From Iraq to Syria from Diego Garcia to Iran and from Turkey to Israel, a nasty picture is emerging. One by one, events are taking place that seem destined for an inevitable confrontation in the Middle East.
Since 2003, when no WMD were found in Iraq, there has always been speculation that they'd been sent to Syria. Now it seems there are satellite photos which support that assertion.
Turkey also seems to be positioning itself with PM Erdogan making all kinds of war-like noises. Not only is he preparing another flotilla to challenge Israel's blockade, to be escorted by armed Turkish warships, but he's apparently said he himself might be on board.
The prime minister's office in Ankara is forking out millions of dollars to the IHH (Insani Yardim Vakfi), the Istanbul-based terrorist group linked to al Qaeda and Hamas, with orders to purchase 8-10 large ships for a formidable fleet to challenge the Israeli Navy and its enforcement of the 20-mile blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The PM has also
... shored up his intelligence ranks ahead of his planned showdown with Israel, replacing professional directors for the first time in modern Turkish history with civilians, radical Muslims close to him personally.
Erdogan has also built up Turkey's forces in Northern Cyprus but was apparently warned off from accompanying the last Gaza flotilla by Obama and Sarkozy. Perhaps he sees himself as another Ataturk, father of his people? Something's definitely going on with him but there are better, more peaceful ways he can get his name into the history books.
Two footnotes: Turkey still carries out human rights violations against the Kurds and Cameron's Conservatives still want Turkey in the EU.
UPDATE: With thanks to Ian P-J in the comments, for the latest news: Iran is also offering to provide military escorts
"Iran's Revolutionary Guards naval forces are fully prepared to escort the peace and freedom convoys to Gaza with all their powers and capabilities," Ali Shirazi, Khamenei's representative inside the Revolutionary Guards, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency.
Cross-posted
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I don't think they realise, Israel will not allow it even if it means sinking the new flotilla.
6 June 2010 at 20:21If a Middle east war does start and Israel think they might be in danger of annihilation then they will go nuclear. These people are playing with fire and Allah will not step in for them no matter their ludicrous beliefs.
It's hard to see what's going on, QM. Someone posted a link at my place to a Turkish newspaper article which says Israel and Turkey still have some ongoing defence projects and that they won't be cancelled. Everyone's supplying everyone else with arms :-(
6 June 2010 at 22:11GV, problem is that the Turkish army is secular and it is an Islamist party running the government. I've no doubt the Turkish army will fight though, but, there is also a possibility of a military coup if the Army thinks the Islamists are going to take them into a religious war.
7 June 2010 at 09:55It is very confusing and there are a lot of mixed messages coming out of the region.
I'm sorry, but with very strong ties to Cyprus I can't stand Turkey. They need to butt the hell out and concentrate on getting their own matters in order before meddling in issues which shouldn't be concerning them.
7 June 2010 at 11:11Seconded, TTO. Erdogan is being hailed as the 'new hero of the Islamic world' in sections of the Mid-East press. He should pay attention to his own country's human rights violations and find a peaceful solution for the Kurds in northern Turkey. He's stationing more troops in N.Cyprus so that's not good either. He's also meeting Ahmajinedad again this week. What is it with these people? They're always banging war drums.
7 June 2010 at 17:55Post a Comment