Baraklava: A Very Familiar Yet Uncertain Taste

Obamania swept across Europe and hit Turkey before completing its tour in Iraq. The message was one of respect and reconciliation. And while in Gaziantep the local sweet baklava became Baraklava; in Istanbul and Ankara the US president had a tougher audience demonstrated by the number of anti-US protests that were held prior to and during the visit.

"Yankee go home" was the most popular slogan used by those who oppose US military operations in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The human side of Anatolian culture finds it difficult to forgive the hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, and as many protestors believe is the responsibility of the US military machine that was ordered into action by the former American president. 

So what of Obama's visit? It was a landmark trip. The Turkish parliament announcing that Barack HUSSEIN Obama had entered the national assembly, as the president confidently swaggered into the halls of governance. It was a heart warming speech for all those desperate for the East to reconnect with the West.

"The US relationship with the Muslim world is critical. The Muslim world is not an enemy of the US. We will listen and be respectful to the Islamic faith that has shaped world history. Muslims are a part of most American families, I know this because I am one of them."

But what has changed? American diplomacy yes, but what about policy. The US missile shield is still on the table, military operations continue in the Middle east, Iran is not an "enemy" any longer but is still a cause for concern. This was clearly pointed out during Obama's parliamentary address when he said that "Iran should take its rightful place in the league of nations, but must also come clean about its nuclear weapons."

As an accredited member of the media here in Turkey and having reported for Iranian television for over two years, while also being a registered democrat it was disappointing not to gain access to the Obama-student outreach held in Tophane.

However, this unique position within the media landscape did provide an opportunity to meet with former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami for a one on one at the Ciragan Hotel before his departure to Tehran on Tuesday evening.  Khatami was attending the Alliance of Civilisations forum being held in Istanbul, and spoke to me about the new US administration.

"Obama's speech delivered yesterday didn't have any new point. He had already reiterated his position. Iran's problems don't merely relate to the Bush administration, though they were intensified during his presidency. Our conflict with US has a long history, more than half a century. The US Iran-Mideast policies have not been appropriate at all during these years, and if it really intends to make changes in its policies, we could hope for better future relations between the two countries."

A pragmatic and diplomatic man, as is Obama. So will we see a thaw in relations between the two? One can hope so, and it would certainly have an effect on Middle East security. As for the Turkey-US-Iran triangle Khatami said: "Today, I met with the Turkish president and prime minister. We discussed bilateral ties and regional issues, especially the changes that Obama's presidency might bring about regarding Iran, the US and the region."

Turkey has strong ties to both and has hoped for a mediating roll. The Iranian administration however, promising to solve the outstanding differences directly. Just last month the Iranian energy minister told the press at a briefing during the water forum :"We don't see a mediator being able to have much affect on relations." A polite way of telling Turkey that its help is not needed here. 

However, Turkey could stand up for its Iranian neighbours as it did for its regional Palestinian ones, remember the Davos walk out? So Turkey may have a role to play here yet. And listening to Khatami talk, Ankara could call upon to promote reconciliation between its proud self-sufficient neighbour and its Atlantic ally. (JS/EK)