The Turkish Development Role in the Territories under the Government of Development and Justice Party (2002-2010)

This study dealt with the Turkish development role in the Occupied Palestinian Territories under the Development and Justice Party Government between 2002-2010. The study mainly examined the political and economic role of Turkey. To this end, the researcher studied the Turkish political and economic positions, statements and measures. The study first surveyed the historical development of the Turkish stance towards the Palestinian cause(1948-2002). Then the study dealt with the Turkish policy towards the Palestinian cause since the rule of the Development and Justice Party(2002-2010). The study also dwelt on the Turkish economic aid and its development role in the Palestinian-state building and enabling the Palestinians to stay on their lands. . The researcher used the analytical descriptive method to describe and explain the Turkish position towards the events and developments which the Palestinian cause has experienced over the years. The researcher specifically examined the decision-making method to study the internal and external factors that have influenced the Turkish political decision. She also used the comparative method to find out the areas of similarity and difference between the Turkish political and economic role towards the Occupied Palestinian Territories before 2002 and after. The study has arrived at the following conclusions: 1. There was a change in the Turkish positions towards Palestine before and after 2002. Between 1948-1967 the Turkish position was characterized by isolationism, neutrality and hesitation, indecisiveness and double standard. However, between 1967-1993, the Turkish position was characterized by clarity, and limited openness in attitude. Between 1993-2002,the Turkish political discourse changed dramatically became supportive of the Palestinian position. This was due to internal and external factors which influenced the Turkish political decision. Between 2002-2010, the Turkish political and economic role began to enjoy visions and independent perceptions different from those of other influential parties. The Turkish began to work for the protection and empowerment of the Palestinians politically and economically to build their independent state in line with the Palestinian priorities and development needs. In this context, they supported sectors whose priority was to introduce reforms and render economic development. In this study, it was also found that the Turkish economic aid and support of projects were given according to professional mechanisms and were not conditioned for approval. The only criterion for approval of any project was how much it was beneficial to the largest number of the people in Palestine and how much it would meet the needs of the Palestinian population. In the light of the study findings, the researcher came up with the following recommendations: 1. Calling upon the official and non-official institutions to work toward the setting up of mechanisms in order to reinforce the Turkish role economically and politically in Palestine. 2. Calling upon the researchers and specialists and Palestinian universities to establish research centers to conduct research on all aspects of life in Palestine and Turkey such as politics, economics, history, culture and social life. This is in addition to exchange of practical and scientific expertise .