What do Turks think about Nato and the European Union?

Submitted by Isaac Haskiya (Denmark), Apr 8, 2009 at 03:30

This aspect has not been analyzed. Turkey is a sovereign nation. What it wants to do - or not - is the decision of its own people. This is the right of all states. If the majority of the people reject Nato and the EU so why insist on the question if Turkey should or should not be part of Nato. A long time ago I knew very well about the military advantages of being a member of Nato; these advantages may not exist today or they might come at a price that Turkey does not want to pay.

As to the EU, which is a different question altogether, I know that a number of my classmates, all very well-educated and experienced people, are against the EU, not because of religious reasons but mainly for cultural reasons. Turkey has still retained certain virtues that have disappeared in Europe, such as respect for age and experience, love of the family, an exceptional hospitality and caring for people around them. I would say that a special agreement between Nato and the EU would be most convenient without Turkey losing its national qualities.

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