Turkey and EU

On a recent trip to Turkey, we met with the editor of a leading national newspaper and discussed a number of issues, including Turkey's acceptance into the EU. This is one of the sore spots for Turkey, with many believing that an "all-Christian" club wants to prevent a predominantly Muslim country from joining it. The editor reminded us that the educated realize that it is an economic club more than a religious club, and economics are driving the decision. The EU website states that "Turkey, a member of NATO, with a long-standing association agreement with the EU, applied for membership in 1987. Its geographical location and political history made the EU hesitate for a long time before replying positively to its application. However, in October 2005, the European Council opened accession negotiations with Turkey." The editor pointed out that the conditions imposed on Turkey exceed all the conditions imposed on the countries that have been admitted to the EU since 1987 when Turkey filed for acceptance. Since Turkey's filing, Austria, Finland, many former Soviet-bloc countries, Bulgaria, and Romania have been allowed into the EU.

President Obama has called upon EU to accept Turkey. It is the wise thing to do- politically, economically, and culturally. Sarkozy should stop being a racist and a jingoist and deal with Turkey as a country that is just as important as France. Both EU and Turkey can gain a lot from each other. I was very impressed by the vitality of Turkey.