Abstract
Iran's decision to capture British soldiers may endanger its economic and political links with the European Union and discourage the foreign investments the country needs for the modernization of its economy. Iran's attempt to get the nuclear weapon combined with its declaration about Israel being wiped off the map marginalizes the country on the international stage. Thus Ehteshami might be too optimistic in its conclusion, when he says that Khatamy moderation inheritance will probably last. The negotiation process with the European Union that Turkey pursues reveals more than ever its wish to enter the European Union. However, to do so, Turkey will have to make concessions about its traditional kemalist nationalism, which according to Robins is one of the bases of Turkish identity.
