by repulsewarrior » Tue Nov 08, 2016 12:39 am
"Turkey", that is to say Erdogan's Turkey, is only on the train, he has a destination (and his intention is at some point to get off that train).
...Zero friends with neighbours can change quickly, it takes a single thought. One hopes, without the escalation of arms that this is possible. Erdogan is a hero, if he wants to be, bigger than Kemal himself; it is not "Turkishness" but Turkey that is great, its people (and its People,) and the diversity of its form. While his intention is to lead a Nation, he leads a State, and there is a big difference, (the Problem) which he must realise.
Cyprus, is, the template, (as a BBF). But, it is a Template which is not his to control. What results in Cyprus' (re)unification, if it is the "perfect" solution, will have as a result reform to the Turkish Republic's Constitution as well.
Europe's interest is in Cyprus, though small, it is, now, the (read: their) fulcrum which balances their security against the forces that seek to rival the significance of its Union (ie Erdogan's ambition, forces like Daesh in the EMed), to the world. A Cyprus divided, is a Turkey divided for the same reasons, and a Europe more divided, within themselves, between Solidarity toward a Universal Principal and, an extreme multi-faceted element (which thrives on the fear they have within themselves). Cypriots recognised as Cypriots is essential, as it is in Turkey, (that Turks are not necessarily "Turks",) more than a Nation, a State with Nations, a state where Individuals defend each other Freely, without distinction or discrimination, and there is Liberty, (as Persons) respect and recognition for all. Likely, Cyprus divided may be the tribute Erdogan is still looking for, a National priority of "Turks" since the Treaty of Lausanne, a dogma, a step toward a larger prize, in a war of Civilizations as the "Protector" of a Caliphate, what is his Religion, he dreams one day will have a center, like the Vatican to the Occidental World, its equal in Istanbul. Cyprus can be a way forward for another kind of Turkey, which includes something more than this perspective, not in a perpetual conflict as though Peace is not normal, alternatively; Erdogan's choice. Cyprus as an ally, Cyprus as an ally in a wider sphere, despite his most deep-seated dreams, must seem very attractive to him sometimes as well. A BBF, may be Turkey's solution soon, mini America, to rival America (a BBF), a force that rivals Europe already, which is in itself a BBF, something to think about, Rights for Individuals and Freedom, Liberty as Persons, self-representation that sustains these distinct identities if not helping them to thrive.
...indeed, while on the train, he may learn enough to take that train himself, further. (And put away the idea of getting somewhere, where he can see the train wrecked).
