Kemal Kirişci

Although its high-standing soft power of two or three years ago has disappeared, Turkey still enjoys some soft power from the way in which it has been trying to manage Syrian refugees. There is still recognition, against all odds, that Turkey … is doing a good job providing 2.8 million Syrians with protection.

But Ankara is not [using its soft power to mobilize international support]. It is using language that offends people, even those who want to work with Turkey, who appreciate the efforts of Turkish NGOs and local administrators. How can you cooperate when the other side uses offensive language and plays the blame game? I personally know Turkish officials who have been working very hard on the refugee issue. The Turkish government should let these peoples’ goodwill be reflected in a constructive way.