From talk to action

The countrys shrinking pro-secular elite counts ties with Israel among the guarantees that Turkey will not go Islamic. Turkeys generals are among Israels loudest cheerleaders. But the armys influence has been waning as reforms aimed at winning European Union membership kick in.

Mr Erdogans supporters make light of secular anxieties. Encircled by enemies,Israel needs Turkey more than Turkey needs it. As for America,its dependence on Turkey for its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq means that it cannot afford to alienate Mr Erdogan. The real reason Israel attacked a Turkish ship,they add,was because of Mr Erdogans efforts to ward off sanctions against Iran.

Even so,this week deputies from the prime ministers Justice and Development party fought to remove wording from a joint parliamentary statement that asked the government to review economic and military ties with Israel. And state-employed imams have been ordered to avoid any anti-Semitism.