Should Turkey join the European Union?
Turkey has come a long way. Generations of Turkish politicians spanning parties and philosophies have worked to tie Turkey to Europe. While Germany and France seek exemptions from their own financial policy commitments, Turkish politicians have pushed through much more substantial structural reforms. The tendency of European politicians to find any excuse to condemn Turkish policy, even while turning a blind eye toward similar more egregious actions by European Union members, reflects poorly on the principles for which Europe claims to stand. Turkey should join the European Union. It is unfortunate, therefore, to see the AKP increasingly take actions which undercut the anti-corruption values upon which it campaigned. Abuse of power is never acceptable. The rule of law must remain supreme. While Europe should not treat Turkey unfairly, neither should the AKP. It would be a historical tragedy if one partys fumbles undercut the Turkish dream. It is time for Turkey to move forward. Michael
