HAS ISRAEL MANAGED TO SATISFY TURKEY?

As we all know, Turkey has recently warned Israel about two issues: ending ‘state terrorism’ against the Palestinians, and its activities in northern Iraq. The Sharon government seems determined to continue acting unilaterally on the former, turning a deaf ear to widespread international criticism. But the latter issue is much more serious for Turkey. When asked about the reports, Israeli officials deny these claims. ‘There’s no need for concern, as Israel isn’t conducting any military activities in the region,’ they say. Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also denied the claims during his recent visit to Turkey. But there was a nuance to his words: ‘I assure you that Israel isn’t involved in any activities in northern Iraq which would concern Turkey.’ In other words, Israel is involved in certain activities in the region, about which, Olmert asserts, Turkey need not be concerned.

Israel is currently in contact with the Kurdish groups in the region so as to follow its two big enemies closely, namely, Syria and Iran. Such activities are normal for a country like Israel which doesn’t shrink from violating international law. The cooperation of the Sharon government with the Kurds helps these groups, including the terrorist PKK, reassert themselves in the region. At least the PKK gains more power.

Turkey’s concern and opposition should be interpreted as an ‘early warning.’ As a matter of fact, Israel’s stance contradicts Washington’s, as the US has pledged to fight PKK terrorism.

As long as Israel continues to pursue such questionable policies, Ankara’s doubts will inevitably multiply.”