The EU Proves Its Mettle Again

I'll bet the Turks are really regretting the day that they decided to tell the US to take a flying leap in the runup to the Iraqi campaign. They succeeded in sucking up to the EU, but nowthey are finding out that the cooperation is a one-way street.

Why are they so surprised that the EU is afraid to act in defiance of the terrorists? Did they really think that the EU had a spine? Or are they really that delusional?

France and Germany still believe that appeasement and negotiation are the best policies when dealing with terrorists. Britain was in the same boat as the US, so there probably is a bit of irritation still at play when it comes to Turkey.

That being said, while the Turks are reaping a bit of what they have sown, it is wrong of the EU, particularly Britain, to stick it to the Turks like this. Combating terrorism is a global concern. To leave the Turks hanging out to dry after they just suffered a major attack is wrong.

Syria and Iran cooperating means nothing. Both are motivated more by political concerns, specifically in diverting the glare of the United States, than they are in truly combating terrorism. The Turks would do well to remember that.

As for Mr. Gul's warning to European leaders that if their countries were attacked "everyone will think twice before co-operating," would best be evaluated in light of Turkey's actions leading up to Iraq. He may be more right than he thinks.