FIRST ON FOX: NATO has been concerned about expansionist rhetoric for years, particularly given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Greece’s defense minister argues the alliance must also address similar threats from within its ranks.

A long-standing dispute between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus, both NATO members since 1952, has fueled tensions for decades, nearly leading to war in the 1990s.

While relations have improved, President Erdoğan’s pursuit of regional resources and controversial geopolitical actions in the Middle East and Aegean Sea have fueled concerns about a potential attempt to recreate the Ottoman Empire.

“Some in Turkey yearn for an Ottoman revival, encompassing parts of Greece, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the Caucasus,” Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated in an interview with Digital. 

“I hope this is a fantasy, but it significantly complicates relations with Greece and within NATO.”

Erdoğan, in power since 2014, faces criticism for his aggressive foreign policy towards Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Israel, as well as his domestic policies targeting minorities, journalists, women, and Kurds. This has hindered Turkey’s EU accession and carries significant geopolitical consequences for the U.S.

Ankara’s antagonism towards the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a key U.S. ally against ISIS, is a major concern. Turkey views the Kurdish-affiliated SDF as akin to the PKK.

Turkey’s actions against the SDF raise concerns about the group’s ability to continue fighting ISIS, especially following a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.

“ISIS is weakened but not defeated,” Dendias noted. “The ideology behind ISIS and the Muslim Brotherhood persists. We must remember our allies who fought alongside us and not abandon them,” he added, referencing the Kurds’ role in fighting ISIS.

The fall of the Assad regime has created a power vacuum, and the close Trump-Erdoğan relationship raises questions about Turkey’s regional ambitions.

Dendias suggested that the close relationship between Trump and Erdoğan could uniquely position Trump to influence Erdoğan, reminding him of the importance of international law.

“Encouraging Turkey to destabilize NATO’s eastern flank, given the situation in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, would harm both NATO and the U.S.,” Dendias warned.

Turkey’s recent “Blue Homeland” military exercises in the Black, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas, viewed by Greece as a show of force, have reignited maritime disputes.

“This reflects a new Turkish neo-imperialist, neo-Ottoman approach,” Dendias stated. “It claims parts of the Aegean Sea, and sometimes even Crete, which houses a significant NATO presence and a U.S. base, as belonging to Turkey.”

Greece’s strained relations with Turkey have necessitated high defense spending, a key issue within NATO due to Trump’s push for a 5% GDP spending target.

June 2024 NATO figures showed Greece as the fifth-highest defense spender (over 3% of GDP), while Turkey was 18th (just over 2%).

Dendias stressed the need for European consensus on security threats and defense spending, stating that Trump’s 5% target is an internal NATO matter.

“The biggest threat is from nations disregarding international law and maritime law, ignoring borders, and selectively applying treaties. That threatens the entire world, not just Greece,” Dendias emphasized.

Questions regarding Trump’s comments on Greenland and the Panama Canal went unanswered.

The Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond but referred to a statement by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, who stated ahead of the “Blue Homeland” exercises that Turkey is committed to international law and peace, seeking peaceful resolutions with Greece while firmly defending its national interests.