How do the United States and eastern Mediterranean nations compare ?

Turkey's strategic position directly influences U.S. policies vis-?-vis Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Caucasus.

It has a growing strategic relationship with another long-term American ally, Israel, and it controls access to the Black Sea.

The successful exploitation and security of Caspian oil and natural gas reserves will certainly involve the transport of energy resources through Turkey, either overland or through the Bosporus, or both.

Turkey is a Muslim democratic country. The successful melding of Islam with a democratic, Western-oriented government serves as a model for many other nations in the region.

With regard to Greece, the strategic importance of the country has increased because of events in the Balkans over the last 10 years. Greece is certainly the most stable and economically viable country in that region. Greece's role in the region's development will grow even more as Balkan countries continue to struggle with their future.