Op-Ed Series: Looking Ahead: Turkish Foreign Policy at the Start of 2012

GPoT Center introduces its Op-Ed Series on current topics in international relations with a piece written by GPoT Center Director, Dr. Mensur Akgün, entitled "Looking Ahead: Turkish Foreign Policy at the Start of 2012".

The article is in Turkish language and can be downloaded here.

Abstract in English
AKP’s foreign policy approach, since its rise to power in 2002, has focused on reconciliation rather than complication. This solution-seeking tone was proved on various foreign policy fronts – ranging from the support given to Annan Plan for the solution of Cyprus problem, to softening relations with Armenia, Prime Minister’s historic visit to Northern Iraq, as well as mediating roles in regional conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bosnia and Serbia, and Syria and Israel. Nevertheless, the heavy tone of Turkish foreign policy towards Israel following the press leak of the Palmer Report on Mavi Marmara incident, and the inconsistent response to Syria, have contradicted with the rational approach, disappointing many political scientists. Minister Davutoğlu’s constructive statements in his recent visit to Iran – in the midst of the increasing Iranian threat – are yet giving us the hope that the solution-seeking Turkish foreign policy might be back on the track.