Clear and Present Danger!
by Steve Stylianoudis
Mr. Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey and its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Davutoglou, crafted the political move of having a flotilla of ships alleged to be carrying “humanitarian” aid attempt to reach GAZA. This and similar actions are typically deemed to be “acts of war.” As such, Turkey’s government and its Ministry of Defense were aware, at least in the
planning stage, of the real possibility of military action against Israel.
Every country has the right to defend itself. Israel reacted in a proper and timely manner when it boarded one of the ships. In doing so, it sent a clear message to Turkey.
Turkey ’s latest maneuver is just one of many in its attempt to align the Muslim world against Israel. That is the reality – no matter how inane this policy may appear. Turkey’s goal is to form an axis of power between themselves and Iran – no matter how dangerous it may prove to be for Turkey and every nation in the area.
Iran openly declared that one of its foreign policy objectives is the destruction of Israel. However, as it does not share a common border with Israel, any military action would be from the air. Israel is capable of defending itself from such a hostile act by Iran. We maintain Israel has the right to unleash a preemptive strike to ensure its very existence.
The situation for Turkey is different. It is much closer to Israel and has maintained a military force in northern Cyprus after its illegal invasion and occupation of the island. From Cyprus, Turkey’s planes can reach Israel in minutes and its land forces in a couple of hours. No one knows the likelihood of such actions. However, Mr. Davutoglou declared that Cyprus is
very important to implementing Turkey’s plans in the Middle East. What policies does Turkey want to implement? It is situated in a hub of Muslim countries. It is apparent which country is Turkey’s closest enemy.
Given recent events in the area, the presence of fifty thousand Turkish soldiers, ships, and planes – whose numbers Turkey can easily and quickly increase – a few miles off the coast of Israel constitutes a “PRESENT & CLEAR DANGER” for the Jewish State.
It is imperative the United States demand Turkey to withdraw its military forces from Cyprus and end the illegal occupation of a large portion of the island, which is a member of the EU. Turkey may have actual, tacit or explicit support from the United States to continue its brutal occupation of Cyprus. However, the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus does not serve the best interests of the United States and now presents a formidable threat for Israel.
June 6, 2010
Steve Stylianoudis
INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH
PO BOX 25882, Alexandria, Virginia 22313
[email protected]
http://agora-dialogue.com/?p=7111