After snubbing Israel, Turkey to hold defense drills with Syria

Clever move by Ankara to ditch Israel for better ties with Syria, Armenia, Iran. Arab Union is what they need and not Israel's friendship. It should be a good wake up call for israel, it's foreign policy and their foreign playmates.

Before the elections in Turkey 7 years ago I was also warning all my Turkish friends not to vote for AKP because it would turn Turkey into the Sheria but did they listen? I guess poor people would do anything to get a care package of coal beans and bread. I cannot blame them too. As they say in Turkey Devletin gemisi deniz yemiyen keriz. Sice Erdogan is the one giving it away so why not take it from him.

Before the election in Israel Mr.Erdogan and Foreign Minister Davudoglu warned that there are elections in the region during 2009 and not to vote to rightist parties... Becuase the election result in Israel effects the result in Lebanon, Iran etc... What Israelis government and parties made is they built a concencuss over Gaza attacks just to have some votes...

I wnt to remind you that recently elected prime minister of Greek has done his first visit to Turkey. We're so brave to try to solve our problems with Armenia and with our Kurdish citizens... From Australia I think you know better than me the Turkey.. Due to the new Turks have no peeoblem with the Jews but we have problem about your policies....

"Amsterdam: Van Gogh killed,women raped" Guess what, Josh; women get raped throughout the world, even where you live...

"Any criticism of anything Israel does makes one anti-semitic, or worse, a Holocaust denier. The more you act this way, the more you isolate yourselves. Soon you will have no friends in the world. Do your own bombing from now on......without US taxpayers money or weapons" How utterly and completely true...Israel's attitude turns people who once supported her against her...

Despite all the negative and harsh words coming from Turkish leadership starting with PM Erdogan, Israel is being very patient and not breaking the ties with Turkey. Israeli leadership has enough common sense not to do it. However you should be careful with your Current Turkish leadership. They have an agenda to bring in Sheria and the old Ottoman days. You are an Izmirli therefore very close to Menemen therefore you must know what happened ther in 1927 - black robed and bearded fanatics beheaded lieutenant Kubilay shouting Sheria slogans. Your current leadership are the followers of these black robed bearded group. Have a nice evening enjoying a coffee and gevrek at Pasaport overlookinbg Karsiyaka.

im a turk and im happy of jewish turkish peoples but with israel, you should see it ok when we establish relations with iran and syria. we had so much and enough problem when we were closed to them and now we need peace and opening up hem will help this they are aour neighbours and when not selling arms to turkey, its ofcourse israel decission, but israe is not the only option and whenever you have something to loose then you have reason to agree with also so cutting the relations wont help to any neither israel nor turkey

Seems that Syria is yearning for Ottomon occupation, again. Five hundred years, yup 500 yrs. the Syrians found themselves occupied by the Ottomon Empire (Turkey). Before that they had been dominated and abused by the Byzantines for centuries. Seems after gaining independence, a gift from the British and French for fighting the Turks, the Syrians are incapable of taking care of themselves. So now they have turned to their historical big brother. What is cute about this new found relationship is that the Turks under their new Honor and Humiliation Regime r more than happy to be a great power again. And with the Americanms turning to isolation, again, the Turks see that the Brits and French are weak, and are taking the opportunity to rebuild their empire. It began with the slaughter of Armenians, and the modern daily ritual of beating and killing Kurds and has now developed into the ritual slaughter of israel and the reconquering of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Pal.

Turkey can kiss it's chances of EU membership goodbye for the next ten years. Anyway, it's time for Israel to increase arms sales to Greece.

All of a sudden, Turks are weary of the undefined borders of Israel and it's hegemony over their muslim cousins. They are the first to wake up and smell the coffee.

I can hardly believe the utter hubris and arrogance of most of you people. It is this attitude which has turned this former friend of Israel, and many more like me, against your puffed up attitude. Any criticism of anything Israel does makes one anti-semitic, or worse, a Holocaust denier. The more you act this way, the more you isolate yourselves. Soon you will have no friends in the world. Do your own bombing from now on......without US taxpayers money or weapons.

BTW, Israelis, also don`t go to England, Spain, Holland...long list nowadays.. Longon: Bombed Madrid: Bombed Amsterdam: Van Gogh killed,women raped. Thanks for warning Silvienne.

