BUSH’S BOSPHORUS SPEECH

Differing from the speech delivered five years ago by then US President Clinton to our Parliament, Bush’s 35-minute address included some important messages and points that could help Ankara in its approach to some of its current problems.

The main themes of Bush’s speech were, in order of importance, the mission of NATO, Turkey’s importance, Ankara’s EU membership bid, the greater Middle East, and the Iraq issue. Speaking on the mission of NATO, he pointed to the new threats of the post Cold War era – especially the threats of terrorism and violence. Citing Turkey’s secular and democratic Constitution, he said our nation had proven that Islam and democracy can co-exist. Once again, Bush declared openly that the United States particularly wants to see Turkey join the EU. It is also significant that Bush persistently reiterated this just one day after French President Jacques Chirac chided him for going “beyond his domain” in his Turkish EU bid advocacy. Underlining the importance of democracy and liberty, Bush stated that this is what the communities of the Middle East demand as well, and the West should help them attain it. By saying that this would take some time over a large area, the president spoke of Turkey’s contributions as “a democratic partner” in the Greater Middle East Initiative. Bush indicated the importance of Monday’s handover of sovereignty to the Iraq’s new government and said it was on its way to becoming “the world’s latest democracy.” By talking about NATO’s decision in Istanbul to help in efforts in Iraq, Bush signalled that NATO has begun to play a role in the country.

It is also meaningful that Bush closed his address with the words of famed novelist Orhan Pamuk, saying that what has real importance is acting as a bridge between different cultures and civilizations.”