February 3, 2011, The New York Times/Letter - The occasional tensions in the foreign policies of the United States and Turkey are a normal staple of international relations.
James Traub’s article, though, betrays the arrogance and presumed omniscience of an American “empire,” which expects every nation to be its apostle, i.e., all nations are equal, but some are more equal than others. That approach neither reflects today’s realities, nor would it serve our nation’s interests.
The United States, more so than ever, needs countries like Turkey that are willing to pay their fair share and take initiative and responsibility to create a more stable and peaceful world. Turkey today has the resources as well as the will to be such a partner for the United States.
Rather than making light of or dismissing Turkey’s well-meaning initiatives to solve conflicts in its neighborhood, our leaders would be well advised to listen more often and more closely to the sage advice of this country.
It is this kind of experienced guidance from a friend and an ally, which has existed in that part of the world for a thousand years and ruled it for most of that time, that may well save American blood and treasure in the years ahead.
G. LINCOLN MCCURDY
President, Turkish Coalition of America
Washington, D.C.
