Various opinion surveys this year have illustrated a visible swing from the West and, sometimes, towards the East. Empirical evidence supports the findings of these surveys. The apparent confusion in the Turkish thinking is the result of a combination of historical, recent and present-day factors. But a popular slide from the West should not necessarily mean a popular (or governmental) slide towards the East. There are deep-rooted historical, religious, ethnic and practical reasons why Turkey cannot easily ally with Russia and/or Iran. Therefore, Turks’ pro-eastern sentiments are a reality, but they are not necessarily pro-eastern in ethos. Directionless Turkey will probably resume its two-centuries-old journey to the West, be it the Old Continent, or the New.
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