As economic contagion tarnishes the European Union, a newly assertive Turkey is increasing a vexing question: Should Turkey reject Europe before Europe rejects Turkey? The prime minister of Turkey made Turkey'e entry into the European Union his overriding goal. The party leaded by him tackled thorny issues like improving minority rights and easing restriction on free speech to make Turkey closer to Western norms. But Turkey'bid was greeted with skepticism and even disdain by some members of the union. The tumult of Arab Spring creating opportunities for Turkey to wield new clout as regional power.