VR listener: “Turkey could be a bridge for Europe and Asia, but its leaders are short sighted, so I do not think it will happen. Bridges connect; the Turks wish to join the EU but like to maintain close relations with those who are deeply Islamic.”
Check out our latest Agree or Disagree broadcast. We discuss how Turkey’s role as a bridge between Europe and Asia will evolve following the election of former PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the country’s 12th president. Fevzi Doruk Ergun, an Istanbul-based researcher, shared his understanding of the situation with Radio VR: "I think Russia is seen positively, except for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. It wouldn’t be in Turkey’s interest to see increased competition between NATO and Russia, because it wants to benefit from having good relations with both partners, instead of choosing between them. If that becomes the case, I think Turkey will have to choose NATO, because of the level of the relationship." Victor Nadein-Raevsky, a Russian political analyst, believes that the new president is trying to “unite the Turkish population around the Turkish national idea, plus the new relations with the Muslim countries, and with countries that are not members of NATO such as Russia, for example.” Read or listen to the full discussion at en.ria.ru/radio and tell us what you think!
One commentator going by the name ‘Aquarius Beta’ wrote: “Turkey could be a bridge for Europe and Asia, but its leaders are short sighted so I do not think it will happen. Bridges connect, the Turks wish to join the EU but like to keep tight relations with the deep Islamic. Mission impossible.”
Roderick Fraser added: “What an insult would it be if they allowed ukraine to join eu before turkey, hope im wrong but i wouldnt be suprised.”
Walter Lauinger retorted: “Neither of the two are ready, for different reasons. Not clear where Turkey is headed under its present leadership. Russia and USA will always have to deal with each other, one way or another. Best they should work together.”
Ashraf Abdelrahman left an extensive comment: “Turkey is a Hypothetical and Hypocritical state, because, on the one hand it joined Nato… on the assumption that Europe will welcome Turkey as a member state. But on the other hand, Turkey is a deceptive Muslim state that declines Islamic fundamental by its engagement in Nato to fight Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq, and with strong alliance to the Israeli [warmongers]. In fact, the cause of the Middle East [conflict] is the deception of the mockery Turks because they shared Middle East's powers and wealth with the English mafia…, hence, they handed over the keys to Palestine to the English war gangs. Turkey will lose both interests.”
What’s your take on the situation? And, always, we are eager to hear and share your feedback. Visit en.ria.ru/radio.
