Russian Today: he re-creation of a historical alliance between Israel and Turkey against a “common enemy” would be seen as “bad news” across the Arab world, political analyst Chris Bambery told RT, adding that the move could also terribly damage Erdogan’s government.

RT: If Ankara is involved in this and it is confirmed to be the case, what do you make of this certainly unlikely alliance between Turkey and Israel?

Chris Bambery: Prior to Erdogan taking office a decade ago, Turkey and Israel were very close allies in the Middle East. Remember too that Turkey is a key NATO-frontline state with massive military aid given to it by the United States. So there’s a historical alliance between Israel and Turkey, fuelled by the dislike of many of the Arab states who both perceive as enemies. Under Erdogan, the military has been brought under some control in Turkey. I think the question must be twofold.

Firstly, if Erdogan agreed to the use of a Turkish military base for the attack on Syria, this is going to fuel the discontent which it is already facing, with the demonstrations in Taksim Square and elsewhere. Given that Erdogan has gone out of his way to pose as being someone who supported Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has been a friend of the Palestinians, and has gone a long way back on a historic alliance with Israel, if Erdogan agreed to such an attack, it would do terrible damage for [those relationships].

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