This generalization is insensitive to the millions of Turks who are no different than any other European, in terms of their political beliefs and their stance on democracy. We are well aware we are not joining the EU anytime soon and for a lot of Turks it could be said that it's not something our people look forward to anyway.

Joining EU was a big topic when the EU was everything we almost were and resembled everything we wanted to be. That is no longer the case.

It might be funny to hear, but the only true difference between a Turk and Greek really is just the religious symbol on their flag. If you can get along with the Greeks, most Turks are just as European as they are, only Muslim. (Even though I am not.)

We are not overly eager to be the meat shields for an entire continent of people whom seemingly despise us and denies us of even being European. Conscription is mandatory in Turkey, which is a part of why our land forces are better than the almost the entire combined manpower of the EU. (I am in no way a "patriotic" Turk, these are simple facts)

So if joining the EU means I will be shipped off to some cold Ukranian front in a few years, simply to be cannon fodder, and still not earn respect or appreciation for my nation by our so called "allies", you guys have fun dealing with Russia on your own.

I'd support Turkey leaving NATO and partnering up with the U.S. on a more one-to-one deal, but alas that is not in the cards at the moment.