It is interesting to note that while Turkey’s foreign policy activism is hugely welcomed by its European partners, as reflected in the most recent progress report prepared by the European Commission, it is the target of severe criticism from some circles in Washington. A Turkey that strives to forge a zone of peace in its region is undoubtedly an asset for the EU. After all, “good neighborly” relations are sine qua non for European Union membership.But what is wrong with some circles in Washington? In accusing Turkey of turning against the West, I think, they merely look at Turkey’s critical position toward Israel. Yes, the Turkish government called Israel’s most recent Gaza attacks “disproportionate” and said they amounted to “war crimes.” But this was what many European governments called the atrocities in Gaza. Besides a recent UN report went even further, hinting that Israel might have committed to “crime against humanity” during the war on Gaza.
In short, Turkey’s reaction to Israel’s atrocities in Palestine, its policy of settlements in the occupied territories and its reluctance regarding a state of Palestine is stunningly similar to the policies of Europeans and even has similarities with the Obama administration. But the pro-Israeli lobby in Washington wants “unconditional support” for whatever Israel does in the region. I am sorry but neither Turkey nor the US is in a position to carry the burden of an irresponsible Israel in their foreign affairs.
Even if Turkey’s recent policies toward Israel are in contrast with that of Europe and the US, why should it mean a departure from Turkey’s pro-Western foreign policy orientation? Is Israel the West? Does it represent what the West stands for?
The answer to these questions is no. Western values are constantly violated by Israel. It would be a grave mistake to equate an aggressive Israel with the West. Leaving aside the question of Israel, is Turkey really leaving the West? No way. What we see today is the ever-increasing “engagement” of Turkey with the world, including the West. Turkey has never been this integrated with the West economically, socially and politically. It is in fact breaking its self-imposed isolation and opening up to the world around itself. The old thinking that Turkey was surrounded by enemies is being buried with policies of engagement. The new foreign policy activism indicates that the country is recovering its confidence and discovering the value of good neighborly relationships.
The new activism cannot be attributed only to the government or its energetic foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu. The policy of engagement with neighbors and the world at large is the demand of economic and social actors who push for the stabilization of the region and Turkey’s relations with neighboring countries as a precondition for their expansion into the region. Thus, social and economic factors unleashed during the Özal years with a policy of “opening up to the world” are pushing governments to build peace around Turkey wherein they can conduct business.
Turkey’s two ultimate objectives -- consolidating its democracy and achieving economic development -- dictate that policy makers in this country pursue a policy of peace and cooperation in foreign affairs. It is now recognized that without establishing a zone of peace in its surroundings Turkey cannot reach these broad objectives. Was it not exactly the same for Europe in the process of building an economic and political union in post-World War II Europe: peace as a prelude for consolidation of democracy and for economic development.
I really wonder if those critics of Turkey want the country to quarrel constantly with its neighbors. Turkey today is not bullying in its region but trying to establish cooperative relationships with Armenia, Iraq, the Iraqi Kurdish administration, Iran, Syria, Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria and Greece, countries with which Turkey used to have severe political disputes. Do the critics prefer a government that poses a security threat to the region and the globe?
Engagement and integration are the key practices that build peace and stability. This is what underlines Turkey’s regional policy. I have personally never heard this many references to the notion of “interdependence” in the speeches of a Turkish foreign minister as today. As a liberal, I am very glad that the liberal terminology of cooperation, interdependence, engagement and integration has penetrated into Turkey’s foreign policy mind and practice. Turkey has never been more Westernized in its foreign affairs.
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