Global Watchdog, Part I

In a stunning turn of events, France, once one of the loudest voices for ever-closer European union, soundly defeated a referendum to adopt a continent-wide constitution. Pundits blame several factors for the French about-face: a disconnect between the citizenry and the E.U. government, a chance to stick it to President Jacques Chirac who supported the treaty, or simply an all-too-French need to reestablish their national identity. But maybe the biggest issue that led to the constitution’s downfall was the French’s fear of the eventual accession of Turkey to the European Union. Muslims already make up a large segment of French society but the notion of admitting a huge Islamic country into their all-Christian club has many Frenchmen wringing their berets. The Turkey question divides Europe, with prominent politicians leading the charge for and against its membership. But one country believes that it should have the biggest say in the matter; the United States, who else?

The last time I checked, the U.S. was not a member of the European Union, or even much of a fan of it. Yet for some reason, it seems to know best about who the EU should and should not admit to its association. American officials have been making a habit of dropping not-so-subtle hints on the matter when in Europe and the Europeans are getting pretty pissed off. It would be like Tony Blair telling Bush, “Hey W, you should really let Haiti become a state, I think it would be a good idea.” America has its geopolitical reasons for wanting Muslim Turkey to join a western, democratic organization, and frankly it is right. But to go around sticking its nose where it has no business is just another demonstration of its arrogance. I have a great idea. If the U.S. wants to reward Turkey with membership in a free, pro-West association, let IT become the 51^st state. When faced with all the possible negative situations that could arises from such a union, I bet the Americans would become even more anti-Turkish than the French voters. And the sad irony is that for all bending over backwards that the Turks have gone through to reach their goal of EU membership, they would snap back to rigidity if presented with such an offer. “No thanks, we’re cool here in Asia.”