BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- This month Istanbul will become one of the centers of world politics. There might be certain developments re-setting the great balances for the future, and important decisions may be taken. The Islamic world will also have to evaluate the US’ Greater Middle East Initiative (GME). However, nobody will be able to ask the US what it has to do with the region. Middle Eastern nations which consider democracy a tool of Western imperialism, and even a means of exploitation, will be disturbed by Washington’s push for democracy. In addition, if they believe they are hearing the argument, ‘Take Turkey as a model, be like it,’ they will hate us. Moreover, Middle Eastern people aren’t so naïve as to miss the shadow of Pax Americana in this push, i.e. the focus on petroleum, Israel and terrorism.
The most important summit to be held this month in Istanbul will be NATO’s. The US will request NATO support for the GME. Obviously it will especially seek Turkey’s support. Washington will promise Ankara historic opportunities in return for its support. This is nothing but a strategic alliance. Turkey has a key position in the Asian plank of the GME. It can open a great many doors or keep them closed. It’s a wise policy to act together with the US without being swayed from our aim of EU membership as well as dealing with other nations we’ve have been living with for centuries. Turkey can gain much from this policy. If we fail, it will lead to problems.