Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

ISTANBUL: Crises between states and societies

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • ISTANBUL: Crises between states and societies

    Today's Zaman, Turkey
    Dec 30 2011


    Crises between states and societies

    BERÄ°L DEDEOÄ?LU



    According to the official press release, two topics were discussed
    during the National Security Council (MGK) meeting last week: punitive
    measures against France and terrorism.

    There were almost certainly other subjects that were discussed during
    this meeting, but mentioning only these two particular ones in the
    press release gives the impression that Turkey considers them to be of
    equal importance.

    Turkey has a serious problem with foreign parliaments that discuss the
    genocide issue in order to put pressure on Ankara. One at least
    expects these countries to provide some kind of explanation as to the
    real reasons behind their pressure. The Armenian issue has
    unfortunately become a struggle between two opposing currents: While
    one group tries to make sure that foreign parliaments continue to
    adopt similar laws to increase pressure on Turkey, the other one tries
    to stop this process and to deter third countries from adopting these
    laws. This environment poisons all kinds of relationships between
    states, but also between societies.

    Turkey will seemingly insist on its `punitive measures policy,' as the
    recent MGK meeting decisions indicate. However, there are practical
    problems with their implementation. For example, in the economic and
    financial domain, only indirect pressure can be applied as there are
    many international agreements that Turkey must respect. Furthermore,
    the business world in general is opposed to any kind of radical
    measures. Punitive measures in the military domain will probably not
    cost Turkey much; however, there is always the risk of seeing France
    develop its security cooperation with Turkey's rivals in the region.
    In fact, maybe the real problem between France and Turkey is nothing
    but this strategic rivalry.

    Other punitive measures are also envisaged, especially in the
    political and cultural field. Nevertheless, ending cooperation in
    cultural, educational or scientific areas in order to punish the
    French state will prevent ordinary people from being in contact with
    each other. France also lacked sense in this area as it did not agree
    to add to the genocide denial law a clause exempting academic research
    on the Armenian issue from being treated as an effort at denial.

    The Turkish government last week thoroughly discussed the measures
    and, following detailed talks with the relevant ministries and
    institutions, the Turkish authorities have emphasized that, despite
    all, they don't want academic or scientific cooperation to be harmed
    by this crisis.

    However, recent developments indicate that even these kinds of
    relationships will be damaged as well. For example, just before this
    bill, there were preparations for an academic meeting between a French
    think tank and a research center from a Turkish university. Given the
    bilateral crisis, the French participants informed their Turkish
    counterparts that they would not be able to come to Turkey under these
    circumstances. In other words, it was not upon the Turkish side's
    request, but due to the French party's hesitation that this scholarly
    meeting was cancelled.

    Yet, crises between states can be softened through human interaction.
    It is always easier to break the ice between the countries when there
    are multiple cooperation and partnership efforts between the peoples.
    The Turkish state or most Turks may be angry at France not only
    because of the genocide bill but also because of France's attitude
    toward Turkey's EU bid. However, one mustn't make the mistake of
    punishing all of the French because of Nicolas Sarkozy's policy
    choices. Similarly, Sarkozy should not think that all of the people in
    France are turcoskeptic like him.

    Let's hope this crisis will turn into an opportunity to strengthen
    friendships. Happy New Year!

Working...
X