Page 164 - A Call for a Turkish-Islamic Union

A CALL FOR A TURKISH-ISLAMIC UNION

addition, the so-called peace plans often incorporate certain clauses

that do more harm than good. The Islamic world has an obligation
to produce a joint action plan to safeguard the affected Muslims'
rights.
The number of issues awaiting resolution by the Turkish Is-
lamic Union indicates that it will have a busy schedule. To function
efficiently, it needs to have a permanent operational headquarters,
form the legislative and administrative organs that will coordinate
their activities (including their subdivisions), and ensure that these
institutions will function properly. The infrastructure that will de-

liver the right decisions at the right time must be built, the union
must inspire trust with its activities, and its members must be reas-
sured that their rights are fully protected.
The Turkish Islamic Union must have the flexibility to adapt
to changing political conditions and the foresight to develop ap-
propriate strategies. The need for an active central authority that
can take the initiative, instead of giving reflexive responses to

world events or being content with either criticizing or voicing
opinions, is obvious. This center must shoulder the responsibility
for coordinating, supervising, and serving the interest of all mem-
ber states equally. It must consider all developments objectively
and be guided by the Islamic world's demands. A Turkish Islamic
Union that can arbitrate between member states, resolve their con-
flicts of interests, and protect Muslims in their dealings with other
nations will increase the Islamic world's cultural, economic, and
political influence.

For the Turkish Islamic Union to become a united force and a
unifying structure, it must protect modern social values, respect the
human rights of all people, and be based on democratic principles.
Not surprisingly, all of these values are central to Islamic morality.

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