The problem for him is that Turkish nationalism is a good tool for internal control, but it doesn't help at all if the goal is to gain influence in the Middle E

The problem for him is that Turkish nationalism is a good tool for internal control, but it doesn't help at all if the goal is to gain influence in the Middle East. Turks are not Arabs after all. Islam on the other hand is quite influential und universal in the Middle East. I guess he wants more influence in the Middle East instead of trying to influence some Turkish minorities in China and a few minor Central Asian nations. (good luck trying that against China)