Fascinating Stephen Kinzer piece in The American Prospect, by way of WPR's Media Roundup.
The subtitle makes the statement boldly:
Why America's future partners in the Middle East should be Turkey and Iran -- yes, Iran.
Underlying argument: two countries in the region have a long history of struggling with democracy--Turkey and Iran. Both currently sport the Islamist veneer, but beneath lies a restive and vibrant civic culture.
In the future, it is not Turkey alone where "they come together." Improbable as it may seem right now, given the current regime in Iran, a partnership that unites Turkey, Iran, and the United States is the future and makes sense for two reasons: The three countries share strategic interests, and their people share values. Our evolving relationship with a changing Turkey offers a model for the kind of relationship we might one day--not necessarily tomorrow--have with a changing Iran. This is the tantalizing possibility of a new way for the U.S. to engage with the Middle East in the 21st century.
Why explore? Because our Cold War stalwarts aren't working out:
Today we work in the region primarily through two bilateral relationships--with Israel and with Saudi Arabia. These pairings served Washington well during the Cold War. They have not, however, produced a stable Middle East.
I like this piece very much. Very intelligent, unemotional, and strategic in vision.
Also adapted from a new book (Reset: Iran, Turkey, and America's Future).