Turkey, Bush & the EU

raid517

Well minus the shouting, I think this is what that guy was talking about in that other thread. For some reason, EU membership is something of an obsession with the Turks, so they tend to mention it to anybody who will listen.

Unfortunately they have a terrible human rights record - and routinely abuse a large proportion of their own population - and until they desist from this, they are unlikely to ever be granted membership. There are certain minimal standards that have to be reached before membership can be granted - and the Turks fall below several of these.

It is unfortunate perhaps that perhaps they mentioned their enthusiasm for membership to President Bush - as I am not certain he would have understood all of the issues involved. Either that or one has to conclude that the issue of human rights is a low priority for the Bush administration. I guess you have to take your pick from both those options. Either that, or it's both.

Well anyway, I though I ought to just fill you guys in on what all that shouting was about. TBH I'm not even sure why the Turks want in the EU (besides the billions they would recieve in subsidies if they joined that is) as Turkey leans more towards the Mid East and Africa than it does Europe.

But oh well there we are... Perhaps the main attraction is just the additional resources membership would bring...

GJ

mkk

The human rights record is right in line with or better than some other US (replace US with Bush administration if it feels better) allies, so that would not be a reason for the president to think twice. However, the though that strikes me first is that a recommendation from him does not help Turkey much in terms of gaining favor within the EU. It's possible that the man himself fails to understand that, but his advisors have to. So why is the statement put out? I don't know, but perhaps as a little something to slow the crumbling of NATO? I'd be all ears for other ideas.

As to the question of Turkey getting into the EU, I feel pretty confident that it won't happen in the forseeable future. There are too many factors speaking against it so that well wishes towards giving the nation a chance doesn't make up. The economy is a bigger problem than the politics, not belittling the other. And besides that there is enough turmoil in the union after a speedy growth that should keep it busy for a while.