The relationship between the West and Islam has recently been seen through a blood-smeared lens. Atrocities by Islamic extremists, retaliatory US-led onslaughts on Afghanistan and Iraq, the endless Arab-Israeli conflict and rhetorical excesses on all sides have reinforced the notion the world is doomed to witness a disastrous clash of civilisations. So it is encouraging that a positive, potentially momentous, adventure in reconciliation may soon be launched by the descendants of those who, centuries ago, endured the long struggle between the Ottoman Empire and Christian Europe. Earlier this month, about 40 years after Turkey first mooted the idea, the European Commission recommended opening negotiations for Turkey's entry into the European Union."
More:Can Turkey bridge East-West gap? - Editorial - www.smh.com.au: "Can Turkey bridge East-West gap?
October 18, 2004