On a letter
Recently I received a letter from a PhD student in Turkey who I have never met. He wanted to know a little bit about my views about the Middle East, Turkey, and Obama's visit to turkey. I did not know a lot about the situation, but I am glad that he wrote me because I ended up finding out more than I would have on my own.
I wrote back to him telling him that I'd be glad to tell him a little bit about what I think, though I'm not sure how well I followed the recent relations between Turkey and the U.S. and I'm not entirely sure if my hopes and beliefs are that significant.
Unfortunately, I also let him know that I have not visited Tukey myself and all I know is what has been in the press, and I know Turkey is beautiful as I've heard stories from people who have visited there.
I made sure to let him know that I do believe that President Obama's visit to Turkey was beneficial to relations between Turkey and the U.S. I know that Turkey has one of the lowest rates of approval for the U.S (even lower than Russia, Iran, and Syria), but I am hoping that will change as our administration is making changes.
I agree with Obama when he stated that the U.S. and Turkey "must stand together—and work together—to overcome the challenges of our time.” I believe Turkey could very well be a great connection to have between our world and the Muslim world.
I have also heard that The US also expects Turkey to use its good relations with Pakistan to stabilize the country. I myself am half Indian (my dad is from India, but he was born in 1947 when this particular part of India became Pakistan; therefore he was born in Pakistan). I am hopeful that Pakistan can be more at peace with India and other nations in the world, and I see this as a step in the right direction.
I don't believe that the problems that exist can not be overcome, but I do know that they are very grave and complex problems. I have a feeling that there are individuals and groups on both sides of the world that have their doubts. However, I believe that if the U.S. and Turkey work together, they can convince one another that it is possible to trust in one another, and with that gradual build up of trust, there can eventually be peace within the Middle East and through out the world.
I really look forward to learning more about what Turkey thinks about this. When the PhD student from Turkey writes back to me, I will post more on what Turkey is feeling at this point.
I wrote back to him telling him that I'd be glad to tell him a little bit about what I think, though I'm not sure how well I followed the recent relations between Turkey and the U.S. and I'm not entirely sure if my hopes and beliefs are that significant.
Unfortunately, I also let him know that I have not visited Tukey myself and all I know is what has been in the press, and I know Turkey is beautiful as I've heard stories from people who have visited there.
I made sure to let him know that I do believe that President Obama's visit to Turkey was beneficial to relations between Turkey and the U.S. I know that Turkey has one of the lowest rates of approval for the U.S (even lower than Russia, Iran, and Syria), but I am hoping that will change as our administration is making changes.
I agree with Obama when he stated that the U.S. and Turkey "must stand together—and work together—to overcome the challenges of our time.” I believe Turkey could very well be a great connection to have between our world and the Muslim world.
I have also heard that The US also expects Turkey to use its good relations with Pakistan to stabilize the country. I myself am half Indian (my dad is from India, but he was born in 1947 when this particular part of India became Pakistan; therefore he was born in Pakistan). I am hopeful that Pakistan can be more at peace with India and other nations in the world, and I see this as a step in the right direction.
I don't believe that the problems that exist can not be overcome, but I do know that they are very grave and complex problems. I have a feeling that there are individuals and groups on both sides of the world that have their doubts. However, I believe that if the U.S. and Turkey work together, they can convince one another that it is possible to trust in one another, and with that gradual build up of trust, there can eventually be peace within the Middle East and through out the world.
I really look forward to learning more about what Turkey thinks about this. When the PhD student from Turkey writes back to me, I will post more on what Turkey is feeling at this point.
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