Joshua W. Walker
Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2010–2011
AP Photo
December 2, 2010
"Will Turkey Remain an American Ally?"
Op-Ed, The Providence Journal
By Joshua W. Walker, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2010–2011
"The rise of the conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its Muslim worldview as the dominant and unrivaled force in Turkish politics, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's successful approval of a Sept. 12 constitutional referendum, has only heightened fears among many in Washington. Rather than seeing further democratization in Turkey and noting the domestic pressures facing a populist AKP government, they see a final nail in the coffins of the military and secular elites that once protected U.S. interests."
AP Photo
May 14, 2011
"Turkey Should Wield its Power in Syria"
Op-Ed, Boston Globe
By Joshua W. Walker, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2010–2011
"Syria's economy is in tatters and in need of reforms, regardless of the outcome of the protests. Unless Syria wants to follow the path of North Korea as an international pariah, which is nearly impossible because of its porous borders and central geographic location as a regional crossroads, Damascus has little choice but to look to Ankara for economic help. Stability — or, in reality, status-quo maintenance — has been the mantra of Ankara’s dealing with the Syrian crisis. But Ankara must give the regime in Damascus an incentive to make way for meaningful reforms, including economic liberalization, representative elections and transparent application of rules of law that the protesters are demanding."
AP Photo
May 10, 2011
"Syria is Turkey's Litmus Test in the New Middle East"
Op-Ed, World Politics Review
By Joshua W. Walker, Former Research Fellow, International Security Program, 2010–2011
"...[F]ast-growing Turkey has become Syria's biggest trading partner and Damascus' long-term lifeline, both economically and geopolitically. The countries' ties have resulted in the establishment of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, a free-trade zone, a visa-free travel regime and several mediation efforts over the past two years. In many ways, Syria has benefited more from its partnership with Turkey than it has from its two-decades-long alliance with Iran."
