Gallipoli Forgotten

Today in the Turkish Parliament building, Prime Minister David Cameron took the ultimate British revenge on its main European allies. In doing so he has expressed his disapproval of the attitudes of France and Germany in the face of Turkey joining the European Union. Mr Cameron has condemned attempts to block or slow down any efforts made by Turkey to be included in the European economic/legislative body.
 
 The Long Road:
  This most recent happening is just furthering a long list of events that can be traced back to the 1950's. As the world moved towards post- World War Two recovery and fell deeper into the Cold War, Turkey joined NATO in 1952. This was a statement of support and an alliance with the democratic powers against the forces of Communism. That moment placed Turkey on the front line against the USSR if a war was to break out.
   Following this it moves to the relationship development between Turkey and its European neighbours. Since 1963, Turkish people have worked with the predecessors of the EU, leading to the application for membership being submitted on the 14th of April 1987. A Customs Union Agreement was signed in 1995, and in 1999 its candidacy for full membership to the EU was accepted.. It has been anticipated that Turkey will become a full member of the EU between 2013 (optimists) and 2021.

Protectionist, Polarised, Prejudiced:
   During Mr Cameron's rage against EU attitudes, he narrows it down to the 'Protectionist', 'Polarised' and 'Prejudiced' factions who appose Turkey joining the EU.
  The Protectionist camp believes that Turkey should be seen more as an opponent to European economic intentions rather than a partner. As a non-member, it will retain such a facade as one of  Europe's biggest continental competitors, along with the Russian Federation. However, it should be considered what Turkey offers us. It has the 15th largest GDP in the world and is one of the founding members of the G-20. With a fast rate of economic development, it would be foolish to ignore such potential to improve the standing of EU trading prospects. It is understandable that there would exist a fear of external economic competition; but when one such source trades 56% of its exports with European Union member states, then you are only making it more difficult to further this association.
   Those who are considered 'polarised' in opinion do hold legitimate concerns. They are concerned that Turkey must choose between East and West before it is allowed to join the EU. In this regard they are highlighting the nations connections with countries outside of Europe, in particular the development relationship with Iran. Some would consider this in opposition the EU foreign policy. On top of this there is the tensions with Greece and the unification of Cyrus. Turkey refuses to talk to Cyprus even though it is an EU member, thus creating a further obstacle to membership. None the less, this is once again a folly. There is a great advantage in having a member of the EU who has a friendship with a volatile nation such as Iran. Also, with its long term membership of NATO, it has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to be involved in military operations. Within NATO, Turkey offers the 2nd largest military force behind the USA. Their commitment has been further demonstrated with their involvement in the Afghanistan conflict. Despite it being an Eastern nation which many would assume they would support, they have shown their will to fight for democracy and freedom.
   The final group, those branded as 'prejudiced', are those that fear the influence of Islam and the easy movement of Muslims. Despite its status as a secular nation, Turkey has recently shown motions towards a more theocratic way of governing and law making. This is more than enough to deter people, especially the growing right-wing, to disapprove of Turkish admittance into Europe. None of this is helped by the growing legislation which restricts Muslims in Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and France. This would possibly put the Turkish off joining in the face of such anti-Islamic sentiment. The EU is known for being pro-Israel, and the recent efforts of ships which set sail from Turkey to break the Gaza blockade would not have been appreciated in Brussels. The friendship which exists between Israel and Turkey has found itself under strain, but both parties must respect the other's feelings on the matter. There is also the possibility of Israel applying to become a member of the EU (2004 opinion poll showed 85% Israeli support). This being the case it is crucial that relationships between Muslim Turkey and Jewish Israel are maintained. This can demonstrate to Europe that it is not a threat, but an asset. The majority of Turkey is in the Middle East, and this could be used to strengthen European ties to other Muslim nations. The cultural and political advantages of including an Islamic nation such as Turkey could go a long way to improving the ever worsening of European nations' image in the eyes of the Islamic world.

 When David Cameron expressed that he felt 'anger' towards the opposition facing Turkey with regards to EU membership, this was an anger felt by any individual who can see the real benefits of inclusion. With 2.1% of the German population made up of people of Turkish decent, it is difficult to prevent the inevitable. Turkey is not the stereotypical European nation state, and offers some unpredictable components. Never the less it would be a loss to all of Europe if such a nation with such vibrant culture, growing economy, strong armed forces, and rich history was rejected to be part of something that shares similar aspirations. The people of Turkey and those of Europe have shared many common historical events. Let this be the time when Rome and Constantinople are reunited within the modern Roman Empire. Let us all stand side by side and face the future together, whether we be European/ Middle Eastern or Christian/ Muslim.