Enlightened Turkey
Israel and Turkey have announced an agreement to build an energy pipeline linking the Black and Red Seas. The project is intended to enhance Israel’s energy security and Turkey’s role as an energy hub, according to the New York Times. What is wrong with this picture? Turkey is a Muslim country; and Israel is……well, Israel.
There is nothing wrong with this picture; both countries are commercially motivated democracies. Turkey could not be more different than its Muslim brothers in the Middle East. First, Turkey is a secular state of approximately 73 million people, of whom 99% are Muslim, primarily Sunni. However, the nation is westward focused; and has a judiciary based on European systems. It is a member of the European Court of Human Rights; and seeks membership in the European Union.
Turkey is proof that large portions of the Muslim world are not fanatic, mindless killers. This is not because Western culture is somehow different in Turkey – witness the reaction when the Pope took on Islam in a speech, suggesting that Islam is destructive. The difference is the Turkish government, which has something to offer its citizens other than hatred of Israel, the US and the Infidel. Turkey has a vision.
The typical government in the Middle East survives through blaming a greater evil that is responsible for the suffering of its people. This evil is embodied in Israel and its most strident ally, the US. These so-called leaders in the Middle East maintain their position through strong armed tactics, fear and subjugation of large swaths of the population. Turkey, on the other hand, has a very clear vision of the future that includes economic vibrancy, free elections, accession to the EU, a fair legal system and preserving the rights of the individual.
As long as the Middle East is dominated by leaders whose only vision is the destrcution of Israel, we can expect more of the same.
Regarding the nuclear crisis in Iran. The fact that there is a Middle East War going on, why doesn't Iran just wait until everything is calmed down over there, and then they would most likely have no difficulties obtaining their "needed" nuclear energy. They are simply hiding behind "legal loop holes" to terrorize the rest of the world. They make it sound like they are being deprived of some absolutely "needed" fuel source. What is wrong with the fuel source they are currently using????? Why dont they prove themselves worthy to everyone else on this planet, by showing how they can develop eco-friendly fuel sources, actually start working "peacefully" with their neighbors. And instead of making constant negative statements about us over here in America, the home of the free and the brave, why dont they try making positive steps toward improving their country and their government.