Davutoglu: "Tukrye's borders are artificial"

Speaking to The New York Times over the weekend, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu spoke about Turkey's borders and relations with its neighbors. "None of the borders of Turkey are natural. Almost all of them are artificial," said Davutoglu in an article entitled, "Can Turkey Unify the Arabs?" "Of course we have to respect them as nation-states, but at the same time we have to understand that there are natural continuities. That's the way it's been for centuries." The article, by Anthony Shadid, stated that Ankara is working to reintegrate its region by lifting visa requirements and promoting a Middle Eastern trade zone. Turkish businessmen are setting out along old routes, added the article, while Turkey's pop culture is being exported to an eager audience.