Vicenzio: "Turkey's new influence in the Arab world should be welcomed"

The world needs Turkey to be influential in the Arab world, said political analyst Marco Vicenzio in a column in British daily The Guardian yesterday. In the column, called "Can Turkey show Arab states the way to a brighter future?", Vicenzio argued that since Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as the Palestinians' most resolute spokesman, and Turkey influenced Brazil and Argentina's recognition of Palestine, this is likely to have an effect on Arab nations. "[T]here has been a considerable shift in Arab public opinion toward Turkey in recent years," said the column. "Turkey is increasingly looked upon by Arabs as 'what we should be.' It has garnered enormous respect for its achievements and growing influence in the region." He added, "The constantly recurrent question in western policy circles is whether Turkey can serve as a model for Arab states. While Turkey can serve as an inspiration and provide useful lessons, it cannot be a model. The unique dynamics and historical context within which the modern Turkish republic developed cannot be replicated." After nearly a century of absence, the return of Turkish influence to Arab capitals should be welcomed, as it is essential to the gradual transformation of a region whose instability poses a constant threat to global order, Vicenzio added.