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CIAO DATE: 03/04
Turkey at the Crossroads on Iraq: A Test Case for US-Turkey Relations
Dr. Aysegul Sever
September 2003
Abstract
While the Iraqi crisis has served to help define America'sposition on the world's stage, especially pertaining to trans-Atlantic relations and the West-Islam axis, Turkey'sposition on Iraq will similarly have alasting effect on that country'srelations both with the West and with the Islamic world. The Turkish government'sambivalent stance towards the Iraqi crisis (first siding with the US position, then deciding to remain on the sidelines in accordance with alegislative decision based mainly on domestic concerns) seriously strained Turkish-American relations. This strain must be addressed, as it is now clear that neither side can take the decades-old, deep-seated ties for granted. As the Iraqi crisis proved, Turkey should not overestimate its strategic geographical location as aguarantee that will ensure America'scontinuing interest in Turkish concerns. On its part, the US should avoid the patronizing position that was evident in the run-up to the Iraq war. Especially, as the leading supporter of Turkey'sfight against the PKK, America should be more attentive to its ally'sspecial concerns and engage in consistent consultation with the Turkish government on Iraq while avoiding any "knee-jerk" reactions or unilateral acts. It is also important that Turkey'seconomic recovery program should continue to be backed by Washington. As aMiddle Eastern country and along time ally of the US, Turkey'sviews on the rebuilding of Iraq should be taken into account, especially while anti- Americanism in the area remains strong.
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