Virtually no one here likes Erdogan whatsoever, but our interests in relation to Ukraine and weakening USA/Russia aligns in this particular case. Turkey is a large country that actually borders the EU and has the largest non-European diaspora living here; keeping somwhat cood relations makes sense, even if I'd never want to see them join the Union and know we can never fully trust them.

As we lost our biggest ally, trading with another large country with a significant military makes perfect sense. Besides, Turkish food is actually great, especially compared to murican trash

[–] bramkaandorp@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Totally get that, and I won't ever make any false equivalence or both-sides arguments.

I was just surprised they went with Turkish instead of, say, Mexican or Spanish, or another country not as problematic.

[–] KumaSudosa@feddit.dk 2 points 18 hours ago

Well, seeing as it's written in German: Germany's and Austria's largest national minorities are Turks. Estimates are tough, but at least 3 million people (probably more like 5 million) in Germany have Turkish 'migrationshintergrund' and up to 500 000 people in Austria. Many have been there since the early 1960s, and, although it hasn't been all smooth sailing, Turkish culture and food has a significant place in both countries. So with that in mind I think this choice makes sense. Mexican food is lovely imo, but Germans don't have particular ties to the culture, people or food. (Not to mention the fact that whenever there's "Mexican" food in Europe broadly it's a watered-down version of tex-mex, which I do still like anyway)

[+] PanArab@lemm.ee -20 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (6 children)

He is a million times better than Trump and has far far less blood on his hands than either Trump or Biden
Turkiye isn't engaging in economic warfare against Europe
Turkiye welcomed Syrian and Ukrainian refugees escaping the wars
Turkiye supports Ukraine in various ways such as drones

Turkiye is a Muslim country as well as a European country, so it is in an odd place to be but also bridges both worlds.

Edit: I know about the Kurds, I am from the Middle East. Turkiye had a history of racist nationalism that Erdogan actually campaigns against. Turkiye and Erdogan are not angels or innocent but are a far lesser evil than many others.

[–] ayyy@sh.itjust.works 26 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

He literally blocks all new NATO membership and you claim he has no blood on his hands?

Edit: and I assume he has finally taken action towards earthquake building safety? Or is that still just god’s will?

Edit2: funny that you have time to talk to me about cookie flavors but pretend these questions don’t exist

[–] jaybone@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago

Yeah that commenter has an agenda.

[–] sik0fewl@lemmy.ca 7 points 1 day ago

ITT: people ignoring the genocides they've committed, while pointing out other's

[–] Maggoty@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

I'm sorry but all the campaigning in the world doesn't matter when he can't stop the oppression of Kurds as the leader of his country.

[–] x00z@lemmy.world 11 points 2 days ago (1 children)

You didn't mention the Kurds. Turkey's action towards Kurds is one of the main reasons to dislike Turkey.

[–] Ugurcan@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

It’s not making headlines but Kurds and Turkiye stroke the biggest peace deal over the last month. PKK agreed to dissolve itself.

[–] ilega_dh 2 points 1 day ago

I’ve seen a headline about this but then again we seem to be living in a very busy time for the headlines industry

[–] x00z@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Interesting thanks.

[–] match@pawb.social 7 points 2 days ago

also, turkiye seems to be on the verge of working things out with ocalan and the kurds, which is impressive

[–] nomugisan@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 1 day ago

Turkey is a secular land, and fuck you and your Ergodan apologia