All kinds of excuses have been given for the cancellation of the Mavi Marmara’s participation in the upcoming flotilla of fools. But this Turkish analyst believes that what’s really going on is something much bigger – a redirection of Turkey toward the West out of fear of the consequences of the recent events in Syria.
However political analysts have now widely dismissed the IHH explanations. Following the wave of unrest affecting the region, especially with Syrian refugees who have ties with the Kurdish communities crossing the borders, the government, the government, fearing a clash back, has decided it should recalibrate its foreign policy to fall more in step with Western allies and pro-democracy movements.
“Of course the IHH will put forth some excuse … because they cannot come out and say ‘the government told us to’,” said Ilter Turan, professor of political science at Istanbul’s Bilgi University.
“Unpredictability in the Middle East is making Turkey feel the need to get closer to the [Western] allies, as it has done in Libya and now in Syria. So I would not be surprised if Turkey tones down its conflict with Israel.” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu apparently agrees. On Tuesday evening, Netanyahu issued a call to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to improve relations.
Government sources on Tuesday confirmed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sent his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan a letter calling for a restoration of friendship between the two countries.
Netanyahu sent the letter after the Turkish elections, as is common practice.
In excerpts of the letter published by the Turkish daily Today’s Zaman, Netanyahu wrote, “My government will be happy to work with the new Turkish government on finding a resolution to all outstanding issues between our countries, in the hope of re-establishing our cooperation and renewing the spirit of friendship which has characterized the relations between our peoples for many generations.”
The letter is seen in Jerusalem as a signal of efforts to try and improve relations between Turkey and Israel.
Government sources have said that Israel’s position is that it regrets the deterioration in its relations with Turkey, and believes that a positive bilateral relationship between Jerusalem and Ankara serves both countries.
The government official said that Israel hopes it will be possible to “turn this thing around,” and “create positive momentum in the relationship.”
via Israel Matzav: Turkey turning back to the West?.
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