Mustafa Domanic's sick logic is that it's wrong for the USA to "bully" Iran but, it's fine for Iran to "bully" its neighbors!!!.Maybe Domanic agrees with Ahmedinejad's call for the anniliation of the State of Isreal.But to the civilised world,no State, Nation, Religion or individual; has the right to call for the wiping out country.That's why Iran is a threat and must be stopped now than later!!!.
Even if Iran should acquire nuclear weapons,would Iran be able to bully small Isreal let alone the mighty USA with some odd nukes?.Common, the USA faced down a mighty power, the Soviet Union, with thousands of nukes than these poor illiterate Hayatolaahs!.We all know if Iran ever dare use its nukes on Isreal,USA,or any European country, it will be wiped out from the world map.All it will succeed in doing is what it has always been best at doing:exporting Islamic terrorism to the world.
For the sane citizens of the World, who are concerned with international security,the proliferation of nuclear weapons to fascist regimes like Iran,MUST be stopped OR THE WORLD MUST BE PREPARED FOR WW3 because no nation in the west is going to submit to Islamic blackmail!!!.

As much as terrorism is a real threat so is acquaiscence by the West when terrorism is directed against non-Westerners!

Every Turk who comes across the PKK described as 'rebels' is nauseated as the PKK is known to be one of the most violent 'terrorist organizations' in the World today.

Silly Che Guevera-like romantic notions some in the West shockingly seem to be harboring towards the PKK can only undermine international coopeartion against terrorist organizations at large.

The West needs to shrug off its double standards with regards to terrorists at once!

Tom Miller:
The largest contiguous land based Empire ever seen in the world's history was the Mongol (Turkic) Empire. The Mongol Turkic Empire encompassed all of Mongolia and China as well as most of russia, the middle east and eastern Europe. The only thing that saved the rest of Europe from the wrath of the Mongols was the fact they were stuck in the dark ages and not worth being conquered. My sons names are Cengiz and Kubilay to comemarate the great Mongol Conquerors of the world. One must remember that the history has a way of repeating itself. I am guessing your ancestors came to USA from Europe to achieve a better life.. NOT TO ESCAPE Article 13!!! Everybody came to this great land, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for better life. "4" said we did not contribute to the world how come we slide the ships on land to topple the Byztaninum Empire and conquer istanbul. America's favorite doctor Mehmet Oz, is a Turk and featured often on Oprah. The tcp internet protocol that is used on the internet we are using right now, was developed by graduate students one of whom was a Turk; Mr. Ozalp Babaoglu from Cal Berkeley.

In response to Mr. Barzani: If what makes Kirkuk "Kurdish" is the Kurds population that have been over-nighted to the province, maybe our ancestors -against all their appreciation for uniqueness of beauty of cultures - should have done the same not only in Eastern and South Eastern provinces of Anatolia, but also all other territories they have rules for many centuries..

Please let me assure you also about "falling apart of Turkish territories": not in the so far future, already in our life times, Turkey will have a government who will LEAD -not follow- FOR -not despite- our people -REGARDLESS OF THEIR ETHNIC ORIGIN-.

But wait, maybe then a western-made carbomb will go off in an unexpected time planted by "an extremist" for no clear reason...

If Turkey wants change maybe they should change the way they treat their minorities. Then change will come in oh so many ways. You can't push groups of people around and expect them to keep taking it.

Mustafa,

These are some great thoughts and I am amazed at your optimism in light of a very difficult situation . I wish I could say the same for Pakistan for many reasons cannot show the maturity as a nation to pick itself up. What is reassuring is the fact that a pre-dominantly Muslim state has succeeded in providing a stable secular & democratic government while still protecting the fundamentals of Islam as a region.

What would you attribute to this success? Assuming that you would condemn violence as a recourse for any grievances; what would your thoughts be if the PKK were attacking Greece, Iraq or any of your neighboring states. Pakistan has been guilty of providing "support" to "freedom fighters" in the Kashmir region if they were to take a hard line against those groups do you think that would gain popular support?

In the coming year I hope Turkey can lead the way in rebuilding the Middle East as a region that can prosper from its complementary resources. There is a way forward in this line of thought and hopefully some of the powers to be can see it.

