Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Turkey's strategic shift regarding Israel

The fallout of the Israeli raid on the Gaza flotilla in 2010 continues to be felt in the region. Just recently the Turk government severed major diplomatic ties with Israel and pulled out of all existing military pacts with the Jewish state. It has also announced it will be withdrawing from commercial links with Israel. Now, today, media reports are surfacing that Turk leader, Erdogan, will be pursuing closer military ties with Egypt. This is a major shift in geopolitical loyalties and places enormous strain on Israel at a time when the threat of war is escalating. To Israel's north Lebanon is currently controlled by Hezbollah and its allies, Syria is in the throes of unrest and Gaza is ready to exact revenge for countless IAF airstrikes. The Palestinian Authority is also readying for a UN vote on statehood. Should it pass the impact on Israel would be enormous as anti-Israel regimes (Iran, Syria etc) would gain a strong ally on Israel's doorstep. Even if it doesn't pass there is a major threat of civil unrest in the West Bank. Only Jordan appears to maintain its neutrality with regards to Israel. Interesting times ahead.

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