"Turkey in the New Iraqi Stage
Sami Shorosh Al-Hayat - 12/07/06/
Turkey's share in Iraqi politics and its economy may be greater than that of any other country in the region. The two states have long joint borders extending for more than 310km. Turkey is Iraq's shortest land route to Europe, whereas Iraq is the shortest and lowest-cost route for Turkey's commercial and economic activities with the Gulf States. Moreover, the pipeline, through which the crude oil of Kirkuk reaches the Turkish Ceyhan seaport, has remained for the two past decades the most important trade artery for the two countries. In addition, many people expect that the economic, political and military partnership between the two countries in the future will pave the way for the emergence of a strong strategic base in the Middle East against terrorism. To say nothing of Turkey's major participation in the reconstruction of Iraq. But the main stumbling block is that Turkey is slow to act in the direction of Iraq and has shown an unjustified sensitivity toward the country and the Middle East, compared to its fast steps in the direction of Europe and the EU."
More:Dar Al Hayat