It was a healthy diplomatic effort by Barak to downplay it, but Turkey's allignment with Syria and Iran can't be shoved under the carpet any longer. It is a fact under Erdogan at least, and Israel will have do draw the conclusions from it.

Why is Turkey so intent davka at this time to put-Israel-in-its-place...? Is is because in any case its between-seasons for the spendthrift Israel holiday-makers and revelers...? Or is it because the Goldsone bandwagon is too- good-to-miss...?- Esther Esther, I had not followed the Turkey Israeli relations closely until about a year ago. I did see the video of Peres at Davis with Endogen. But prior to that it seemed that Israel made Endogen look foolish when he was trying to mediate between Israel and Syria. During that time Israel bombed Syria. I think that Erdogan was acting in good faith and wanted to contribute to the situation in a positive way. All hwe got for his efforts were insults, snubs and humiliated by Israel. I do not think that Endogen is trying to put Israel in its place as you state it. Erdogan after so many insults and embarrassment has probably decided that he has nothing to gain and much to lose at home and abroad by continuing to be cordial to Israel. I do not see the malice as much as well deserved treatment in kind. PS what does davka mean?

Funny how Israel's refusal to halt ILLEGAL settlement building as a confidence measure in order to restart talks with Abbas isn't seen as a snub to America. Of course, Obama doesn't look like your typical American president; Netanyahu's disgust with him can hardly be disguised.

But Israelis shouldn't beg for their friendship. In the long run, Israel, with the help of real friends - the US Christians, will be alright. Whether or not Turkey is gonna be fine with its newfound Arab friends should be Turkish concern.

So Silvienne, now you are appointed the head of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce. The President of Turkish tourism. You don't think Turkey would miss the Israeli Tourism. You have no clue. Israelis flock to Turkey by the planeload, as Turkey is the favorite vacation spot. Turkey would lose, BIG TIME. But no, Silvy knows better. Israelis should spend their money in Eilat. Mr. Koch is correct, a boycott is in order.

Israel should seriously rethink selling state of the art weaponry to Turkey, as Syria could obtain valuable info on them.

All intelligence reports pertaining to Syria's military depict it as old, worn down and in desperate need of parts and service. I am sure Turkey will find the experience quite different training with Syria than with Israel and may I suggest Turkey to bring plenty of tow trucks.

Several years ago (When Ecevit was PM with his coalition) chose to make several agreements with Israel which was also followed by more agreements under Erdogan's AKP. I would like to believe that when Turkey singes an agreement it has a meaning and will not re nag on it. Israel does not need to be a member of NATO to participate in this exercise since there are other treaties signed with Turkey. Read Oktay Eksi's article (makas degistirmekmi) in Hurriyet today, you wil understand. And how about Arabs shelling Sderot and killing Israeli children? Actually the entire world diplomatic elite is making a mockery of Turkish diplomacy and VAN MINUT. Enjoy it

"Hold your exercises with Greece and Greek Cyprus instead." Do you think countries are queueing for the privilege of being befriended by Israel, and Israel just needs to choose?

Turkey mediated between Israel and many Arab countries to bring peace to the ME. In the course of these talks, Arab countries severely criticized Turkey for her relations with Israel, even aiming at reaching a peace deal. Every time Israel torpedoed such talks by either shelling a family on a beach, murdering children etc. Turkey is fed up with arrogant, aggressive Israel, and finalized the letter to Israel with another 'one-minute'. You wanted it! enjoy.

"All Jews and Israelis should boycott Turkey" Turkey won't miss them! BTW, Israelis, also don't go to England, Spain, Holland...long list nowadays..

"turkey, a nato member and u.s. ally, snubbed israel, another u.s. ally," Turkey snubbed Israel, not America. Many countries seem to be snubbing Israel in one way or another lately. Perhaps you ought to think about why this is so.

I can't understand why the Israeli posters here are so angry with Turkey. As a non-member of NATO, Israel has no right to be part of any military exercise, and she should have never been invited for any drills among member States. That is so plain and simple. In other words, mind your own business, stop screaming please.

