Which Topics Should be Prioritized on the 2009 Transatlantic Agenda?

Turkey's Holistic Approach
Alex Jackson: Current fears that Turkey is moving away from its Euro-Atlantic orientation are misguided. Ankara is indeed strengthening ties with its Muslim neighbors but it is also improving relations with Russia and Armenia. The West should, instead, focus on the benefits that Turkey's multilateral foreign policy can bring.

A Turkic Union: Viable Concept or Illusion?
Marc William Zedler: As Turkey is getting increasingly disillusioned with the EU, momentum could build up for the establishment of a Turkic Union. A Turkic Union would not only be beneficial to Turkey, as it could take up a leading role, but also to the EU, as such a union could serve to counter Russian dominance in the region.

The EU's Identity Crisis
Mensur Akgün: Recent media reports on Turkey's alleged foreign policy fail to acknowledge major positive achievements on behalf of the AKP government, notably Ankara's attempts at reconciliation with its neighbors. Western pundits should ask themselves what this "western identity'' that Turkey is supposedly moving away from, really is.

The EU's Imaginary Clash of Civilizations
Basak Yavcan Ural: Public opposition to Turkey's accession to the EU has largely been ignored, although it represents a real threat to the negotiation process. The EU needs to reconstruct its identity, by emphasizing diversity and multiculturalism. Turkey also needs to address existing misperceptions.

The US needs Turkey for its Middle East Agenda
Brian Katulis: Turkey and the US need to coordinate their efforts in South Asia, Iraq, Iran and the Arab-Israeli conflict, towards common goals. In order to make progress on his ambitious policy agenda for the Middle East, Obama needs Turkey. To this end, improving US- Turkish bilateral ties is a first crucial step.