“It’s time to stop calling it an ally” — A new online campaign sparks widespread debate over Turkey’s reliability within NATO and its involvement in regional conflicts.
A new digital campaign under the hashtag #TurkeyNotAnAlly was launched on April 30, 2025, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), igniting intense discussion about Turkey’s role on the global stage and particularly within the NATO alliance.
The campaign, which rapidly gained traction online, draws sharp comparisons between Turkey and Russia, accusing Ankara of actions that destabilize the region. Using phrases such as “illegal invasions,” “threats of war,” and “interference in regional conflicts,” the campaign delivers a clear message: “It’s time to stop calling it an ally.”
Focus on Military Interventions and Regional Tensions
The criticism centers on Turkey’s military interventions in Syria and Iraq, primarily targeting Kurdish groups, as well as its involvement in proxy wars in regions like Libya and the South Caucasus (notably Nagorno-Karabakh).
Additionally, the campaign highlights Turkey’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially toward Greece, Cyprus, and Israel — further fueling concerns about Ankara’s alignment with Western interests.
Read also: Turkish revisionism through 16 maps
NATO Membership Under Scrutiny
Despite being a NATO member, Turkey is accused of undermining the cohesion of the alliance, allegedly pursuing a policy of “strategic autonomy” and engaging in cooperation with powers like Russia. This approach, critics argue, challenges the very foundations of trust within NATO.
The campaign emerges amid rising skepticism in the West regarding Turkey’s reliability and commitment to shared democratic values. Many voices are now calling for a reassessment of Turkey’s role in NATO, suggesting that its actions are increasingly at odds with the alliance’s principles.
No Clear Origin, But Widespread Reach
While the initiators of the campaign remain unknown, the hashtag #TurkeyNotAnAlly has quickly gained visibility, resonating with users across the platform and amplifying calls for a geopolitical rethink.
Full campaign statement: “From illegal invasions to threats of war and repeated interference in regional conflicts, Turkey, just like Russia, has become a major driver of instability and a growing threat to regional peace and security. It’s time to stop calling it an ally.”
Read also: Turkish revisionism through 16 maps