According to the newspaper ZAMAN which is the voice of AKP and Islamists in Turkey the reason of banning Israel from the military excerse was due to Israel's delay in delivering the unmanned aircraft to Turkey. It had nothing to do with Gaza, underdog or human rights.

1. Turkey might soon very well loose its relationships with the Turkic republics due to the recent Armenian protocol or if it does not open Armenian border loose both Russian and USA support (interesting isn't it) How did Turkish FM got into this mess? 2. Turkish relations with China are shaky over the Uygur region (My wife is Chinese and I follow it very well) Israel sells its products to all over the world not only Turkey and Africa. In fact USA is one of the biggest customers not to mention India and even China. But the bottom line is: Israel is the best friend that Turkey can have if Turkey wants to to follow Ataturk's modern path, and for Israel every nation that is friendly is always precious so is Turkey. Hopefully Turks wil be able to elect better leaders next time.

I cannot understand either why Erdogan damaged the strategic relations with Israel and approaching Iran and Syria. Before AKP came to power Turkey was a well respected country around the world. Today it is considered to be a joke among diplomatic circles. But which one of AKP policies can be understood anyeway? Do you understand the democratic opening (or Kurdish opening)? Do you understand why since Erdogan took power beautiful Izmir does not get its fair share of government funds for development projects? Does AKP have any policies other than Islamization of Turkey?

Turkey has some great scientists. Unfortunately there is not much appreciation for their work in Turkey. Turkish business is after quick profit therefore they don't value innovation and research,they value copying existing items. But I strongly agree that the Islamists must go and secularists should lead Turkey on the path that Ataturk prescribed. Furthermore; political parties themselves should democratically themselves ending the dictatorship of their leaders and turn the parties to the people where the unsuccessful leaders are replaced.

I fully support the relationship with Syria as the manufacturing has gone down %50 less then previous years. We need insert more market. We need a good relationship with all surreanding countries. The basic fact that Turkey cannot grow anymore unless it finds new markets.However I cannot understand why the military excersise has been cancelled. This is sily. We aren't enemy of Israeli people. We probably have several hundred thousand turkish jews living in israel.

"It is stupid too because he really needs Israel not Syria who is a losing desert good for nothing other than terror." Just think. Israel could have been a part of this happy alliance if only Israel had made friends with her neighbors instead of hate-mongerng them. Energy, electricity! Progress! No Visas! And Syria's losing desert has lakes which Israel's losing desert does not. Pity that everything is so clear when viwed in in retrospect. So does Syria need Israel? Perhaps. But not until Israel calms down and behaves. Then all sorts of good things might happen. Someday. Even with Syria. Maybe. But until then, Israel will just have to put up with these stupid people who shake hands and smile, even as Israel scowls.

Turkey is using his opinion by standing with underdogs!

Whether it will lead to anything is another story. Israel is probably hoping the Turks will see where this Islamist government is taking them. Who do you speak for for when you say Turks are anti zionist? A whipped up Islamist mob with placards shouting on top of their voice does not represent Turkey.Does it?

I am a Turkish who opposes Erdogan government. Honestly speaking Israel and USA lost significant grounds in Turkey (particularly among the die-hard seculars) during the last 5-7 years due to their support to AKP and Barzani (Kurdish State of North Iraq). However, the move of normalizing relations with Syria is something that I support and believe that Israelean as well (most likely some do!). Syria closely tied to Iran is not something that would be desired. Note that, even with AKP government Turkey is not a danger to peace in middle east...

he is.Where is this going to lead Turkey once it is percieved,rightly or wrongly,to be another Islamist led country by the EU & the USA.? PS Israel does not have a Arab President,yet, but it has a minister,a deputy speaker lots of MK's and professionals etc.Israel has been a state for only 60 years.There is always room for improvement from both sides.Shouting Hamas slogans does not bring out the best in people.

Maybe it's you who is in for a disappointement,mate. Israel has an advanced level of military technology,mate. Try an obsessive compulsive put down on that one down,mate.

Turkey's joining the EU started to be difficult because of Turky's Islamic side. Turkey stared to unload its anger against Israel ! So much for Turkey's secularity ! Islam is a stumbling block to progress.

