"Comment: Opportunities gained or lost?
The high-profile visit by Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal to Turkey has put the host country in the spotlight, writes Gareth Jenkins from Ankara
At first sight the visit of Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal to Ankara last week seemed to signal another step towards international isolation. But even many supporters of the Palestinian cause in Turkey are arguing that Ankara hosted the visit in the wrong way, at the wrong time, and for the wrong reason.
Exiled Hamas leader, Khaled Mashaal arrived in Ankara last week, providing a major propaganda coup for the victors of last month's Palestinian elections who are still regarded as pariahs by most of the international community. But, the furious domestic and international reaction appears to have taken the Turkish government by surprise, with even many Turkish supporters of the Palestinian cause claiming that the visit took place in the wrong way, at the wrong time and for the wrong reason."
More:Al-Ahram Weekly | Region | Comment: Opportunities gained or lost?
