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In this weeks Spotlight on Iran from the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center:

“In an editorial published on November 3 2009, the Iranian conservative daily Keyhan addressed the changes in Turkey’s policy and its deteriorating relationship with Israel.

The daily noted that the change in the Turkish attitude towards Israel could not be brushed off as a short-term tactical adaptation in order to meet temporary objectives. According to the article, the change in Turkey’s policy is rooted in its internal politics [Islamic politics] and the strengthening Islamic faction. The daily noted, however, that Turkey was still governed by a secular constitution, that it was a member of NATO, and its army was under the control of a group which saw itself as the “defender of secularism” [Atatürk]; therefore, an all-encompassing change in its policy towards the West should not be expected.

In the near future, Turkey is likely to maintain its relations with the Western bloc and even with Israel. Nevertheless, the daily’s assessment is that the strategic change led by the Islamists will likely put an end to Turkey’s absolute affiliation with the West, leading to the adoption of a new attitude towards the regional resistance bloc [e.g. Hezbollah]. The strengthening of Turkey’s commercial ties with Islamic countries, mainly Iran, may empower the Turkish Islamic movement and lay the groundwork for more significant changes in Turkey in the future.”

Please read the full Spotlight on Iran here

Mazzeltov,

Crethi Plethi

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