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  • Neo-ottoman policy of AKP

    Kurdish Aspect, CO
    Feb 1 2009


    Neo-ottoman policy of AKP

    EUTCC - By Michael Gunter


    Professor of Political Science Michael Gunter and expert on Turkey and
    Kurds explained the evolving role of Turkey in international relations
    during the EUTCC's Fifth international conference on EU, Turkey and
    the Kurds.

    According to Gunter the AKP government has played an important role to
    establish peace and security on regional and international
    levels. Turkey is one of the founding members of the United Nations
    and recently became a non-permanent member of the UN security
    council. Turkey contributed to international missions in Latin
    America, Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and Asia.

    Gunter's examples of Turkey's constructive role are the
    Palestinian-Israeli forum to develop the West-Bank, the Israeli-Syria
    negotiations, the hosting of a conference for neighbouring
    countries. The organization for Islamic Conference (OIC). The Caucasus
    platform with Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. And additional
    black sea cooperation and the recent football diplomacy with Armenia.


    The Kurdish problem


    The AKP's Middle Eastern policies are focused on two factors says
    Gunter: The Kurdish problem and Neo-ottomanism. "In the Kemalist
    vision the Kurds are an existential threat to the Turkish
    existence. This is in contrast with Neo-ottomanism, that doesn't have
    a problem with Kurdish identity and is focused on economic growth and
    comfortable with islamic/multiple identities without seeking
    imperialism. Since military means by Kemalism to repress Kurds, will
    not solve the problem by itself."


    Neo-Ottomanism

    Turkey uses soft power. "This is increasingly important. Turkey also
    contributes significantly to humanitarian and technical aids and
    participates in numerous bilateral aid programs. Turkey is rapidly
    emerging as a major state and assists in development. Turkey also
    contributed to human rights and the status of woman."

    Gunter thinks Turkey plays an important role both regionally and
    internationally and is an important transit rout for energy resources
    from both the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe. "Turkey is seen
    by other UN members of working hard to establish peace in a difficult
    region."

    But Gunter also remarked that the problems with the PKK, the Kurdish
    government in Iraq and the EU and the USA will challenge the Turkish
    capacity in the UN security council. Especially if they continue with
    the military operations.


    Role Obama

    But Obama as a new president could result in new opportunities and
    problems. "Obama promised to re-establish relations with Turkey and
    the Regional Kurdistan Government (KRG) and negotiate a comprehensive
    agreement that will deal with the Turkish PKK threat, guarantee the
    Turkish territorial integrity and investment in the KRG regions."

    Many Turks are also wary of Obama's possible recognition of the
    'Armenian genocide' and Joe Biden's decentralization plan for
    Iraq. "Also the EU membership remains problematic. If Turkey manages a
    constructive role in the UN council, this might soften resistance for
    Turkish accession to the EU. But Turkey must solve the Kurdish
    problem." Otherwise Turkey forgot nothing and learned nothing.

    Courtesy of Mezopotamian Development Society

    http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc020109MG. html
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