Lieberman: After all the insults, Turkey can't mediate Syria talks

Whats the matter Peter W. Did you just wake up to the fact that most of Israels allies [never mind their enemies] recognize the F.M. as a thug, whose diplomatic skills are inversely correlated to his neck size? The New Republic's Martin Peretz, a passionate Zionist and critic of the peace movement, calls Lieberman a "neo-fascist... a certified gangster... the Israeli equivalent of [Austria's] Jorg Haider." "...Then explain how it makes the country a "gangster state"?" PW It doesn't PW. Neither did I claim it in; *Israel`s true face #33* If you were halfway capable of understanding simple prose ["reveals Israel`s true face", being the pertinent words]you would have figured out that I was writing of the irony that Israel, the gangster state of long standing, finally has a F.M. befitting of its hard earned reputation in dealing with 'the other', not that , and I quote you, " it [Lieberman]makes the country a gangster state". With your analytic powers, I`m bewildered as to why you would wish to get published at all. Are you a masochist?

Turkey as an honest broker. He has pushed Turkey from the middle ground into the Islamist camp.No place for an impartial mediator. Amazing how even the simplest statement of fact can bring on the choleric rage of the knee jerk mob

Thanks Jessie, some on this site are obviously morons if they are suggesting that the turks are arabs. Turkish customs and languages are somewhat different to the arabs, and you are quiet right in saying that the israelis and the arabs are closer in a lot of ways, than the arabs are with the turks

However Israel must understand that the risks should be shared. Get the drones over before contract is cacneled. And make sure you have capabilities to shoot them down, if they are flown in from North, South, East, or Sea.

How about Metulla?

Certainly if Turkey was half as critical about Syria, Assad would have nothing to do with them. So why should Israel act like a door mat?

I am quite aware Judaism is the main religion in Israel, just as Christianity is the main religion in the US. However, just as I would oppose Christianity having a legal dominant place in the US, I oppose Judaism (or the local variant enshrined there) pushing around other religions and variants of Judaism. I must thank you, though, for pointing out that my problem is not with Judaism, but rather the state of Israel (two very different things).

Liberman is on the mark. At this point Israel should hold back. No responses to Turkey's insults. We wait and see whether they can put their house order before we let them in again. Israel, Government and People and Diaspora Jews were very generous toward Ankra for so long. The turkish people are led by a risky government, and we should just wait and see.

Turkey is more and more falling into the grasp of the islamists, its youth is either islamist or careerist who care only for money and does not care about peace or the future of the country, bad...On the other hand, despite having a very educated populace, Israel is more and more falling into the grasp of zionist extremism by electing people like Bibi and Liebermann. If these trends continue, I am afraid Turkey and Israel will diverge as time passes. We are in the year of 2009 and as I look at the state of the world, I see nothing good.

Whats the matter Peter W. Did you just wake up to the fact that most of Israels allies [never mind their enemies] recognize the F.M. as a thug, whose diplomatic skills are inversely correlated to his neck size? The New Republic's Martin Peretz, a passionate Zionist and critic of the peace movement, calls Lieberman a "neo-fascist... a certified gangster... the Israeli equivalent of [Austria's] Jorg Haider." "...Then explain how it makes the country a "gangster state"?" PW It doesn't PW. Neither did I claim it in; *Israel`s true face #33* If you were halfway capable of understanding simple prose,[ "reveals Israel`s true face", being the pertinent words]you would have figured out that I was writing of the irony that Israel, the gangster state of long standing, finally has a F.M. befitting of its hard earned reputation in dealing with 'the other'. With your lack of mental acuity, I`m bewildered as to why you would wish to get published at all. A masochist perhaps?

