Model Partnership: Creative Approaches to US-Turkey Relations
Speaker: Robert Wexler (Former Representative & President, Center for Middle East Peace)
Date: February 17, 2010 @ 12:00 PM
Place: SETA-DC Conference Room
Abstract:
On Wednesday, February 17, Former Congressman, chairman and co-founder of the Turkey Caucus in the House Foreign Affairs Committee spoke at SETA in Washington, D.C.
Robert Wexler began by explaining how Turkey as an important ally to the US, first came to his attention. Wexler sought to endeavor to create the Turkey-American Caucus, based on this void of knowledge on the awareness of the importance of the relationship. Today, he said, the state of affairs with respect to the US and Turkey is good. “It’s a bit of a secret in this town”, he went on to say. “The briefing I received from the State department, before the last visit in January was arguably the most positive briefing I had seen in years… It was positive because American-Turkish relations are at a point of honesty. Based on real, mutual interest, and at times differences on perspective.” He described how President Obama’s bilateral visit in April 2009, as well as Secretary Clinton’s visit illustrate the US commitment to maintaining the US-Turkey bilateral relationship.
American-Turkish cooperation on Iraq and Afghanistan has provided very significant degrees of cooperation. Both the public and private sector in Turkey is playing a strategic role in Afghanistan. Wexler said, today the level of cooperation on the PKK is respected on both sides of the equation”. On Turkish-Armenian relations- any world leader has to respect both the Turkish and Armenian leadership, that have presented constructive paths to reconcile the past. “Both the Turkish and Armenian leadership deserve great credit, risks for peace, in terms of political and domestic risks, said Wexler. And in looking at the level of opposition to AKP and criticism emanating from opposition parties, one can understand the degree of such a political risk. Though Wexler said at times he has quite adamantly opposed some moves on the part of the Turkish government. On Turkish-Syrian relations, Wexler said, “The notion that Turkey is moving into Syria’s orbit”, defies logic. Turkey is a dynamic economy with significant growth, a prominent regional player, with worldwide interest. Yes, Turkey has improved its relationship with Iran. Wexler asserted, “I’m not rationalizing or justifying some of the statements that are made in some of the Turkish leadership that I personally would not agree with.” Wexler said, again, that he adamantly opposes the nuclear program on Iran, and supports sever sanctions on Iran. One of the elements of that policy, Wexler said, “is a closer relationship with Iran, in the long-term, it serves in the interest of the region, in the long-term…and it requires deeper thinking in Jerusalem, Brussels, Germany and France.” How do we use the newly found prominent role Turkey is employing in the Middle East, to our benefit?
Turkey is not moving East, Wexler stated. It is East meets West, not versus. It is far more democratic and freer than it has been in decades. The media case create cause for alarm, however when you meet with the Ministers of Turkey- they are not seeking to undo the democratic roots of Turkey. They are deeply dedicated to the democratic process. But, in brief, there’s no reason to be alarmed over the debates over secularism in Turkey. A bulk of the fault should be placed on Europe, in the stagnant track of Turkey’s European Union process, he also said.
Wexler made some final observations. Based on his second to last trip to Turkey, in the midst of the last brouhaha between Israel and Turkey, he said it upset him when inflammatory language was used. “The forces within Turkey and Israel, between both governments, understand the stakes are high”, he said. “The Israelis ought to give strong consideration in a role Turkey can play on humanitarian efforts in Gaza, though I don’t agree with Prime Minister Erdogan’s narrative, his views in respect to Hamas, and with respect to what occurred in Gaza. I fundamentally disagree. Though he is a passionate man on humanitarian issues in Gaza. This could be a significant element of bridging the divide between Turkey and Israel.” There were lessons learned. Wexler said he would like to compliment President Obama and Secretary Clinton, by putting US-Turkey relationship back on a very positive path. There is a great deal of cooperation on Iraq. I would hope there would be proximity talks expanding the Arab peace initiative. The peace initiative was put on the table, and never presented to the Israeli people- seeking a compressive agreement. Looking forward, Wexler hopes to help the authors of the peace initiative-to define it, give context to it, and make it a more viable proposal in the American political mainstream. Given the threats emanating from Iran, it’s important that the Arab leadership understand the sense of urgency, and would hopefully take a less passive role in the process. All sides need to take major risks for peace. The prize is worth it, Wexler said.
Ulutas asked Mr. Wexler- asked him to elaborate on Turkish-Armenian relations, as the April. 24 date approaches, and given the latest Turkish-Armenian protocols, in this context, how do you see 2010?
Wexler, coming at the issue with a record said, “Turkey and Armenia are taking great risks for peace. …Both governments are touching the third rail of politics in their country to undergo reform on this issue.” Wexler continued by saying that he would hope that all people concerned respect the full issue and respect the ramifications that may occur from them. Wexler expressed compassion and respect for the pain and grief, the tragedy, of the period of time in question, the horrific actions, and what occurred, “the question is though, on April. 23, what goals, objectives does it serve if Congress takes up the issue again as it has in the past?” It’s an emotional debate, no doubt, he said. Wexler has encouraged Prime Minister Erdogan to continue to objective of remaining one step ahead of his counterparts, in terms of seeking peace. This is the strategy Wexler said he has employed on the issue of Turkey and Armenia; though, there is a burden of history, however you define it. I hesitate to say this, but, the last time we had the debate regarding the Armenian Gen issue, the knowledge of Turkey increased dramatically. Livingston, said, the Caucus was the most positive thing toward US-Turkey relations in four decades.
Wexler showed some sensitivity to the subject of anti Americanism in Turkey, and clearly has an enormous respectful for the engaging style of the Obama administration.
He said, “ I would respectfully ask, the Turkish people, what more would you want from a US president.?... he is removing troops in an orderly fashion from Iraq, closing down Guantanamo Bay, pursuing a path in Afghanistan that ‘s both directed at a real terrorist threat, and will ultimately remove American forces from the region. Wexler went on to say, that the US is attempting to engage Iran. “ It is sending the US Ambassador back to Syria, Obama appointed George Mitchell in his first week in office. What more can Obama do?... It’s more a question of, is it a bit irrational, that the view of Americans in Turkey is not more positive than it is today?, Wexler said.
In terms of the model partnership, and parts that may be lacking to complete the relationship, Wexler discussed potential for economic cooperation. “Turkey is very quick to point out the trade figure between Turkey and Russia, Wexler said, “and some of it has to do with proximity”. There are glaring deficiencies, if there is in fact going to be a model partnership. I think this will begin to change, though it won’t happen overnight.
Audio:Photos:
