Is Turkey running out of steam in the Middle East?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:03

Turkey’s star has been rising since the arrival of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, and it has recently been ranked among the countries with the greatest branding value.



The Middle East has become an open field for Turkey following a vision formulated by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.



As the West struggles with economic collapse Turkey has made bold moves and the US has become more dependent upon Ankara. In addition, its tough policy vis-à-vis Israel and the Arab Spring, not to mention the popularity of Turkish TV series, has raised Turkey’s profile in the region. However, as change gains momentum in the region, some commentators have begun arguing that Turkey has been unable to adapt to the circumstances. Davutoğlu, who visited the region almost on a weekly basis before the Arab Spring, has decreased the frequency of these visits in recent months.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:04

It should be noted that Turkey’s relationships with countries in the region developed by the AK Party administration gave the impression that it had become a strong and reliable player in regional affairs. This image, which was further consolidated by moves in relation to Palestine as well as certain initiatives taken to address various crises in the region, had underlined that Turkey was an important part of the balance in the Middle East.



Considering its efforts, it is difficult to argue that Turkey has achieved what it wanted in the Middle East.



Turkey has been disappointed on the Palestinian front, where it expected a lot and which had served as a cornerstone of its Middle East policy. The prime minister’s showdown in Davos and his statements on Gaza may have raised his popularity on the Arab street, but its political gains for Turkey were limited.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:04

http://www.todayszaman.com/columnist-264682-is-turkey-running-out-of-steam-in-the-middle-east.html

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:46

I don't think that Turkeys steam is not just runnning out with the middle east but also with Cyprus issue and the E.U.



Or is this the dream of Mr Erdogan (next president of Turkey) in uniteding the Arabs in forming the NEW Middles East Union that Ankara has been hoping for the last 10 years.



with Presidential Elections only 1 year away.



Mr Davutoglu tipped as the next leader and Mr Erdogan the new president, they both have alot riding on the middle east union.

The US has recently told Isreal to restore better diplomatic relations with Ankara.

The US and Brussels are both fully aware of the importance of Turkey and for a stable middles east.

On a recent visit by the president of Turkey to London,

Cyprus taking over the European Union presidency next year as “half a country” leading a “miserable union"



All it needs now is for Shell to find the Gas or Oil on behalf of Turkey and TRNC.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:55

I think it is the "miserable union" that has run out of steam and ROC having the presidency looks just right

ismet

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 15:05

We all know that, it is a misrable union, Looks like Germany is winning the wars that they lost in the 1st and 2nd world war,by becoming the master union leader of the E.U with the support of the frogs.