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The absence of a universally accepted definition of minority and standardized mechanisms for minority protection presents challenges during the European Union (EU) accession process. The differences between definitions used by European policy makers and those used in candidate countries are evident in Turkey's journey to the EU. Cultural identity boundaries are dynamic, and emphasizing the protection of particular minority groups can be regarded as a minority-forging policy that places at risk the successful implementation of minority protection in the candidate country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the relations of Turkey and Israel as of 2006. Both countries represent strong secular democracies that value the strategic relationship with the U.S. The countries face hostile neighborhood that views them with suspicion and hostility. The historical roots the countries' relations predate the Cold War and the formations of both the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the State of Israel in 1947.

Discusses U.S. mediation in Greek-Turkish disputes as of April 2005. Historical background of Greek-Turkish relations at the end of the Second World War; Emergence of the Aegean dispute and U.S. involvement after 1974; Discussion on the involvement of the U.S. in Greek-Turkish disputes in the post-Cold War era.

Focuses on the shift from conflict and distrust to cooperation between Turkey and Bulgaria. Factors that shaped both countries' relations in the 19th century and throughout the 20th century; Condition of Christians in the Ottoman Empire by the 19th century; Step taken by Ottoman sultan Abdulaziz in 1870 to improve cooperation.

Focuses on the creation of foreign policy of Turkey to protect Turkish sovereignty over its straits in the 1930s. Role of Turkish straits in Russian planning for war during the World War II; Bases for the development of the straits regime of Turkey; History of Turkish-Russian relations after the Lausanne Peace Treaty of July 24, 1923.

Discusses issues related to democratic peace and the European security community as of January 2002. Concepts of security; Aims of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for security; Factors that have given rise to tension between Greece and Turkey.

Focuses on legal doctrines governing commercial access to the Turkish Straits. Information on the Lausanne Straits Convention; Request for Revision of the Straits Convention; Montreux Straits Convention; Recent developments.

Focuses on the relationship between Turkey and Europe in the 1980s. Background on the application of Turkey in the European Union in 1987; Notions on the paradoxes of European identity; Description of the pattern of integration of Eastern Europe into Western Europe; Transition of Southern Europe during the 1970s.

Examines issues surrounding Mediterranean security in the 1990s. Focus of the foreign policy of the European Union; Analysis of security problems in the Mediterranean region; Conflict between Greece and Turkey; Concerns expressed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Emphasis on security management.