BY IBRAHIM KARAGUL
YENI SAFAK- Considering the range of his activities, his statements which violate the decorum of democracy, and his interest in Turkey’s internal affairs, Eric Edelman acts more like a colonial governor than an ambassador. Since his appointment as US ambassador to Turkey, Edelman’s actions have always caused discomfort among the public. His latest ‘suggestions’ on Sezer’s upcoming visit to Syria had the same impact.
Edelman is probably the least-liked and trusted American ambassador in Turkish history, and his reputation is not likely to recuperate. Edelman’s actions have exceeded his diplomatic mission. His ‘interest’ in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the Turkish media and ethnic minorities make him go beyond his role as an ambassador. His presence here has never contributed to Turkish-American relations, and it never will. If we want to address the reasons for anti-Americanism, Edelman must be issue one. As long as Edelman stays in Turkey, the chill wind disturbing bilateral relations will last.
Why are Edelman and his supporters in the Turkish press bothered by Sezer’s visit to Syria? Isn’t Syria an independent state recognized by the United Nations? Don’t our government and people have the ability to decide which countries we should visit? Is our foreign policy decided by Edelman and his chorus among the Turkish media? Do we have to ask for their permission? Do we have to act in accordance with the common interests of Israel and the US? Is Turkey not an independent nation?
In fact, Syria isn’t what’s at stake. The ultimate plan is to corner and control Turkey in order to use it as a hitman. The Vietnamese were terrorists, according to the US. Latin America, China, Libya and the USSR were also terrorists. And now Iran and Syria. But if they abandon their policies based on opposing the US, they will no longer be called terrorists. Instead, they will be lauded as models of democracy for the Middle East.
If Turkey develops an independent foreign policy, prioritizes its own interests, and strengthens its ties with Africa, Asia and the Middle East, who knows whether the US will declare Turkey a terrorist or not? Isn’t more than half of the world already a threat for the US? Who can guarantee that those who serve Turkey’s interests won’t be declared terrorists? How much progress has the US made in Turkey with this policy? How many people have they convinced?
The truth is, they have failed before, and they’ll never succeed.