BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- Discussions of Turkey’s possible role in the Middle East recently resurfaced in time for Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul’s current visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The timing of Gul’s visit to the troubled region is important, because in the wake of Yassir Arafat’s death last November, the Palestinian leadership has been assumed by a more moderate, pragmatic figure. Moreover, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon recently decided to withdraw Israeli settlers from Gaza. The current atmosphere is quite promising, which I believe could both mend strained Turkish-Israeli relations and help Turkish diplomacy take a more active role in the region.
Gul wants to exchange views with Israeli officials about Ankara’s possible role in the Mideast. Despite some chilly developments last year, the two countries still enjoy strong friendship and cooperation. Although last year Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly criticized the Sharon administration’s violent attacks on Palestinians, Ankara has always believed that Turkish-Israeli cooperation is valuable and should be improved.
During his meetings today, Gul is expected to focus on future projects in such areas as water and investment. The Turkish side will also try to learn more about Sharon’s northern Iraq policy. Furthermore, Gul wants to determine what Ankara can really do in the Mideast to help the peace process move forward. Turkey is ready to contribute to peace and stability in the region. The new Palestinian leadership is clearly in favor of Ankara’s assuming such a role. Syria even recently declared it wanted Ankara to act as a mediator in the region. Finally, Israeli Foreign Minister Shalom last night stated that his country would greatly appreciate it if Ankara could contribute to the peace process.
But what can Turkey do for the Middle East? Turkey now wants to assume a more active role than in the past, as a mediator. Acting as a mediator rather than a facilitator requires our country to intervene directly in the process with a specific program or plan.
What would the United States say about this? What about the Quartet – the United Nations, Russia, the European Union and Washington? Let’s assume that all the ‘big players’ agree to Turkey’s new role. Will the relevant parties agree to resume peace talks to design a comprehensive peace plan, a roadmap?
I hope we’ll have answers to at least some of the of these questions by the end of Gul’s visit.