Friday June 11, 2010 Turkey along with Brazil voted “No” to further sanctions on Iran. This decision illustrated Turkey’s precarious situation in the Middle East. Turkey has applied to join the EU and is now a member of NATO, long hailed to be one of the only Muslim countries with a democracy and a western outlook.
On the other hand Turkey has been strengthening ties with Iran. Turkey imports a significant portion of its natural gas from Iran and a Turkish company helped build the airport in Teheran. Turkey’s philosophy has changed, Turkey wants to play a significant role in regional relations. In order for that to occur it needs to develop its credibility with nations such as Syria and Iran. One way to accomplish that is to show “backbone” at the U.N. In essence Turkey was aware that its vote would not prevent the sanctions resolution from passing but a “No” vote would signal to its earstwhile Arab friends that Turkey has not forgotten about them.
Playing both sides could be a dangerous game. Turkey’s candidacy for the European Union is already in question, mostly because her royalties are unclear. In addition, Turkey shares a border with the Iranians, if the Iranians officially obtain the bomb, the potential fall out could be very detrimental to Turkey. Iran could use its weapons for bullying Turkey into accepting unreasonable economic demands from Iran.
