ABSTRACT
Turkey is of obvious importance to the defense of the southern region. It is one of only two NATO members (the other being Norway) to share a border with the Soviet Union. This chapter discusses the critical role of Turkey in the event of a East-West conflict in the Southern flank. Turkey will strive for a balanced policy that allows it to cater to both Western and Middle Eastern interests. That necessity for balance will inevitably create friction between Ankara and other NATO capitals. As a result, Turkey will always appear to be a "partial" member of NATO in terms of political allegiance. Although Turgut Özal's primary concern is the country's economic health, he has signaled his desire to allow Turkey to function as a bridge between NATO and the Middle East. The chapter also highlights the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement signed between Turkey and the US
