Gul and The Greater Middile East Initiative

He warns that if it is perceived this way, countries in the region will be uncomfortable and show it. Gul hopes that the road to democratization will be paved voluntarily by the countries of the region, and thinks that adjacent nations can help this process. Referring to his speech at an Organization for the Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting over a year age, before the US’ invasion of Iraq, he said, ‘I’ve already introduced these themes in speeches I delivered in both the East and West. Why shouldn’t people living in these countries be happy just like those in developed countries? Why can’t they use their resources for improvement? Whey can’t they live in democracy and transparency? Why can’t gender equality be established? Why can’t they enjoy the freedoms of thought and belief?’ Saying that his speeches had gotten a positive response, Gul added, ‘I think just telling countries in the region to follow Turkey’s example would be a mistake. Perhaps it would be better to tell them that Turkey can be an inspiration. Such a stance would be both sincere and workable.’

Concerning Iraq’s possible breakup, Gul said, ‘If this happened, civil war would break out, there would be instability in both the nation and the region, and Iraq wouldn’t be able to bear such a burden without solving the problems of the Middle East, Palestine and Israel.’ The US is trying to bring its initiative to the agenda; however, creating a basis for democratization without solving the region’s other problems would be difficult. The Iraq problem hasn’t been solved yet. In addition, if ethnic and religious conflicts break out in Iraq and Syria, a fireball could engulf the entire region. The US should guard against this.”