Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, frustrated that he didn’t have enough time at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to tell Israeli President Shimon Peres what he really thought about Israel’s invasion of Gaza and Peres’ commens, walked off the stage and said he didn’t expect to return.
Since Turkey has long been a top ally of Israel in the Muslim world, the “stun” factor is understandable.
But, that's also part of why Turkey sgtands to benefit from this in the long term. Erdogan's comments have already boosted his credibility in the Arab world. That said, as long as Turkey continues its commitment to democracy and secularism, it could have even broader benefits.
The Turkish opposition won't be able to back fully away from this, but, as a campaign issue by an opposition constantly worried about Erdogan's commitment to secularism, it is something that will keep him in line, too.
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