THE UNITED STATES AND TURKEY: A VIEW FROM THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
By Philip H. Gordon
US Department of State
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March 17 2010
Thank you, Strobe. It’s a great pleasure to be back at Brookings to
deliver the sixth annual Sakip Sabanci Lecture. This is a homecoming
of sorts for me and it’s great to see so many good friends here today.
I’ve worked with Strobe both in the U.S. government, during the
Clinton administration, and outside of it, during my tenure at
Brookings. Throughout that time, he has been a constant source
of wise counsel and clear-headed leadership. And though the Obama
Administration has done its best to deplete the ranks of his staff,
I am happy to see that Brookings under his direction is still thriving.
Thank you for inviting me here today.
I’m especially pleased to be giving the Sabanci Lecture – an event I
am proud to say I played a part in conceiving six years ago, to help
foster a dialogue in Washington with and about Turkey. I’m happy to
see you have maintained the tradition of including Sabanci University
students and faculty by video link – something which makes this lecture
a unique event – and I look forward to hearing from colleagues in
Istanbul today. I extend my best regards to Guler Sabanci who will
be participating in the discussion from that end.
The growth and success of Sabanci University in Istanbul and this
lecture in Washington are both testament to the vision of the man
for whom they are named: Sakip Sabanci. A successful businessman
and great philanthropist, his contributions to the intellectual,
cultural, and economic life of his country were major forces behind
Turkey’s continued development and modernization. The Sabanci Lecture
was established to highlight Turkey’s increasing importance in world
affairs and to promote Turkey’s reform and integration into Europe –
causes which Sakip Sabanci championed. I think the past several years
have only confirmed the importance of this forum and of these issues,
and that is precisely what I want to talk about today.
The topic that I wish to address is the relationship between the
United States and Turkey – a dynamic and multi-faceted relationship
that is beneficial to both our countries. This could hardly be a more
important or timely subject and this is a particularly appropriate
moment to reflect on it. Almost a year ago, President Obama traveled to
Turkey during his first overseas trip. He went to deliver a message
of partnership, saying "Turkey and the United States must stand
together – and work together – to overcome the challenges of our
time." Turkey and the United States have been partners for decades
and that partnership is as important today as it has ever been. When
Secretary Clinton went on her first trip to Europe, she too made
a point of going to Turkey and she spoke of Turkey as a critical
partner. The reasons why the President and the Secretary traveled
to Turkey early in this administration’s term are the reasons why I
want to talk about Turkey today – because we believe that an engaged,
active, and cooperative relationship with Turkey is an important
interest of the United States. As the President put it when he met
Prime Minister Erdogan at the White House in December, "given Turkey’s
history as a secular democratic state that respects the rule of law,
but is also a majority Muslim nation, it plays a critical role … in
helping to shape mutual understanding and stability and peace not
only in its neighborhood but around the world."
Few countries play such a crucial role in such a diverse set of
important areas. How many countries have borders with as diverse an
array of countries as Turkey – Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. With its combination of strategic,
economic, and cultural links, Turkey’s influence touches such vital
concerns of both our countries as the stability of the Middle East
and relations with the broader Islamic world, relations with the
Caucasus and Black Sea region, the transit of energy from the Caspian
Basin to Europe, the security and development of Iraq, Afghanistan,
and Pakistan, and the maintenance of strong ties to Europe and the
Trans-Atlantic alliance. The geography that I have just mentioned
spans some of the most sensitive and significant parts of the globe
and in every one of these areas U.S.-Turkish cooperation can be a
force for progress.
This is also a timely moment to be addressing the U.S.-Turkish
relationship because the dynamic nature of Turkey is attracting
the world’s attention in new ways. Domestically, debates about
civil-military relations, and about the role of religion in society,
have generated enormous interest abroad, and are followed closely
in the United States. Economically, the last decade has seen Turkey
display one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world –
making Turkey one of the 20 largest global economies. In foreign
affairs, Turkey has pursued an active foreign policy that has seen
it interacting more intensively than ever with countries all across
its neighborhood and beyond. Whenever and wherever I travel, which
is a lot these days, one of the sentences I hear most often is "Ahmet
Davutoglu was just here."
Let us be frank: the dynamism we see in Turkey has raised questions in
the minds of some observers about where Turkey is heading, and that too
is a reason why this is a timely topic. It is worth addressing these
questions squarely. Though phrased in different ways, the questions
all eventually boil down to a single concern: Is Turkey turning away
from the West? We do not see it that way. Turkey is an integral part
of the Euro-Atlantic alliance and has been for decades.
Throughout that time it has always maintained strong relations
with its neighbors to the west as well as its neighbors to the
east. It is also reaching out in new ways. Turkey has always had
multiple identities. But what binds the United States and Turkey
together are shared interests, shared values, and a commitment to
partnership. We believe that Turkey is and wants to remain anchored
in the Euro-Atlantic community.
