Turkey’s Muslim Identity Did Not Prevent Turkey’s Intense Relations with Europe

The debate surrounding Turkey's inclusion as a member of the European Union has prompted a process of political and economic reform that has been remarkably successful and has received widespread popular support. Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul writes that his country has demonstrated a commitment to internal restructuring merits recognition by the European and global community. The numerous requirements for membership have been addressed, and as the EU prepares for a meeting this week, the "hesitations" and "second doubts" about Turkey's role in Europe appear unwarranted. Turkey's Muslim identity will not be a handicap or a political time bomb, according to Gul. Rather, positive EU-Turkey relations will show that shared democratic values and political unity prevail, sending the message that a "culture of reconciliation" within Europe is at hand. –YaleGlobal