Turkey: Mediator
Although I’m a fervent critic of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I’ve got to say that I appreciate his role as ‘Middle Eastern Mediator.’ Turkey is a unique country, in a unique decision. It’s a Muslim country, but focused on the West, modern and secular. It’s friends with most other Muslim countries - most of whom aren’t secular - but it’s also friends with European countries, the United States and, yes, Israel; the Jewish nation-state.
PM Erdogan is, therefore, right to try to negotiate a deal between Syria and Israel. Both countries respect and trust Turkey. Aside from that, Turkey is not overly supportive of any side in the Middle Eastern conflict. Many Turks send money, food and clothes to Palestinians. On the other hand, their government has recognized Israel, trades with Israel, and - like just about every single Turk I ever met - believes that Israel should be helped to survive.
The Turkish government - and the Turkish people - isn’t always happy with Israel’s tactics, but it does support Israel and its right to fight back against those who wish to destroy it.
So, does that mean I support a land-for-peace deal? Not necessarily. First we’ll have to look at what such a deal would mean, then I’ll tell you whether or not I support it. In principle, though, I oppose such deals; Syria should make darn clear and sure that such a deal would indeed result in peace between the two nations.
