Mediterranean and Middle East Programme - [01/26/2009]

CIDOB presents its analysis of Gaza in Ankara

On 22 January, the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) invited Eduard Soler and Fadela Hilali (coordinator and assistant, respectively, of the CIDOB Foundation's Mediterranean Programme) to present their analysis of the crisis in Gaza, and of the reactions of EU and Arab countries to the crisis.

In his address, Soler stressed the fact that the division between European countries is not a new phenomenon, but that on this occasion, the slowness and lack of cohesion in their response has represented a lost opportunity with respect to the role of the EU in the region, especially because it has taken place at a time when a new president has come to power in the USA. Fadela Hilali, meanwhile, spoke of the lack of unity between Arab nations and the accusations and counter-accusations that were made, especially during the first few days of the conflict, and the consequences of this division for the credibility of Arab governments in the eyes of citizens mobilised by the conflict.

Their addresses were followed by a vigorous debate with Turkish researchers and official diplomats in Ankara. The two issues of the greatest interest in this debate were the perception of Turkey's role in this conflict on the part of the EU and in the Arab world, and the prospects for carrying out direct discussions with Hamas.

>> For more information, go to the SETA website