BY YASEMIN CONGAR
MILLIYET- We need an objective point of view to properly observe the present transition in the Middle East. An ideological or populist approach is no good for understanding the rising regional dynamics.
Turkey needs to support the assertions that Tehran should abandon its nuclear arms development and Damascus should withdraw from Lebanon. However, the ideological and populist stance taken on these issues has caused them to be regarded as purely American concerns. Some of us viewed these demands as just an excuse for a future American attack on the countries.
Two days ago, UN Middle East envoy Terje Roed-Larsen announced that Syria is ready to implement UN Resolution 1559. Thus Damascus has come to see that it must take concrete steps on the issue.
The true motive behind Syria’s obedience is the pressure applied by a united international front including the US, the EU, the Arab world and Russia. The Arab world joined the West in their assertion that Syria should pull back from Lebanon as soon as possible. Even the declarations of support made by Tehran and Hezbullah’s demonstration in Beirut weren’t enough to dishearten them in their efforts.
Syria’s possible withdrawal from the region and the holding of free elections in Lebanon will surely clear the path to democracy and peace in the Middle East. Turkey should promote this process with all its heart and soul.