He has at every stage seized the initiative and outplayed – then persecuted – his opponents.
The AKP’s status in ACRE, the Tory international alliance, was in doubt – but it survived a vote with Conservative backing.
With growing problems at home, many member states are at odds with the Commission’s punitive line on Brexit.
They discussed trade, Cyprus, Syria and aviation security.
Our own security services have managed superbly. But a danger thwarted is not a danger ended.
Like Putin, he rules as unconstitutional monarch. Unlike Putin, his state is a member of NATO.
The ability to leverage a nation’s influence through international networks and institutions is key to promoting the national interest in the modern world.
In putting down the coup, the strongman of Ankara has gone too far. His nation’s institutions are severely weakened.
No military coup against an elected government ever improved things. But Turkey’s rulers ought to opt for statesmanship, not vengeance.
Even before the coup an investigation was launched to judge if they still live up to the shared values of the Conservative Party’s international alliance.
If you thought he was a paranoid tyrant before, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Ankara is ignoring the terms of the migration deal – but 75 million Turks look set to get visa-free access to Schengen regardless.
Brussels will struggle to inspire positive change amongst its neighbours now that it has rewarded a regime so at odds with its professed values.
We risk losing Ankara to Russian influence if we don’t show Erdogan more understanding.