AMMAN - Arab countries believe Turkey entering the European Union would strengthen their own relations with Europe and bolster efforts to portray Islam as a moderate religion, analysts say.

"Turkey's negotiations with the European Union are a sign of encouragement," said Fares Braizat, a researcher at the center of Centre of Strategic Studies of the University of Jordan.

"For the Arabs it means that Turkey could play a play a significant role within the European Union regarding EU policies towards the Arab and Muslim regions. Turkey is seen as a model for positive engagement with the world."

With one foot firmly planted in the East and the other in the West, Turkey is seen by other Muslim countries as a role model that has successfully balanced tradition and modernisation.

"The Arabs look up to Turkey as a model for bringing modernisation and democracy," Braizat said.

"This could inspire Arab countries that if you introduce democratic reforms, it would mean you have the advantage of being considered for a better partnership with the European Union," he added.

A Muslim but secular state of 70 million people, Turkey is due to begin accession talks on Monday with a Europe whose history and culture are broadly Christian, but where the influence of that faith is waning.

The entry of a "Muslim country into a Christian club will be beneficial for both parties," said Qatari analyst Abdelhamid al-Ansari.

The move is expected to trigger economic dividends for Ankara and help Turkey "rationalise its policies," said Ansari, a former dean of theology at Doha University.

"Ankara appears more apt at admitting the Armenian genocide and at recognising Cyprus, but also in dealing well with its minorities such as the Kurds," he said, listing the three thorny issues standing in the way of Turkey's EU membership.

By accepting Turkey, "the EU will be shedding its 'Christian club' label, improving Europe's image in the Muslim world and encouraging Turkey's model -- a moderate Islamic state which is also a democracy," Ansari said.

"This would help moderates and liberals across the Muslim world to confront Islamic extremism."

Turkey's neighbour Syria, which is facing harsh criticism from Washington over its alleged failure to prevent the infiltration of militants and weapons into Iraq, is crossing its fingers that Ankara will be admitted into the EU.

"Turkey's membership is important for Syria because it will become Europe's direct neighbour," said Elias Murad, the chief editor of Al-Baath, the ruling party's newspaper.

"This will contribute to improve political and economic relations with the EU," Murad said.

Syria had to pull troops out of Lebanon in April under heavy international pressure, ending nearly three decades of military and political domination of its smaller neighbour.

In July, European Union foreign ministers urged Syria to support the new government in Lebanon and stop backing groups that oppose moves to establish peace in the Middle East "A positive Syrian contribution to regional stability would contribute to deepening the EU-Syria relationship," a statement said.

Lebanon also believes Turkey should be admitted to the EU.

"Turkey should not be excluded because it is a Muslim country," an official source said.

"Turkey's admission into the EU will have a positive impact on international cooperation and will be beneficial for Lebanon," the source said.

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