Sir, "Ethnocracy is a form of government where representatives of a particular ethnic group hold a number of government posts disproportionately large to the percentage of the total population that the particular ethnic group(s) represents and use them to advance the position of their particular ethnic group(s) to the detriment of others. The minority ethnic groups are systematically discriminated against by the state and may face repressions or violations of human rights at the hands of state organs. Ethnocracy can also be a political regime which is instituted on the basis of qualified rights to citizenship, and with ethnic affiliation (defined in terms of race, descent, religion, or language) as the distinguishing principle. Generally, the raison d'être of an ethnographic government is to secure the most important instruments of state power in the hands of a specific ethnic collectivity. All other considerations concerning the distribution of power are ultimately subordinated to this basic intention. Ethnocracies are generally considered to be non-democratic in nature.°

Tell Syria to go to the Golan Heights and jump off without a parachute. These people attacked Israel in force with the stated goal of destroying Israel and killing every Jew they could find. Then, they got their butt kicked and lost part of their territory and have been crying ever since. They say, foul, foul, we tried to kill'em all, but they took our land and now won't give it back. Why should Israel give them anything? If Syria wants it back, they should get on their knees and beg, kiss the Israeli's shoes and pay them compensation for the matieral and every Israeli life that was lost. Why do they want it back so bad? As soon as the Hamas terrorists are re-armed, Hezbollah is ready and Syria has the Golan back, Iran, Syria, Hamas & Hezbollah are going to launch every missile they have, right before they attack Israel from all sides, even the sea, as Iran just purchased mini-subs to counteract the Israeli subs. War is coming soon and everyone in Israel needs to prepare.

between Israel and Syria as Israel never respects to her words as she did last time sand Erdogan is clever enough not to fall in same hole second time. And I really couldn't understand why the jews loves Ataturk too much... We believe that if jews loves someone/something we have to get away from it...

My OED says making or implying unwarrantable claims to dignity, authority or knowledge; aggressively conceited or haughty; presumptuous; overbearing. I'll go with that.

...25% of the technology involved was developed in Israel.

Sir, My point - apparently not obvious to you - was that is unusual to compare apples and oranges - hopefully now it is clear. You are also unaware that Judaism is main religion in Israel - the derivatives of Judaism are also can be found there. Your dislike of Israel is understandable - my condolences to you.

When secular Turks told Europeans that AKP was a trojan horse, they were out to weaken army for a sharia state, every European praised AKP for democracy etc. What has changed now? Suddenly they became an Islamic party?

You are right on the point. Ertdogan from the streets of kasimpasa does not knoiw anything about diplomacy. I must agree that Lieberman also is just like Erdogan in many ways. As they say in Turkish IKI CAMPBAZ AYNI IPTE OYNAMAZ (Two rope wlakers do not walk on the same rope), it would be like putting fire and gunpowder together.

Syria extremism and cannot act as an impartial negotiator.In addition the Turkish people have allowed the Islamist party to turn their country to the dark ages.They should not be part of Europe

I am Turkish, and I do not want Turkey to get involved. Israel will never accept a plan, and even if they accept, Syria will not stop supporting Arab resistance in Lebanon and Palestine. When Israel breaks talks again, Erdogan will go rampant. I am telling you, the situation will be out of control. Especially, do not let Lieberman or Netanyahu get close to Erdogan. He will not hesitate to start a fight with them. Erdogan is never diplomatic, do not abuse him for our and your own good.

Finally, an honest voice from Turkey! God bless you Mehmet for having the courage and honesty to state the truth. I do hope and beleive the Turkish people will preserve the great heritage of Ataturk.

The Turks have forfeited their role as an impartial mediator. Their petulant outbursts and continued sniping have shown that they are not impartial and are hostile to the state of Israel. They no longer serve any useful purpose in potential peace talks.

Oya, Israelis are one of the most educated people in the world. Most of them know very well that Turks are not Arabas. I don't think the talkbacker M.S. is Israeli. He does not state where he is from. And the content of what he says lets me think he is not from Israel.

If everyone Lieberman has insulted refused to meet with him he might just as well stay at home.

