BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on developments since Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul’s visit to the United States last week. A summary of his column is as follows:
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul’s visit to Washington ended successfully. The door of hope has opened on reviving our relations with the US. It’s clear that both sides are willing. However, our deputies still haven’t forgotten the negative feelings from the Sulaimaniya incident. You might find it excessive, but I believe many people are waiting for another parliamentary proposal to put the US in its place. The General Staff would be the most influential player, so the deputies and certain other circles could veer sharply away from emotionalism and enter the realm of realpolitik. If the chief of General Staff states that sending troops to Iraq would be in the nation’s best interests, hesitation on the issue would be allayed.
Clearly, those who support the status quo don’t look fondly on either the US or the European Union. They dislike both. They don’t want to open up. Consequently, Turkey will be deciding whether it will live under the thumb of those supporting the status quo or instead boldly enter international politics and take our place in the sun.
I wonder if it’s too difficult to embrace both the US and the EU. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is working determinedly for Turkey’s EU membership. The AKP seems to understand that a Turkey enjoying friendly relations with the US will take its place in Europe more quickly.