Is the Turkish-German spring illusive?

Turkey and Germany are demonstrating willingness to set aside political rows and focus on economic ties, but the thaw in the relationship guarantees neither the investments Turkey expects nor the solution of accumulated problems.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan leave after a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, September 28, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch - RC1176EAE300
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leave after a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 28, 2018. - REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
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Fehim Tastekin
@fehimtastekin
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Turkey and Germany have shown they cannot give up on each other economically despite the political tensions bruising their relations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is happy to welcome guests from Berlin, no matter his harsh accusations against the German government.

Amid charges that Germany harbors suspects wanted in the 2016 coup attempt and abets Kurdish militants, Erdogan has gone as far as to liken German officials to Nazis, while holding several German citizens as virtual “hostages” who could be used as political bargaining chips for Turkish nationals he wants from Germany.

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