The whole natural gas and petroleum lines are going to pass from Turkey. Europe is going to receive their natural gas from lines that pass from Turkey. Russia is going to sell gas to Europe through Turkey, not Ukraine. Turkey has good relationships with Turkic Republics which are rich in gold, petroleum, natural gas and emerald. How are u gonna boycott Turkey? Turkey has excellent relations with China & Russia. Whether you like it or not, you need Turkey. Who is going to buy your products? Africa???? Secondly, Turkey has a very good military power. One Turkish wrote that Turkey has no military power on his own. I guess he is day-dreaming. Thirdly, 70% of Turks are not happy about what is going on between Turkey and Israel although they are not fond of 3 week gazze strike. However, We see Israel a more reliable friend than Syria. As you know, governments come and go. This is another era that people should test their patience.

Why is Turkey so intent davka at this time to put-Israel-in-its-place...? Is is because in any case its between-seasons for the spendthrift Israel holiday-makers and revelers...? Or is it because the Goldsone bandwagon is too- good-to-miss...?

The Roman empire wasn't secular, and the Old Egyptian Empire wasn't eighter, The same with the ottoman Empire and the islamic khalifate. Their succes was their religion in what they believed, it was the driving force for their succes. Look at secular empires, all easyly destroyed, like USSR, Germany in WW2, Napoleons very short Empire. Even USA is religious. China is changing too, because secular communism wasn't good for economy. They understood it too.

Also who openin cards still speaking about Armnenian issue etc. i want you guys accept that even cant use that as a card at other years,also maybe you guys need to think which country sending clean water to Israel for drinking.

...were never even an issue when Turkey was lock step with the U.S. and Israel. Now you pretend to care about them. The invasion of Iraq was against Turkish interests and Israel's aid to the Kurds was the straw that broke the camel's back. Which is probably why Erdogan could get the Turkish army to go along with him on this. Syria's interests, at least with regard to the Kurdish question is in alignment with Turkey.

I only see talks about Turkey should do this and that. Turkey is evil, bla bla bla. What about what Israel should do? A little bit of Jewish self-critic would be much helpful. What did Israel do WRONG that Turkey is mad about it? A better question is, what did MOSSAD do wrong in Turkey that Erdogan is zo mad at it? ;-) Then you will understand Turkey's and the Israeli's quarrel.

turkey, a nato member and u.s. ally, snubbed israel, another u.s. ally, to embrace the axis of syria-iran. it is quite obvious that obama's appeasement policies toward the muslim world have the opposite effect from the one desired. turkey's behaviour is a clear repudiation of its ties with the u.s. and a dangerous move for a member country of nato.

turkey, a nato member and u.s. ally, snubbed israel, another u.s. ally, to embrace the axis of syria-iran. it is quite obvious that obama's appeasement policies toward the muslim world have the opposite effect from the one desired. turkey's behaviour is a clear repudiation of its ties with the u.s. and a dangerous move for a member country of nato.

I laughing to some dudes,everything was great when akp working for only your interests right?There was no problem when they do sth aganist my national interests or id cause you guys were happy,isnt Erdogan was the first non-Jew who take award from Jewish Diaspora in USA,stop crying like babies some guys are saying omg Turkiye beein away from NATO beein away from West. West who speaking about Turkish national id?West who speaking about Ataturk?West who speaking about borders of Turkiye,west who speaking about Turkish military? BAH look to mirror before crying!

All we ever hear is the GOI and Israelis lashing out at and denigrating an ever-growing list of nations and allies. Anyone who disagrees with Israeli policies and actions - which is just about every country in the world - comes in for the ritual blame transfer and scurrilous attacks that go with the Israeli nationalist psyche. Turkey is a case in point. Israel seems to think it can bomb and kill civilians with impunity in Lebanon, Gaza or wherever and no one will care. Heck they're only Muslims and Arabs, what's the problem? The problem is that the democracies recoil in horror at the harsh, illegal collective military punishment of a civilian population. And any Muslim country is doubly justified in doing so, as it's Muslims who were killed. What possible reason would Turkey or any other country have at the moment to participate in a joint diplomatic, economic, political or military enterprise with Israel? None whatsoever. As you sow, so shall you reap.

