Several of the events in 2009 and statements of Turkish leadership show that Turkey is trying to take a leadership role in the Muslim world. Walk out of PM Erdogan from Davos on Palestine issue, statments over Iran nuclear issue, active role in Friends of Pakistan, PM visits of several Muslim countries, efforts to resolve Kurdish question, and a new era of relations with Armenia all point in this direction that Turkey is no more an inactive state. Interestingly, Erdogan, who has been Prime Minister since 2003 is still enjoying the majority support in the country. The recent polling in Turkey shows that Turks are backing their leadership. A last month poll show that Turks are supportive of PM Erdogan statements over Iran nuclear issue as being for peaceful purposes. This stance in clearly in opposition to west in general and U.S. in particular. Iran's nuclear issue on the other hand received criticism not only in west but also in the Arab states.
What kind of role one may expect from Turkey at this stage? It will have to deal with EU & U.S. on one hand and the Arab states on the other hand. How likely is it for Turkey to play a role in patching the gulf between Iran and the Arab states? Is there really any desire on part of Turkey to play a leading role in the Muslim world?
---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.
No comments:
Post a Comment