U.S.-Turkish Relations: The Road to Improving a Troubled Strategic Partnership

摘要

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain the strong bilateral relationship that the United States and Turkey enjoyed during the Cold War, which was based on security against the Soviet threat, has changed. Domestic issues within Turkey, such as the economic crisis in 2001, the Kurdish issue in Southeast Turkey, and the advancement of democratization as well as international issues such as Turkey's role in both Gulf Wars, Turkey's drive for European Union (EU) membership, and its involvement in the Balkans and the Caucasus also have been instrumental in catalyzing this change. Turkey is now and will remain an important partner for the United States. The question is not, 'How important is Turkey.,' but 'How is Turkey important.' The United States must address this question and develop a strong diverse relationship with Turkey based on the two countries' convergent interests, and not solely on security. Both countries need to adapt their approaches to this changing relationship to reap the potential benefits that a strong bilateral relationship can provide. This paper examines some of the causes of tension in this alliance, explores the current interests of both countries, and proposes a way ahead to solidify this strategic partnership. (27 refs.).