SORRY RICK! Turks give NOT ONE FIG about America's "vision for Turkey"

Submitted by mariana (United States), May 17, 2007 at 19:46

You said: "Condi should quit the current "expanding democracy" approach and get out there and promote the US's vision for Turkey and the region."

really? What the heck is there to talk about? Erdogan's "delusions of adequacy?" There's no reason to encourage his desire to reconfigure the remnants of [what Turks still consider] the Ottoman Empire; there's no reason to turn 1/3 of Iraq over to them; there's no reason to "sell out" the Kurds [again]! There's no reason to admit Turkey to the EU; there's no reason to do anything but watch him very, very carefully, and read everything he says in the Turkish, Persian or Arabic Press.

The United States of America requested transit through the territory of a NATO ally [which, incidentally, is in NATO precisely because of its location]. In response, Turkey, believing the 4th Front was indispensable, tried to extort a rather extravagant price; when thwarted, they "picked up their ball and went home." When he denied this "request," he abrogated prior pledges and responsibilities. This is not a "little thing" among nations.

I recommend you re-read The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Pure Macchiavelli in modern day setting.

Bush's "coolness" towards Turkey since their attempted grab of Kurdistan in March 2003, and his [very] low key reception in DC this spring, are quite consistent [even though not sufficiently "muscular"], under the circumstances. mariana

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