Revival of America's image
The visit, which follows the president's gestures and constructive moves in previous diplomatic gatherings, can be viewed as an indication of his willingness and ambition to implement what he had promised during his election campaign. Obama had pledged to transform American foreign policy so that it embraced multilateralism, recognized the concerns and demands of other nations and entered into a broad-based alliance and cooperation with other actors in world politics.
This was actually a choice made out of necessity – the damage done by George W. Bush to American foreign policy was extensive. Reliance on a political design similar to the former president's style would surely make the damage irreparable and U.S. foreign policy unsustainable. During the Bush presidency, America's global image eroded visibly and the U.S. military proved to be inadequate to address security problems that concerned American interests. It became evident that there actually were limits to America's military, political and economic might.
George W. Bush's first presidential term was particularly destructive and detrimental to the American foreign policy tradition. It wasted gains and the accumulations of a long diplomatic history; as many analysts contend, the United States had never been as ineffective despite its huge military might. The neoconservatives, designers of the notorious foreign policy implemented during the Bush presidency, were wrong when they assumed they were able to reshape the world relying on their invincible military power. Invading Iraq or Afghanistan might be easy, but winning the hearts of the people and explaining policy motives was, apparently, a daunting task. That's where the U.S. power and image started to decline lasting throughout Bush's term in office.
This is one of the reasons why Obama placed great emphasis on change in his presidential campaign. "The change we need" was a powerful motto suggesting that it was time to embrace a completely different foreign policy line if the nation's revival was desired. This was therefore a message and a promise to the American nation, but it was also a message to the entire world. It was an undertaking implying that Obama will change the orientation of American foreign policy.
From this perspective, Obama's initial actions and his recent visit to Turkey may be taken as an attempt to fulfill the requirements of the change he had promised to the world. By these moves, he is seeking to restore the American leadership and revive the image of the American nation. But this time, he is acting as a first among equals, and not as the leader of a hegemonic power. He delivered a message during this visit indicating that he is ready for cooperation and joint action to address global problems; he spoke out to the Muslim world, expressing his nation's willingness to start a new era. And he did all this while in Turkey; this is what makes his visit a historic one.
Bilateral issues and Obama's visit
Obama's recent visit also gives insightful hints about the future shape of bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States. The new president seems to have realized that it was necessary to cooperate and to act together with Turkey for a better administration of the regional issues. This represents a dramatic change in American foreign policy, considering that his predecessor was mostly reluctant to recognize Turkey's role and influence in the region.
Conversely, it appears the Obama administration appreciates how Turkey is indispensable to its Middle Eastern policies and actions. Turkey's role is most visibly needed in Iraq; the withdrawal of American troops is a challenging policy option not only because of logistical concerns, but also the power vacuum in its aftermath. In both cases, the United States needs Turkey's cooperation. While it is possible to find a different route not passing through Turkish land for the withdrawal of American troops, the United States is required to appeal to Turkey for assisting in shaping Iraq after their complete withdrawal from the country. A new Iran-like regime in Iraq or an Iraq within the Iranian sphere of influence is the last thing the U.S. administration wants. And without the proper measures, this is a possibility.
With his recent visit, Obama confirmed Turkey's leading role in Middle Eastern affairs. This may raise Turkey's position to that of a regional leader which will serve as a mediating actor in thorny issues, including terrorism, the Palestinian question and a lack of democratization tendencies in the Middle East.
Obama's visit to Turkey is also significant for the United States in order to restore its relations with the Muslim world. Turkey has not expressed its eagerness to serve as the leader of the Muslim world and it is also unclear whether Muslim countries will accept such a leadership; however, Turkey is still a good pick for Obama to restore relations with the Muslim world.
It should be noted that structural improvements in bilateral relations will not necessarily resolve some relatively secondary issues, including Armenian claims of genocide. It is possible to argue that this issue will be resolved subsequent to this visit, but this does not mean Obama will refrain from describing the 1915 events as genocide just because he realized how indispensable and important Turkey is. It should be recalled that Obama made a strong commitment to recognize the Armenian genocide during his election campaign. It is therefore unrealistic to expect that he will forget his promise. However, it is also possible to speculate that Obama will wait for the best time before recognizing the Armenian allegations. He may recognize these claims when recognition is no big deal; whether there will be such a conjecture is a different story. What is important is that the United States will strive to achieve such a conjecture where Turkey and Armenia will be eager to work constructively to resolve their own issues.
Obama's visit and the preceding messages are also important for Turkey's EU bid. In an era in which transatlantic relationships can apparently be revived, American support for Turkey's membership in the EU will be of great help. Despite stated opposition to Turkey's full membership by both France and Germany, America's support will have a determinative impact for Turkey's EU bid given that Obama's involvement in European affairs is no longer reversible.
