Why does Turkeys Islamist Government refuse to sever relations with Israel, as Christian Venezuela has?
I don’t know for sure – but I can take a reasonable guess. Firstly, sending diplomats back is a fairly cynical action that attracts headlines, but in reality achieves very little. All governments do it, but it’s simply symbolic. Often it is to impress their own poplulation, to appear firm and decisive. Typically, they send the head of the embassy back – but the staff continue to provide the same service. In reality, intra Government communication continues. Secondly, it’s a popular misconception to believe this is primarily a religious conflict. It’s about land , nationalism and political power. People may align themslves by religious affinity – but it only complicates the issue. The key question is the control of land, and the number in the electorate.. Israel wants to keep the Palestinians in the minority – otherwise they would gain power in elections.. For Venezuela I would imagine it was a fairly easy decision to take. I don’t know what trade goes on between Venezuela and Israel, b
