BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- This week US President George W. Bush went to Europe to attend the first NATO summit since being elected to a second term. Following courtesy meetings with the Belgian king, queen and prime minister, Bush met with French President Jacques Chirac to talk about Iraq, Iran and Syria. The aim of his visit was to exchange views on Washington’s suggestion that it make common ground with Europe in its Greater Middle East Project (GME). It was clear that if France didn’t support the US’ projects, Europe’s relations with Washington will remain weak. Actually many EU member states have sent soldiers to Iraq, but none but Britain was willing to make a strategic alliance with the US. The US plans for the Middle East were based on the strategic alliance between Israel and Turkey. When Turkey expressed hesitation, the US had to rethink its plans.
Bush will also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia, thus completing his five-day European tour. He agreed with Chirac that Syrian soldiers should leave Lebanon. The US, which is set to start a diplomatic offensive against Syria and Iran, is starting to review the situation of the world’s second strategic superpower. Bush will try to convince Putin that he won’t act against Russian interests concerning Middle East oil. However, France will get the biggest share because it’s unlikely to have a serious conflict with the US. It tried to lead Turkey to oppose the US, and Ankara pleased Paris. However, Turkey gained nothing. Some politicians believe that if war breaks out, then the US would lose to an Iranian-Syrian alliance, if Turkey supports the latter. However, Israel is coming up with new projects, glad that it’s the only US ally in the region.