To some degree, these statements are understandable. However, when they cross the line and the parties' attitudes and stance become harsher, the criticisms turn into serious problems, causing unpleasant results. A recent column by David L. Phillips from The Boston Globe (Feb. 20) is one such example. Phillips relies on a threatening tone.
"If Erdogan wants to restore his reputation as a statesman and a reliable partner of the West, Turkey must repair its ties with Israel, normalize relations with Armenia, and welcome ships from Cyprus. Becoming an advocate for Hamas is a mistake. Turkey's future lies with the West. The Islamist street leads away from Europe to the Middle East," he writes.
This is obviously not trying to be polite. It is arrogant and crosses the line of criticism. A country like Turkey is not afraid of such threats; it won't consider the threats referred to by Phillips.
In fact, Erdogan's response to Peres in Davos should not be exaggerated. Other Arab countries have done the same. Muammar Qaddafi described the Arab leaders as cowards for their failure to do anything vis-
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