Turkish people « Dr Alf's Blog

Flag of Turkey. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to a recent survey, cited by Hurriyet, the leading Turkish newspaper, unemployment tops Turks’ problems list.

via Unemployment tops Turks’ problems list – LABOR.

I can understand the worries of the people in Turkey.

Turkey has grown in recent years, creating many jobs, on the back of inbound investment from major Western businesses.

But as Turkey has changed her foreign policy, Western businesses are increasing factoring in ‘political risk‘ in decisions about Turkey.

Without a clearer strategy, Turkey is likely to be regarded as more and more risky by foreign businesses. This will influence job opportunities and increase the fears of ordinary people.

Thoughts?

English: Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs from Republic of Turkey. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an excellent, must-read, article on Turkey’s new Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister, in Foreign Affairs. Check it out!

via Soner Cagaptay | Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s Game Plan | Foreign Affairs.

I agree that Turkey’s need to turn her foreign policy back to towards the West. There is room for Turkey to be a pan-Islam player too. But hard-headed Western political leaders must re-focus Turkey on realpolitik. It’s in Turkey’s interests to be a pivotal part of the Western alliance; with Western support, Turkey gets Western investment, which grows the Turkish economy and improves the lives of the ordinary Turkish people.

Thoughts?