Retired Ambassador Uluç Özülker evaluates: 'The world is in turmoil'

Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU- 12punto.com.tr

As the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran have become the main headline of the international agenda, the potential for the war to expand globally is being discussed. 

On the other hand, with a Presidential decree published in the Official Gazette, appointments were made to the 'Emergency and Defense Planning Department' in all ministries except the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), and Fahrettin Altun, who was removed from his post at the Directorate of Communications, was appointed as the Ambassador to the Vatican, having previously been appointed to head the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TİHEK).

Retired Ambassador Uluç Özülker commented on the future of the war, the crisis of diplomacy, and the Turkey factor for 12punto. 

'THERE IS NO PLACE FOR THIS IN LAW'

Evaluating the attacks launched by the US and Israel on Iran from a diplomatic perspective, Özülker stated that this is a disaster and contrary to international law, adding: 'You cannot come and say, "This country is doing wrong, I will kidnap its head of state"—regardless of whether that election was right or wrong, as every country has its own internal conditions. Just like what was done in Venezuela... There is no place for this in law. You cannot violate someone else's rights just because you want to be satisfied. When you do this, it is called vandalism,' he said, criticizing the US stance by recalling the policy applied to Venezuela. 

'HE WOULD BE RISKING HIS POLITICAL FUTURE'

Özülker stated, 'The United States is not actually present here; it has directed all its support toward Israel. America is not intervening directly and is trying to appear as if it is seeking peace, but it is using Israel perfectly on the front lines. And Israel is using America perfectly. Trump cannot say "stop" to Israel because he does not want to lose the 20% vote support of the Evangelical and Zionist lobbies. The moment he does that, he would be risking his own political future,' he said, conveying that the US-Israel partnership is 'vital' for both sides. 

'WE MUST NOT TAKE SIDES'

Pointing to Ankara's balance policy and the progress made in the defense industry, retired Ambassador Uluç Özülker said, "I am not a politician. In any case, I am not a man of this or that party, but I am a person who is in love with this Republic of Turkey and has dedicated himself to it with his ambassadorship and everything else. It would not be right for Turkey to get involved in this Middle Eastern quagmire, nor to enter into a confrontation that would alienate others. When I look at it from this perspective, I find what is being done to be correct. The breakthrough we have shown in the defense industry after July 15 has made us a power that must be taken seriously. Not walking on a snake and not taking a step that would allow it to bite you is the definition of a smart policy. We must not be a party to the conflict, but rather a power capable of defending Turkey." 

'WE MUST MAINTAIN THE BALANCE'

Making assessments regarding the risk of a global war, Özülker stated that the US's main rival could be China and that this would become evident within the next decade, saying, "America has 13 aircraft carriers, but it cannot renew them; there is neither money, nor technicians, nor ports. China, on the other hand, has launched its third aircraft carrier and aims to produce 13 ships by 2035. The US knows that if it cannot take preventive action against China today, it will face a world under Chinese hegemony after 2030. The possibility of entering a major war in the world within the next 10 years is clearly written in strategic articles. It is essential that we maintain the balance here." 

'EUROPE IS BANKRUPT' 

Regarding Europe in the face of war, Özülker said, "Europe is bankrupt. Until now, it was living comfortably by leaning on America. When NATO expenditures came to the agenda, it turned out that only six countries had real armed forces. England's aircraft carrier is rusting; they cannot use it. Europe is currently living under the protection of the US; the moment America says 'put your hand in your pocket,' they do not have the capacity to do so." 

On the other hand, Özülker explained that the European Union takes a hypocritical stance against Turkey when it comes to war, stating, "Turkey's armed forces are becoming very strong. Therefore, we asked them a question: 'If we are so important, then why don't you make us a full member?' They said, 'The two are different; we are with you on security, but we are not on full membership in the European Union.' That is all that Europe amounts to." 

'THE WORLD IS IN TURMOIL'

According to the appointment decision published in the Official Gazette dated March 6, 2026, under decision number 2026/80 by AKP President Erdoğan, heads of the 'Emergency Situations and Defense Planning Department' were appointed to all ministries except the Ministry of National Defense. In decision number 2026/67 of the same Official Gazette, Fahrettin Altun, who was at the head of TİHEK, was appointed as the Ambassador to the Vatican. Regarding the matter, Özülker stated, 'Sir, the world is in turmoil. I mean, under current conditions, a world war will not break out tomorrow. Because there needs to be an interlocutor; as I said, neither China nor Russia intends to start a war at this moment. Turkey is at such a crossroads in the Middle East that they will not let Turkey off the hook here. In that case, I must avoid stepping on anyone's toes; I need to be balanced. Because there is Russia above, America below, and Israel there... I mean, it is all so chaotic and all of it is on top of me. So, what should I be? Not taking sides, but becoming a power capable of defending Turkey. But I must also not live in a state where Turkey solves things by attacking, because if we enter this quagmire, we will drown in it. Now, under these conditions, there is nothing more natural than taking steps in Turkey that would make it more capable of defending itself amidst potential chaos coming from the outside.' 

On the other hand, the Vatican is a religious post, not a political one. Those appointed there must be knowledgeable about religious matters. Returning to the appointments in domestic politics; these are a reflection of a society that has pledged allegiance. In a one-man regime, a decision is made from above, and those below only say 'yes.' The rest is nothing more than a process between two lips,' he assessed.