Friday, February 10, 2012


















TURKEY LOOKING OUT FOR TURKEY.


This "Three Stage Strategy" Davutoglu talks of  is a little confusing.

I find it interesting how he paints a picture of Turkey leading the way for the Arab League's approach to the UN.

I'm not convinced the Arab League really did anything close to consulting with Turkey before heading to the UN, but it does make Turkey look important; perceptions... considering he was addressing a college student body.

His announcement of new consultations with the AL and then a follow on with the US Secretary of State, again paints the picture of Turkey taking a leading role in the Syrian crisis and in fact they probably are and should be.

My problem is, it seems the Turks are more interested in showing the world they are a regional leader, much like the AL tried desperately tried to do, than they are concerned about the people in Syria.

Davutoglu's real information theme of " Turkey is the new leader", is enforced by the somewhat confusing transition to the topic of  old Cold War structures for the region.

Besides a possible swipe at Russia and China, but mostly Russia, for the veto vote, he again sets out to show how the future for the region is an issue for Turkey to impact and not the Cold War powerhouses.  Classic ..  " Be careful what you ask for"!

It's also interesting that he attempts to make the point the issues of the region are not sectarian; " new dynamic powers of the society".

I'm not sure what the "new dynamic powers of the society means?  ( Words inside the words again.. Talking more like an Arab than a Ottoman..  )


One thing is certain, the events of Syria are proving to be a monumental test of Turkey's new "we can lead" mentality for the region.

Syria's crisis proved far more than the AL could handle, thus forcing the Arabs back into the world they know best... backdoor deals and denying overt involvement.

The AL learned you cannot inter the Major Leagues by trying to show up at the World Series.

As Turkey continues to struggle with the Syrian event, it will become more and more obvious to Turkish leaders that when you strive to be a leader, words are often simply not enough. 

Sacrifice is a cornerstone of leadership!

What is Turkey willing to sacrifice?