Turkey's Climb Versus Egypt's Decline
My experiences in Cairo, Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey are best described by the opinions of those who are the future of both countries. According to the U.S. Embassy official who spoke with us, Egyptians between the age of 18 and 30 feel they have no hope for the future. Even though there is an election, the same person will win. In most cases, these Egyptian young people have known no other President. In contrast, young people in the United States of the same age have known 5 different Presidents.
In Turkey, a European country with the youngest median age, there is definitely an atmosphere of hope for the future. As we visited various restaurants and coffee shops near Taksim Square, interacted with workers at the Ali Raif Pharmaceutical Plant and talked with the administrator of a local school, they are extremely proud of their country, past and future. Being a democratic republic, many voices are able to share their opinions and put forth referendums for all the people of Turkey to consider much like we find in the United States. I look forward to monitoring the results of the Turkish referendum and the role of the Turkish Supreme Court might play in the future of the country.
My biggest take away from my international trip is how different these countries turned out to be as compared to my preconceived opinions. My observation of Egypt is a country that is as idle as the construction cranes that dot the skyline. The partially constructed buildings represent a country with no defined future. Conversely, my observation of Turkey is a country on the move as symbolized by the active cranes and the apparent rapid construction of buildings throughout the city of Istanbul. Completed construction represents potential for economic growth and prosperity for the people of Turkey. I look forward to monitoring the progress of both countries and the future application of U.S. governmental aid.
Lowell,
ReplyDeleteThat article you wrote about Egypt was very true at the time and was validated by events just a few months later.
Regarding Turkey - it certainly is a growing emerging market but where does this myth come from that it is some kind of European country? I believe +95% of its land mass is in Asia. I think its pride would be a hurt to be aligned to a continent it doesn't belong to geographically and with which it has few cultural or historical links.
I think some people in the US recommend Turkey join the EU but that is the same as if Europeans were to recommend Mexico become 51st state of the USA. It would be great for Mexico but the USA clearly couldn't afford it (nor do most Americans want it). The same goes for Turkey - what with bailing out the Greeks, Turkey's membership of the EU (apart from being a geographical misnomer) would be unaffordable anyhow. And deeply unpopular. Calling Turkey European is similar to saying Mexico is part of the USA