Jessie is absolutely right regarding Turks not being Arabs. Furthermore, the Turks use the latin alphabet to write nowdays and not the arabic alphabet. Turks and Arabs have only the moslem religion in common. Maybe what M.S. meant was that Turkey and Syria are both moslem countries and not "Arab" countries.

Jane, I do discern that antisemites post on Haaretz. What use is it to discuss the Armenian genocide with these Turkish deniers. I went to Hurriyet, and I notice that besides Armenia, Turkey is dealing with the Kurds and the Cyprus issue and I am following all these issues. Since the deniers post on Haaretz, and there will always be deniers, (you cannot get rid of them all), I decided to post about the Armenian massacres on Hurriyet instead. I just told them about my family; each diaspora family will be different (we have our own views) to test the free speech in Turkey. At great risk to themselves because of the ultranationalists, the paper did post. I don't like to say too much because this is an issue being used by Russia to take over Turkey and Armenia. I am definitely a White Russian, wishing to have better ties between the USA, Israel and Turkey. It is better for our interests.

Following Hurriyet, it was reported Syria and Iraq want Turkey to keep its ties with the USA. Maybe they are sincere in their desire to go West. Keeping ties with the USA means keeping ties with Israel. Is it possible that Syria and Iraq don't like the Iranian way, but prefer to keep secular? Soviet analyst says the religious people in Turkey believe in the Zionist conspiracy of the Turkish army. That lie has been planted in Turkey for a long time to overthrow Ataturk. A lie that will hurt Turkey in the long run. How do you fight a lie when people have no free speech and education? People in Turkey need a better education and freer speech?Is the AKP willing to let them have it.So far I have posted about the Armenian genocide and there is more free speech about this issue on Hurriyet and their journalists are part of an apology campaign and take part in many conferences with Armenians and Turks; so these issues are being discussed as never before in Turkey, which is brave.

# 60 for potobac, To err is human ! But, it's hard to believe that you refuted my reference of the word 'pride' & said it's not a syn.for arrogance ! Well! Well !Well! "The English Dictionary of Synonyms & Antonyms: Pride: Arrogance,vanity,conceit,self-sufficiency,self-exaltation,self-opionatedness, self-complacency,assumption,haughtiness,hauteur,boastfulness,lordliness,loftiness. Antonym: Modest. Modest.That's what your post was lacking in reply to my post ! By the way. What I wrote,I wrote.But after you sent me to look-up the word in dictionary,I've sent you all the Synonyms of the word 'pride' Enjoy yourself !

First of all let me state Lieberman is a disgrace. I can see from your posts which I read from time to time that you have a unique perspective as a Native American. I think that you are very anti-Israel and borderline anti-Jewish. Your opinions would be better accepted if you'd tome it down a bit. Thanksgiving at your house sounds more like a celebration than a mourning service. Someone is a foodie!

Roo"its appointment as F.M. of a former bouncer come gangster from Russia as its emblematic face to the gentile world, reveals Israel`s true face. From a pioneer state to a gangster state." Big call Roo, considering he was a bouncer when he was a poor university student trying to make ends meet. And please explain how being a bouncer at the student club also makes you a "gangster"? Then explain how it makes the country a "gangster state"? You are so full of it. I'm staggered you get published at all.

nothing has changed john !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Insult was in both country, poor Israel cant take it, but like to dish it out??grow up!

I would say his comparison is not at all unusual. Judaism is a religion. Israel is a small state on the edge of the Med characterized by religious intolerance, a large degree of arrogance and the belief that the world owes them something.

Ben Eliezer is just making a fool of himself by begging the Turks. Lieberman is right. If Fouad wants to know who the Turks are, he should ask the Armenians who are stil waiting for the recognition of the Genocide that Turkey committed against them in 1915.

" If something, Cuba should mediate." Now THERE is an original thought! Cuba, 8000 miles from Asia, too small to be a world power, and basically honest. But does Raul want such a headache? For his sake, I hope not!

