Opinion: Should Turkey Pick Sides after Gaza Attack?

Business of Politics in the Middle East

Just as the world looks down at the Gaza situation, all eyes shift north to Turkey’s involvement. The ship that entered restricted areas displayed Turkish flags, just like the flags seen waving in protest along the streets of several Arab countries. As we try to figure out what went wrong by focusing on Israel, the ties between Turkey and the Arab world must be considered. Turkey’s foreign minister, Ahmed Davutaglu accused Israel of kidnapping passengers aboard the ship entering Gaza to deliver aid. He also stated that Turkey will review their relation with Israel following this incident.

The recent Gaza attack has divided Turkey’s interest in the Middle East. Their mutual relations between isolated Israel and the rest of the Arab world are being questioned. Despite their friendship with Israel, Turkey has had some tumultuous outbreaks against Israel’s actions. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip accused Israel of “knowing very well how to kill” before he stormed out of a debate at last month’s World Economic Forum. He was praised by the Arab world for his tough response, but Israel stood their ground. It seems that after the 2008 Gaza breakout, the relations between Turkey and Israel have worsened.

Perhaps being a NATO country, Turkey is trying to be a broker for peace, but the difficulties are greater amidst violence in the Middle East. But, violence does not stop for peace talks, and it creates a difficult situation for Turkey’s self interest and image of appealing to both sides.

Turkey’s interest in the Arab world revolves around the $3 Billion annual trade with Israel. Following their 2000 Free Trade Agreement, Turkey has leveraged Israel’s isolation from the Arab world, and established good ties for trade. But, their NATO duties create this tug of war between their ties with Israel business partners and Arab friends. Increased Gaza violence, and even trade sanctions in Iran will cripple Turkey’s business strategy in the Middle East, so it makes sense to side with peace along the region.

The actual conflict is still blurry for the world to understand. An investigation of the Gaza issue is needed, but will be complicated. The control over the Gaza strip remains in question. Israel’s tougher presence that regulates the flow of goods along the strip was one reason for the incident; but the Arab world believes that Israel should not have control. The fact that the ship was supported by Turkey, and the crew decided to take their own path, causes one to question if Turkey is against Israel’s assumed control in Gaza.

The US relies on Turkey’s strategic location to be a mediator of conflict; and perhaps this recent issue impacted our friendship. Turkey is at a difficult position, and must resolve this Gaza dispute, and move forward with peace talks – all without upsetting the Arab world. Stepping up against violence is the right thing to do, but taking sides before an investigation was the wrong choice. The balancing act will continue, and so far the Arab world has greater weight.