Still cant beleive that so many people think Israel hasnt been doin anything wrong, that they didnt commit war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon and that their bloackade of Gaza is not inhumane. The only reason beneath this is pure hate and insensitivity to human life, reardless of race or religion. Then suddenly when Turkey, who has been an ally of Israel for decades,decides to criticize Israel,they become bad, fanatics,anti semites etc. You have so much hate in yourselves yet you accuse the muslims of hating you. Your simple insensivity for humans in Gaza shows this. Take a look at yourselves for God sake!

Let me remind you the Greeks are the most USA haters means they hate of Israel as well, more than us,Turks. We are not anti-semitic but anti-Zionist and don't forget that we're one of the first aceepter countires when Irael founded... But we are now quite sure about you future policies... Insisting on settlements in Occupid land expalins everything... Anyway I do not have any hope that you'll do a self-critization so the history will tell you both in the past and in the future...

From now it's clear that Gaza is a milestone in history of Israel. You have problems with European countries , with USA and Turkey... All those countries are wrong only Irael is right!!! Keep going on same policies, , Israel willl destroy itself, no need to do something by other countires...

I can't understand why erdogan has damaged the strategic relations with Israel.It's ok,Syria is our neighboor but Turkey must be aganist the Hamas.As a Turk,we shouldn't damage the relation with Israel.We are so close for many years and both countries need each other in the region. and I CAN'T UNDERSTAND,WHY WE ARE TRYING TO SECURE THE ARABS MUCH MORE THAN THE ARABS??? I think Erdogan goes wrong about the Foreign Policy.

Will be having falafel at the Israeli restaurant instead. These kebab earning turks in my town have just lost a client.

"but ties have been strained over Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's harsh criticism of Israel's three-week offensive" it's not strained over the criticism but over the actions by Israel. Nobody says Israel hasn't the right to defend itself, but there is a difference between shooting a pigeon with a rifle or a cannon...

"Hold your exercises with Greece and Greek Cyprus instead." You seem to assume that states are just queuing for the privilege to be befriended by Israel. That will be a rude awakening, mate.

Yet unfortunately our country seems to be in the grip of islamists who want Turkey to resemble Saudi Arabia, a poor version of Saudi Arabia. Most public seems to be okay with this idea unfortunately. This is the tremendous IQ-lowering effect of Islam, this effect works best in sunnite islam countries, works less in shiite countries as we see iranians despite being fanatic muslims are good at science and math. Turkey should get rid of the islamists and be secular, 100% secular and then criticize all injustices in the ME anywhere be it in israel, Turkey or Gaza.

Turkey should give samples of it western and particularly Israeli weapons to Syria that they can improve the Hezboolah tactics and strateg for the next conflict which is un-avodiable!!!

From the point of view of know-how, Turkey is eons behind even countries such as Iran or Serbia, despite having thousands of engineers cream of which market washing liquid rather than design which they are not capable of anyway. So, Turkey has no military power of its own, all weapons and electronic systems apart from very insignificant few which are made by the state electronic company ASELSAN are imported from US, germany or israel. So, a country like this cannot really impose anything militarily in the international arena. All it can do is to create small stomach aches like Erdogan did a couple of days ago. The GPS systems and flight software are black box imported from US which we cannot use in case of a crisis if US does not let us. The problem is that the Turkish public is so ignorant, so super-ignorant that they do not know these. Having said all these, I think it is a right thing to publically accuse israel of crimes against humanity. Somebody has to say it. Not Erdogan though.

Israel worsened its relations with Greece, Cyprus and Armenia becuase of Turkey.Israel has been acting very Immoral against Armenia, by not establishing diplomatic relations(Israel has diplomatic relations with all of the former soviet republics except Armenia).Israel has done its best to prevent the world to recognize the armenian genocide, Armenia was forced to accept an unfair deal with turks etc.Now, Israel has lost Greece, Armenia,Serbia, Cyprus.I hope those countries will not forget this Immoral act of Israel.I also hope that people of Israel wake up and understand that a moslim is a moslim and can not be a friend of a jew or a christian.It is written in the Qoran.

I was going to book a tour of Turkey this week. After reading this story, I will not give these snakes one dime of my hard earned money

Turkey is powe and big countrry in region. Conjecture have chanced Israel must decided Turkey is enemy or allien. Dont Forget in region Israel dont have any friend country, same time Obama Also criticize the israel.

