		Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 10 - 16 September 1998 Issue No.394
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875		Current issue \| Previous issue \| Site map

Turkey's choice

Despite Turkey's repeated denials that its alliance with Israel was not formed against any other country in the region, Arab states will continue regarding developments with concern, especially in the military field. Turkey's ties to the Arab and Islamic world are long-standing, and its leaders are well aware of the reasons for the Arab-Israeli conflict. Most Arabs, despite political and historical differences, continue to perceive Turkey as a friendly Muslim nation, assuming that common traditions and history make of Ankara an ally rather than a threat. Indeed, the recent developments in Turkey and the rise of moderate Islamist groups confirmed that the majority of Turks share the feelings of their Arab neighbours, and identify themselves as part of the Islamic world rather than Europe.

Turkey has chosen the worst possible time to develop its ties with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is openly reiterating extremist Zionist claims to Palestinian territories. The Arabs would have expected Ankara to join them in pressing his right-wing government to adhere to its commitments. The Turkish government, however, chose instead to confine itself to the rhetoric of "supporting peace in the region", while in reality it has been helping Netanyahu avoid international pressure to change his policies.

Ankara should not expect praise from its Arab neighbours, therefore, especially when it focuses on military cooperation with Israel. Syria, which is officially at war with Israel as long as the Golan Heights remain under Israeli occupation, can only consider Israeli and Turkish jets near its borders as a direct threat, and most Arab countries share the same view. Nor do Netanyahu's statements regarding a regional security alliance with Turkey support Ankara's claims that its relations with Tel Aviv are similar to its ties with any other country.

Relations between the Arab world and Turkey could have a bright future. Ankara would do well to address the concerns of Arab countries by avoiding action which will be seen as a threat to their security, particularly military manoeuvres and alliances.