The fact that the leaders exchanged views on a wide array of subjects, from the Middle East to Turkey’s EU goal and that Bush once again declared the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) a common enemy was interpreted as a reinvigoration of the “strategic alliance” between the two countries.According to Milliyet’s Sedat Ergin, the most noteworthy aspect of the Gül-Bush meeting was Bush’s reiteration of his stance against the PKK in a strongly-worded statement and the relations being put back on track after the crises period between 2003 and 2007. Regarding Turkey’s troubled EU bid, which was also discussed by the leaders, he finds it interesting that Bush criticized the EU, saying he could not comprehend how some EU countries cannot understand Turkey’s importance, particularly in the field of energy, and are opposed to its membership. Considering Bush’s close relations with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel -- who strongly oppose Turkey’s membership in the bloc -- Ergin predicts that Gül might have sought Bush’s support in convincing the German and French leaders to change their stances about Turkey’s membership.
Star’s Mustafa Karaalioğlu terms the new era in Turkey-US relations with Gül’s visit as one that is free of bad memories, in apparent reference to a period of poor relations with the US after a series of developments -- such as Turkey’s refusal to allow US troops to deploy from Turkey during the Iraq war and the lack of US action against the PKK. “Tuesday’s meeting showed that the PKK is no longer an issue that acts as a time bomb in Turkey’s relations with the US. The share of real-time intelligence [as pledged by Bush in his meeting with Erdoğan and its implementation later] has not only facilitated the fight against terrorism but also normalized Turkish-US relations,” comments Karaalioğlu. In addition, he finds it particularly important that this meeting was held at a time just before Bush leaves on a trip to the Middle East, allowing Gül to voice Turkey’s opinions on Middle East issues. “Not only has a new era begun in Turkish-US relations, but the level and quality of relations have been elevated. This will perhaps be the best memory remaining from the eight-year Bush administration,” says Karaalioğlu.
Sabah’s Ergun Babahan says that relations with Washington have fully normalized now as a result of two high-level visits from Turkey to the country within two months. He clarifies that visits to the US have crucial importance as the US is the only super power in the world and is occupying neighboring Iraq. “Continuing relations in a healthy and balanced way is certainly important for the US, but it is necessary to keep in mind that this also has vital importance for Turkey,” adds Babahan.
Vatan’s Tayfun Devecioğlu contends that Turkey’s close monitoring of the developments in the Middle East and its efforts to be an active player in the region have helped Washington to come to terms with Turkey’s argument for the unity of Iraq. “Turkey informing the US about the developments related to the hot spots in the world and giving useful advice may help the course of events for Iraq to change in a way favored by Turkey,” he adds.
