Turkey is the only Muslim country on the European mainland. It is a country where reasonable Muslim influences continue to dominate over fundamentalist Muslim internal pressure. Despite enormous internal and external Muslim pressure, it provided the necessary facilities for United States and United Kingdom air strikes against Sadam Hussein during the Gulf War. At a time of huge international tension, Turkey continues to host United States air bases. Its associations and trade agreements with the EU have worked very well. Provided it can solve its human rights difficulties Turkey should be seen as a contender for EU membership. Apart from its strategic military importance the accession of a Muslim member would have enormous positive benefits for the EU in terms of diversity, plurality and stability.