Turkey has always struck a somewhat discordant note on the international stage, but lately it is becoming so incongruous that it risks becoming more isolated than ever.<\/p>\n
In a world where states operate in ever greater interconnectedness, for a country claiming to be a major player with a growing economy to carve out a lonelier place for itself, does not make any sense.<\/p>\n
The widening gulf between Turkey and the rest is partly due to policies and statements that leave no doubt as to the direction the country is heading.<\/p>\n
Consider Mr. Erdogan\u2019s defiant call to the European Union, in response to their insistence for Turkey to narrow its definition of terrorism in order to qualify for visa-free travel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will go our way,\u201d Mr. Erdogan said. \u201cYou go yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Combined with hard rhetoric, the authoritarian tilt inside Turkey is inevitably widening the gap in democratic values with its partners.<\/p>\n
The forced resignation of an elected Prime Minister, attempts to strip opposition legislators of their immunity from prosecution, seizing control of businesses belonging to opponents and the brutal crackdown on the media are neither easy to explain nor justify.<\/p>\n
Yet, each day, Turkey seems more and more prepared to ignore global norms. The responses from the international community are, by and large, confusion and disorientation.<\/p>\n
The row between Turkey and the EU over how the \u20ac3bn promised under the refugee deal should be spent, is a good example.<\/p>\n
In line with its rules, the EU wants to make sure that the funds must be directed through UN agencies and international NGOs with proven ability, capacity and infrastructure to deliver aid. The money is given to refugees, not to Turkey and it should only be used on pre-agreed projects.<\/p>\n
Turkey finds these requirements bureaucratic and inefficient; insisting that the money must be handed over to Turkish authorities who have been running 25 camps for Syrians already. It wants to be able to spend the money for much needed education and health facilities for the refugees.<\/p>\n
Nobody disputes the fact that Turkey has extended a much more generous welcome to the Syrian refugees than most other countries. Yet, by limiting independent access to its camps, Turkey made itself vulnerable to accusations that they were also used for sheltering a number of Islamist militants, free to move in and out of border areas with Syria.<\/p>\n
The recent child abuse scandal<\/a> uncovered by the Birgun<\/a> newspaper at the state-run Nizip camp has again highlighted the need for better administration, vigilance and transparency in refugee camps.<\/p>\n