Report: Turkey warns Lebanon that Israel may be planning attack

[Prometheus Bound]

Source: Haaretz

Last update - 12:23 14/01/2010

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week warned Lebanese leaders that Israel may be planning an attack on its northern neighbor, Lebanese sources told the London-based Arabic language daily A-Sharq al-Awsat on Thursday.

At a meeting in Ankara with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and President Michel Suleiman on Monday, Erdogan declared that Israel was endangering world peace by using exaggerated force against the Palestinians, breaching Lebanon's air space and waters and for not revealing the details of its nuclear program.

Erdogan called on the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to pressure Israel over its nuclear program in the same way that the international community has been dealing with Iran. "Israel never denied that it has nuclear weapons," said Erdogan. "In fact, it has admitted to such."

"Those who are cautioning Iran must also caution Israel," Erdogan declared. "If we fail to display a fair attitude in this region, the problems will hit not only the region, but will spread elsewhere as well. The unrest of the Middle East is the unrest of the world."

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1142639.html

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Turkey emerges as a bully.

"Trying to have their cake and eat it too," describes the Turkish politicans to a tee. Turkish propaganda at it's best.

[AnOhioan]

2. Yeah, Turkey is the bully....something Israel could never be

:eyes:

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Yeah, just because Israel could be a bully, Turkey could NEVER be a bully...

:eyes:

[AnOhioan]

8. Nothing in Turkeys statement indicates bullying...

Both countries have some pretty piss poor track records, but in this case Turkey is on the money.

[Behind the Aegis]

10. Turkey is "on the money" if you ignore a number of things.

NPT...look it up!

[Prometheus Bound]

4. It's kind of sad to see Turkish-Israeli relations deteriorating like this.

I suspect Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon is to blame for this.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. This is not to be blamed on a single person.

Perhaps, you are unable to see that.

[Prometheus Bound]

7. Not is this case.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. As I guessed.

Of course, there is only one person (nation) to blame. Why is this not surprising to me?

[Prometheus Bound]

11. Please don't be so negative. This is just a discussion.

I don't feel strongly about it one way or the other. I'm just interested in discussing it.

[Behind the Aegis]

12. You don't want negative? Try not seeing things as "black/white."

You aren't interested in discussing, just assigning blame; which, you have done.

[Prometheus Bound]

14. Well, fine. So it's Turkey's fault too for being vindictive about the treatment of their ambassador.

You're right, there's reason on both sides. But humiliating the ambassador was really dumb. Turkey's a friend.

[AnOhioan]

13. Discussion is a lost art, at least by some on this board

After all, you are either with them or against them. Funny how we lambasted Bush for the same attitude.

[Mithreal]

15. Then you are talking to the wrong person, good luck though

I'll cheer from the sidelines. I was interested in discussing this story too until I saw who was here.

[14thColony]

20. Same.

I was afraid it had already become another "Behind the Aegis" tantrum-fest before I even scrolled down, and guess what? It had.

No point in trying to discuss anything civilly here. Moving on.

[midnight]

5. Don't you wish people would just peace out.....

This has got to be better than another war....

[Mithreal]

16. That's the truth.

[JCMach1]

17. Not a bully- but a strong regional player/power

Turkey has in the last 2-3 years lessened their contacts with the IDF and currently have been cooperating and spreading their influence in Syria and Lebanon specifically.

I don't take this a a negative at all. A strong and influential Turkey helps stability in the region and that, ironically, helps Israel.

For years, Turkey's foreign policy with their neighbors was benign neglect. Now, they are the 500lb gorilla.

[Mithreal]

18. And that 500lb gorilla is gaining influence with our government

Sibel Edmonds has some interesting insights on our relationship with Turkey.

[JCMach1]

19. You are correct... Iraq is a basket case... Syria is an anachronism

Lebanon is a relatively powerless state... Iran is spiraling down... The Russians have virtually retreated from the Caucuses.

Turkey has a large educated population, a NATO equipped military, and a steadily growing economy. In terms of regional power, their star is on the rise during this century...

[The Stranger]

21. If Turkey is a "500lb gorilla gaining influence with our government," then what is AIPAC?

I can't wait for this. How many pounds and what sort of animal?

[Mithreal]

23. Go ahead and tell me. Seems you clearly have an opinion.

We are likely in agreement.

[sattahipdeep]

22. Turkey's military will accept a delivery of Israeli drones in March

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1142659.html