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Simon Tisdall on Turkey's Rising Self-Confidence and EU Shortsightedness

The EU decision in December 2006 to suspend talks on Turkey’s membership has deepened Turkish disillusionment with the EU, writes journalist Simon Tisdall. There are questions in Turkey as to whether it should concentrate instead on closer cooperation with Moscow and the Turkic Republics of Central Asia. Turkey’s newfound confidence about life beyond EU borders is bolstered by a booming domestic economy, positive demographic trends, and its new role as a regional leader. The EU could benefit from these strengths as well as from Turkey’s capacity to function as a bridge to the Arab world.