 |
| Author |
Message |
cannedmoose
Warnings : 4
Moderator
Joined: 12 Aug 2005
Posts: 5357
Location: National Forest, England
|
|
| brother wrote: |
| I understand what you are saying but the French surely can see the potential economic and millatary gains that would make them think twice about losing Turkey you would imagine. |
Economically, the French remain highly protective of their national industries and frequently 'bend' EU rules to subsidise them. Therefore, a potential source of cheap industrial labour will put further pressure on industries based in France to relocate to Turkey, therefore, the zero-sum argument will be played as regards Turkey's benefits to Europe economically.
As for militarily, I think Turkey's military benefit is slightly overplayed. While it is true that the Turkish military is a powerful outfit, it's not what I would class as a truly modern military force, like that of the UK and France. Much of its manpower rests with simply equipped conscripts, who are no match for a professional, well-equipped soldier. Turkey's ability to project power beyond its own borders is also very limited. For example, the embryonic EU army is formed around the British and French militaries for a very good reason as these are the only two forces in Europe capable of launching and sustaining operations far beyond their borders. Turkey might add manpower to the equation but it doesn't possess any capabilities that the other EU armies currently lack. Rather it would present a possible challenge with the EU borders resting next to Iraq, Iran and Syria. However, if Turkey were to channel military resources into a purely professional unit, then we might be talking, otherwise the addition of a militarily positive aspect to Turkey's membership is negligable. |
|
| Back to top |
|
brother
Warnings : 3
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
Posts: 8920
Location: London/Cyprus
|
|
| cannedmoose wrote: |
| brother wrote: |
| I understand what you are saying but the French surely can see the potential economic and millatary gains that would make them think twice about losing Turkey you would imagine. |
Economically, the French remain highly protective of their national industries and frequently 'bend' EU rules to subsidise them. Therefore, a potential source of cheap industrial labour will put further pressure on industries based in France to relocate to Turkey, therefore, the zero-sum argument will be played as regards Turkey's benefits to Europe economically.
As for militarily, I think Turkey's military benefit is slightly overplayed. While it is true that the Turkish military is a powerful outfit, it's not what I would class as a truly modern military force, like that of the UK and France. Much of its manpower rests with simply equipped conscripts, who are no match for a professional, well-equipped soldier. Turkey's ability to project power beyond its own borders is also very limited. For example, the embryonic EU army is formed around the British and French militaries for a very good reason as these are the only two forces in Europe capable of launching and sustaining operations far beyond their borders. Turkey might add manpower to the equation but it doesn't possess any capabilities that the other EU armies currently lack. Rather it would present a possible challenge with the EU borders resting next to Iraq, Iran and Syria. However, if Turkey were to channel military resources into a purely professional unit, then we might be talking, otherwise the addition of a militarily positive aspect to Turkey's membership is negligable. |
Based on what you saying, it seems that the French at the forefront will oppose Turkey's membership whatever happens but then why agree to start negotiations in december 2004 when you do not want a country in your union, would it not have been easier just to say 'non'. |
|
| Back to top |
|
murtaza
Villager
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
Posts: 21
|
|
| why not? They have their aims, and we have our aims. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Birkibrisli
Deputy
Joined: 29 Aug 2005
Posts: 1404
Location: Australia
|
|
Correct me if I am wrong but I never heard the Armenian or Kurdish issues being raised as relevant to Turkey's EU membership.Aren't they Turkey's internal problem? I know the Armenian lobby in France will do its best to stop Turkey joining the EU,but in the end only French interests will decide the case for the French imo.
Nobody has so far raised the issue of the aging European population.In times to come (when racism and islamic fundamentalism have lost their fear value) I think especially the older European nations (France,Germany,Austria etc) will realise the value of having such a big and dynamic population in their mists.Consider the alternatives for Europe of Turkey not joining them (rising nationalism due to hurt national pride,a Turkey embracing the Turkic and the Islamic world,the possible rapprauchment with Russia,China and India) and you will see why any sensible European leader cannot afford to let Turkey get away.The Cyprus problem will be solved,one way or another,but my fear is Cypriots will not like the eventual solution unless they take the matters in their own hands now,if that is not too late for Cyprus already. |
|
| Back to top |
|
Xenos 2Fan
Warnings : 5
Ministerial
Joined: 16 Aug 2005
Posts: 3499
Location: Dallas,Texas/Mersin, Turkey
|
|
| cannedmoose wrote: |
| brother wrote: |
| I understand what you are saying but the French surely can see the potential economic and millatary gains that would make them think twice about losing Turkey you would imagine. |
Economically, the French remain highly protective of their national industries and frequently 'bend' EU rules to subsidise them. Therefore, a potential source of cheap industrial labour will put further pressure on industries based in France to relocate to Turkey, therefore, the zero-sum argument will be played as regards Turkey's benefits to Europe economically.
As for militarily, I think Turkey's military benefit is slightly overplayed. While it is true that the Turkish military is a powerful outfit, it's not what I would class as a truly modern military force, like that of the UK and France. Much of its manpower rests with simply equipped conscripts, who are no match for a professional, well-equipped soldier. Turkey's ability to project power beyond its own borders is also very limited. For example, the embryonic EU army is formed around the British and French militaries for a very good reason as these are the only two forces in Europe capable of launching and sustaining operations far beyond their borders. Turkey might add manpower to the equation but it doesn't possess any capabilities that the other EU armies currently lack. Rather it would present a possible challenge with the EU borders resting next to Iraq, Iran and Syria. However, if Turkey were to channel military resources into a purely professional unit, then we might be talking, otherwise the addition of a militarily positive aspect to Turkey's membership is negligable. |
Moose,
I think you are seriously underestimating the power of the Turkish military and their possible contributions to the EU. You're making them sound as if they were an unsophisticated band of local brigands. Please check out the following.
http://www.answers.com/topic/military-of-turkey |
|
| Back to top |
|
brother
Warnings : 3
Site Admin
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
Posts: 8920
Location: London/Cyprus
|
|
| Back to top |
|
murtaza
Villager
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
Posts: 21
|
|
| I think I second canned, Yes we are more powerful than greek, bulgaria, syria. So what? even Ottomans were least powerful, they are more powerful than this country. And I dont understand, why EU need a big army? They are not liking war much. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
All times are GMT + 3 Hours
Goto page Previous 1, 2
|
| Page 2 of 2 |
| |
 
 
Link Partners
3205 Attacks blocked
|
Register 
Log in 
Album 
Home