Turkey v. Israel: Davos Forum Smackdown
EmailThe World Economic Forum — that invitation-only, annual Alpine gathering at Davos, Switzerland — is a famous gathering of economists and politicians, journalists and artists, a place where the great issues of the day are hashed out over fine food and drink and — for those so inclined — excellent skiing. We’ve never been to the event — but we’re told Davos is NOT usually a forum for shouting matches between world leaders, or storming off stages, etc. But that’s what happened there today — as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan lambasted Israel for its incursion into Gaza and the carnage in its wake. Turkey has been — by regional standards — a strong supporter of Israel, but Mr. Erdogan was withering in his criticism today. "You kill people," Erdogan said. Israeli President Shimon Peres shot back, asking about the militant group Hamas, "Why did they fight us, what did they want? There was never a day of starvation in Gaza" and then asking Erdogan directly how he would feel if rockets fell on Istanbul. Erdogan began a response, and was cut off by the moderator, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius. At that point, Erdogan stalked off, saying "When it comes to killing, you know it too well." According to wire reports, those in the packed auditorium were stunned. Later, he told reporters, "President Peres was speaking to the prime minister of Turkey — I am not just some leader of some group or tribe, so he should have addressed me accordingly." Care to watch? Have a glass of wine, sit back (or fast forward). It’s interesting — if a little long. Here you are…
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Oh boy, Senator Mitchel you have your work cut out for you.
If this is coming from Turkey, what do we expect from Syria and Iran? It’s not gonna be easy Senator Mitchel.
Luckily you have Secretary Clinton and President Obama who will think with you and not shoot from the hip before asking questions like the Texas Cowboy and his gang.
Posted by: Steve_NJ | January 29, 2009, 6:45 pm 6:45 pm
How many women and children did Israel kill in Gaza? How many women and children did Hamas kill in Israel, any?
Israel obviously is the master of killing.
Posted by: JR | January 29, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Israel is committed to a two state solution or so they say, yet they continue to expand settlements and checkpoints in the occupied territories. Why do we support this nonsense with our tax dollars?
Posted by: Huh | January 29, 2009, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
Well done Mr Erdogan. Finally a man witha spine. The British and the Americans didnt even turn up
Posted by: CHarlie | January 29, 2009, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
Israel needs to get a clue.
This Hamas/Terrorist stuff isn’t ever going to stop.
They need to implement a much more humane solution.
Israel needs to start operation Terrorectomy.
That’s where the state of Israel offers $1,000 to young Palestinian men just past puberty for a successful government sponsored vasectomy.
At least as the years pass the problem over there will diminish and become more manageable.
Posted by: Noz | January 29, 2009, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
Noz – Your a funny guy. Israel needs to offer respect and equality to their neighbors, not sterilization.
Posted by: Huh | January 29, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
very good Erdogan you are the hero of muslim nation.
Posted by: imobile | January 30, 2009, 12:46 am 12:46 am
I think, the reaction of Mr. Erdogan was not against Israelis, it was against Israeli Govt.’s unfortunate hypocrasy during the peace talks with Syria.
To be honest, I was in shock with the attitude of Mr Peres. This is not what people normally expect to see from a President.
Posted by: Zany | January 30, 2009, 2:30 am 2:30 am
“Noz – Your a funny guy.” – Huh
Thanks for noticing the humor Huh.
But contemplate Operation Terrorectomy a bit more.
Think of the good it could do.
There would be less abortions from unwanted pregnancies.
Gaza is a tad crowded so it would help alleviate that.
It would give young Palestinian men a chance to make a positive difference.
Saudi Arabia could partner with Israel and match the $1000 with the provision that their half goes towards the construction of a College in Gaza so that the people there could have education past Hamas High.
The college would be named Samah Technical Data University as it would have the opposite values of Hamas.
Hamas leaders would not be allowed in so that the place doesn’t get bombed by Israel.
See, this kind of out of the box thinking could bring about real change.
We all want change as is evident with the recent NoBo victory.
Hey, you need to try something different.
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is lame and crazy.
Posted by: Noz | January 30, 2009, 8:55 am 8:55 am
Noz – Interesting. No complaints about thinking outside the box. I do it too.
Posted by: Huh | January 30, 2009, 11:49 am 11:49 am
Cancel my tickets to visit Turkey, please. Talk about hypocrisy.
Posted by: babster | January 30, 2009, 11:51 am 11:51 am
What happened to the “CHANGE” that President Obama promised would come to Washington, DC. How can there be “CHANGE” whe he keeps going back the same “political litter box” to choose his cabinet and advisors. You cannot have change if you keep recycling the same old politicians back theough the same old system!!! Old politicians and still old politicians!!!!
Posted by: Don | January 31, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
Amazing! With a land area of say 7,850 square miles VS 300,000 that of Turkey Israel at 50 times closer quarters needs to co-exist with Palestinians whom they have wronged. However Turkey outside it’s borders Invaded a neighboring island country Cyprus since 1974. Thousands missing and still occupies with 40,000 army, invades and kills Kurds n Iraq, Violates Greek islands and at odds with All it’s neighbors having ignored hundreds UN orders and commited genocides (Armenians)… Mr. Perez appears as a kind man to allow Mr. Erdogan’s arrogance and hypocricy!
Posted by: One | January 31, 2009, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm