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Speaking on recent developments in relations between the United States and Turkey, Abdullah Akyuz, the Washington, DC, representative of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD), told an Ankara luncheon on December 8 that the Iraq war continues to define the current state of the relationship.   But there are many positives coming out of Washington. Akyuz, who spoke as part of a luncheon series hosted by GMF, said the Pentagon is playing a lesser role in the relationship that it had in the past, although the U.S. State Department and American think tanks have increased their interest in Turkey.   High-level visits between two countries signal that relations are moving in a positive direction, Aykuz said, while also praising the nomination of Ross Wilson for ambassador to Turkey.   Aykuz said the U.S. government’s Greater Middle East Initiative is also in line with Turkey’s interests in the region. Accordingly, Turkey should take steps to contribute to the project.   Finally, and most often overlooked, economic relations between the two countries could propel the relationship forward, he said.