CCWA Discussion Board

Turkey plays an important and often controversial  role in world politics.  In 2005 Turkey was tagged as one of the Next Eleven, a group of eleven countries determined as having strong potential to become one of the world’s largest economies based on macroeconomic stability, political maturity, openness of trade and investment policies and quality of education.  Yet, despite decades of effort on the part of Turkey to accede to the European Union, roadblocks continue.   As a NATO ally (and uniquely secular Muslim country) positioned between Middle Eastern “hot spots,” Turkey’s friendship can be said to be essential to US interests.   On May 8, the Columbus Council on World Affairs welcomed Salih Memecan, prominent Turkish cartoonist and political satirist who discussed the EU bid, US-Turkish relations and other current and ongoing issues using his published works as a framework.  Among other community members, students from Central Crossing High School (part of the Southwestern City Schools District) were in attendance.  Students had an opportunity to explore Turkish politics and culture with someone who has lived it first hand.  Prior to the event, students learned background information that allowed them to make interpretations of Memecan’s cartoons and determine whether they thought Turkey was following a path that would secure personal liberties and democracy.  The students later debated policy decisions including Turkey’s status with the EU.  What are your thoughts?