STAR- Columnist Omer Celik comments on Turkey’s unique situation on the world stage. A summary of his column is as follows:
Turkey’s current active atmosphere obviously has unique characteristics. We are experiencing a very dynamic process both in our foreign and domestic policy. Turkey is trying to solve its domestic problems by taking steps to harmonize with the European Union, while at the same time its neighborhood is getting more and more tricky due to such issues as Iraq and Cyprus. Obviously this situation is a sign of problems that could flow back to Turkey. Therefore a possible war in Iraq clearly could affect Turkey’s stability, and this could pose a problem for our domestic politics. Here, Turkey’s unique status becomes more apparent. At present, Turkey is exercising the dynamics of being the successor to a great empire and moreover an established modern republic from the remnants of this empire. Meanwhile, Turkey’s location as indispensable part of the Western strategic alliance and its strategic place within Islamic history and culture are entering an interesting and strong dynamic of their own. All these situations are causing Turkey to discover its singularity with the necessity of historical conditions. The unfortunate attack against the US on Sept. 11 exposed a very serious problem in terms of what sort of relations Western powers will have with the rest of the world. It was a very involved strategic equation for which ordinary politics would prove insufficient. Just like every strategic equation, it demanded intensive examination. It was clear that the world had to achieve a new understanding of society and politics. Along these lines, the US’ stance was very important. Would it act in accordance with legal norms, or would it resort to force? Unfortunately, there is a definite tendency towards the latter. The US’ inclination towards attacking Iraq without seeking United Nations approval is making things more dangerous. But here, Turkey’s dynamics could provide hope for the world. Turkey, which is the only ‘interpreter’ between the Western and Islamic worlds and Asia, is turning into a ‘strategic axis’ to head off a more dangerous situation. Clearly the US needs Turkey for Iraq and other issues. This need derives not only from military reasons, because the US forces to the south are sufficient for an attack against Iraq. It also derives from the fact that Turkey is a conduit between different political statuses and civilizations. Consequently, Turkey is not only a vital contact for the Western alliance, but also has a historical resonance with the Old World. This situation is turning Turkey’s singular uniqueness into a new political tool. Now our unique status has an unprecedented chance, one for both Turkey and the world.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION