The Facts
The foreign ministries of Egypt and Turkey announced on Tuesday that they have mutually reappointed ambassadors to each other's capitals, the first time since relations broke down in 2013.
In a joint statement, Turkey and Egypt said that they seek the "renormalization of relations" between the two nations. This year, Turkey and Egypt held numerous high-level talks aimed at the restoration of full relations.
The Spin
Narrative A
Turkey and Egypt have shared cultural heritage and strong economic ties, making an eventual rapprochement inevitable. Turkey has been successfully establishing itself as a power player in the Middle East and has been moving full steam ahead to foster good relations with the other countries in the region as old feuds fade away. The future of regional diplomacy is looking bright.
Narrative B
Ironically, these overtures made by Turkey are emblematic of Ankara's waning influence. Turkey had once tried to position itself as the primary supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islam, exporting the ideology to other countries in a bid to become a regional power broker. These efforts have failed, and an economic crisis at home has forced Turkey to make amends with its neighbors, giving up on its middle power dreams.