Perhaps you should spend more time with your dictionary; pride is not a synonym for arrogance. One is a valuable trait; the other (as in Israel) only serves to alienate.

"After all of Turkey's insults and tongue-lashing against Israel, they can't be a mediator."

Sir, Israel you refer to is apparently the STATE. Judaism is the RELIGION of Jewish people since time immemorial both in diaspora and in the Land of Israel. You comparison is quite unusual.

Who would never have achiieved high office in a normal decent democracy. What is interesting is that Lieberman is becoming more and more isolated and out of step with the Netanyahu government.

how do you know that they commited war crimes. Tell me how do you know that? How!

Israel is getting isolated with these ultra nationalists in power

"What has Israel contributed to the world?" Well, Judaism has contributed a lot to the world! Can't say the same for Israel.

and it makes you sick. Go Leiberman. THere is nothing wrong with you.

Turkey shot herself in the foot. She's been taken over by muslim madness that ends up w/ a lot of dead citizens. Iran for one. neither Turkey or Syria will budge a dust ball. The boycott of Turkey will remain and worse, "I will bless them that bless you and I will curse them that curse you." Turkey's one to talk.... Bloody hypocrites and liars.

Try Judeo Christian values that Americas has adopted . ( most democracies are based on Judeo Christian laws and values) If you compare Sharia law and Jewish Law, the answer is easy. The Jews brought us the laws. Sharia law brings premature death. There's no sword big enough to force free souls to their knees for a false gawd. Next time, think!! ( or can you?)

The idea that you would have a mediator who has made it more then crystal clear that they are opposed to israel and its right to self defense...and have gone toward the side of Islamist can never be an honest broker. Turkey's posture cannot be legitimized by Israel giving them such a status as mediator when Erdogan is shaking hands with Iran's jihadists and accusing Israel of war crimes. Ben Eliezer is either stupid or willfully stupid to espouse such diplomatic initiatives!

"US/Turkey both are Not Honest Brokers." In politics there is no such thing as an honest broker. Not any more. Today. every broker has his own agenda, his own bias, his own "special interests" at heart. Just try to get the USA to reveal its special interests in Asia. They will talk your arm and leg off; but they're not telling. We are not supposed to know what the left hand is doing while the right preaches wholesome thoughts of gallant patriotism. But you can bet your bottom dollar that someone in the USA was mightily upset when Iraq made that oil deal with China.

Because turkey today is ran by people who try to destroy its secular system. Turkey today is ran by people who are against Israel not because Israel comitted war crimes in Gaza (which is correct) but because Israel is jewish. Turkey today is ran by people who literally want to destroy Turkey. Turkey should criticize both Hamas, Syria and Israel completely objectively and impartially. It is not in the position to be able to do that today. If something, Cuba should mediate.

their noise now is a joke. Israel will NOT cede any land to their enemies. Who would? Syria lost a war, turkey lost their ability to represent anyone faintly interested in a real peace. Talks wont be met w/ pre conditions, especially land won in a war that would start again from the same land Israel already secured. Both Syria and Turkey prove that they want a victory, not peace. Now, no one will talk and nothing changes. Congrats! Israel just won again. What were they thinking? Or, were they thinking?

Take a hike---we on the rest of the planet will decide what we wish to watch. None of your business. Ae to Israel and Israel making peace---we all know Israel is not, never was and never will be interested in making peace. Gets in the way of the Greater Israel project.

Sir, It may be perception of normal behavior by somebody with inferiority complex.

His country use to rule many countries, they have lots of dignities. He was right to take part against things that he did not consider RIGHT about the Gaza War. The Gladstone report proved him right too, what else to be said. A Jew Hater? anti semitic ? the usal...?

its total crap!! palestine includes jordan jim and the remaining 22% is israel by international treaty confirmed in us legislation . try reading serious stuff and not the national enquirer jim !!

