HURRIYET- Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on what US President George W. Bush's recent statement accusing Iran, Iraq and North Korea of constituting an 'axis of evil' against world peace means to Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:
Turkish politicians should fully comprehend what US President George W. Bush's recent statement singling out Iran, Iraq and North Korea as constituting 'an axis of evil' means to Turkey. Bush's statement interests Turkey not only regarding political, economic and social matters but also on security issues. Washington is likely to attribute a significant role to Turkey as 'the only moderate Muslim country which enjoys good relations with Western countries.' This reminds me of old Cold War theories that a front should be erected against Communism through the formation of a 'Green Belt' of Islamic allies. Here is the situation today: the axis of Turkey-US-Israel versus the axis of Iran-Iraq. Is this role in line with Turkey's goals and social projects? The US believes that it is in a war. President Bush will send Congress a spending plan proposing the biggest jump in defense spending in 20 years. US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's recent statement that 'the United States needs to revamp its military to become more flexible and proactive to meet future threats' signals what kind of policies the US is likely to pursue in the future. The more the US spends on defense, the more the rest of the world purchases weaponry. The US is also expected to support the establishment of an 'European Army' which would lift some of its burden in protecting its European allies. Don't these developments show that Turkey's goals concerning the European Union are growing much more important for the country's security agenda? Turkey should take part in a decision-making mechanism which will be influential in determining the future of Europe. This is a precondition for Turkey to be considered an equal ally against any 'axis of evil' in the international community. That's why the direct relation between Bush's statement and our discussions on democratization should be properly understood in order for us to act in line with our vital national interests.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION