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Erdogan Fans Anti-Israeli, Anti-American Sentiments for Political Gain
(Hurriyet-Turkey) Semih Idiz - Prime Minister Erdogan appears set to milk the popularity he gained in the streets of Turkey and the Middle East after the Marmara crisis. Turks are easily swayed emotionally even if this means that the bread and butter issues of vital importance to them are pushed to the background. It is clear that there is great public animosity towards Israel today. The almost endemic anti-Americanism among Turks is also adding grist to Erdogan's populist mill. Over the weekend he said, "They are asking us...why is Turkey bothered about Gaza? But could they not be asked in return what America is doing in Iraq? What is it doing in Palestine? Could it not be asked what is it doing in Afghanistan?" Erdogan is utilizing the least sophisticated of political tools to increase support for the AKP at home, and totally disregarding what harm he may be doing to Turkey's well established links with the West in general and the U.S. in particular.