Israeli journalist-writer: "It is natural that Azerbaijan-Israel relations gnaw at Iran"

"We must not give up writing"

Turan: As an analyst who closely monitors the Middle East and the Caucasus, how do you assess the recent developments? What do you attribute to the improvement of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Turkey: was it expected, or did Turkey's financial problems create this obligation?

Sadi: Undoubtedly, it would be wrong to ignore Israel's game in the rapprochement between the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. As a result of the Abraham Accords, the Gulf and many Muslim countries saw and believed that good relations with Israel were more beneficial than bad relations. I have always said that politics has a direct relationship with money. As the oil era is in its last years, the automotive industry is also moving to battery-powered cars. As the years went by, the Arabs realized that they had no choice but to cooperate with Israel, a powerful technology country, in order to increase their wealth. The United Arab Emirates has partnered with Elbit Rafel Group, one of Israel's largest technology companies (unfortunately, Rafael here is not me), and Israeli-made goods can only be sold by the UAE to countries that do not have close ties with Israel. Of course, as long as Israel allows. For example, the sale of military ammunition between Israel and Turkey was banned in 2011 by a unilateral decision of Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu. Israel has made a similar decision too. Now, Israeli goods can be sold to Turkey through the company I mentioned. In the meantime, if relations between Turkey and Israel improve and return to their previous levels, there may be no need for a mediator. This will take some time and it will take time for the atmosphere of trust in the past to re-emerge.

In short, it would be wrong not to see Israel's playful role in normalizing relations between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, and even Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the near future.

Turan: Given Israel's positive relations with these countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, can the new processes open the door to Turkish-Israeli relations again?

Sadi: In my answer to your first question, I explained it in detail. Of course, Israel has its own interests in improving relations between Turkey and the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and even Egypt. Even if we don't know what kind of bargain was done after the arrest and subsequent release of the novice MOSSAD agents, who took pictures of Mr. Erdoğan’s house in Kısıklı and who took on what responsibilities, we should say "Have a nice work!" to both sides for such wonderful things.

Turan: Israel's closest ally in the Caucasus is Azerbaijan, which manifests itself in many areas. If the current state of relations is not satisfactory, in what ways do you think it can be developed?

Sadi: There is no limit to good relationships. It is not necessary to say "That's enough" for any relationship. If I am not mistaken, Azerbaijan has 150,000 ambassadors to Israel. A Jew of Azerbaijani origin is considered an ambassador of Azerbaijan. And they have a close relationship with the Union of Turks in Israel. As we regularly meet, we hold events on the day of the Khojaly massacre. Of course, the relations between the two countries should be strengthened first by opening embassies, and then further developed in the fields of trade, tourism, and culture. It was very gratifying that a girl of Azerbaijani origin represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is necessary to develop relations, it should not stop.

Turan: The country most concerned about the development of Israeli-Azerbaijani relations is the Islamic Republic of Iran. We saw this again at the last ECO summit in Ashgabat. What are Iran's concerns, and are there any real reasons for such concerns?

Sadi: Iran and Israel are far from each other. Similarly, Israel is far from Azerbaijan. Israel's friendship with Azerbaijan means that Israel will move closer to the Iranian border in the future. The possibility of Israeli warplanes taking off from Azerbaijan and hitting Iran gnaws at the Tehran regime. But Iran's deployment to Lebanon and its supply of military ammunition and ballistic missiles also worries Israel, which is bombing and destroying those depots night and day with its own planes. Although Israel never said, "We did it," it is known who did it. Iran cannot do anything in the face of these attacks, because going to war does not benefit Iran either. The cost of such a war would be exorbitant. While Iran is one of the world's largest terrorist states, it is also well versed in population trade and financial accounting (after the Jews). At present, they are waging a cheap war, trying to escape instead of fighting bravely. Israel is one of the countries that has learned this best. The state of Israel is a state that can both strike and retreat and, if necessary, go directly to war. Iranians are aware of this. In other words, Iran has reason to worry, they are right, and it is good for all of us that this concern continues.

Turan: In general, the situation in the Muslim countries of the Middle East and the Caucasus is not as good as it used to be, and the scene is changing for the worse. For example, in the field of media freedom, Azerbaijan ranks 168th out of 183 countries. As an experienced journalist and writer, what would you like to say about this scene?

Sadi: I have not followed the Azerbaijani media closely - I must tell the truth, I am not fully aware of the situation. But it is not pleasant to be in such a place in the world rankings. I wish for it to climb to better places. From a distance, the landscape of Azerbaijan is very similar to that of Turkey. Because both are controlled by one person. In the name of democracy, it is as if there is a non-democratic situation in both countries. There is the word "democracy" in the law, so we must not lose hope for the future. If Mr. Erdoğan and Mr. Aliyev sit in those seats thanks to democracy, then they need democracy. I believe that one day the Azerbaijani media will be free but those who can write should not give up this work. You should not insult anyone when writing and criticizing. Because there are enough words in our languages ​​to write without insult.

Mayis Alizade