Most observers have stressed on Israel’s Western support, particularly the United States, as an integral part to its survival in the region. Since its inception in 1948, Israel has had to come to terms with the hostilities of its Arab neighbours, many of whom were against the establishment of the Jewish state on the former British mandate of Palestine and took part in an effort to undo its creation. However, Israeli leaders like David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, saw that it a necessity to establish ties with other regional, non-Arab states like Iran, Turkey and Ethiopia, through a policy often referred to as the Periphery Doctrine. With the Islamic Revolution of 1979, this secret and unofficial alliance was called into question; many refer to it as an antique of Israeli foreign policy. As relations with Turkey have soured in the past few years, can we relegate Israel’s Periphery Doctrine to the history books? Or has it simply evolved into something else?
Posts Tagged ‘Turkey’
Israel’s Periphery: Relic of the Past or an evolved Foreign Policy?
Posted: April 12, 2012 in Egypt, India, Iranian Nuclear Issue, Israel, Middle East, TurkeyTags: Ethiopia, India, Iran, Israel, Middle East, Politics, Turkey
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The Syrian Crisis: Good fences, Good neighbours?
Posted: February 20, 2012 in Middle East, Syrian Civil WarTags: Arab League, Iran, Israel, National Interest, Politics, Realism, Regional hegemony, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey
The battle for Syria is raging on the streets of Homs. Last week, it was fought in the halls of the United Nations, where international consensus was outmanoeuvred by Russian and Chinese vetoes. Since then, there has been much discussion regarding the interests of these key players and how they factor into the future of Syria. The situation was perfectly captured by Al Jazeera guest Sergei Strokan; Syria’s future has become a “hostage to geopolitical gain.” Discounting International players like Russia and the United States, the Syrian conundrum remains a complex regional game of chess.
