BY YILMAZ OZTUNA
TURKIYE- Israel calls Hamas, which came to power through elections, a terrorist organization. Hamas is being directed from the outside by their leader in Damascus. But Syria is openly getting much support and orders from Iran.
Meanwhile, the US, which brands Iran and Syria rogue states, also calls Hamas a terrorist group. Washington hadn't expected Hamas to win the Palestinian elections it had pushed for. When it did, the US wanted Hamas to cut off its relations with Syria, and especially with Iran. But Hamas, recognizing that it needs their backing, refused to do this.
Israel will stop its attacks when it cripples Hamas enough that it can't launch new attacks for some time. In addition, Israel wants to end Palestinians' support for the group, but it's quite doubtful the Palestinians will heed these urgings.
The Palestinian issue, like Kashmir and Cyprus, will persist. But to lend support to the Palestinians who are suffering is our duty as humans. On this, Arab countries act exhausted. In addition, they are dependent on the West. They can't end the Palestinians' suffering.
Also in developments on Cyprus and Bosnia, the Arab world hasn't worked to end the suffering. And this time Turkey again assumed the mission to stop the bloody clashes.
Our premier made the first attempt to stop the attacks. France is continuing to show its historical interest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nicolas Sarkozy came forward. Let's hope he's more successful more than he was with the Georgian crisis. The war in Gaza can't be Turkey's top issue.