Is the Turkish-Israeli Rapprochement for Real?
Since assuming power in 2002, Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) has sought to position Turkey as a leading Middle Eastern power, prompting some analysts to allege 'neo-Ottoman' ambitions. The 'Turkish model' of modernism and moderation has been hailed across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) as a model to be emulated, and was enhanced by the Arab Awakening. Prior to the AKP assuming power, Ankara and Jerusalem had a unique military alliance, based on their shared security interests. However, since 2008, Ankara has regularly spouted anti-Israel rhetoric -- which contributed to the AKP's 'street cred' across the Arab world -- while at the same time continuing some aspects of its military cooperation with Jerusalem.
More:Is the Turkish-Israeli Rapprochement for Real? | Daniel Wagner