However, the fact that some have questioned the strength of our ties
does highlight an important issue. The relationship, which was much
easier to justify when we faced a shared Soviet threat, requires hard
work and attention – on both sides. Today, the global challenges we
face are more varied and diffuse than they were during the Cold War.
In this new environment, those of us who believe in the relationship
have to make a special effort to explain the enduring value of the
partnership between the United States and Turkey. Indeed, that enduring
value is something I want to underscore today. On nearly every vital
issue we face, the United States benefits from having Turkey as an
engaged and supportive partner. The reverse is also true: on nearly
every issue that is critical to Turkey’s future, the United States
plays an enormously important role as a trusted friend and ally.
The United States and Turkey may no longer be fighting the Cold War
or containing Iraq, but we are working closely together in a number
of important ways. In Afghanistan, the United States and Turkey
are working together to offer a better life to the Afghan people
by giving them the training and tools they need to build security
and grow their economy. The United States and Turkey are working
together closely on an action plan for joint assistance to the Afghan
people. So far we have worked together with Turkey to develop key
economic sectors in Wardak, and soon we plan to begin cooperative
projects on infrastructure and health care in Kabul. Turkey is a
major contributor of forces and expertise to the NATO mission in
Afghanistan and its soldiers support the Afghan security forces’
effort to secure the capital region of the country.
In Iraq, the Turkish government’s commitment to high-level strategic
cooperation with the government in Baghdad, as well as the improvement
in its relations with Iraqi Kurds, have been positive contributions
to Iraq’s stabilization. The Iraqis just completed national elections
with very robust turnout. Now the negotiations on forming a government
are about to begin. It is important that all those with a stake in
Iraq’s path to stability allow the Iraqis to make their own decisions
and encourage their Iraqi leaders to support a process that will lead
to formation of an effective government. Iraq is now Turkey’s second
largest export market after Germany and the two countries’ growing
economic and commercial relationship is yet another reason it is in
Turkey’s interest to build a mutually beneficial relationship with
Iraq. The United States and Turkey are also cooperating closely on
counter-terrorism, both to fight international terrorist groups like
al-Qa’ida and to battle the PKK terrorist organization in the region.
In addition, Turkey is in the process of negotiating its accession
to the European Union. While we recognize the decision is not ours,
the United States continues to strongly support Turkish accession and
urges Turkey to continue the democratic and political reforms necessary
to complete the membership process. Further progress on promoting human
rights and religious freedom, including important steps like reopening
the Halki Seminary, will move Turkey’s EU prospects forward. These
reforms do more than further Turkey’s EU accession bid – they also
make Turkey an even more democratic and modern nation. The EU has its
own part to play. It can help ensure that Turkey’s progress continues
by making clear that the door to the EU will be open to a Turkey that
fulfills the requirements for EU membership. We remain convinced that
a Turkey that meets EU membership criteria would be good for the EU,
and that Turkey’s effort to meet those criteria is good for Turkey.
Turkey is already playing a crucial role as a transit hub for energy
to the rest of Europe – heating homes, lighting offices, and powering
industry across the continent. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline,
which came online in 2006, delivers one million barrels per day
of petroleum and in 2007 the South Caucasus pipeline began bringing
natural gas from Azerbaijan to Turkey. What these various projects and
a variety of proposed future initiatives show is that Turkey will be
an integral part of meeting Europe’s energy needs and providing for
Europe’s energy security.
While Turkey plays an active role on the world’s stage as a European
power, it has also been equally active in reaching out to its immediate
neighbors. We are supportive of the Turkish government’s concept of
pursuing a policy of "zero problems" with its neighbors.
This is a lofty and admirable goal. Bringing it to fruition, as
everyone recognizes, will require difficult compromises and brave
leadership.
Turkey’s work with Armenia to normalize relations demonstrates both
the promise and the difficulty of this enterprise. It holds out the
prospect of positive transformative change in the region. The steps
taken so far by both countries have shown vision and courage. Last
October, in the presence of Secretary Clinton, the foreign ministers
of France, Russia, and Switzerland, and the EU High Representative, the
Turkish and Armenian Foreign Ministers signed protocols on normalizing
and developing their relations. We believe that the implementation
of these protocols – leading to diplomatic ties and open borders –
would be a historic development that would benefit both countries
and contribute to security and economic prosperity throughout the
region. We appreciate the effort that has been made so far and urge
both countries to ratify the protocols without preconditions and
as soon as possible, a point President Obama made on the phone to
President Gul just two weeks ago. Let us not squander the historic
progress already made. Ratification will bring valuable benefits to
both Turkey and Armenia. All who are invested in the process must do
their part to ensure that it moves forward.
