Erdoğan weakened

The devastating terrorist attack on Istanbul airport, which has claimed more than 40 lives, is yet another example of the deepening threats to the stability of the Turkish state – a Nato member vital to maintaining peace in Europe and guarding against threats from the Middle East and Russia. The country has already been shaken by the bitter civil war raging across its southern border in Syria and the increasingly autocratic style of government adopted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

It was not long ago that Turkey seemed to hold all the diplomatic cards. When negotiating with EU leaders to stem the flow of migrants into Europe, Ankara dictated terms. But the prickly Mr Erdoğan has overplayed his hand, souring relationship after relationship – not only inside Europe, but also across the Middle East and with Moscow.

The impact of Brexit has played its part in weakening Ankara’s position, too, as Turkey’s EU membership ambitions now look permanently on ice. But if the tables have been turned, it is no time to crow. If tourists do not flock to the Turkish coast, people-smugglers certainly will. And a fractured Turkey is at greater risk from extremists and separatists – the country lacks for neither.

Some Western powers are inclined to help by sharing intelligence, but hesitate – wondering whether Mr Erdoğan is not using Islamic State fighters as pawns in his own regional power game. However, Mr Erdoğan now appears to be set on restoring ties that he himself severed and, if that spirit of cooperation is genuine, then it should be capitalised upon. Having seen the chaos in Syria, it is clear that Turkey must not become involved in a bitter civil war of its own.