LETTERS

Re “Turkey flirts with Tehran,” Editorial, Oct. 31

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Tehran could be seen as undermining Western efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. It could be seen as Turkey “turning its back on the West to embrace Islamist regimes.” It could also be viewed more positively -- as an effort to open a door to the West for Tehran.

Isn’t being a bridge builder between the West and the Islamic world Turkey’s assigned position?

The Bush administration’s sanctions and threats did not prevent Tehran from developing nuclear technology. Erdogan’s effort to start a dialogue probably will be more effective.

Ergun Kunter

Irvine