Gerger: "Turkey Is at the Front of War, not of Peace"

Turkey assumes the Presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in a time of nuclear crisis in Iran and the USA preparing for a withdrawal from Iraq. bianet spoke to political scientist Haluk Gerger. "As a country assisting and accommodating the enforcement of imperialistic policies, Turkey's place is at the front of 'war and attacks'", Gerger argued.

Which role can Turkey play in this term to overcome the nuclear crisis with Iran?

The role of Turkey is proportional to the steps Iran is going to take. Apart from that, Turkey does not have an autonomous influence.  Turkey can take efforts to convince Iran to abide by the American demands by mentioning the "international community", but the country has no other trump besides the threat of "negative results" without burning their fingers. Facing the USA and their power, Turkey can only convey their messages. Also in this aspect Turkey has no securitized influence. I think this is what they call "All this work has been for nothing". In diplomacy, you can overcome problems by demonstrating power and not by showing incapability. Both Iran and the USA have enough experience with the power of Turkey.

Considering the withdrawal of the USA military from Iraq via Turkey, what is Turkey's duty?

The USA entered Iraq with the "international legitimacy" of the UN. We know that this was a big fake related to lies, deception and manipulation which was also a disgrace for the UN. It is not of the USA's concern but if the UN would announce this to "Turkey as the President", would that not be very funny? If this would mean anything, it would only be for the Turkish public which would probably be enough for Erdoğan as well.

What kind of "leadership" can Turkey assume for peace in the region and in the world?

Turkey did not only adopt all values of imperialism as the arch-enemy of peace, its strategic targets, policies and an according order to be constructed. Turkey assisted and accommodated the enforcement of these policies within the framework of the role it assigned to itself and has its place at the front of "attacks and war" and its position there is that of a servant. Humanity, in particular in the world of the oppressed, eventually does not look at the image but at the essence. Then Turkey's real position is easy to understand. What is left is the sweet dreams of the Turkish public who is in love with itself.

The "Summit on 1000-year Development Goals" will be held on 20-22 September during the Presidency of Turkey. Is it significant that Turkey chairs the council just at that time?

Turkey's UN membership register has got many stains. During the Cold War, the executives of this country opposed economic/monetary aid for "developing countries". Nowadays there is anyways an implicit concept of "counter-terrorism". I believe that the Turkish officials started to explain this "consensus" of the "international community" to the poor of this world. Therefore, Turkey's role as a messenger during the rotating one-month presidency is probably important in terms of assistance to be given. (SP/VK)