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Turkey Needs 'Zero Problems' With Its Own Kurds First

A Turkey that can’t resolve its own Kurdish problem through peaceful means can’t talk of “zero problems” with the Syrian Kurds today or tomorrow, writes Kadri Gürsel.

Dec 21, 2012
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu speaks during a news conference in Helsinki December 19, 2012. REUTERS/Kimmo Mantyla/Lehtikuva   (FINLAND - Tags: POLITICS) THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS. FINLAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN FINLAND
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu speaks during a news conference in Helsinki December 19, 2012. — REUTERS/Kimmo Mantyla/Lehtikuva

Anyone who follows Turkey’s new foreign policy and the diplomacy of its founder, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, is surely aware of the concept of “Zero problems with neighbors.” Ahmet Davutoglu is the godfather of the idea. He has the copyright to it.

Apart from being a concept, what is the significance of "zero problems"? What is it really? Is it a hope, utopia or a discourse? If so, no problem. We all wish to have no problems with neighbors.

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