Turkey’s foreign policy.

Actually Zebari wants to make his Kurdish-oriented position the dominant one, and there are others in the 25-person council of the same mind, just as there are certain circles who don’t want to see Turkish soldiers in Iraq. Ankara tried to discipline Zebari by putting the US in the loop. As a matter of fact, Zebari then backtracked. However, the feelings and views of those of like mind might not have changed. In making the final decision, our decision-makers should consider this fact.

As for the EU issue, the upshot of the latest visits to the continent by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was this: ‘The leaders of the top tier EU member countries are voicing support for Turkey’s membership, but there are still certain European leaders who consider the Union a ‘Christian club.’ Gul’s words aimed at disproving this are welcome, but his arguments need to reach the opposing circles and spur them to think more deeply. Actually does the EU want to remain a ‘compact Europe’ within its narrow borders or would it prefer to become a multicultural, strong and wider Europe? Its stance on the membership of Turkey, which has done its homework quickly and remained steadfast in its EU quest, is a test which will determine the EU’s future.

The Cyprus issue is stuck in its deadlock, with the only movement being seen in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) domestic policy. In the leadup to TRNC general elections set for December, three opposition parties have joined forces to declare that if they win a majority in Parliament, they will oust President Rauf Denktas from his post as negotiator. This is a major development.

Ankara was shocked when an angry Denktas lashed out at the opposition parties and said that he would continue his struggle with Anatolia’s support if necessary. But as Gul rejoined, the important thing is Denktas’ ability to ensure his own people’s support. Obviously this can’t be done with words that are both harsh and inappropriate to current conditions. Consensus is necessary not only between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots, but also within the TRNC itself.”