MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the current state and possible future of Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
Not only administrative circles in the US, but also institutions which draw up strategy are abuzz about the current crisis between Turkey and the US over Iraq. Since the latest developments damaged the two countries’ ‘strategic partnership’ and seriously shook their mutual confidence, circles which follow Turkey closely are asking what the US did wrong and what steps are needed to put smooth relations back on track. Certain think-tanks have started to look into such important questions and even prepare reports on the issue.
Turkey too, needs to think along these lines. Obviously such public institutions as the Foreign Ministry and the Office of General Staff are already doing so. However, it would be very beneficial if foreign policy think-tanks and experts were also to look into this issue to produce opinions and strategies. The ongoing Iraq war is still drawing varied reactions in both countries. However, we should ask this question as well: When the war ends, which it will sooner or later, will Turkey write off the US? Don’t Turkey’s vital interests require it to solve its problems with the US? If these relations are important, Turkey should determine why the strategic partnership went sour, what mistakes were made and how ties can be repaired in the post-war period, just as the US is doing.
Let’s look at an example of how the US is already doing this. Yesterday I had the chance to look at a report prepared by former US Ambassador to Ankara Mark Parris, who is currently overseeing a Turkish research program at the Washington Institute. The report has two chapters. The first gives a brief history of Turkish-US relations and the reasons behind the crisis surrounding Iraq. The second deals with possible postwar developments and new policies which may emerge in that period. According to Parris, the US can’t afford to ignore Turkey. However, the latest developments demonstrate that neither side can take these relations for granted, and so a new Turkish-US agenda is necessary. Iraq might be at the top of this agenda, because new situations following the war could create opportunities for revitalizing our ties. However, certain problems might come up as well. In Parris’ words, ‘The US-Turkish agenda will differ from the classical strategic partnership… Both sides will have to understand the needs of each other in a better way.’
At a time when the Turkish public is greatly angry over the US attack of Iraq, it might seem untimely and inopportune to talk now about the future of Turkish-US relations. However, as I mentioned above, Turkey would do well to think about and discuss its future relations with the US by taking into consideration the role it wants to play in the postwar era. And it should do so now.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION