Turkish Foreign Policy Towards Afghanistan: 2009-2010

Authors : Sevinç Alkan ÖZCAN

Pages : 133-146

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Publication Date : 2010-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :One of the most critical foreign policy issues for Turkey in 2009 and 2010 was the US expectation that Turkey would contribute more troops to Afghanistan within the framework of the AfPak Strategy. The US requested Turkey to send troops to combat missions in Afghanistan and expand the mandate of the Kabul Central Command southward to an area where conflicts had intensified. In effect, Turkey was asked to review its policy of not taking part in armed conflicts in Afghanistan. As a response to American requests, Turkey increased its diplomatic efforts to establish peace and stability in the region in 2009 and 2010, including tripartite summits between the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This article examines Turkish foreign policy towards Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010 in light of basic principles formulated within the general framework of its initial reactions since 2001: supporting international cooperation, not taking part in armed conflicts, protecting civilians and acting in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions
Keywords : Turkey, Afghanistan, AfPak Strategy, ISAF, American Operation