BY TUNA BEKLEVIC
TURKIYE - Turkey has been making serious political breakthroughs in recent years. Turkey has become a key country in the Middle East thanks to the 'zero problems' policy of Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. State Minister Egemen Bagis, the Cabinet's youngest member, continues to strive valiantly in Europe, despite those inside Turkey who oppose the EU. Certain sectors are trying to create obstacles for Turkey, but young Turks prefer Bagis's path.
With young people's support, Bagis paints a very different profile of a Cabinet minister. He actively uses technology and attends many public gatherings. He's trying to convince 70 million Turkish citizens that Turkey's EU membership wouldn't split up the country and also make 490 million Europeans understand that Turkey would benefit Europe. He maintains a media dialogue at the highest level, gives frequent briefings, and meets with academics to share his views.
Of course, our foreign policy success isn't due to just two Cabinet ministers. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also seen as an exemplary leader on all Middle East issues. President Abdullah Gul also carries the Turkish banner on his wide foreign travels. Not only the government, but also the business world supports Turkey's awakening and our EU bid. The only odd ones out are the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and certain media institutions. If the opposition would support our EU bid instead of criticizing our every foreign policy move, Turkey would become a stronger player on the foreign stage.
As some continue to try to block our EU bid, this could hamper the government in the short term, but it won't succeed. History won't be kind to forces which harm Turkey for their own political interests. Thus, it would benefit us to keep our EU bid free from all political conflict.