Erdogan can support the Bush administration in its fight to secure the Caspians for U.S. oil interests, thereby earning oil transit income, but also risking environmental devastation and the wrath of neighbors such as Russia and Iran. The other option is to bite the bullet and begin the long-term, painstaking process of bringing Turkey into line with E.U. standards. The first option is profitable in the short-term, and the second offers societal integration in the long-term. The first option requires war, and the second pursues community-based peace.
But of course, Turkey is in good company - the U.S. has quietly stepped up its military support of Georgia, Azerbaijan and other countries in the region crucial to its desired control over Caspian reserves. One thing is clear: the support these countries give, or don't give, the Bush administration in its oil-based pursuits/terror war will be critical in determining the stability of Central Asia and beyond.
Heather Wokusch
http://www.heatherwokusch.com
You can hear Heather Wokusch interviewed by KNRC Denver's Allan Prell about the "inevitable" Iraq war:
http://www.knrcradio.com/hostsprellaudio.asp
©Heather Wokusch 2002 • All Rights Reserved
But of course, Turkey is in good company - the U.S. has quietly stepped up its military support of Georgia, Azerbaijan and other countries in the region crucial to its desired control over Caspian reserves. One thing is clear: the support these countries give, or don't give, the Bush administration in its oil-based pursuits/terror war will be critical in determining the stability of Central Asia and beyond.
Heather Wokusch
http://www.heatherwokusch.com
You can hear Heather Wokusch interviewed by KNRC Denver's Allan Prell about the "inevitable" Iraq war:
http://www.knrcradio.com/hostsprellaudio.asp
©Heather Wokusch 2002 • All Rights Reserved