Gelisim News

"It has a strong potential to turn into a Middle East war, including Lebanon, Syria and Yemen"

Evaluating the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's first visit to Turkiye on January 6 and his meetings within the scope of the Middle East tour, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Semin: "The main theme of Blinken's visit to Arab countries can be evaluated as initiatives to prevent the conflicts in Gaza from turning into a possible war in the regional context. Because the spread of the Gaza conflict to the entire Middle East and its transformation into a regional war is not in the interests of the US or western countries. Although it is seen as a remote possibility that the Gaza war will spread to the whole region in the short term, it is strong that it will turn into a potential Middle East wars, especially in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen in the medium term."

The Hamas-Israel conflict, which has been taking place in Gaza since 7 October 2023, is seen as a development with the potential to restore the bipolar world order in the Middle East and global power balances. Stating that the October 7 conflicts give signals that will lead to a regional total conflict and that it is expected to change the balance of potential forces that will change and shape the international system, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Political Science and International Relations Department, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Semin also added: “The fact that despite Israel's violent attacks on Gaza, neither Arab nor Islamic countries have taken any concrete steps other than condemnation has almost encouraged the Netanyahu government to extend the war. As of today, since October 7, 23 thousand 84 Palestinians, including 10 thousand children and 7 thousand women, have lost their lives in the incessant air, land and sea attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza."

''Because the spread of the Gaza conflict to the entire Middle East and its transformation into a regional war is not in the interests of the US or western countries''

With the developments, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his first visit to Turkey on January 6 and held talks within the scope of Middle East tour in Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the West Bank. Stating that the main reason for Blinken's visit to Turkiye was Sweden's NATO membership and F-16 issues, as well as Ankara's fight against terrorism in Syria-Iraq, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Semin: "The main theme of Blinken's visit to Arab countries can be evaluated as initiatives to prevent the conflicts in Gaza from turning into a possible war in the regional context. Because the spread of the Gaza conflict to the entire Middle East and its transformation into a regional war is not in the interests of the US or western countries. From this point of view, the US seems to have realized that its unlimited support for Israel, both in foreign policy and regionally and globally, will not be limited to the conflict in Gaza. For this reason, Blinken's Middle East tour states that the way to prevent the ongoing conflict in Palestine is through a two-state solution. We can say that it is quite thought-provoking that Blinken does not present any plan for what the search for a two-state solution will be like. It should be noted that Israel will no longer accept the two-state solution and wants to continue the occupation plan in the Palestinian territories."

"Serious pressure must be put on Israel"

Stating that Blinken's visits to the Middle East are not an attempt for a permanent ceasefire and are aimed at protecting America's interests in the Middle East, Semin said, "Considering that the key to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is in Washington, it is essential to put serious pressure on Israel. Although it is seen as a remote possibility that the Gaza war will spread to the whole region in the short term, it is strong that it will turn into a potential Middle East wars, especially in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen in the medium term."