The West should be relieved Erdogan won

AS FORMER Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan relinquishes his post in order to become the first directly elected President of Turkey it signals a new era for Britain's NATO ally.

Mr Erdogan's election has not been without controversy but now that he has won the presidency he is preparing to reconcile with those who have opposed him during the campaign.

In his victory announcement to supporters Mr Erdogan promised that the changes he planned would benefit everyone.

 "I will not be the president of only those who voted for me, I will be the president of 77 million.

"Today the national will won once again, today democracy won once again. Those who didn't vote for me won as much as those who did, those who don't like me won as much as those who do."

Offering an olive branch to his two former rivals the President elect continued by saying:

"I want to build a new future, with an understanding of a societal reconciliation, by regarding our differences as richness, and by pointing out not our differences but our common values."

With Turkey already playing a key role in regional conflicts Western politicians have been watching the election closely. Mr Erdogan's victory has not come as a great shock and neither will his proposed constitutional changes to the previously predominantly ceremonial role of President.

Mr Erdogan has made no secret during the election of his plans to imbue the role with more powers. While some critics have voiced concern that this could be an attempt to garner more authoritarian rule in the country other more moderate voices have highlighted the key benefits to the move.

As Prime Minister Mr Erdogan has overseen a period of sustained economic growth in Turkey, while the rest of the world was still struggling to overcome the ramifications of the 2008 economic crisis. He has also manoeuvred Turkey into a position to be a key player on global affairs at a time when strength and experience are needed. 

Already taking a leading role in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine Turkey has proven itself to be an important ally to the West under Mr Erdogan's leadership. Having been barred from running again for the role of Prime Minister, a position which he has held since 2003, the post of President should give Mr Erdogan the opportunity to further strengthen the ties he has already created and utilise his experience to promote stability in the region.

As Britain, America and other nations start the air offensive against militants from the self proclaimed Islamic Caliphate in Iraq, along with aid drops for the besieged inhabitants, Turkey's assistance will prove invaluable. Likewise as fears grow over an escalation in Ukraine and NATO being drawn into the struggle Turkish support will prove essential. Previously Presidents have not had the necessary power to provide much say in such affairs. If Mr Erdogan's amendments succeed then the West may find that they have a powerful ally in the new Turkish leader at a time when they most certainly need one.