A general speaks his mind

摘要

Does the European Union really want Turkey to join it, or not? The longer it dilly-dallies, which has meant years already, the more are some Turks inclined to ask whether, after all, they really fancy joining the EU. Last week a leading general voiced their doubts out loud: Turkey should seek fresh alternatives to Europe, "which looks negatively on Turkey's national interests", and turn towards its old regional foes, Iran and Russia, instead. Crusty Kemalists spluttered over their raids: here was a challenge, from the army, if you please, not just some politician, to the line laid down by the national hero almost 80 years ago. Assurances from the general staff headquarters that General Tuncer Kilinc had spoken merely for himself could not stifle the debate set off by his remarks that is now raging across Turkey. Assurances or not, he, after all, is not just any brasshat but secretary-general of the National Security Council, Turkey's top decision-making body, where its civilian and military leaders ponder the biggest issues of policy. Just where do the ever powerful men in uniform stand on the EU?