Turkey Is Being Misunderstood in the United States

Turkish-American Council board member Haluk Dincer is visiting the United States for meetings with his colleagues. During the course of his visit, Dincer stated that Turkey is being perceived incorrectly in the United States.

This “negative view of Turkey” has even affected the private sector. Dincer stated that “Turkey’s problem is that it is being misunderstood. The leadership understands Turkey’s position, but in Congress the situation is different.”

Dincer held meetings in Washington in order to initiate momentum for President Obama’s “Model Partnership” project. Dincer evaluated the state of the Turkish economy and the future of U.S.-Turkish relations, pointing out to Sabah [newspaper] the following factors.

The Lobby Factor: Turkey’s position is well-understood in the executive [branch]. But in Congress, the situation is different. In the run-up to the election, the Israeli lobby is applying political and financial pressure. The financial crisis has cost the Obama administration dearly in terms of prestige, making it appear weak in front of Congress. Consequently, foreign policy issues like Israel and Iran are coming to the forefront, and Turkey’s position on Iran is not coming across clearly.

A Warning About a “Turkey-less” Israel: The U.N. Human Rights Commission identified the Mavi Marmara operation as “unlawful, an unacceptable level of brutality.” I don’t understand why Israel insists on defending this unfortunate incident. An Israel without Turkey would be extremely isolated in the region. I’m curious as to exactly what kind of future the Israelis are imagining.

A Criticism of the Embargo: Turkey does not want nuclear weapons in the Middle East. But it also sees that brute force against Iran will not get us anywhere. The U.N.'s decision on sanctions against Iran is focused on banning business and finance activities that support Iran’s nuclear program. However, first the U.S. and then Europe have expanded the embargo to encompass nearly all of Iran’s banking sector and external trade. There has been an embargo against Iran since 1979, and what has been accomplished? These kinds of policies only unite the people around their government.

Being Misunderstood: The problem for Turkey is that it is misunderstood in the U.S. The United States is having trouble reading the dynamics in the Middle East and the wider world. Actually, on a strategic level, Turkey is largely in alignment with the U.S. Of course, we have different views about how to deal with third-party countries. But the perception of Turkey in the U.S. is too severe to be based solely on this divergence of opinion over means. In the U.S., the widespread perception is that Turkey is turning its focus away from the West.

This Could Affect Trade: For years, Turkey has enjoyed intensive political and military relations with the United States. In heading up the founding of the American-Turkish Council, the late Turgut Ozal wanted to add an economic dimension to U.S.-Turkish relations. U.S.-Turkish relations have never been easy, but they have never fallen to as low a level as [they are] today. If these perceptions persist, businesses may feel hesitant about engaging in activities involving U.S.-Turkey trade. This is a small risk, but it does exist. As an organization that will work closely with both governments, the new council has the potential to yield positive results. Discussing these issues at the ministerial level would be a positive contribution to cooperation and our efforts on this issue.

Prescription for a Solution: A solution is only possible through dialogue. As Robert Wexler puts it, we need to stop just talking and start understanding one another. When the Obama administration first entered office, its message was centered around drawing down in Afghanistan and Iraq and extending a hand to all parties. Before asserting that “these policies offer Turkey an unparalleled opportunity,” we should take a look at the actual situation today.

Unsubstantial Meetings: The U.S.' Middle East Peace meetings are clearly just for show. Turkey is not present because it is claimed that Turkey cannot be a constructive contributor. But without Turkey, Middle East peace is impossible.

We Need to Stop Talking and Start Understanding Each Other: Dincer emphasized that dialogue is the only way to change the perception of Turkey in Washington, adding that, “As Robert Wexler puts it, we need to stop talking and start understanding one another. When the Obama administration first entered office its message was centered around drawing-down in Afghanistan and Iraq and extending a hand to all parties. Before asserting that "these policies offer Turkey an unparalleled opportunity," we should take a look at the actual situation today.”*


*Editor's Note: Quotation could not be verified.