78 pct of Israelis view Turkey as enemy: poll

JERUSALEM: Some 78 percent of Jewish Israelis now view Turkey, once Israel”s only Muslim ally in the Middle East, as an enemy nation, according to a poll published on Thursday.

The sharp switch in public attitude towards Turkey comes in the wake of a May 31 raid by Israeli commandos on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza, which left nine Turkish activists dead.

The poll, published in the pro-government daily, asked participants: “Do you believe that in light of recent events Turkey has become an enemy state?” It said 78 percent of those surveyed answered yes, while 22 percent said no.

In the 1990s, the two nations developed close military and economic links and have held frequent joint military drills and signed a free trade agreement. Turkey had also become a favourite holiday destination for Israelis.

But the ties have declined rapidly amid vehement Turkish criticism of the devastating offensive which Israel launched against the Gaza Strip in December 2008 and Ankara”s improving ties with Tehran.

Pak-Afghan ties improving: Afghan FM

TrendPK.com MUNICH: Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasul said ties were improving with Pakistan and curbing terrorism and militancy is a difficult task.
In an interview with foreign news agency, improving ties with neighboring countries is top priority of Afghan government. Terrorism issue could not be resolved without mutual efforts among the countries of the [...]