ALEPPO’S LESSONS FOR ARAB STATES
By The Daily Star

Daily Star
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The boost in ties between Turkey and Syria announced on Tuesday
following the meeting of high level officials from both countries
in Aleppo marks a milestone in relations between the two countries,
a remarkable achievement for two parties who in the not too distant
past were at the brink of war. The newly formed "cooperation council"
saw foreign, defense, economy, oil, electricity, agriculture and health
ministers from both countries meet to discuss improving ties. Such high
level talks between Damascus and Ankara are an extremely significant
development, one which may well have a positive effect on the whole
region if its lessons are not ignored.

The meetings with Syria represent the latest chapter of Turkish Foreign
Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s "zero conflict with neighbors" policy –
an approach which has seen Turkey seek to improve relations with all
antagonists in close proximity to it. The recognition by Davutoglu that
if Turkey aspires to be a prosperous, stable and democratic nation,
it cannot ignore unrest around it, serves as a powerful example to
other states in the region hindered by seemingly unsolvable disputes
with their neighbors.

Tuesday’s talks, together with preceding meetings, have created an
atmosphere of trust between Syria and Turkey which would have seemed
an improbable feat not so long ago. It seems not so improbable now,
however, that other quarrelling powers in the region cannot approach
their own feuds in the same manner.

By engaging in dialogue with Syria, Armenia and with its own Kurdish
population, Turkey has began to undo years of discord that has
existed since colonial powers carved the Middle East to serve their
own interests. It has shown that even the most vitriolic of disputes
can show signs of progress through an active and reconciliatory foreign
policy. The product of addressing the contentious issues that existed
between the two nations is an achievement

Turkey’s attempts at reconciliation have by no means been consigned
to its immediate vicinity. Its mediation between Israel and Syria,
and to some extent between Iran and the West, shows a recognition that
security between other powers in the region is an important facet of
its own stability.

The rapprochement between Turkey and Syria provides yet another
example whereby dialogue has triumphed over brinkmanship. Through
confidence building, cultural and economic exchanges, a modicum of
friendship has been forged between old adversaries.

Though we cannot expect the same model to be replicated among all
countries in the region, it should follow that it is by no means
unrealistic for Arab countries, who share so much culturally,
politically and economically, to achieve a similar level of trust.