Rufiz Hafizoglu, head of the Trend Middle East department
Fundamental reforms in the foreign and domestic policies of Turkey and the steps taken by it to address existing problems have become one of the most discussed topics in the world media in recent days.
One of these reforms was the replacement in the foreign policy administration of Turkey. Thus, in May 2009 the Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan was replaced by a more experienced diplomat, who was familiar with the ideological point of view of the Turkish movement Milli Gorush (National Vision), former Prime Minister Nadzhmeddin Erbakan's student Ahmet Davudoglu.
Namely Davudoglu is the author of the "zero problems with neighbors" policy, which the Turkish government tries to pursue presently. Coming to office as the foreign minister Davudoglu even survived Turkey's foreign policy. In the first place, Ankara began restoring its relations with the priority neighbors, and especially with the Arab states, attempted to review the policy with the Baltic countries, the Middle East and the Caucasus.
At the same time, Turkey launched more actively fulfilling the obligations undertaken in connection with negotiations on the EU membership. One of the requirements put before Ankara was to hold democratic reforms in the country. Before Justice and Development Party's (AKP) coming to power Turkey did not carry out radical democratic reforms, whilst the country really needed them. However, it is assumed that these reforms are not carried out for the country's accession to the EU, but to become a superpower in the region and to show that AKP really has always been and will be with the people. Although Turkey has fulfilled all the obligations undertaken before the EU, the EU has applied double standards with regards to the country. Despite the great potential of Turkey, the leaders of some European countries do not want to see it as a full member of this organization. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel pointed out that the majority of EU member states are against Turkey's accession to this organization. In response to these protests, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, by severely criticizing the EU for its position taken in respect to his country, said that without Turkey, the EU is a "club of Christians".
Regardless of anything, Turkey carried on reforms aimed at EU accession. In his address during a visit to France President Abdullah Gul made it clear that Turkey may choose to refuse EU membership and follow Norway's sample. So, it might lead to a conclusion, that sooner or later Turkey will establish a new alternative body to EU. However, such an alternative establishment will hardly be profitable for Ankara. Turkey aims to become a superpower in the region, which will allow him to get rid of EU double standards. Ankara has enough potential for this end and the country's foreign policy gives grounds to suppose that it will be realized in the near future.
Essential changes in Turkey's regional policy and especially the Middle East policy occurred following the military operations carried out in Gaza Sector in the end of 2008 by the region's superpower Israel. Turkey's tough stance based on "good friend tells mistakes to face" principle cooled the relations between two countries.
This split became wider particularly after Turkey's refusal to hold trilateral Israel-USA-Turkey military exercises in Konya, leaving its close ally alone in the arena. Such deterioration, though unofficially, in Turkish-Israeli relations gave impetus to the restoration of Turkish-Arabian relations.
Ankara cancelled a visa program with Syria, officially normalizing its relations with the country, which Turkey's loyal ally Israel constantly accused of supporting terrorism. Naturally, Damask offered its assistance in resolving problems with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which poses a threat to Turkey and to all countries of the region.
Relations between Ankara and Baghdad are vitally important. Improvement of relations with countries and pursued "democratic resolution" policy in Turkey are very important to prevent PKK terror.
New phase in Turkish-Iraqi relations prevented new civil war, which could break out in Iraq following US troops' withdrawal. It all demonstrates that Ankara has good relations with all political forces in Iraq.
Furthermore, most Iraqi Kurds are inclined towards Turks rather than Arabs and this is an undeniable factor. Kurdish administration of Iraq, which used to have irreconcilable stance on Turkey, has changed it. In his address Kurdish leader's aide Fuad Husseini said Iraqi Shiites are inclined towards Iran and Sunnis towards Arabs. So, Kurds can do nothing but to seek alliance with Turkey. Meanwhile, Kurdish administration official which preferred to speak anonymously, said Iraqi Kurds have right to independence, but if it does not happen, the only solution can be annexing Mosul province to Turkey, which will allow Kurds to enter EU via Turkey.
Though official Ankara holds this variant at hand, Turkey will not endanger territorial integrity of Iraq.
Most viable solution is establishment of free economic area in the region upon Baghdad's consent. It will allow Turkey to obtain control over oil and gas reserves in northern Iraq, including huge reserves in Kerkuk.
Turkey's balanced foreign policy with regard to Western and Muslim world and desire to take maximum advantage of all opportunities, give ground to say that Turkey will become a superpower in the region sooner or later.