As for the chocolate debate: have a little of both.

For it was not that long ago that the unholy alliance between Turkey and the ruling Zionist neo-con fifth column in the U.S. was simply a given in many a nefarious dealing here. In view of her own experience, perhaps Mrs. Sibel Edmonds’ might share her insight into this new development?

We need your Turkey/Middle East analysis. Hopefully this post is relevant given the Gullen commentary above.

Given everything that’s going on in the Middle East — Turkey deploying troops, ships, anti-aircraft batteries to Cyprus; sending more ships with Iran to bust blockade, coinciding with UN sanctions vote–Ergodan threatening to sail in himself, considering sending Turkish Navy before James Jones called urging/threatening (NATO, EU distancing) against it; “Islamizing” intel–replacing professional intel heads with civilian friends–supposedly first time ever (Israel allegedly bugged war-room), long-standing intel back channels gone; Israeli diplomats’ families removed from Turkey, travel ban instated; El Al & Turkish Airlines end contract; Russia changes pipeline plans from through Turkey-Israel to Turkey-Syria; recent Kurdish PKK terrorist attack in Turkey kills 7 last wk–Turkey alleges Israeli support; Israel kills 4 Hamas “frogmen”; Israeli inner cabinet continues marathon session; UN likely to push investigation of Flotilla incident at Turkey’s block’s behest; Lebanon and Syria receive air defense from Syria…

… Given whatever of this is true (mostly from debka’s reporting), what’s your take on it? Is it partly a shrewd power-play by Ergodan to lock up power domestically by unifying the country against an enemy and creating a volatile security situation? It appears that he’s not just bluffing (memo to Bibi), however. Does this mean the Israel-Turkey alliance is over? What ramifications do you think this will have on the Gülen movement?

Curious, I checked Hurriyet and found this interesting article with a “message from Gülen,” which sounds like its directly from Western intel trying to restrain Ergodan:

“While we are about to get into this vicious circle, the message coming from Fethullah Gülen, the spiritual religious leader of millions in Turkey and around the world, was really reassuring. Mr. Gülen suggested that the activists who were trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza should have tried to get prior permission from the Israeli authorities. I believe he wanted to warn all of us, especially this government, about the vicious circle we are about to embark on. Reading his last message together with his prior criticism of Hamas, Hizbullah and other extremist groups in the region, I believe Mr. Gülen provides a perfect example of how a pious Muslim can fight for everyone’s rights without falling into the trap of identifying with any of them. I hope his message will reach Erdoğan and everyone in Turkey and the region soon.”

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/columnists-212530-israel-hamas-selective-human-rights-advocacy-and-gulens-message.html

The rest of the article’s interesting too. (I don’t usually read Hurriyet–is the reporting usually so superficial/programmed-sounding?)

So is Ergodan and the AKP out of the woods? Will this enable him to effectively lock up his power? Another headline on Hurriyet said wiretaps exposed “cronyism” in the higher judiciary. Would Gülen go against him? It seems Ergodan is turning out to be more shrewd and unpredictable than everyone thought–maybe pulling a sort of Nasser?

Hopefully it all blows over. Debka’s also reporting that Kuwait intel are leaking that Turkey has learned that Iran has Osama Bin Laden, but that sounds like pure Mossad disinfo that has been going on for a while from neocon propaganda outlets (much of Debka’s stuff seem like disinfo intel–is it usually somewhat reliable?), beating the drum for war with Iran.

Sorry for all the questions. You’re probably busy with another post, so no worries if you don’t get a chance to answer.

I am relieved to hear that you are OK. I was wondering what was going on. Your site is a great read and a real important part of the internet. Welcome back. Stay well.

SanderO

The Neilson Burnt Almond candy bars were delicious, don’t try the Cadbury though, bleech!

‘The two articles basically agreed that a US mine ripped the Cheonan in two and sent the hapless South Korean corvette down to Davy Jones’ locker. But they differed in two key aspects; one was the type of the mine used in the friendly-fire attack – limpet or rising – and the other was the nature of the friendly fire, deliberate or inadverted’.

any comment on that ?

Please bash your head against they keyboard, you mumbling twit.

Q: Why can’t Kiwi guys take their girlfriends to the Rugby match?
A: Because they eat all the grass!

pretty interesting ramblings Simon

hope you feel better soon

Love “Light” and Energy

_Don

Also, here is a general & sincere ‘thank you’ to all of you with kind messages sent via form/e-mail, and of course all of those who’ve been keeping this site alive & active (you know who I’m talking about;-)

“but does anyone here remember our almost recent flip on MEK? So, what’s the latest on that? Did they go back to the list? Are they a part of the Pentagon’s recent souped-up operations inside Iran?”
Govt of Iraq took over Camp Ashraf last summer, and had to crack some uppity MEK skulls. I’ve heard MEK was not very reliable or useful; a stupid neocon idea out of the OVP. We should have gone through with the deal and traded those Marxists to the Iranians for captured high level AQ. We were stupid not to take the deal; I blame Israel.

best,
KF