Freitag, Oktober 08, 2004
FactCheck.org - Annenberg Political Fact Check
Hier der Link zu einer interessante Seite, die den Verlauf der Wahl in den US verfolgt. FactCheck.org - Annenberg Political Fact Check. Lohnt sich, reinzuschauen.
Sonntag, Oktober 03, 2004
.... Turn Turkey away
Hier einige Gedanken zum Beitritt der Türkei in die EU aus einem Leserbrief an den Economist:
Turn Turkey away
SIR – Those who favour Turkish membership of the EU usually put forward two arguments (“Why Europe must say yes to Turkey”, September 18th). They are that it is too late to say no and that admission will encourage Turks to embrace liberal democracy—your key recommendation. Both arguments are weak. Although Turkey has gained candidate status it is not too late to admit that we are wrong. The other argument rests on two disconcerting assumptions. The first is that liberal democracy is so weak in Turkey that a mere “no” from Europe would suffice to throw the country into the embrace of hardline Islamists. The second is that membership of the EU will suffice to induce a transformation of Turkey to a modern, truly democratic and liberal society. Democracy comes from within; it cannot be imposed from outside—look at Baghdad.
Why should Europe shoulder the risks of Turkish membership? The rewards of making a nice gesture to the Muslims, which could bring some stability to the Middle East, are uncertain and scant. The costs are certain. Turkey is huge and poor and will absorb a disproportionate share of EU funds. Given that Europeans are sceptical about Turkey, why proceed?
Marco Fantini
Brussels
Turn Turkey away
SIR – Those who favour Turkish membership of the EU usually put forward two arguments (“Why Europe must say yes to Turkey”, September 18th). They are that it is too late to say no and that admission will encourage Turks to embrace liberal democracy—your key recommendation. Both arguments are weak. Although Turkey has gained candidate status it is not too late to admit that we are wrong. The other argument rests on two disconcerting assumptions. The first is that liberal democracy is so weak in Turkey that a mere “no” from Europe would suffice to throw the country into the embrace of hardline Islamists. The second is that membership of the EU will suffice to induce a transformation of Turkey to a modern, truly democratic and liberal society. Democracy comes from within; it cannot be imposed from outside—look at Baghdad.
Why should Europe shoulder the risks of Turkish membership? The rewards of making a nice gesture to the Muslims, which could bring some stability to the Middle East, are uncertain and scant. The costs are certain. Turkey is huge and poor and will absorb a disproportionate share of EU funds. Given that Europeans are sceptical about Turkey, why proceed?
Marco Fantini
Brussels
