"Turkey between West and East: U.S.’s crux
By Samuel LaRussa
At a time when its friendly political orientation has never meant more to the West, the Turkish government and people are experiencing a dilemma: West or East
This quandary and its resolution by the Turkish government have serious implications for policymakers in Washington and Brussels. For Turkey to choose West — that is, to remain friendly with the United States and Europe — is to pledge itself to continuing down the seemingly endless path toward acceptance into the European Union, to reinforcing democratic and secular principles in government and society, and, most importantly, to embracing its position as a mitigating bridge between the West and the Middle East. Turkey’s role in navigating the difficult relations between Israel and Syria and between the United States and Iran demonstrate the unique capability that it possesses to fulfill this duty."
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