Fuad propose that vassal Turkish President A GUL,pay a visit to the Court of Supreme leader of Israel, hugs, Kisses, and A L., then Turks will be allowed to Mediate on their behalf with the Syrians. Pre conditions or just superiority complex?

Sir, Yours is the interesting question. Would you care to elaborate? Young contemporary State of Israel? Israel as House of Yaakov? Certain entity with history between -XIII to + 21 centuries? Thank you.

rather than YES man to Israel, I wish that my PRESIDENT can do the same.

are Not Honest Brokers.

Sir, I enjoy your texts. Your verbal equilibristics is outstanding. Your ease in verbal space however is not matched with the same in the space of reality. Nevertheless - please right more.

Now that Erdogan has been declared the 5th most important Muslim of the world on a list of 120, he`ll never accept to tarnish what made him the 5th, namely turning his back to Israel and accusing Israel for murdering innocent Gazan children.Now that the Turkish and Iranian civilian airlines will join forces (see yesterday`s Turkish Journals) who in Turkey needs to approach Israel.

"Lieberman: After all the insults, Turkey can`t mediate..." Bark bark bark!

"I have to wonder. Does Israel have no self-respect?" With no constitution, greed to possess all Palestine, thugs on top rotating through the office of Prime Minster, and with poor Lieberman playing the role of Foreign Minister while being insulted by Turkey, the only answer to your question is No!. Israel has no self respect! As for sucking up to Turkey, Israel loves being treated like a doormat. It gives her the excuse she needs to feel sorry for herself, blame her troubles on others, and abuse her neighbors. What more could her thugs want?

Israel has become a fascist leaning, atavistic state. Sparta like in its keenness to resort to military measures to cure political ailments, its appointment as F.M. of a former bouncer come gangster from Russia as its emblematic face to the gentile world, reveals Israel's true face. From a pioneer state to a gangster state. Transition completed.

I do agree. However, the Turks are not ARABS. That Turkey is the only country that can mediate is true. The past history of France and its colony Syria was covered by uprisings and bloodshed. I would suggest that you read the memoirs of General Allenby. Have a nice day.

...the would-be messiah ...found protection in Turkey to practice his own meshugassen unfettered...

why does he have the eyes of a dead man? really they are grossly blank, cloudy and strange.

Now that the dust has settled, well somewhat. One must remember that Israel cannot deal with Syria on a one on one basis. Only an Islamic orientated country can mediate. Both Israel and Turkey have strong relations and both realize the pivotal role that Turkey has in all Mideast dealings, especially considering their shared common border with Syria. Two countries, Both with a common goal can and will eventually lay the framework for a peace agreement with Israel. The Golan, can well become a demilitarized zone. Nobody has to evacuate,on the contrary an assimilation plan can well succeed. nobody has the right to question the decision of PM Netanyahu,DM Barak or Chief of Staff Ge.Ashkenazi. For they have seen the writing on the wall. Its the petty politicians that cannot see the trees, for their bushy beards are obscuring the the latter. Good day from snowy Alps.

What has Israel contributed to the world?

Ben Eliezar, (Fuad) One would have thought that Israel has straightened the backbone of many a cowering Jew,especially those hailing from Eastern Europe & some Arab countries. But Alas! No. Pride honour & self-respect seemed to have passed them by. It doesn't matter in the least,what position the individual is holding at present or held in the past. Titles are bestowed by fellow-men.

The real insult to humanity is committing war crimes in Gaza and not being criticized for it. The other insult is the one that Olmert did to Erdogan by asking him to finalize a deal with Syria while planning to attack Gaza. He made Erdogan look like a "joke." Turkish PM is only standing up to his own dignity and to that of humanity, which is something not understandable the racist from Minsk, or Moldova. Good for Turkey.

"Lieberman: After all the insults, Turkey can't mediate Syria talks." Surely it should read: "Turkey: After all the insults, Lieberman can't mediate Syria talks."

