How important is Washington for Turkey's strategic interests, considering its controversial relations with the European Union? The Kurdish problem has affected Turkey's bid for EU membership, and also its relations with the US as the war on terrorism is pursued. Are Turkish values and national interests, based on the legacy of Ataturk, compatible with minority rights, as defined by the EU, and if not, why not? Moreover, is there any advantage to Turkey in joining the EU, or is the price too high, relating to human rights concessions and legal issues? These important questions are examined in this volume.