Turkey has spent tens of millions of dollars in order to portray itself as a democratic, European nation. It does not take much effort to realize that this portrayal is clearly a facade obscuring Turkey's fundamentally unchanged behavior. Turkey's dilem ma is that it cannot change if it is to exist in its present form, for it must have it both ways to survive. Having committed itself to a western agenda since the days of Ataturk, Turkey is dependent on western acceptance, aid and economic ties, yet at the same time Turkey cannot loosen its decidedly undemocratic grip on its increasingly disgruntled populace, lest it self-destruct from within. Georgetown University will be answering all these in the affirmative should it proceed with its plan to honor the Turkish President, Suleyman Demirel with a President's Medal.
Turkey is an important country at the vortex of a major regional area.
Georgetown University has a long history of Turkish studies, including a campus in Alanya, Turkey. It is, in the view of the University, appropriate to honor the President of Turkey when he visits the United States and the campus. Perhaps the most vital sign of his presidency's efforts to relate to the values and principles cherished by Americans is the host of young scholars provided government support. Completing their doctorates in the United States, they can go on to fill the profesional ranks needed for the rapid democratization of the Turkish educational system. I appreciate your efforts in taking the time to write and welcome your interest in higher education.