Yes, when the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power early in the new millennium, observers in both Turkey and the EU expected change. But fundamental change does not, cannot and will not happen overnight.I am indeed one of the commentators who applauded the first AK Party government for its proactive attitude and "drive" with regards to bringing Turkey closer to and hopefully eventually into the EU. I sensed this positivity shortly after 2002: European political leaders -- I'm talking about national governments, not only the EU -- seemed to believe in this new model of Turkish democracy and in the spirit, attitude and movement towards modernization. You did not need a refreshing cup of Turkish coffee in order to read its grounds -- both the Turkish people and nearly all the leaders of the EU said in unison that it was the time, if ever, for opening serious accession talks between the EU and Turkey, talks which subsequently started in 2005.
Even Austria became a "yes" country, more or less inspired -- or shall we say pushed -- by Jack Straw, a success in and of itself as Central European and in particular German-speaking nations are not necessarily the closest allies of Turkey. After recent revelations of the past involvement of Deutsche Bank in Turkey, we may have to say perhaps even "knowingly distracting Turkey from its path towards full EU membership."
Three years later, some observers in Turkey argue that all is lost, that the Turkish government has shifted its interests away from EU affairs and that the EU itself never wanted to grant full membership to Turkey in the first place. Wrong! It is time to tell Turkish intellectuals and citizens alike that becoming a member of the EU is not only a goal in itself but that the journey matters as well. That journey requires the transposition of the EU acquis communautaire as well as adherence to political and economic criteria. Upon boarding the "EU Train" a nation-state agrees to a demand for significant change -- yes -- but as I have said before, over time, in small doses and with a positive outcome. One day it may well become the locomotive of the entire train.
Here are my cautious words of advice addressed to the advocates of the present and future Turkish governments. It is a personal column after all -- columnists must write about topics in a clear, direct and sometimes even over-the-top manner as long as the truth is what it is based on.
Local elections are a vital benchmark with regards to whether an opposition party can win the general elections. You must control key cities and regions before attempting to take over Parliament. At least that is how elections in basically all Western countries are fought, won or lost. However, if a party that is in power nationwide only concentrates on local issues and forgets about the wider, global picture, nine out of 10 elections will probably be lost. Turkish voters are quite sophisticated -- a sack or two of free coal during wintertime does not create a sustainable partisanship come election time.
The present national government must realize that only EU membership can sustain an independent approach towards policy making. The logic behind this assumption is that the EU of the future will be composed of strong nation-states instead of weak regions.
Local parliaments and councils are often a playground for higher office -- true. It's not that you do not have to be honest, hard-working and successful, but there is a difference in levels of responsibility when it comes to defending new pavement in a local neighborhood and defending democracy and leading your country in a war when attacked. Hence acknowledging the pendulum of power is the key to success -- master everyday problems, and you may win a seat in a local parliament. Field proactive male and female candidates in regions and provinces, and you may set the stage for a winning ticket come the next general elections.
Catch my drift? I am not arguing for 20 years of AK Party governance. But I am defending the party's success in attracting the interest of European states and their peoples in both Turkish leadership and civil society as well as creating a lasting pro-EU membership attitude amongst Turkish citizen for more or less the first time in Turkish history. It is a government that aims to bring Turkey into the fold of competitive, knowledge-based economies. The AK Party did not create Ergenekon, nor did they support terrorists in the southeastern region of Turkey. They have made mistakes -- but nowhere near as grave as those of previous governments.
If liberal commentators now slam the door and accuse the AK Party of betraying Turkish society, the previous meltdown of democracy will resurface. The last thing anyone who thinks Turkey belongs in the EU desires or wants is a return to pre-2002 Turkey.
There will be a time when the present day opposition has to answer these questions as they will by then have formed their own proud national government. For the time being there is no credible alternative to the present one.
