Drumroll please, for…my first American guest blogger! Today we hear from David Halperin.
Standard guest post disclaimer: all views and opinions expressed in this post are solely and exclusively the personal views of the guest author. They may not necessarily represent or reflect my own views and opinions, nor does this guest post imply that the guest author agrees or disagrees with any of MY opinions unless otherwise explicitly stated. These guest posts should not be construed as reflecting nor may they necessarily reflect the opinions, positions, policies or official business of any organization with which I or the guest author may be professionally or otherwise affiliated.
Now that we have that cleared up…
In His Words: David Halperin
David lookin' sharp and serious. Another outstanding photo from fellow Mainer and freelance journalist Seth McLaughlin.
Name:
David Halperin
Professional Life
Assistant Director, Israel Policy Forum (IPF); Consultant, Center for American Progress
What inspired you to apply to YTYA?
I had attended a meeting of leaders from the organized American Jewish community with Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan during the week of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009. I came away from the meeting disappointed with the state of dialogue, not only in that particular meeting – or between the American Jewish community and Turkish government – but also regarding Americans’ understanding in general of Turkey’s evolving (and growing) strategic importance both in Europe and the Middle East.
I was intrigued that the program called for participants who had experience with diversity, which suggested the group would be comprised of individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences from which I could learn (which certainly ended up being the case).
I also just always wanted to go to Turkey. I think the history and it being in the center of the world is just super cool.
What’s something you learned during the two weeks in America?
“Sherefe” means “cheers” in Turkish.
Also, the challenges and opportunities facing Turkey in the coming years – and even months – are just huge. I felt that I knew some of the basics of Turkish history and recent developments—I had no idea how little I actually knew. With YT/YA I developed a genuine appreciation for the kind of evolution Turkey is currently experiencing and the variety of views that Turks have as to what that means for their national identity and international role going forward.
I also learned of the still untapped potential of Turkey-US business ties, the variety of energy crossroads, the sensitivity of how to discuss the Kurdish question and the Armenian genocide issue, etc., etc.
Most of all I learned a great deal from the participants—an amazingly intelligent group of people with incredible life experiences who are passionate about making the world a better place wherever they live, whatever their profession.
What do you hope to gain from the trip to Turkey?
A stronger understanding of the views of the Turkish public to its emerging influence in a variety of international arenas, as well as their views of US policies and how and why US public diplomacy efforts may be falling short in Turkey.
To the extent we can address the challenges facing the policy differences between the two countries, how they can better communicate to overcome such differences, and ultimately develop ideas for educating both publics on the importance of the bilateral relationship would be cool. Sounds ambitious, but our group is capable, if you ask me.
Care to share a funny, interesting, or touching moment from the experience so far?
Funny: Fellow American participant Josh Martin explaining in detail to Turkish participant Gokhan the meaning of a raunchy joke, which I unfortunately cannot explain here because it would make this blog “NSFW” as the kids say on the internets…
Interesting: The reaction of the Turks to the “K” word. Also just being in DC discussing US-Turkey relations at a time when the ambassador had been recalled to Ankara, with DC locked-in on what was going to happen with the health care vote, at a time of probably the largest immigration rally, etc etc – all interesting experiences.
Touching: “The iPhone is designed in the U.S.A, and assembled in China,” wise and touching words by Gokhan Gondogdu.
Idle Expatter 
Manisma Aki?