Both the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) want to bring democracy and stabilization to the Middle East region. As it has been proven in the recent Iraqi case, it is so clear that they cannot realize their aim by military movements and imposition. Trying to force or "rush" democracy on Middle Eastern countries is impractical and counterproductive. Western countries shall recognize the differences between east and west cultures and also understand that the term of democracy will not have the same evolution period in that region. So that; a model country likes Turkey, who has managed to be a secular government and also a bridge between these two cultures would be great instrument. Despite of the multi voices such as Liberians, Conservatives, Socialists, Nationalists and also Fundamentalists in Turkey, it is a democratic and secular country. This was proven recently after the triumph of AKP Government that was reckoning as Islamist. Despite of their ’Islamist line’, most of the route to the European Union membership was covered by the AKP Government. The will of being a more civilized country was the major factor that had soften the Islamists’ visions and approaches. Thus, a Muslim EU member will be the best messenger for the rest Muslim world in relation with democracy, state of law, human rights and also liberal economy. Turkey could be a bridge for possible strategic alliances, partnership and growing trade relations between the Middle East and Europe.

Turkey’s membership will not only beneficial for both sides, but also for the Middle East. First of all, it will have a positive impact on the development of democracy in neighbour countries. Secondly, as the EU membership would be perceived as a safety buoy by Kurdish minorities, Iran, Syria and Iraq that have Kurdish minorities too, will appreciate and support Turkey’s membership that might contribute in defusing Kurdish nationalist aspirations. A full membership means regional development, higher human rights values, more freedoms and of course better economic conditions for them. So that; it will both serve to the aims of the European Union who wants to bring stability and democracy to this region and to Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria’s will to solve the disturbance among Kurdish minorities.

Apart of this, Turkey’s inclusion would send a good message to more than 20 million Muslims living in Europe and promote their integration. It may be a great chance to eliminate the hatred seeds leaf out after the 11 September among Christian and Muslim world. It may play a balancing role between both sides.

On the other hand, If EU wants to improve its foreign-security policy and be a military power in the future, it shall balance the United States, especially concerning the Middle East. For this purpose, Turkey, which has one of the well equipped, well disciplined and experienced military powers in the region, will be the best partner. Turkey’s yields and benefits for EU, as a member of NATO and a country with an enormous experience in relation with combating terrorism are undeniable. This is fact that European countries cannot underestimate.

To sum up; a western stereotype democracy model cannot be implemented from outside. European countries can also use the logic methods to convince the Middle Eastern countries. So they can send their messages through a Muslim member who has good relations with its neighbours. If they want to combat with terrorism, human and drug trafficking they shall solve the root of the problems. This just can be done by cooperations in the region. With the Turkey’s membership, EU will be a neighbour of these problematic borders. They shall not avoid of this. On the contrary, they will have the chance to prevent the problems from the beginning point by a multi cooperative rapprochement. Finally, it can be said that EU has to think twice about this accession which will both be beneficial for its union and be crucial for a new Middle East model.   

Arzu Celalifer , JTW Middle East Correspondent and Researcher, ISRO Center for Middle Eastern Studies
 <a href="mailto:arzu@turkishweekly.net">arzu@turkishweekly.net</a>

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