Article

2006-06-16 Europe

Turkey's chances of EU membership are in doubt, warns Barroso

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Posted by Seafarious 2006-06-16 09:34|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 How long will the Turks fall for the same old bullshit?

Posted by mojo">mojo 2006-06-16 11:53|| 2006-06-16 11:53|| Front Page Top

#2 Turkey will continue to have problems with this because the pashas are not too interested in EU meddling--meddling which should finally force a democracy.

Additionaly, Washington has dissed the AKP government altogether. Erdogan had requested an urgent visit to DC, ostensibly to discuss Iraq, Palestine, Israel and Iran, but the White House has not yet extended the official invitation. The speculation is that Erdogan will not be permitted an audience until late fall, at the earliest. Given that elections are normally scheduled for next year, we might as well consider AKP as a lame duck.

This means that Condi seems to have hit it off well with the pashas. It also tends to lend credence to the suspicion that she approved the massive build-up of Turkish forces along the "Iraq" border.

Yasar Buyukanit is scheduled to take over for Hilmi Ozkok, in August, as head of the TSK Chief of Staff, months before Erdogan can think of coming to DC.

Continued US-backing of the military will give the pashas wiggle room over EU reforms. Thus the haggling will continue until the new power in Turkey, Buyukanit, takes over.

Posted by Azad 2006-06-16 13:20|| 2006-06-16 13:20|| Front Page Top

#3 Azad, many thanks for the insight;

Posted by Mike N. 2006-06-16 14:35|| 2006-06-16 14:35|| Front Page Top

#4 No problem.

I just saw that Pravda is reporting that Abdullah Gul (foreign minister) will visit DC in July. This is supposed to be to discuss the strategic vision document that was discussed during condi's visit at the end of April.

This strategic vision document was mentioned in another Russian article, from the first part of May. This article was the best commentary and analysis I have read about recent events in Turkey.

Bear in mind that if Gul does go to DC, he will be going for the pashas, because something like a strategic vision document is too important for pashas to leave to lesser mortals. . . like civilian politicians. Gul will be given his orders by the pashas, and if Erdogan goes in late fall, he will bring whatever confirmations Buyukanit and Washington have decided on.

Turkish politicians are errand boys, nothing more. Never forget that.

Posted by Azad 2006-06-16 23:30|| 2006-06-16 23:30|| Front Page Top

#5 Hmm . . . the Greeks are also reporting on Gul's visit.

Posted by Azad 2006-06-16 23:37|| 2006-06-16 23:37|| Front Page Top

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