Let me address in this context the resolution recently considered
by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As President Obama has said,
our interest remains a full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the
facts related to the events of 1915. But the best way to do that,
we believe, is for the Armenian and Turkish people themselves to
address this history as part of their efforts to build a future of
shared peace and prosperity. As both Secretary Clinton and Secretary
Gates have indicated, further Congressional action could impede
progress on the normalization of relations and for that reason we
oppose this resolution.
Another regional issue where Turkey can play a productive role is
Cyprus. The United States continues to encourage the negotiations
between the two communities under the auspices of the UN Secretary
General. Turkey and Greece can also play constructive roles in helping
the Cypriot parties toward a lasting solution to their differences. We
welcome as well the positive dynamic in the relationship between
the Turkish and Greek Prime Ministers – something that Greek Prime
Minister Papandreou, who was just on this stage, spoke about when he
was in Washington last week. We commend both Cypriot leaders for their
efforts and urge them to seize this window of opportunity to pursue
negotiations leading to a settlement that reunifies Cyprus into a
bi-zonal and bi-communal federation. Prime Minister Erdogan’s recent
and very constructive comments to the Cypriot press endorsing such
a solution were very welcome and should help bring this outcome about.
These are all issues where Turkish leadership can be constructively
applied to bring about a more peaceful and prosperous neighborhood.
But it is important to remember that while the concept of "zero
problems" with neighbors is a good one, it should not be pursued
uncritically or at any price. As one of the world’s leading states,
Turkey has international responsibilities that extend beyond its
immediate neighborhood. With respect to Iran, while the international
community has sought to present a single, coordinated message to
Iran’s government, Turkey has at times sounded a different note. We
know Turkey shares our concerns about the prospect of a nuclear-armed
Iran and is supportive of international efforts to reach a diplomatic
solution to concerns with Iran’s nuclear program. But we also
believe it to be vitally important that we avoid actions that could
potentially undermine or complicate our shared goal of a peaceful
diplomatic resolution of this issue. We do not believe that Turkey’s
decision to abstain in the IAEA last November helped this goal and
we hope that Turkey will join the broad group of nations in the UN
Security Council who are seeking to hold Iran to its IAEA and Security
Council obligations.
Nor should improved relations with Turkey’s Middle Eastern neighbors
come at the expense of its historic allies such as Israel. We are
hopeful that Turkey and Israel will work to reinforce these ties, even
as Turkey develops its relationships with other states of the region.
Turkey has long had good, even special, ties with Israel, and this
has given Turkey an important opportunity to support peace in the
Middle East – a cause that we all support.
We in the United States also pay close attention to developments within
Turkey. Obviously, decisions about Turkey’s political future can and
must be made only by Turks within the context of Turkey’s democratic
system. But as a friend we care about the ongoing development of
successful, open democracy in Turkey. The process of reform and
modernization that is so vital to Turkey’s future remains an important
priority. Turkey’s leaders recognize this and have taken bold steps
to foster a more cohesive country. The Democratization Project, which
aims to protect the rights of Kurds and other minority groups, is a
major step in Turkish history. We applaud this initiative and encourage
Turkey to continue to move forward. The success of this effort would go
a long way in securing Turkish democracy, promoting reconciliation in
Turkish society, as well as advancing Turkey’s case for EU accession.
But Turkey must also be careful to ensure that its hard-won successes
in building a secular state and strong democratic system are sustained
into the future. Media freedom is one of the bedrocks of a democratic
society and no actions should be taken that appear to undermine
the ability of the press to do its vital job. The rule of law is
another essential element of true democracy and for that reason it
is important that investigations or court proceedings, especially on
politically sensitive cases, must be open and fully respect Turkish
law. The ability of political parties to function freely is crucial as
well – in a democracy, political parties should not fear being closed
down. The citizens of Turkey deserve nothing less. The development of
democratic politics is one of modern Turkey’s greatest achievements
and dealing with difficult issues such as these in an exemplary
manner will demonstrate to its people and to the world the strength
and vitality of Turkish democracy.
Let me end where I began: by describing what it is that I believe binds
the United States and Turkey together. When you consider all of the
things I have talked about today – from Afghanistan to the Middle East
to the European Union to energy security – it becomes clear that the
alliance between the United States and Turkey is founded on a firm base
of diverse and deep shared interests. And when one considers so many
of the pressing challenges in the world today, it becomes equally clear
that U.S.-Turkish cooperation can be a force for immense progress.
But our relationship is based on much more than a calculation of
interest – it is rooted in shared values and a shared vision. The
United States and Turkey have made a choice to establish a partnership,
and with that partnership comes important responsibilities on both
sides. As two large countries with broad and diverse interests,
we will not always see eye-to-eye on every issue but we must never
forget the larger outlook that we share. A vision of a democratic
Turkey, with a vibrant economy, integrated into Europe, and with
good relations with its neighbors, is a vision that has motivated
generations of Turkish leaders. It is a vision we share too, and we
want to help Turkey achieve it.
Thank you.
http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rm/2010/13844