... what a hilarious contention coming davka from Lieberman... who is the most widely insulting Foreign Min that Israel has ever had... wherever Yvet goes, he leaves an enemy-or-two behind...

yeaa, israel needs to find more appreciative friends than the fundamentalist turks... like, the saudis. umm, who else... uummmmm...... can u guys list a few states that appreciate israel pls so that israel will befriend them? thank you

Turkey is a natural ally of Israel... we should display enough largesse towards Erdogan's recent political paroxysm, which he himself is reluctantly beginning to regret... Israel itself regulary spits-in-the-eye even of its best friends... we need Turkey, and Turkey needs us... nu, yala, kiss-and-make-up with Turkey over a debka with Syria, it's worth the effort...

Seeing as Turkey was the only empire that sent ships to rescue the Jews during the Inquisition, I think you might want them to act like they did in the Middle Ages after all, lol. How easily some people forget their saviours...

Embrassing. Who needs this garbage, who while threatening Israel, publicly praises all our enemies. One look at Erdogan's face is enough to know what hateful filth resides inside. Israel needs to find appreciative friends, and tell the rest where to go.

it is so true that turkey has a lot common with syria, and regrettably so. That is all because of the religious leaders we have in the government. and turkey has demonstrated monstrous animosity against israel, and that is also a shamer as Turkey would benefit so much more from its alliance with Israel than with the back stabbing Arabs. BUT... One fact for some reason Israelis does not know and understand: TURKS are not ARABS. Israelis are much more ARABS than TURKS will ever be. First of all genetically, we are different race than arabs, Jews are coming from the same race as Arabs. I thought Israeli Ministry of Education would care enough to put the facts in it's elementary school cirriculum even, to teach who your neighbors are. Sorry to break it to you but not all Muslims are Arabs! As not all Jews are not Israelis.

I guess it's impossible to shed the dhimmi/ghetto mentality.

All, Turkey's secularists and the Army are suspicious of Erdogan's Islamic Party. Erdogan was using Israel as evidence that he is not 'Al Queda'. However, his rabid turn against Israel is causing consternation in Turkey and in Europe. Anti-Muslim forces in Europe will use any excuse to reject Turkey from membership in the EU. Even though Israel is not popular in the EU, this is as good an excuse as any to reject Turkey run by 'radical Islamists' from entering Europe. Cancelling a NATO exercise to insult Israel did not improve Erdogan's position vis a vis the Secularist Army. Consequently, Gul is trying to intervene to bring Turkey back into balance. As far as Syria is concerned, Assad is demanding the coast of Lake Kinneret. This is beyond the 1967 borders since Lake Kinneret has shrunk considerably since 1967. The land Syria took on Lake Kinneret is beyond the Golan and beyond the Sykes-Pinot Line. Consequently, it was occupied like Jordan occupied the WB.

I fail to understand why it would matter if Turkey and or France and or both act as mediators when Syria backed by Western and so American leaders demands as a absolute pre condition the return of the Golen Heights that any peace talks negociations would be merely working out the wording of this pre condition withdrawl and so that it may be carryed out in the broadest practicial terms as Israel did in withdrawing from the Sinai and so Gaza and so a dozen good internationial lawyers could draw up the peace treaty is all you realy need who even realy needs mediators RIGHT and so Assad is even more arogent more demanding than even Adolf Hitler and or Tojo and or Mousilini were RIGHT ??? Thank You... M. S.

100% agree.

MS, Turks are not Arabs like Syrians. Just coz Turkey borders Syria, it doesn't make Turks Arabs, just like Turkey bordering Greece doesn't make them Greeks. Or USA bordering Mexico doesn't make Americans Mexican. There are in fact more similarities between Israelis and Arabs than Turks and Arabs; Turks speak a Turkic language, spoken all through Asia and some parts of Europe. Arabs and Israelis both speak a Semitic language, spoken in the Middle East.

