Speech by David Harris at the discussion group Transatlantic Relations
The “Arabellion” in North Africa and the Middle East was viewed critically in this session. Especially the media coverage which mostly differentiated only between “good insurgents” and “bad dictators” strongly shaped the developments in the region as well as the public opinion abroad. Ultimately, not only the arrest of staff members of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in Cairo makes a re-evaluation compulsory.
For Israel’s security its Mediterranean partners play a key role. Due to Turkey’s offensive diplomacy, the relationship between Israel and Turkey, however, cooled off since Tayyip Erdogan took office in 2003. Hence Cyprus and Greece play a more significant role for Israel’s strategic re-orientation.
