@Fennec: Somewhat - I personally lean towards favorign it, but I can see what worries some people.
A lot of people in Europe are worried about the spread of Islam, and are more than a little anxious to allow a Muslim country, especially one whose population - over 73 million people - will be the second most numerous in the EU. Plus, this would mean the EU would have a direct border with Syria, Iran and Iraq, which some interpret as a significant security risk. Add in the fact that the EU is already having some problems with deciding on its political direction, has issues with its newer member states, and at least two of its members - Greece and Cyprus - have some serious objections to Turkish membership, and you will see why the issue with the Turkish membership is so tricky.
You also have some old historical grudges. Remember, Turkey is the heart of the old Ottoman Empire, whose armies marched to the gates of Vienna. Austria has firmly opposed Turkey’s inclusion in the past and they are just one of several EU countries leery of Turkey’s inclusion.
Yes, Greece and Cyprus are probably the most vehement opponents of Turkey in terms of historical grievances, but the issue exists in other countries. Needless to say, the far right parties there are making as much noise about it as they can. Of course, many countries in the Balkans were occupied by Ottoman Turkey and are now EU members, so the image of Turkey as a historical enemy is not just something the far right invented a few years ago.
Well, oldlegodad… considering that Cyprus was invaded only 4 years before I can understand some of their vehemence. A little Ironic that it would be a NATO exercise, though, given that iirc Turkey was in NATO at the time. I wonder what kind of politician kept both countries in the alliance during that time…
4uk4ata almost 15 years ago
@Fennec: Somewhat - I personally lean towards favorign it, but I can see what worries some people.
A lot of people in Europe are worried about the spread of Islam, and are more than a little anxious to allow a Muslim country, especially one whose population - over 73 million people - will be the second most numerous in the EU. Plus, this would mean the EU would have a direct border with Syria, Iran and Iraq, which some interpret as a significant security risk. Add in the fact that the EU is already having some problems with deciding on its political direction, has issues with its newer member states, and at least two of its members - Greece and Cyprus - have some serious objections to Turkish membership, and you will see why the issue with the Turkish membership is so tricky.
Gladius almost 15 years ago
You also have some old historical grudges. Remember, Turkey is the heart of the old Ottoman Empire, whose armies marched to the gates of Vienna. Austria has firmly opposed Turkey’s inclusion in the past and they are just one of several EU countries leery of Turkey’s inclusion.
4uk4ata almost 15 years ago
Yes, Greece and Cyprus are probably the most vehement opponents of Turkey in terms of historical grievances, but the issue exists in other countries. Needless to say, the far right parties there are making as much noise about it as they can. Of course, many countries in the Balkans were occupied by Ottoman Turkey and are now EU members, so the image of Turkey as a historical enemy is not just something the far right invented a few years ago.
4uk4ata almost 15 years ago
Well, oldlegodad… considering that Cyprus was invaded only 4 years before I can understand some of their vehemence. A little Ironic that it would be a NATO exercise, though, given that iirc Turkey was in NATO at the time. I wonder what kind of politician kept both countries in the alliance during that time…