Turkey’s growing role in the Middle East

The USA emphasized Turkey’s growing role in the Middle East and beyond, in remarks at the opening dinner of the 2011 Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkey Relations. The event was hosted by the American-Turkish Council, and highlighted Turkey’s growing economic leadership. American government officials pointed out when talking to Turks – from students to entrepreneurs to government officials – there is a confidence and optimism, and for good reason.

Turkey can be proud that it has become one of the largest economies in the world, with ambitions to reach the top 10 in the coming years. This story – sometimes called ‘the Turkish Miracle’ – is well known. But its strategic implications are perhaps less well understood. Four main discussion points were highlighted; First, that a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship has contributed to Turkish prosperity.

That, in turn, Turkey’s economic growth should further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. That for Turkey to take full advantage of its new opportunities, it will have to consolidate democratic progress at home, and peace and stability in its neighborhood.

And, finally, that Turkey’s economic leadership can be a powerful force for progress across the region. Even as the USA highlighted Turkish economic success, it was said that the nation must work to further empower women and to address the concerns of ethnic minority groups. The United States has been concerned by the deterioration of relations between Turkey and Israel, and urged both countries to work on improving ties. It tension between Turkey and Cyprus was also noted, saying the parties need to work toward a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

Turkey’s growing economic leadership has the potential to support positive changes far beyond its borders. Turkey sends more than a quarter of its exports to nations in the Middle East and North Africa. Its companies are therefore investing heavily across the region.

Turkish businesses are helping to rebuild Iraq. They are one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Egypt, and Turkish planes have already resumed flights to Libya. Along with political change and reform there must be economic reform in this region. To succeed, the Arab political awakening must also be an economic awakening.

The U.S.A. has outlined a comprehensive economic agenda to support the democratic transitions now underway, and Turkey is a valuable partner in this effort. This week Vice President Joe Biden travels to Turkey amid deepening concern over Syria, before visiting the New Greek leader battling a debt crisis that could unravel the euro zone and sink the U.S. recovery. Biden flies into Ankara on today with a range of hot topics to discuss including the eight-month crackdown on pro-democracy protests in neighbouring Syria and the future of Iraq after U.S. troops leave at the end of the year.

In addition to discussing the turmoil in Syria and Turkey’s strained relations with Israel, he will also meet Turkey’s premieres. Aside from those talks the main public event of his trip is a Global Entrepreneurship summit in Istanbul on Saturday, which the United States hopes will promote a merchant class that can help deliver economic and political change in the Arab world.

This summit really comes at a critical moment in the Middle East and North Africa. We’ve seen that millions of people have been calling out for not only political freedom but also economic opportunity. The U.S. administration has placed a premium on close ties with Turkey a NATO member on a vital frontier between Europe, Asia and the Middle East — and this trip comes at a time of tumult in the region after the Arab Spring.

Turkey, a former friend but now a sharp critic of Syria said last week it was ready to take action with Arab powers if Syria fails to take steps to end a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. The Arab League on Sunday slapped punitive economic sanctions on Damascus, and today Turkey follow’s . Last week, Turkey told Syria’s leader to quit or risk the same fate as the Libyan leader.

There has been a sea of change in U.S.-Turkish relations over the last eight or nine months that has been really remarkable. They are in sync on the Arab awakening in general and especially on Syria. In a dangerous region, Turkey’s alliance with the United States looks much more important. Iraq will also be a key topic, with America hoping that Turkey’s close diplomatic and economic ties with Iraqi Kurds will help to provide stability after U.S. troops have left.

Burak Altin, Aydin Real Estate, e-mail info@didimaydinemlak.com or visit www.aydinestate.com via Didim Today