Soap operas don’t help Turkey gain Arab world approvalApril 19, 2012 - 11:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Over the past decade Turkey may have significantly boosted its profile in the Middle East, but it still has a large gap to close between its expectations and capabilities in order to become a true “regional power,” says a study by the Ankara-based International Strategic Research Organization (USAK). According to Hurriyet Daily News, the report, which examined Turkey’s clout in the diplomatic, economic and “soft power” areas, called for comprehensive joint efforts by the state, the private sector and civic society in all three fields as “a great disparity exists between the role that Turkey wants to play and the capacity it has.” It also cautioned that Turkey’s newly-found regional influence could be short-lived. “We cannot say that regional actors, be them small or big, are following Turkey’s lead. The current attention accorded to Turkey is at the level of just sympathy. Any mistakes or Arab misunderstanding of certain rhetoric or policies hold the potential of quickly eroding the favorable attitudes that Turkey enjoys,” it said. The study found that the Turkish Foreign Ministry was severely underfunded and understaffed when compared to those of leading nations. Its budget of €436 million is the lowest among 10 countries, including both global heavyweights and emerging powers, such as India and Brazil. The study also cautioned that the popularity of Turkish soap operas in Arab countries does not necessarily mean there is a positive perception of Turkey. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |