Turkey: America's Forgotten Ally

Since the end of World War II, the main strategic role of Turkey, as seen by her Western allies and by some elements at least among her southern neighbors, was to serve as a barrier; more successfully, to block the path of Soviet expansions into the Middle East. It is in large measure thanks to the existence and effectiveness of the Turkish barrier that Soviet successes in the Arab countries, though often great, were always precarious. Based on Turkey's old historical, cultural and religious ties, the Middle East was able to thwart the spread of communism. However, in recent years, this has been underpinned by a growing economic relationship between the Middle East and Turkey. Turkey's role with its Middle East partners and western ties from beginnings of the Cold War has allowed the Turkish government to form a unique and interesting bond in the region. As Rustow, while not undermining the role as a barrier in the region, draws attention to another and overlooked importance- that of a cultural and commercial bridge between the West and the Middle East. This is important when coupled with Turkey's ability to improve the relations with non-Western supporters or even anti-western groupings. This last is an important point ant a major focus Rustow's important Study. That an alliance is far more valuable and effective when it is based not only on perceived common interests but on genuine affinities- a community of beliefs and values.