Turks of Turkey talking about annexing Kurdish city of Kirkuk back to Turkey. This is definitely the joke of year. Do not worry about Kirkuk. Worry of Turkey being fallen to pieces.

Tayfun: good luck working out all of those "friendly" agreements with Russian and Iran and certainly that is a way for Turkey to go if it chooses. History hasn't shown that either country has ever had any Turkish interests at heart however, so I'm hardpressed to understand why they would now.

You are welcome to your opinions of course and I realize that you represent a segment of opinion in Turkey. My own hope is that Turkey will continue it's economic growth and democratic development and realize the dreams of Ataturk. If this happens, it won't need to march troops into Iraqi Kurdistan or even bother denouncing the West.

Personally, I don't see Russia and Iran adding much for Turkey's future but then they do have oil (as does Kirkuk) if that is your rationale for siding with the East and beating the drums.

DEAR MR. DOMANIC

WHY DOESNT YOUR GOVERMENT(TURKISH) LABEL HAMAS AS TERRORIST GROUP? FIRST OF ALL PKK FIGHT AGAINST TURKISH ARMY IN THE RULER PART OF TURKEY. THE MOST OF SUICIDE BOMBING PLANED BY TURKISH ARMY,SUCH AS SEMDINLI BOBING IN THE PROVENCE OF VAN AND ANKARA MARKET BOBING. AS MATTER OF FACT KURDS HAS BEEN TERRORIZED AND OPPRESSED BY TURKISH GOVERMENT FOR 80 YEARS. KURDS HAS BEEN LOOK DOWN, BEEN CALLED MOUNTAN TURKS, NEVER LET THEM SPEAK THEIR OWN-MOTHER-TOUNG,BEEN TREATED LIKE SLAVE...I CAN GO ON FOR EVER....GO CHECK HUMAN RIGHT RECORD ON TURKEY...THEY WILL TELL YOU!!! PLEASE DONT TELL ME THAT TURKEY HELPS''FIGHT CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY'' FIRST THING YOU NEED TO CLEAN UP YOUR OWN RECORDS!!!!! AND INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR SYMATHY, FIRST YOU NEED TO GIVE SOME SYMATHY TO YOUR OWN KURDS!

Dear Domanic,

Don't be bothered about the bakers...I would include them in the number one contribution to the world of finest delicacies: croissant!

http://www.answers.com/topic/croissant

The East as a whole has already contributed significantly to the western science, particularly in math! YOU dont get to find many good mathematicians in the West, do you? Most migrate to the West, but they have a an Easter breed, whether the Westerns like it or not. Accept it or not. Just look into US or European top universities, go into exact science depts...count how many westerns and how many Indians, Chinese, Arabs, Turks, etc, etc...Go to the Silicon Valley just a sec...count people with Eastern looks! I see all this prejudice and preconceived ideas about one another and I sigh...One need one another and there is nothing about political correctness in this comment of mine. These are just plain facts...it is only necessary take the world as it is today in terms of human, technical, and economic interdependence. Isolationism and thoughts of superior culture (American, European or even Turkish!) are out and should be over too.

So, I wouldn't be bothered if I were you. The only remark about your text I would make is: never announce you or your people are asking for sympathy. I might be in need, but would never ask that for myself of for the ones I love. Think of it. It is a friendly word.

