Erdogan's Rebuke in Davos Serves Eurasian Strategy

Political analyst and military expert Serdar Sen links PM Erdogan's ardent reaction to Israel's President Peres in Davos to Turkey's possible strength with regard to the US's unfolding Eurasian strategy.

Capitalism needs to establish a new cultural and ideological hegemony in the region ranging from the Balkans to the Middle East and the Caspian Sea in order to exploit resources, and Turkey is acting as a "vassal country", says Sen.

"Obama's election has brought a new strategy. The first phase was after the end of the Cold War. With 9/11, a new, conflict-ridden phase began. Now, as military power is retiring to the back stage, new hegemonic relations emerge. Erdogan's move in Davos may well strengthen his political position with regard to the people and governments of this region."  

He notes that the Turkish government has been working towards this end. Television broadcasts to the region has been widened amid efforts to promote Turkish language. Public religious authority Diyanet's influence has also been heightened. Common historical, religious and cultural ties with peoples of the region are promoted. Sen draws attention to references made to the Ottoman period.  

He presumes that this contest for hegemony will eventually force Turkey and Iran into competition. As for Turkey's relations with Israel, Sen does not foresee any problems. "Mutual interests prevent any real conflict between the two countries." 

Erdogan had left a panel in World Economic Forum's Davos meeting when the moderator tackled him to avoid responding to Peres' comments. He has strongly condemned Israel's recent offensive in Gaza on numerous occasions and blamed the West for turning a blind eye to the suffering. His attitude has been widely welcomed both inside Turkey and in the streets of Gaza.(TK/AGÜ)