Erdogan is now free to push for a change in the constitution that would transfer more power to himself. But this act also highlights his growing political isolation, which many believe will spell the end his career — an outcome of great concern to the US and its European allies.
Western leaders desperately need Turkey to remain stable. As a key NATO ally in a volatile region — NATO's second-largest army, in fact — and the country that is supposed to protect Europe from another flood of refugees, a lot is riding on Turkey's stability. But the oppressed half of the country does not share the same sentiments, and talk of a possible coup against Erdogan is growing louder.
Perhaps the surest sign of trouble for his political future is the sarcasm pouring in on Erdogan from all sides — from the cover of the leading German magazine Der Spiegel to an "Insult Erdogan" contest sponsored by a prominent British magazine to homegrownsocial media.
Put simply, Erdogan may be turning into more of a liability for the West than a solid defender of NATO's eastern flank that he was once touted to be.
Offensive Poetry Competition, Erdogan cartoon, Der Spiegel cover
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