Iran And Turkey-Egypt Regional Rivalries – Analysis
Written by: Iran Review
September 26, 2011
By Hassan Ahmadian
Israeli commandoes attacked a flotilla taking humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip in May 2010, killing nine Turk activists on board of a flotilla ship. The attack triggered a political crisis which strained Ankara’s ties with Tel Aviv. Turkey then called for immediate removal of Gaza siege, Israel’s apology to Turkey and payment of remuneration to families of the victims. Following publication of Palmer’s report which worked within framework of a UN committee set up to investigate the case, Turkey reduced political relations with Israel and expelled its ambassador. Ankara also threatened Tel Aviv with trade embargo and added that Turkish warships will escort ships that will carry further humanitarian aid to Gaza. Such a policy has had no precedence since Israel came into being. Although it made Palestinians and other Muslims happy and put tremendous regional pressure on Israel, it also gave rise to questions about the main causes behind Turkey’s decision to adopt that policy. Has Israel’s attack on the flotilla and not apologizing to Ankara been enough motives for Turkey to adopt that policy? If so, why it has been adopted after the lapse of 16 months?
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