The ATAA Capital Forum is proud to bring to you the opinions of experts on Turkish foreign affairs, politics, economics, and security as discussed at events throughout the nation. An important mission of the ATAA is to support education on issues of importance to U.S.-Turkish relations and Turkish Americans. Turkey is one of the most discussed countries at the nation’s capital and America’s leading cities -- and for good reason! Strategically located in Anatolia, the Turkish Republic has transformed from a frontier state to a regional keystone, connecting Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia in an increasingly complex and challenging world. With a predominately Muslim population of over 70 million, Turkey is one of the world’s most successful secular democracies and economies.

Nurten Ural
President

The Atlantic Council’s Global Leadership Series Event
By R. Nicholas Burns
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
September 13, 2007

“Prospects and challenges for America’s future relationship with Turkey”
 
Secretary Burns immediately recognized the Republic of Turkey as a “critically important ally in the Middle East region” with “a trustworthy government led by Prime Minister Erdogan and newly elected President Gul.”  Secretary Burns noted that Turkey has been a “stalwart” friend and essential to the positive growth and effectiveness of the UN.  
 
Acknowledging Turkey’s geopolitical importance, Secretary Burns noted Turkey provides the vital, secular, democratic link to the Balkans, Black Sea region, Caucuses and the greater Middle East region.
 
Secretary Burns touched on the shared values between the US and Turkey.  Mostly, these values focus on the “dynamic issue of energy” and how future pipelines provide sources of oil and gas for Western Europe, the Caspian Sea region, Iraq, and the Southern Corridor (Greece/Italy, etc.).  These shared values also extend to South Asia, specifically in Pakistan and Afghanistan where Turkey is working with the US to promote democracy and defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda.  
 
When speaking about challenges that face the US and Turkey relationship, Secretary Burns spoke of the difficult time in diplomatic relations from 2002-2005 when Turkey did not support the US invasion of Iraq.  Today, Secretary Burns was “happy to say that we have gotten back on track with both governments supporting initiatives.”
 
Turkey bolsters regional support for a democratic Iraq.  Also, Turkey has approved sanctions upon Iran, while also urging their neighbors to cease trade with Iran.  
 
The US in return, continues to arm, advise and train Iraqi forces against the PKK “terrorist organization,” and is working to eliminate European support for the PKK.  The US has also officially stated their support for Turkey’s full accession to the European Union.  To improve this relationship, the US asks that Turkey’s repeal Article 301 – a limitation on free speech.  The US also supports continued dialogue regarding Cyprus, despite the Greek Cypriot rejection of the UN plan.

Regarding the Armenian allegation of genocide, the US does not feel H.Res. 106 — a politically motivated legislative measure — is a productive way to facilitate reconciliation and a more accurate understanding of history.  Instead, there should be a fair and civil discussion between Armenia, Turkey and other mediators if need be, in line with Prime Minister Erdogan’s invitation to Armenia to participate in a joint historic commission.