Babacan said Turkey -- a country flanked by Europe and Middle East hotspots such as Syria and Iraq -- is subscribing to the western-style democracy.

CNN: Deputy PM: Turkey 'inspiration' for Islam and democracy

The policy makers in Washington realise that a quick and decisive military victory in Iraq would allow the US to install a Western-style government in a country with the second largest oil reserves on the planet.

BBC: Viewpoint: Why Saddam must go

The argument goes that politics, at least in this country, depends less on individual - glib or lofty, depending on your taste - Western-style television performances and more on structures, local branches and a collective spirit.

BBC: Which African leaders can make good speeches?