Editorial
Tension in Turkey-Israel relations
Erdogan turns proactive in Muslim world
The downgrade of diplomatic relations between one time allies Turkey and Israel is a very big development. This follows from the September 2, 2011 announcement by Turkey that it will formally expel Israel's ambassador and suspend all military agreements with Israel.
Turkey's reasoning behind this decision is a result of Israel's refusal to apologize for the May 2010 killing of Turkish activists aboard a pro-Palestinian flotilla which attempted to go through an Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Turkey refuses to re-establish ties with Israel and the latter refuses to apologize, hence marking a dead end to any revival of the once friendly relations that the two nations have shared since 1957.
It seems obvious and important to note here that from both sides, it is a question of national pride which is dominating diplomacy. It is in Turkey's best interest to maintain pragmatic relations with Israel in order for the Turkish economy not to suffer and to battle Kurdish rebels. It is equally in the best interest of Israel to maintain peaceful relations with Turkey as it reaches a more isolated position in the region. The situation is therefore a double-edged sword where neither party stands to gain.
There is no doubt that there are strong political reasons for Turkey's decision, notably related to the fact that Turkey wishes to join the EU. Since entering office, Prime Minister Erdogan has decreased the power of the military and will no longer require Israel to vouch for its pro-Western orientation. Turkey is keen on playing a hand-on role in the Muslim world.
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