Turkey treats Israel like crap, libels it, berates it, and makes common cause with Israel's enemies. Yet Israel, like a battered wife, still pleads with Turkey, insisting the relationship is worthwhile. I have to wonder. Does Israel have no self-respect?

We have seen them in Oslo (we know how pro-Israel the Norwegians are) and we see the results, They had a Friend in Arafat and we see the result, They want to release their friend Barghuti (yes, a mass murderer is their hope), Abbas was their white Knight, J-Street loves them to death (no sanction on Iran, no time limits, etc) etc, etc.... CAN YOU SEE A PATTERN ? They feel a need to love they enemy, turn the other cheek and primarily exposed their bottom to be kicked (worst in the case of Turkey if you watch midnight express) - Is it lack of love as a child? Is it simply masochistic? - WHO KNOWS? WHO CARES? BUT WHY THOSE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY NEED SUFFER ALONG WITH THEM - you need some S&M Loving - join a club for instant gratification. Or become a Muslim and move to Taliban land. They have no shame , they just competing against each other how low they can go. One would have thought they would have bottomed out by now - but know they managed to break the dung bottom and sink bellow it

...for our family this year. Plus a twenty-six pound turkey, five dozen fresh (our farm grown) Shiitake and cabbage pot-stickers, homemade cranberry sauce and fresh oyster stuffing made with homemade breadcrumbs from a couple of loaves of Italian bread toasted with Chicago Steak spice. And that is just what we are bringing to the neighbors as bring along food... You see for our people, the Eastern Band Cherokee of North Carolina, Thanksgiving Day, a US national holiday, is a day of mourning for us. The American Indian Nakba. After more than a century of things changing, now we are American first and foremost. Israel is about a century behind the United States in terms of human rights for the indigenous population. Please see Theodor Herzl and his early vision and the Israeli declaration of independence for further edification. Israel is running out of chances to grow up.

But Turkey without Erdogan and his AKP. I like Turkey heading west to modern secular democracy which tastes much better then the Turkey that is heading to middle ages.

What in the world is in this for Turkey? Being a friend of Israel is being a friend of one who will take your money and then spy on you. Why doesn't Israel SAY right up front if they are or are not willing to give up the Golan. If not, there is no need to talk and talk. If so, they Israel should say it in public, and then maybe talks will be worthwhile. I predict it will never say it!

This is a good sign. It seems Israel has learned that it cannot act with impunity and not face the consequences of becoming a pariah state. I applaud Turkey for taking a stand and showing Israel there is a price to be paid for its injustice towards the Palestinians.

I realize of course those Israelis who are sincere feel Turkey offers a better mediator than France who mandated Syria in 1922 in a bloody war of ocupation thus would hardly be impartial but Turkey has no differences with Syria alas they have a lot in common with Syria both are Arabs and so may be two 2 against one 1 but Israel is used to odds against it and so by all means Turkey should mediate between Israel and so Syria RIGHT ??? Thank You... M. S.

The Turks have more experience with Syria when it comes to talks than France. Turkey has been angry with Israel for some time and vice versa. The majority of Turks are Muslims, and Turkey used to be the leader of the Muslim world and if it completely pulls away from Turkey then there might be pressure for Arab states to take a tougher stance with Israel. Israel doesn't have so many friends in the world because of what's being done to Palestinians, and it doesn't want to lose Turkey. If Israel keeps on repressing the Palestinians, it's inevitable, I think. And Europeans might lose patience with Israel as well. Israel is in large favor because America likes it.

Just a few short weeks ago Bibi and his side kick Lieberman were trying to beat Turkey off with a stick and now they want Turkey to mediate, something which in a typical moment of impulse had rejected. How does it feel to have a government run by impulsive folks who never think until the damage has been done?

If the talks fail-Israel will get 100% of the blame. American's Canadian's or Austrailian's would be far better. Better yet, Syria and Israel need to speak directly, no 3rd party at all.