Ynet Reports:
In what can be called the first direct result of US President Barack Obama's visit, minutes after his departure, news of a US orchestrated reconciliation between Israel and Turkey breaks.
Reuters reported that Israel apologized to Turkey on Friday for killing nine Turkish citizens in a 2010 naval raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla leading Israel and Turkey, both US allies, to agree to normalize relations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed an apology to the Turkish people for any error that may have led to the loss of life, and agreed to complete the agreement for compensation," an official Israeli statement said.
Netanyahu and Erdogan "agreed to restore normalization between the two countries, including returning their ambassadors (to their posts)," the statement added.In addition at the Times of Israel
A US official said "Erdogan accepted the apology on behalf of Turkey."
Erdogan also “withdrew” recent comments calling Zionism a crime against humanity, though he did not apologize for them, an informed source said.So now the guessing game begins... What does this all mean?
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two men agreed to restore normalization between Israel and Turkey, including the dispatch of ambassadors and the cancellation of legal steps against IDF soldiers,” Netanyahu’s office said in the statement.Netanyahu told Erdogan that he had “good talks” with Obama “on the issue of regional cooperation and the importance of Israeli-Turkish relations. The prime minister expressed regret over the deterioration in bilateral relations [with Turkey] and noted his commitment to working out the disagreements in order to advance peace and regional stability,” the statement added.“The prime minister made it clear that the tragic results regarding the Mavi Marmara were unintentional and that Israel expresses regret over injuries and loss of life. In light of the Israeli investigation into the incident, which pointed out several operational errors, Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized to the Turkish people for any errors that could have led to loss of life and agreed to complete the agreement on compensation,” the statement continued.
My take is that Iran and Hizbollah just got served a severe notice. You may ask "What does Iran have to do with this?".. Well let me tell you. This is an exercise so far in U.S. diplomatic power. First Kerry to Egypt.. and Egypt then immediately cuts off the tunnels at Rafah, and arrests Seven Palestinians planning a terror strike after stealing some Army uniforms.
Now we have this reconciliation with Turkey. This is starting to look like a regional agreement to stop Iran in it's tracks. With the Assad regime teetering and involved in a brutal Civil War (Syrian forces near the Golan were just recently overrun), Iran is running out of allies. And Israel and Turkey have been taking steps (independently) to control that.
IF Israeli and Turkish reconciliation could hold, this would be a powerful stopgap against both Hizbollah and either the Assad Regime (should it survive) or the Jihadi / Muslim Brotherhood State that seems to be emerging from the wreckage of the Assad Regime.
It is a bit curious that Erdogan would immediately promise full reconciliation though in light of his recent rhetoric (that earned a hearty "FUCK YOU") from this site. For those unfamiliar, Erdogan claimed that that Zionism was as bad as anti-Semitism and other "crimes against humanity".
Given this, I think we can assume that the U.S. either put heavy pressure on both Erdogan and Netanyahu, or he did something behind the scenes that made this all "magically disappear".
Please feel free to discuss.
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(livosh1)
ReplyDeleteWow -- quite the unexpected accomplishment. More kudos to the President. This trip has certainly exceeded expectations.
And, this has clearly been a rough few days for the Israel haters and ODS sufferers. Heh.
It is only getting rougher for them as well... Nothing the President does will be good enough.
DeleteEven were the President strike and take out Iranian Nuclear facilities it wouldn't matter. The Hard Left would be all up in arms about the injustice of this and the Lunatic Right would still say that Obama hates Israel and this just proves it because... Islam.... and something.... who the fuck knows what reality those guys live in?
This was a great trip and it would be great if they could continue to build on regional relationships. We'll see, I think the PM is about to face some serious challenges IF things go the way the U.S. wants.
In the end I say Kol Ha'Kvod Mr. President... Everyday I am more and more glad that I voted for the man.
