Since 2003 once friendly relations between the U.S. and Turkey have chilled. In March 2003 Turkey provoked anger from the Bush Administration by voting against allowing American troops to use the country as a route for opening a second front in Iraq. In general, the differences of opinion of Turkey and the U.S. over Iraq have cooled relations between the two nations. An article in The Economist entitled “Friends by the Bosporus” discusses how recently President Obama has begun to help mend the situation.
In a two-day visit to Turkey, in which he addressed the Turkish parliament, President Obama was well-received. In his address Obama spoke to Turkey’s Muslim majority expressing the fact that the U.S. was “not at war with Islam” and pointed out that many Americans have ties to Islam, such as is the case with the President himself. Further, Obama pledged to support Turkey’s bid to join the European Union (despite France’s and Sarkozy’s opposition). Turkey clearly appreciated Obama highlighting its Western credentials. Obama also pointed out that “America has overcome its cold-war habit of engaging mostly with Turkey’s generals. As democracy has taken root, public opinion has come to count."
Good relations with Turkey are very important as it is an important Islamic ally as “Turkey enjoys growing influence and popularity in the Arab world.” Turkish support will also be crucial as the U.S. withdraws from Iraq and focuses on Afghanistan. For example, “Turkey already has 900 soldiers in Afghanistan and is a transit hub for supplies to American troops both there and in Iraq.” Finally, Turkey has helped facilitate communication between the U.S. and Iran.
Proving himself to be quite the diplomat, President Obama took prudent action by reestablishing friendly relations with the democratic Muslim nation.
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