of the national interest; and they defend it with any means...