Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2008

From Ankara to Annapolis: Turkey and the Middle East Peace Process

Selin M. Bölme

December 2007

SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research

Abstract

The two-day summit in Annapolis ended on 29 November, 2007. Israel and the Palestine Authority agreed to start a new peace initiative. The Annapolis Summit has a special significance for Turkey. Israeli President Shimon Peres and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas came together in Ankara before the Annapolis Summit. This important and progressive initiative represents the changing vision of Turkish foreign policy. Turkey had been keen to get involved in the peace process for a long time. Now, Turkey has a chance to be a new actor in the process, one with fresh and new ideas.