Turkey with a Seat on the UN Security Council: Tough Decisions Ahead, Summer 2008

Turkish  foreign  policy  makers  thread  a  thin,  delicate  line  in  a  series  of  important  regional  and transnational issues – such as the Russia-Georgia dispute, the Middle East conflict, the Cyprus question, or Iran’s nuclear program. Moreover,  the  world  economic  crisis  is  likely  to compound  the  severity  of political conflicts. So long as one follows a policy without having to make hard choices, one can play for the  time  and  avoid  the  necessity  of  taking  sides. However,  especially  as  issues  are  voted  upon  in  the UNSC,  Turkey  will increasingly  find itself in  a  position where  it  will have  to  make  clear  preferences in favor of one or the other party.