"It was clear that this turkish PM is a Muslim and by nature not in love with the Jews of Israel." No. As a Muslim I have nothing against Jews, but "by nature" I am opposed to the oppression and killing of fellow Muslims. I am opposed to oppression in general. And REAL Jews are on my side: ?To be a Jew means always being with the oppressed and never the oppressors.? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marek_Edelman I could even be in love with Israel, if Israelis wouldn't be in love with illusions, exclusive ethnic nationalism, oppression and apartheid. The Western crusade against Islam under the cover of "war on terrorism" is exposed.

Last winter Turkey begged Israel to stop what it was doing. Turkey told Israel that it was making it impossible for Turkey to continue normal relations. Now, that what Turkey warned, and begged, against has happened we are to see Turkey as 'snubbing' Israel? Rather Israel snubbed Turkey, and now Israel is upset that that snubbing had a consequence. How immature, how juvenile, how pathetic.

turkey, a member of nato and supposedly a u.s. ally, has snubbed israel, also a u.s. ally, and embraced the terrorist regime in syria. obviously, turkey is not worried about the many children that have been killed by terrorists passing through syria, or the ones murdered by iran.

And not only that. Syrian has killed more Muslims than Israel has.

This is the future of the so-called Arab / Abdullah peace plan. "Peace Partners" who offer to burn Israeli books. Arab streets which suck down conspiracy theories about Jews. National leaders that claim Jews have no connection to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Allies that walk away to become allies with one's enemies and host terrorist groups that cling to genocidal philosophies. Israeli leaders need to see this reality for what it is. The future is now, and the idea that relationships with Arab states will improve only after every last Palestinian / Arab demand is heeded is the height (or depth) of folly. That there are claims of preparation of a 3rd Intifada (one must wonder when the second one supposedly ended) shows again how thin a veneer this claim of peace really is.

First, the Afganistan fiasco, now Turkey is about to join the new Moslem League (formed by the former Arab League plus non-Arab Moslmen countries). Kudos to the Arabs, Iran and Russia who have learned to play the oil and the PR games, condolences to the american people and government for its gigantic demand for gasoline. I am sorry for your sons, America, as much as I was when I was younger and saw tens of thousands of young boys, my age at that time, die in Vietnam.

Turkey is getting too arrogant andneeds to be stoped.The sooner the better.

I don't know Turkey's motivation for ties with Iran and Syria. Eardogan is putting his country at economic and terrorist risk. At some point the mullah's in Iran will fall and the Alawite Assad will be hanging from a rope, Lebanon will be at civil war once again. Gaza can't get much lower.

Well Goverment of Israel is getting pretty colder there, keep doing what you doing let see how many friend you will have left...

Elections coming up in Turkey and we must appease the muslim minority.!!!!!!They have been paying too much attention to prez Obammy

As an American Jew I just want to say one thing: Any Israeli who travels to Turkey and spends their money in Turkey or on any Turkish product needs to have their head examined. Turkey's best friends in the Middle East are Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas and it's long past the time when Israelis should stop vacationing or visiting Turkey. Stop shelling out your hard earned money to countries who befriend those that want to see you destroyed. Turkey is no better than Saudia Arabia when it comes to Jews and Israel. When it comes to Turkey just say "no."

If Turkey is going to Islamist hell, don't appease it, don't sell weapons to it, sell weapons to Greece instead. Hold your exercises with Greece and Greek Cyprus instead. No use appeasing Muslim Turkey, Europe is doing enough destructive appeasing of Muslims already.

Beautiful.If the ties cannot be salvaged, Israel should arm and train PKK rebels. When the rebels unleash terror on the Turks and they retilate by bombing the PKK bases in the mountains, get as much pictures of mangled bodies of relatives of PKK fighters and go to town at the UN with calls of genocide, war crimes blah, blah. Let's see if all those european lefties (the labasses,swiss dinos etc) will make a peep. Most likely the silence will be such that you can probably hear a pin drop.lol.

It was clear that this turkish PM is a Muslim and by nature not in love with the Jews of Israel. It is stupid too because he really needs Israel not Syria who is a losing desert good for nothing other than terror.