1. The Strategic Alliance Restoring US-Turkish Relations to Meet 21st Century Challenges Paige Steffen

2. How can the US strengthen its alliance with Turkey?

3. US-Turkey History Post WWII: Turkey dependant on West Outpost of NATO & US in Middle East 1947 Truman Doctrine: Isolate Turkey from Soviet Union communist influence To date, US given/lent over $26.5 billion to Turkey Strategic Alliance Crucial link between East-West Democracy, economic growth, anti-terrorism

4. Cooperation Cooperation: Energy Trade Investment Security Anti-terrorism Common goals: Peace/stability in ME (Israel, Palestine, Iraq) Iran without nuclear weapons

5. Tension Historical: 1975 – Congress cut economic & military spending as result of invasion of Cyprus 2003 Iraq War: Turkey refuse to let US troops pass through Turkey send troops into Northern Iraq against US wishes

6. Tension Spring 2010: Turkey’s criticism of US ally – Israel, after fatal raid of Turkey aid ship US House Foreign Affairs Committee: pass resolution declaring deaths of Armenians during Ottoman Empire genocide Turkey recalled ambassador in protest Annual American-Turkish Council Conference canceled

7. Improvement Must strengthen alliance with Turkey Move past current obstacles Reevaluate US approach to neglected Turkey

8. Reevaluation Focus on: Common interests Mutual respect Shared goals

9. Alternative Soultions Publicity: Focus on Turkey public opinion polls Increase Obama visitation BUT – How? Will it work? Turkey join EU: Encourage Turkey to develop democratic institutions, freedoms, reforms Reunite with West BUT – failed attempt, long process, contingent

10. Solution American-Turkish Council (ATC) Business association dedicated to enhancing the promotion of US-Turkish commercial, defense, technology, and cultural relations. Encourage trade and investment Educate public about strategic alliance Increase appreciation of history, culture, tradition Facilitate dialogue between government agencies and private sectors

11. American-Turkish Council Removes US paternalism/Turkish dependence Integrate: Markets Cultures Education Strengthen, endorse, support