Dear Stradigma Readers,

Two key countries, Russia and Turkey, which are located in the Eurasia geopolitics, have a common past of about 500 years. The relationship of two countries has had tense periods in the process of history resulting from the ethnic identity struggles, being in the opposite poles and the reciprocal threat perceptions. But, especially since 1970's, with the addition of energy dimension to the developing economical relations, parties have begun to pursue more moderate policies within the framework of mutual interests. In this context, the Blue Stream Natural Gas Project, which was realized between two countries recently and which keeps the agenda of public opinion very busy, highlights the importance of the future of economic relations between two countries.

In the direction of these developments, we give place to articles, analyzing the state of present and future Russia-Turkey relations and also Russia's strategic preferences, Russia-European Union relations, Russia's geopolitics and ethnic identity and Russia's relations with its close neighbors in the 7th issue (August 2003) of Stradigma Journal. An original study that evaluates the connection of army-arms technology-operation in the Iraq War is given place. We deemed appropriate to issue an original study that evaluates in general the importance of the month of August from the perspective of Turkish national identity.

In the Vision Studies section, we continue to issue the second part of potential scenarios which analyses the cooperation strategies between Central Asian Republics and Turkey, which we started in the previous issue. In the interview section of this issue, an interview with Prof. Refet YİNANÇ is presented, Head of International Relations Department of Gazi University, about his comments on the recent developments.

We are happy to present you original studies in each issue. We hope that our next issue (September 2003-8th issue of Stradigma) will be rich in content as well.

Sincerely,

Yüksel SAMAST
Executive Editor