A Stolen Election Under Artificial Secularims Debates

Turkish people both believe virtues of Secularism and our Great Leader Ataturk and their religious freedom.
AKP was doomed an election rout, however artificially induced secularism
Debates came to AKP’s rescue. CHP, and some NGOs which are controlled from
West (Which Putin banned them because of their spying in Russia!) initiated a fake
Secularism debates including refusal of Mr Gul’s Presidency because his wife wearing a head scarf. By this way they misled Public to believe AKP was aggrieved and representing People’s feelings about their freedom of wearing head scarf. AKP was a party which sent Turkish troops against Afghanistan’s Legitimate Government which was overthrown by force by US led coalition. Atrocities in Afghanistan are grief and US led coalition was killing children and frequently killing SUSPECTED TALIBANS, any people with western values will stand against such a massacre of people just because they are SUSPECTED. Do you kill suspected people in your country?
Turkish People do know USA armed PKK with intentionally LOST guns, who will answer why Lost Guns are found in The hands of PKK, used in killing Priest in Trabzon and other terrorist action but NOT found in Shia or Al Queda Members? If lost they should also use US lost guns , why lost guns only killing TURKS but not US soldiers and they are in hands of only enemies of Turkey , they intentionally delivered them and LOST guns is only a lie.
We are not a nation to beg mercy from any country, therefore stop pushing Turkish Armies support To Western Projects,
What I expect from 2008 as a Turkish citizen,
1- Turkish Army's entering Iraq, and re-annex our LAND KERKUK back (our Ataturk showed us KERKUK is within Misaki milli, National Boundaries) and also clean all PKK and PKK supporters including Barzani who agreed with US to establish a Kurdish State to divide Turkey for Greater Middleast Idea of Israel and USA
2- Refuse any bargain to RECEIVE some PKK leaders in Exchange of Concession on KERKUK or establishment of Kurdish state, immediately end BARZANI's occupation on all NORTH IRAQ,
3- Immediately End all agreements with USA and Announce US as ENEMY STATE. Turkish people 90% against USA and felt this way,
4- Build a regional cooperation and military support with IRAN and RUSSIA and other countries whose interests are parallel to Turkish people’s interests.
5- END all European Agreements, Leave European Customs Union which is nothing other than exploiting Turkey, it is a destruction of Turkish Industry
6- End Overvalued YTL, more than 73 % according to Goldman Sash, end Slavish Economic policies rise Custom duties 100% for foreign goods,
7- Declare Cyprus as Turkish Land and Annex Cyprus back to Turkey, Cyprus was given under an agreement to UK, and should return to Turkey just like HonKong returned to China, therefore I do not recognize any land concession by Turkish Grand Assembly unless it was approved by TURKISH PEOPLE with a plebiscite.
8- Start Immediately Nuclear Plants and Nuclear fuel production without any Tender or Expectation from West, with only our capabilities. Turkey run into an electrical crises and it is already a terrible cost on Turkish budget.
These are my new year wishes and it seems we are persons of different wishes
Tayfun

Turkey has a long way to go before it can be seen as the leader that the turks want it to be. There seems to be an element of resentment in Mr. Domanic's entry that Turkey is making all these changes but it is not being recognized its due as a world leader. It's a case of muslims whining again about not being given the proper respect. Most of Turkey is a third world country, there are major issues that are still to be resolved regarding its laws, society and economy and any changes should be done unbegrudgingly. You have talented people, why are they not working in Turkey? Where are your core turk-based entrepreneurs that can be leaders in the world of business? Where are your core academics and intelligentsia that can provide world class universities? Keep working at solving your problems and you know you'll be a world leader when people the world over come to Turkey because you've been able to show them new ways of doing or thinking things. Only then will people look to turkey as a leader and not beforehand.

meckec: I hope that you aren't suggesting that the Ottoman Empire ever ruled Germany, England, or the Netherlands or much of Western Europe at all. They did come near Vienna but didn't stay long.

Also, there are no Article 301 type laws in these 3 countries either as far as I know and I expect that immigration to the U.S. from any of them these days is sparse at best so I really didn't understand that part of your post.

Again, I really appreciate Turkey including it's bakers and construction workers. There is a great ignorance of the art (Ottoman calligraphy, architectural design, carpet and tableware design) and literature (yes Pamuk but also
Nazım Hikmet and a host of others).

My feeling about Article 301 is that it is simply too wide and open to too broad an interpretation. The French and Swiss laws, although absurd in my opinion, are restricted to denial of the Armenian genocide but Article 301 seems to be used to simply harrass "wrong thinking" in Turkey. It does not disturb me personally because I believe we have enough of our own problems in the U.S. to occupy my time and concern but I don't believe that it enhances Turkish society or life for the Turks. I will also not be surprised if it is repealed in the future if the lid stays on the current political changes. I hope for Turkey that it is repealed because it will be the crown jewel in Ataturk's push for a modern democratic Turkish society.

