Publication

The commentary explores the political and strategic implications to the West of the continuing rise of Turkey and Iran at the expense of the Arab states. Despite the major changes in Turkish foreign policy in recent years, Turkey remains a partner of the West. The author highlights the Turkish potential role in mediating diverse issues, that could still be helpful on several fronts: Iraq, where it has played a major role in the handling of the Kurdish issue and in protecting the Sunni minority against discrimination; Afghanistan and Libya, where Turkey, as a NATO member, can continue its involvement in line with American and coalition aims; and even the Iranian nuclear issue, where it shares the basic interest with the West to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state. Turkey's so-called “shift to the East” is neither fixed nor inevitable. Hence, it can still be influenced, and it is vital that the West, led by the United States, not give Turkey a cold shoulder.