I think it's interesting that Turkey gets to join SCO even if it's only as an observer, this is politics on a higher level of course. But I think it's proof that Russia and China are changing their views on Turkey. This doesn't mean that we're going to be the best buddies in the world, let's face it. Russia and China are still interested in furthering their own agenda, and Turkey is another piece on the chess board.
Turkey is and will hopefully always be a western oriented nation, but without losing our cultural values (just like M.K. Atatürk intented), but that doesn't mean that we cannot be friends or even brothers with the east. China and Russia are two countries that are trying to rise to greater powers, and they can do this by exploiting the turmoil in the ME and furthering there own goals. It's like the Roman concept "divide and conquer", whilst Turkey has changed its stance on our neighbours and the rest of the world (foreign policy), China and Russia has continued on the same path. Thanks to Turkeys foreign policy change it's been easier for Russia and China to shake hands with Turkey on different levels. But the ultimate level of handshaking (i'll grow fond of this expression), will only occur if they have jv defense contracts etc.
You just have to look around Turkeys neighbourhood to see who's having what kind of fights, and who's taking whose side to tell whether there is a chance for cooperation. e.g. Russia is backing up: breakaway part of Georgia, Armenia and probably many more. The way I see it, Russia is interested in keeping the region in a state of war to drain them empty and consume the smaller countries one way or other. China is different with regard to size, they don't need to consume smaller countries, but they're interested in natural ressources which is why they're really flexing their muscles in the South sea area (way more than the international 200 sea mile border).
I think it's in Turkeys interest to pursue our own agenda, stay in NATO because that's what's best for us, considering there are two big powers who like playing football in the region. And slowly build our influence through the nation that we connect with economically and culturally, support their own cultures so that they can grow independant from the influence of bigger nations.
BTW Good and sober level of discussions
