What kind of an alliance is this?

THE FACE -off of a Turkish frigate and a French battleship in the East Mediterranean increased tensions between Ankara and Paris and worried NATO, of which both countries are members.

This conflict between Turkey and France is not something new. The Paris administration’s demeanor towards the Armenian genocide, Turkey’s EU membership, Turkey’s military operation in Syria, Northern Cyprus, and its active support for Greece has kept tensions between Ankara and Paris alive.

However, the conflict that took place off Libya’s coast last week took these tensions to another level. According to France, a Turkish frigate intercepted a French battleship, stationed by NAT• to investigate a cargo ship that was believed to be carrying weapons to Libya. Turkey refuted this claim instantly, but France took the matter to NAT• and tried to pressure Turkey. NAT• decided to open an investigation.

In a few days, we will see what the result of the investigation will be and how much it will ease tensions. However, it is indeed alarming that two NAT• member countries were on the brink of a gunfight.

It is not the first time that made NAT• think about what kind of an alliance this is. Member countries differ on some matters from time to time; it is natural due to the organization’s and its members’ democratic structures.

Despite different arguments and interests, the organization comes to a consensus most of the time. However, lately, disagreements between Turkey and some other allies have become more pronounced and have created a risk of conflict.

The word duel with Greece escalated and increased the tensions lately. The language and phrasing give an impression of two enemies, rather than two allies.