Turkey’s Relations with Israel and Iran: A Closer Look

In a recent interview with Baris Karaagac, a lecturer in international development studies at Trent University, the complex and ever-changing relationships between Turkey, Israel, and Iran were discussed. Despite the tumultuous history between the countries, Karaagac sheds light on the contradictions and complexities in their current political and diplomatic relations.

Origins of Turkish-Israeli Relations

Turkey was the first predominantly Muslim country to recognize Israel in 1949. However, the relations between the two nations have been marked by oscillations over the years. The attack by the IDF on the Gaza flotilla in 2010, which led to the deaths of nine passengers, strained the relationship even further. Despite Turkey’s demands for an official apology, compensation for the victims’ families, and an end to the blockade in Gaza, there has been little change in the practical aspects of the relationship.

Israeli-Turkish Trade Relations

Despite the strong rhetoric used by Turkish officials, trade between the two countries has continued to flourish. The trade volume has increased from $2.6 billion to $4.4 billion since the Gaza incident in 2008-2009, indicating that business is as usual despite the public discourse.

Turkey’s Role in the Middle East Alliance

Karaagac suggests that Turkey’s outwardly combative rhetoric towards Israel is intended to appease both its own population and the Arab public in the Middle East. However, the Turkish public has grown increasingly critical of the government’s failure to deliver on its anti-Israeli stance. This, coupled with Turkey’s alignment with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and even Israel in managing their interests in the Middle East, paints a picture of Turkey’s nuanced and sometimes contradictory position in the region.

Turkey’s Relations with Iran

While Turkish-Iranian relations were previously close and friendly, they began to deteriorate as Turkey sided with the rebels in Syria’s insurgency. Additionally, Turkey’s hosting of the NATO missile shield and the deployment of Patriot missiles along the Syrian border have strained relations with Iran, which has threatened to attack Turkey if Iran is targeted.

Impact on Relations with Russia and China

Turkey’s stance towards Iran and Syria has drawn criticism from Russia and China, further complicating its international relations. The shift towards a stronger commitment to the Western alliance has also affected Turkey’s relationships with these key global players.

Speculation on Turkey’s Political Shift

Baris Karaagac speculates that Turkey’s shift in 2011 towards aligning with its NATO allies and the Arab League against Syria and Iran may have been an unexpected response to the developments in the region. The rebellion in Syria and the need to choose sides forced Turkey to align with its Western allies, despite its previous “zero problems policy” with its neighbors.

Conclusion

The interview with Baris Karaagac provides valuable insights into the complexities of Turkey’s diplomatic relations with Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East region. It highlights the contradictions between public rhetoric and practical policies, shedding light on the intricate web of alliances and political maneuvering that characterize Turkey’s role as a major player in the Middle East conflict.

As Turkey continues to navigate its relationships with Israel, Iran, and other regional powers, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will evolve in the ever-changing landscape of international politics.

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