"Turkey and the EU
The New York Times
Published: December 3, 2006
The strained relationship between Europe and Turkey took two steps forward last week and, we fear, at least that many backward.
On the plus side, the visit to Turkey by Pope Benedict XVI helped soothe relations, especially after Benedict backed off his opposition to Turkey's application to join the European Union. The pope - who infuriated Muslims a few months ago with a tone-deaf speech criticizing Islam - may have done even more good with his visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, where he prayed facing Mecca."
More:Turkey and the EU - Opinion - International Herald Tribune
