STAR- Columnist Omer Celik comments on the relation between mentality and politics concerning the Cyprus issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
Turkey is once again experiencing hard times. Our pressing domestic problems and foreign policy issues are taking their toll on the political life. Once again, Turkey is caught between rationally operating the political mind and swelling our nationalist feelings. It’s too easy to give priority to nationalist feelings when dealing with such issues as Cyprus. Of course Turkish nationalism, which can be a productive force, isn’t bad per se. This nationalism should not encourage chauvinism, but rather seek a better life and more democracy for its nation. This way Turkey could translate its own political values into inclusion in the world at large. Such a process, one directed to employ Turkey’s national values so as to integrate with the world of democratic values, could cause a higher operation of our political mind. Instead of this, however, an inward-looking nationalism has always taken center stage. The concepts of ‘national matters’ and ‘national interests’ became a basis for seeking new avenues for a rather brute nationalism. Expressing dissent on any issue was sometimes presented as conflicting with or even harming the national interest. Now we’re facing the same picture concerning the Cyprus issue, which has become a subject of ‘national matters’ and ‘concessions.’ Therefore the distinction between ‘brute strength’ and ‘firmness’ is disappearing. However, the framework that we have to accept concerning Cyprus is very clear. We shouldn’t give up our insistence that the Turkish nation’s rights of sovereignty should be accepted by the world and a fair peace ensured. However, for this purpose, speaking on the political level isn’t enough. Turkey must be directed to new approaches with our mentalities. The Cyprus issue will be much more important from now on, and the future will show if Turkey chooses to deal with its problems reasonably or instead foments a brute nationalism.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION