BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on the future of the Middle East and the stance Turkey should have in its relations with the US. A summary of his column is as follows:
People had hoped that the US would be more successful than its predecessors – Britain, France and other European countries – in terms of governing eastern societies. Those who thought that the US would bring order, security, justice and welfare to countries it invaded were wrong. It’s not likely that the US will be able to do this in Iraq. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that after 1945, the US was successful in such modern countries as Germany, Italy and Japan.
The people cannot be forced to obey the dictates of invading countries. Pressure tactics are a discredit to modern civilization and cast a pall over the West.
Ankara still hasn’t recognized the fact that the US will solve the Syrian problem and go on to Iran. The US can’t act any other way, because otherwise this would invalidate the Pax Americana. Both Damascus and Tehran see this and now they’re cringing before Turkey. However, certain politicians and bureaucrats in Ankara still think that they can stop the US.
Probably Syria will eventually obey. Otherwise the US will enter Damascus, which is one of the cradles of eastern civilization.
If those formulating our foreign policy forget that the US is still our strategic ally, Turkey too will be faced with disaster. In addition, we should help our firm ally in terms of establishing order in the east.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION