Turkey, saddled in between two continents, with a long lasting alliance with Western Europe and the United States, all during the Cold War, is now in an awkward situation in its relations with its so-called allies. It is true that Turkey’s Eastern and Southern neighbours are hotbeds of violence and misgovernment with fragile security structures, in the Balkans and South Eastern Europe  there are still signs of instability and with the chronic conflict in Cyprus, Turkey is also faced with terrorism and doomsday scenarios in Iraq and Iranian search for WMDs. Therefore, Turkey has to maintain a high security alert position. As it is its own neighbourhood and geography, Turkey is accustomed to live with these neighbours and their instabilities, which it can handle thanks to its overall power bearing and regional influence.

In the past Turkey has generally found support from its Western allies in its policies contributing to peace and stability not only in its neighbourhood but also by contributing to peace keeping operations around the world. What is most difficult to understand and accept is the change in the attitudes of Turkey’s Western allies and friends in the West, creating a confidence crisis in Turkish public over European and American policies towards Turkey. Some of the actions and measures taken by both Europe and the United States smack of an undeclared Cold War by the West towards Turkey. In Northern Iraq there is an army of terrorists equipped with modern arms waging terror attacks in Turkish territories. Our long time ally, the United States, neither puts an end to this terror hotbed, nor allows its Turkish ally to do so on its own. US may be angry with Turkey because Turks did not allow them to use their territory for a massive attack against Iraq. But before and since then Turkey has made substantial contributions to Western stand in Iraq, by allowing their use of its military air bases and providing substantial logistic support. Turkey and US  also have common interests and cooperation projects in this region.

Furthermore, it seems that it has become a fashion both in the United States and Europe to use a genocide card to irk and alienate Turks and create a rift between Turks and Armenians. While we know from our files and memories that what happened in 1915 during the First World War was a wartime relocation, may be miscarried, but never a genocide as the term signifies. US is toying with the idea  of passing a Congressional resolution on genocide and many European countries have made it a crime to describe the events of 1915 as nothing but genocide. Neo-Cold Warriors in Europe do not seem to care about historians, show of hands is enough to distort and denominate historic events. Why this is happening at this time when Turkey should be closest to Europe and in the most advantageous position to develop friendship, harmony and cooperation as a country in the process of negotiations for full membership of EU. During the real Cold War, that is in the 1950s and 60s, our alliance was firm and our relations were extremely friendly, so much so in 1964 Turkey was given a time table towards full membership in the European Economic Community evolving later into the European Union: up to 1985 free circulation of labour and services, gradual elimination of customs until 1995 and creation of a customs union to be followed by membership. Only the customs union was achieved. Instead of free circulation, as from 1980 almost all European countries imposed tough visa restrictions for Turkish citizens. Good words and treaty obligations were easily forgotten.

After much resistance, in 1999 EU renewed Turkey’s candidacy for membership; but also promising the Greek Cypriots full membership. Eventually, EU accepted to begin “open ended” negotiations for an uncertain and probably infinite duration. In 1964 we were almost sure to become a member in 1995, but now we do not have any idea of when our membership may be accepted or rejected. When Turkey was in a position to pursue its commitments for accession, the Cypriot Greeks were already in the saddle of EU and have since blocked the entire negotiating process. In reality, negotiations could be halted in a prescribed manner only if human rights were seriously violated in Turkey. Turkey-EU relations are almost at a stand still now. How long can we wait in this cold purgatory? It may be the intention of some people and some countries in the European Union to keep Turks in abeyance for such a long time that eventually Turks will not be interested anymore in joining the EU. But this is also a paradox because all Europeans know perfectly well that Turkey and Europe are an inseparable whole and that is why EU said in its accession framework that in all cases “Turkey must be firmly anchored in Europe”.

This cold shoulder attitude, if it continues too long, may encourage Turkish nationalism and foster non-European tendencies in the Turkish society.  Such a development will not be in the interests of Turkey as perceived by Turks who defend enlightenment, democracy and human rights, nor will a strategically important Turkey with fragile ties with the West “ be in European interests.

It is time to think of steps to remedy the situation, to rescue the process of accession and to end the frustrations of many who have contributed to a long lasting cooperation.