The brief visit once again exposed a country -- a host country -- in an inevitable process of change, and there could not have been a more proper choice to convey the global message of "let us change, but let us change together. Yes we can." The visit will definitely have an impact on Turkey's rather troubled, old-fashioned political domain as well as on Islamic nations.
In a carefully designed schedule, Obama managed to emphasize the secular character of the republic by visiting the tomb of its founder, met with all the domestic actors who are on the verge of not being on speaking terms with each other, shook hands with country's pro-Kurdish party leader with whom the country's prime minister refuses to shake hands, addressed the Parliament with a powerful, candid (including the US's dark segments of history) speech and took the risk of choosing a predominantly Islamic democracy's elected platform to convey the message of "the United States is not at war with Islam" to the entire Islamic world (how the "format" of this address will be interpreted in many dictatorships and monarchies in that world is an open question). He met leaders of Turkey's religious communities and talked lucidly about the "state of the earth" with university students.
As expected (at least by me), he was unafraid to touch nerves. Apparently well briefed, he emphasized the challenges before Ankara, and gracefully raised the bleeding issues of Turkey to the attention of the public: The great Armenian tragedy, the Kurdish question, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) violence, freedom of expression, reforms and rule of law. His view on the Armenian issue was well known, he said, before he proceeded to throw the ball to Turkey and Armenia, implying "it's your call, let me see what you do with it." He was deliberately (I believe) keen on using the "touchy" expression "Kurdish minority" when talking to the youngsters, and he was equally clear, when talking to Ahmet Türk, the Democratic Society Party's (DTP) leader, to "cease the violence forever" as much as he used "terrorist" when mentioning the PKK.
All of it was done in elegance, with smiles on stand-by.
"Turkey has its own responsibilities. You have made important progress toward [EU] membership. But I also know that Turkey has pursued difficult political reforms not simply because it's good for Europe, but because it is right for Turkey. In the last several years, you have abolished the State Security Courts [DGMs] and expanded the right to counsel. You have reformed the penal code and strengthened laws that govern freedom of the press and assembly. You lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting in Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station. These achievements have created new laws that must be implemented and a momentum that should be sustained. For democracies cannot be static -- they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, which is why steps like reopening the Halki Seminary will send such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. An enduring commitment to the rule of law is the only way to achieve the security that comes from justice for all people. Robust minority rights let societies benefit from the full measure of contributions from all citizens. I say this as the president of a country that not too long ago made it hard for someone who looks like me to vote," he told Parliament.
And went on: "I know there are strong views in this chamber about the terrible events of 1915. While there has been a good deal of commentary about my views, this is really about how the Turkish and Armenian people deal with the past. And the best way forward for the Turkish and Armenian people is a process that works through the past in a way that is honest, open and constructive. We have already seen historic and courageous steps taken by Turkish and Armenian leaders. These contacts hold out the promise of a new day. An open border would return the Turkish and Armenian people to a peaceful and prosperous coexistence that would serve both of your nations. … It speaks to Turkey's leadership that you are poised to be the only country in the region to have normal and peaceful relations with all the south Caucasus nations. And to advance that peace, you can play a constructive role in helping to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which has continued for far too long."
Putting Turkey "at the center" of all worlds, rather than at the divide between them, the message is aimed at the political leadership. It encourages a push forward in reform, but a move in consensus. The ultranationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has already reacted to Obama, especially on the Armenian issue. It remains to be seen how the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the DTP will be affected and whether or not the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will feel a boost.
But perhaps the most important part of the message was conveyed to France, and its leader Nicolas Sarkozy: The US believes that Turkey must be treated with respect and candidness by the EU and is entitled to reach the goal of full membership. Obama's messages from Turkish soil were sent to many different addresses, and the one to Sarkozy is, unfortunately, doomed to be the least understood by the addressee.
