Turkey-US relations in the new term

Davutoğlu gave a description of Turkish foreign policy as a multi-axis policy in constant search of absolute peace with the neighbors and a policy of mixing real politics and ideal politics that stands all parties (Hamas, Israel etc.) from an equal distance.

He says in the new term a new understanding will come into existence between Turkey and the United States as the reason that both countries will follow multi-axis policies.

He draws an interesting analogy. Both U.S. President Barrack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are seen as a ray hope in the streets of the Middle East, says Davutoğlu, emphasizing that the region’s people have high expectations of the two leaders.

Besides, the chief adviser shares quite positive impressions about Obama’s new special envoy to the Middle East, George J. Mitchell, who visited Turkey last week. Mitchell knows a lot about the Middle East but most importantly is a very good listener, Davutoğlu said. If his observation means that the U.S. will hear the problems of the region from the region’s people, then this is a quite improvement. I wouldn’t know about Davutoğlu’s observations but the neo-cons I met made me furious because of their ignorant yet cavalier attitudes.

A search on the Web revealed that some experts share Davutoğlu’s opinions about Mitchell. Former Democratic Party majority leader and former senator, Mitchell is of Irish origin. So he tried to seek mediation patiently in Northern Ireland as the former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s envoy. By combining his wit over the parties and determination, Mitchell played a key role in the Good Friday agreement signed in 1998.

According to Davutoğlu, multi-axis policies of Turkey make the country a rising star not only in the Middle East but in Africa as well. Turkey’s role as a leader in the Middle East is of importance to me and I think Iran and Turkey are in competition in the subject. I believe a positive turn is possible in Iran-U.S. relations on condition of reformists’ victory in the Iranian elections.

And again, I think another step will be taken in the new term when U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton visits Turkey. Turkey-U.S. relations will have a serious test about the Armenian genocide bill Apr. 24.

Davutoğlu and Çeviköz did not give details but they have created an atmosphere that some sensitive efforts are being made in bilateral relations with Armenia.

I am of the opinion that Turkey-U.S. relations will be riveted by the prospective role of Turkey while United States withdraws from Iraq.And I have the impression from Davutoğlu that some talks have already begun.

The only country having contacts with all elements in the region including Shiite, Sunni, Kurds in Iraq as well as governments, tribes and militia is Turkey, Davutoğlu specifically stressed.

He says the United States may benefit from Turkey’s comparative advantage in U.S. policies on Iraq.