Feature

Discovering Turkey

Students from this year's International Policy Practicum, along with Senior Lecturer Charles Wheelan, spoke to students and staff earlier this week about their travels to Turkey and their policy recommendations for the country. They discussed the pivotal role the democratic, Muslim country plays for the United States-in part because of its geographic location and its working relationships with Arab countries and Israel.

Students touched on a wide range of issues including U.S. policy in Iraq, Turkey's bid to join the European Union, and the country's relationship with Armenia. They urged President Barack Obama to visit Turkey during his first 100 days in office and work to rebuild United States-Turkey relations. Also in the audience was Kenan Ipek, consul general of Turkey, who offered his own insight into Turkey's history, its current challenges, and the students' policy recommendations.

For more information on this year's International Policy Practicum, check out the spring edition of HarrisView, scheduled to be posted online in May.