Turkish – U.S. Relations Are Important For Both Countries

Why wasn’t Turkey’s leadership included in Rumsfeld’s tour? As a matter of fact, Rumsfeld’s attitude at Incirlik was not favorable for either Turkey or his own country, as he acted as if completely unaware that he was standing at an airbase symbolizing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Certain circles within the Bush administration are claiming that countries which failed to support the US during the Iraq war must be punished. A debate about this is still raging in Washington. However, I believe that the famous American pragmatism would never allow such an emotional response to win out. Can President Bush really manage to complete his whole Middle East reconstruction business using such emotional policies? The US has actually entered a critical period in which it will need the support of not only governments but also the people. Popular support is going to be much more important than that of governments for Washington since the Bush administration is determined to rework the whole Middle East with the aim of eliminating all terrorist movements. The Bush administration is probably well aware of this very fact, which is why Washington should not consider our Parliament’s decision a betrayal. Ankara should also adopt a flexible policy. Even France changed its policies and announced that it would adopt a more ‘pragmatic policy’ in the postwar period. Both Turkey and the US should strive to overcome such difficulties.

Today a meeting will be held in Washington to discuss Iraq’s reconstruction. Turkish businessmen will also attend this gathering. Turkey is a very important country which should not be ignored during the reconstruction process. Let’s not forget that our country has great economic potential to do business in Iraq and also possesses enormous political experience in dealing with potential ethnic clashes in the country. Turkey can spearhead comprehensive cooperation in Iraq by demonstrating that it’s ready to help all Iraqi’s people regardless of their ethnicity. Turkey can really hold out a hand to the Iraqi people. That’s a fact that the US should not lose sight of.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION