MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the clashes in the Middle East and Turkey's reactions to them. A summary of his column is as follows:
It is natural for the Turkish public to react to actions of foreign countries which are contrary to our interests or simply intolerable. It is the democratic right of society to show its thoughts and feelings on the subject through demonstrations. However, these activities should not go to extremes, and impassioned feeling should not lead us to irrational behavior. Recently, the Turkish public has been demonstrating its feelings over developments in the Middle East. The harsh denunciation of Sharon's policies in the demonstrations for solidarity with Palestine, protesting the tragedies occurring in the West Bank, and a show of solidarity with the Palestinians all have just cause. However, the extremist slogans chanted in these demonstrations are contrary to Turkey's mentality, traditions and culture. It should be asked what purpose would it serve if all ties with Israel were cut off, as demanded by Felicity Party (SP) Chairman Recai Kutan. Even Palestinian leaders and their representative in Ankara have made it known that they consider it beneficial for their own purposes for Turkey to maintain its relations with Israel. In other words, no such extreme demand is coming from the Palestinian administration itself. None of the Arab countries which have diplomatic ties with Israel are cutting off their diplomatic relations. Only Egypt has severed some ties. Is there any need for Turkey to move ahead of the Arab countries? In fact, Turkey wants its significance to be felt in the Middle East as a regional power. This is only possible through pursuing a balanced policy. Therefore, if we want Israel to listen to us, we should not cut off the dialogue between our two countries. Within this context, the recent argument concerning an agreement over tanks with Israel should be clarified. The reason why an Israeli firm was chosen for the bid was because it was the only country which agreed to share its technology with Turkey. Turkey should be moderate in its reactions, balanced in its relations and realistic in pursuing its policies.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION