What does Project 2025, prepared for Trump, propose regarding Türkiye?

Project 2025, a policy framework released by The Heritage Foundation during Donald Trump’s campaign, includes key directives regarding Türkiye and the Middle East.

The plan outlines measures to counter Türkiye’s potential alignment with China, viewing such a shift as a challenge to its NATO commitments. According to the document, “The U.S. aims to prevent Türkiye, a NATO ally, from drawing closer to China, a move seen as counter to the strategic interests of the alliance.”

Potential review of US-PKK/YPG relations in Syria

The report also signals a possible reassessment of Washington’s relationship with the PKK/YPG terrorist group in Syria.

The U.S. has supported the PKK/YPG terrorist group in the “fight against Daesh”, but this has been a source of tension with Türkiye, which views the PKK/YPG as a threat to its national security. The plan indicates that closer engagement with Türkiye may necessitate a review of these ties.

“This may require the U.S. to reconsider its support for Kurdish YPG forces in Syria, which Ankara perceives as an existential threat,” the plan suggests.

Middle East strategy focuses on stability and alliances

Project 2025 emphasizes the importance of maintaining U.S. influence in the Middle East, arguing that American withdrawal could lead to increased chaos and empower adversaries.

The plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to regional stability, focusing on containing Iran’s influence and strengthening ties with key Arab states.

“Without U.S. leadership, the Middle East risks further destabilization or becoming a target for America’s adversaries,” the report warns.

Preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions

A key priority highlighted in the report is preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. The suggested strategies include re-implementing sanctions, providing security assistance to regional allies, and supporting anti-regime protests within Iran.

“This involves restoring and expanding sanctions, aiding regional partners, and ensuring Israel has the necessary political and military flexibility to defend against threats from Iran and its proxies,” the document states.

Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia to counter China

The plan also calls for bolstering U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly to diminish China’s growing influence in Riyadh. It recommends expanding diplomatic efforts and encouraging other Arab nations to join the Abraham Accords.

China puts the development of relations with Saudi Arabia as a priority in its overall diplomacy, especially in its Middle East diplomacy, Chinese Premier Li Qiang says.

According to the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia’s exports to China amounted to $6.24 billion in April 2022, accounting for 17% of total exports.

In terms of imports, China leads with $2.93 billion in outbound merchandise to Saudi Arabia, accounting for 19.8% of Saudi’s total imports in April. By August 2022, those figures increased with China exporting $3.19 billion and importing $7.86 billion from Saudi Arabia.

Overall, between August 2021 and August 2022, China’s exports increased by $663 million (26.3%) from $2.52 billion to $3.19 billion, while imports increased by $2.36 billion from $5.5 billion to $7.86 billion.