Interesting take on the apology and its effect on the region, it makes perfect sense. I was pretty sure that the chemical weapons scare in Syria was THE motivating factor. This is why I only play two dimensional chess. --Hey338Too
ReplyDeleteYeah the Chem. weapons scare may have had something to do with the timing. I am thinking something big could be up, but, then again I may be very wrong.
DeleteI too only play two dimensional chess and am thankful for it.
Is it all you guys can talk about, Obama haters? Seems to be a main concern in almost every thread.
ReplyDeleteLet's see how Turkey responds, now that its view has been affirmed. Erdogan may have "withdrawn" his words, but they came from his heart, and his country is losing its secular foundation.
Is it all you guys can talk about, Obama haters? Seems to be a main concern in almost every thread.
DeleteNah, if you actually read what we write here, we discuss actual issues concerning Israel, The U.S. and Progressive Politics.
Thanks for your concern though... I will take it up with the owner of the blog.
As for this:
Let's see how Turkey responds, now that its view has been affirmed. Erdogan may have "withdrawn" his words, but they came from his heart, and his country is losing its secular foundation.
Can't disagree here.
So far, Erdogan is getting slammed at home for this. We'll see what really transpires, but if you read the post you would actually see that what I think the reasoning was for this. Turkey is losing it's secular foundation but does that mean it is not a useful tool in the arsenal against Iran?
I do read what is here. I think what I said is accurate.
DeleteFIRST Comment: clearly been a rough few days for the Israel haters and ODS sufferers
Response: Hard Left would be all up in arms about the injustice of this and the Lunatic Right would still say that Obama.
What I said is not at all imagined.
As for what this means, others can speculate. It depends on whether Erdogan's intentions are positive, and that can be doubted based on his conduct. He is firmly in control there, and he is no democrat. I would not have apologized, but held firm to principle. It will be used as indoctrination for the believers.
Turkey is not a "tool" in our arsenal, Iran or no Iran. It is a sovereign state that pursues its own interests. Cooperation with Iran is growing as Turkey becomes more sectarian. It is in Israel's interest to have full diplomatic relations with Turkey, for many reasons. I see no grand strategy at work, but different situations where any could spiral out of control.
For the first part... Meh... still waiting response from the blog owner, but, I will be sure to let him know of your concern.
DeleteAs for the second part.... Though it rankles a basic part of me, and I can see your reasoning I tend to agree with both Avodah Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich when she says:
“Turkey is a regional power and relations with the country are very important to Israel,” Yachimovich said. “Even if the apology to the Turks was done with a heavy heart, it is good that it has been done.”
The Labor party leader went on to explain that “it is better to forgive and do what is wise and beneficial for the state,” rather than focus on Israel’s honor.
“We hope that reconciliation with the Turks after three years of disconnect is the first step towards a new political re-entrenchment that will strengthen our diplomatic and strategic position,” she said.
And Tzipi Livni when she said:
“Reconciliation is a very important step and correct at this time, especially with what is happening in Syria,” Livni said, adding that “Israel, Turkey and the United States have shared security interests.”
I realize that Turkey is it's own nation but in realpolitick terms it is a component or "tool" in/of the U.S. attempts to build a regional alliance to deal with problems that will be caused by Iranian hegemonistic ambitions and funneled through either Syria (Assad) or Hizbollah.
I see very much, a grand strategy, I just think much more is happening behind the scenes than we can even imagine.
Not sure if any of you are watching UP with Chris Hayes. Interesting discussion. I gotta say Rashid Khaladi and Noura Erakat are both being douchebags. When Jeremy Ben Ami (and I love the guy), is the far right view on your panel thats a problem.
ReplyDeleteGood pick-up on the "Ben-Ami" thing. That truly is a fucked up thing when Ben-Ami (who is a really reasonable guy) is your "right wing presence" because as we all know Ben-Ami is the furthest thing from a rightist.
DeleteOn Khalidi and Erekat being douchebags... Why it must be a day ending in "y"...