A year ago Turkish prime minister Erdagan was willing to endanger his countries relations with Israel in part to pacify the EU. Last week he came to mend fences. He advocated Turkish anti-terrorism cooperation with Israel and economic cooperation with the Palestinians.

Why?

Because the US is making progress in turning the ME into a more democratic place (more is the key word!) and a place more open to globalization. Just as importantly, the EU stopped its obstructionism and reiterated its commitment to democratic values by refusing to lift the ban on military exports to China.

The Erdagan change of heart came just in time to remind us of the mostly honorable Turkish behavior during World War II.