Arab Spring Tests Turkey's Foreign Policy Goals

by Peter Kenyon, NPR

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party — or, AK Party — assured of a third term in power, is continuing to flex its diplomatic muscle in the region. But the upheavals of the Arab Spring, now stretching into summer, are providing a severe test to Turkey's foreign policy goal of "zero problems with the neighbors." There is a huge problem on the border with Syria at the moment, as thousands of Syrians flee a violent government crackdown. Analysts say Turkey doesn't seem to have any better notion for dealing with the uprisings than Western powers, but it can still be an inspiration to young Arab pro-democracy activists.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, June 13, 2011