For many years, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung has been an observer of Turkey’s foreign and regional policy.  Both the domestic and the external debates are usually dominated by the questions whether or not Turkey is to conduct a  proactive foreign policy  and how far Turkey is operating within the parameters of its Western allies.  Simultaneously, the question is often asked whether Turkey is able to fulfil the role as a bridge and mediator between East and West and if Turkey can even be considered a role model as a secular Muslim democracy.  What is usually missing are underlying parameters of Turkey’s foreign policy: the differences in policy concepts within the governing party AKP, the role of the military and other players and also how sincere EU/US  debates concerning a possible role of Turkey in the Near and Middle East and in Iran truly are.

To take a deeper and more comprehensive look at the evolving Turkish foreign policy, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung has been conducting a series of meetings in Istanbul, Berlin and Brussels.  At two meetings held in Istanbul and Berlin in October 2009, the discussions focussed on whether there is indeed a new Turkish foreign policy with a long-term vision and a sustainable strategy. Dr. Ulrike Dufner and Marc Berthold prepared a report for this two meetings.

Foreign Policy of Turkey in the Middle East: Values, Interests, Goals (PDF, 31 KB,3P)

This third meeting, to be held in Brussels, focuses particularly on Turkish-Israeli relations, which have been shaken and yet seem crucial with regard to Turkey’s future role in the Middle East.  Since Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan stormed off the stage at Davos in January 2009, Turkish-Israeli strains have entered international limelight.  Turkey cancelled an annual military practice in the summer of 2009, and recently, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister humiliated Turkey’s Ambassador in front of international media.

Some analysts date these tensions back to Israel’s war on Gaza.   Prime Minister Erdogan is said to have been dismayed when Israel began its offensive in Gaza while Turkey was mediating between Israel and Syria.  Others relate the current tensions to a broader foreign policy shift of Turkey away from its Western allies to its former Ottoman neighbours.  Still others claim that Turkish - Israel relations have always been complex and impacted by ups and downs.

At this expert discussion, we would like to shed some light onto the complex relationship and wish to discuss with you:

• What are Turkey’s long-term interests with its Muslim neighbours as well as with Israel?
• Why does Turkey’s multidimensional zero problem approach seem not to apply to Israel?
• Can Israel forego Turkey as a strategic partner?
• How does Turkey’s current foreign policy impact its relations with the European Union?
• What are the European Union’s interests in a sustainable Turkish foreign policy?  How can the EU stay in the game?
 

The meeting will take place under Chatham House Rule.

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

12:30 – 13:15  Current Developments in Turkish-Israeli Relations
Short input from Oral Calislar (Journalist, Turkey), and Shlomo Brom (Institute for National Security Studies, Israel) followed by roundtable discussion

13:15 – 13:45  Lunch Break

13:45 – 14:30 Impact on EU-Turkey Relations and Transatlantic Policies in the Middle East
 Short input by Ufuk Ulutas (SETA Foundation, US/Turkey) followed by roundtable discussion