Whilst seeking more sympathy, a louder voice and more cooperation from the international community, Turkey is also required to meet its expectations and obligations, especially with regards to its failing Human Rights circumstances and the continuing inequity against the Kurdish minority in that country.

As indicated by the author, Turkey is in deep crisis. The introduction and implementation of some serious democratic and economic reforms is requisite.

The current totalitarian ruling regime has to go and be substituted with a true democratic and an unbiased government.

The Turks need to also understand that in order for their country to revolutionize, without the inclusion and contribution of all ethnic and religious minority groups, this effort is in vain.

4,
Turks always want want want; let us analize why!! Because if you look at the recent Turkish history; Turks most likely ruled your ancestors or your motherland ! Is my assumption wrong? If am wrong.. it is a first and I send my humblest apologies to you. The momentum of Turkish economy is so vigorous that Turkish per capita income and export will be close to the European median by 2010. By the way the Turkish bakery owners income is two to three times higher than avarage German family income, anyway.

Germans, English and Dutch people still immigrate to the United states because they belive that they will have better life than in their home countries. Not because of anything to do with the 301 article in their country. The only reason Europeans quibble over Turkish affairs, as opposed to Arab, Iranian, or Korean affairs, is because Turks ruled them for over five centuries.

Mustafa: I think you have a super country that for too long has been ignored on the world scene. What Ataturk accomplished after World War I few leaders in the history of the world have accomplished and his achievements wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional qualities of the Turkish people. I also believe that Turkey is currently undergoing a major case of "growing pains" and hopefully there will be no explosions because in my opinion the future looks bright.

I am concerned about the low opinion by Turks of the United States, however, and I would hope that just as Americans need to better understand Turkey so do Turks need to understand America and it's motives on the world scene. Everyone here doesn't live in Hollywood and drive expensive cars and the CIA doesn't really set off earthquakes in Turkey as Turkish television presents.

If I have one practical concern about Turkey it is Article 301 because over and over again I hear this being brought up in the West by people who don't like Turkey to negate the true democratic progress in Turkey. In reality, I doubt that Orhan Pamuk would ever have served 1 day in jail under the charge but the existence of Article 301 is being used as a tool to discourage free speech that surely Turkey doesn't need any longer. That said, I also think it's absurd that France and Switzerland can take you to court if you write a history questioning the Armenian genocide. In my humble opinion these laws are the works of selfish and immature politicians out to keep the focus of the people away from real issues and true democratic debate.

It should however be noted that these intellectuals that Mustafa has listed all have chosen to live in diaspora. This raises an important issue- that the Turkish intelligentsia are inclined to leave Turkey to continue their work because of the suppression of open and free speech under such laws as the infamous 301. That Turkey is so limited in proper debate is evident from the pre-election campaigning of parties that turned into name calling rather than actual debate and this is not the only example. Turkey desperately needs to create a freer space where debate can grow and where the Turkish intellectual can think and write freely without having to fear the radical Turkish nationalist. Without learning to debate, society will continue to be polarized among ethnic and religious lines and the conflicts we see today on the Kurdish issue will perpetuate in another form...

4: ,

Orhan Pamuk, a Turkish novelist, won the Nobel prize for literature last year.

Oktay Sinanoğlu is a Turkish scientist of theoretical chemistry and molecular biology. At age 28, he became the youngest person in 20th century at Yale University to attain status as a full professor.

Cahit Arf was a Turkish mathematician. He is known for the Arf invariant of a quadratic form in characteristic 2 (applied in knot theory and surgery theory) in topology.

If you look at faculty lists of the best Universities around the world, you will see many Turkish names. These are only some examples. I think implying that a nation cannot do more than baking and constructing is flat out racists.

No offense to wonderful bakers and hardworking construction workers...

MD

Turks always want, want, want...but what do they contribute back to the world? Can't recall the name of a Turkish philospher, chemist, math wizard,....
Just construction workers and bakers in Germany!
For the last 30 years, Turkey has borrowed more money than the year before. And wasted it all.