Posted on 04/30/2011 4:06:03 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Called neo-Ottomanism by some, the new foreign policy was based on the maxim "zero problems with neighbors." As long as trade flourished and business was good, the argument went, why couldn't everybody just get along. Bashir Assad's Syria -- which shares a 700km border with Turkey -- was a key player in this scenario. Although the two countries came to the brink of war in the late 1990s, they became close political allies under Erdogan... Unlike the revolution in Egypt, where Erdogan was quick to denounce Hosni Mubarak and call for a handover, he has been largely silent on the current uprising in Syria.
That parallels Turkey's response to the uprising in Libya, where Turkish companies had billions of dollars in construction contracts and some 25,000 workers. Libyan rebels have since accused Ankara -- a NATO member -- of supporting Muammar Gaddafi's regime...
"Turkey styled itself as a 'wise elder' and role model in the region, but when push comes to shove, it has become apparent that it has little influence over what is happening," says Soli Ozel, international relations professor at Bilgi University and a political columnist. "This is the point where Turkish foreign policy hits the wall."
...Erdogan's reticence in addressing the violent crackdowns on civilians in Libya and Syria has also sparked criticism that he has double-standards when he picks his fights. Just two years ago, he caused an international stir by vocally condemning Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza. Relations with Israel never recovered: Turkey has not had an ambassador in Tel Aviv for months. "Turkey now finds itself very alone on the world stage," says Ozel. "Relations with Europe have soured, and what will happen in the Middle East is uncertain. But it didn't need to be this way."
(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...
Just two years ago, he caused an international stir by vocally condemning Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza. Relations with Israel never recovered: Turkey has not had an ambassador in Tel Aviv for months. "Turkey now finds itself very alone on the world stage," says Ozel.
Stupid Turks now no one trusts them.
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