Turkey can empathize with the EU's response and concerns about the possibility of Spain's separation due to our own similar experiences. The EU needs to meticulously follow the latest developments in the Middle East since it is vital for the EU to fight terrorism and resolve one of the main reasons for the refugee crisis. In this sense, the Middle East now plays an even more critical role for the EU. Peace in Europe directly depends on peace in the Middle East.
Syria and Iraq must be closely followed for the interests of both the region and the EU. Ending the Syrian civil war depends on supporting the cooperation between Russia, Turkey and Iran. If the EU genuinely cares about the interests of Europe, it has to side with these three countries without pursuing the wrong-headed policies of the U.S. To introduce peace in Syria and Iraq, it is necessary to accept the realities of Turkey and Iran, and acknowledge the gradually increasing role of Russia in the region compared to that of the EU and U.S.
U.S. influence in the region is declining since its activities are limited to interventions made through pro-Kurdish separatists or terrorist groups. The latest developments in Iraq led to close cooperation between Turkey and Iraq's central government while developments in Syria enabled closer ties between Turkey and Iran through contributions from Russia. Balances are currently shifting in the region. For this reason, the EU has to take an independent stance against the incorrect embargo policies of the U.S. regarding Turkey, Iran and Russia. The EU's support for the leading countries in the region will consolidate the counterterrorism fight while eradicating the main source of the refugee inflow from the region to the EU.
Consequently, the EU should take on a mediating role regarding the problems between Turkey and Germany, which will hopefully be resolved shortly. Accordingly, Germany's efforts to use the EU leaders' summit in October against Ankara should not be supported for the interest of the EU. We believe that incorrect decisions will not be made in October, as the number of people in Germany who are aware of the situation has increased.Despite everything, we are currently witnessing the initiation of positive dialogue between Ankara and Berlin. For instance, last week, a decision and negotiation regarding Turkey, which could possibly have led to harsh statements at European Parliament's session in Strasbourg, were postponed with the help of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). We appreciate their support. Also, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu's latest statements to Der Spiegel display Turkey's constructive attitude on resolving the crisis.
Turkey attaches importance to its relations with Germany. In addition, as part of the new coalition government in Germany, which seemingly will be a challenge to establish, there are some speculations on the German agenda that Green party Co-Chair Cem Özdemir, who is of Turkish descent but known for his anti-Turkey positions, might become Germany's foreign minister. Turkey is not concerned about who the minister will be as long as the country can respect the government formed as a result of the people's will. If someone from the Greens is to be assigned foreign minister, the politician who will take on the post will be limited by the discretion of the party. No matter what decision they make, it is the internal affairs of the party, which has a one-man-one-woman rule and engages in bargains between the right and left fractions within the party. After all, Turkey thinks that the German foreign minister will be conscious of the responsibilities of his or her office and conform to political ethics and international diplomacy rules in its relations with Turkey.
In a nutshell, the relationship between Turkey and Germany does not depend on individuals. The important thing is achieving constructive dialogue following the end of electoral periods in both countries. The EU's influence in the Middle East will be meaningful if the union acts as a mediator between the two countries and convinces Germany to avoid unnecessary strain with Turkey. After all, what is good for the EU's interests is also good for Germany.
Obviously, dialogue and cooperation are needed instead of false crises with Turkey in order to achieve peace and stability both in the Middle East and the EU.