More Flotilla Fallout – Global Updates

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The two sides of the issue are still being drawn, but Israel has gained a key supporter in the response to the Flotilla incident.  Former United Kingdom Prime Minister and Middle East envoy Tony Blair has stood up and exclaimed Israel has a right to self defense.  He said that he is “100% on [Israel’s] side.”

In a developing story, it seems that Iran is sending two ships to Gaza to follow the Flotilla.  Like the ship that caused the violence, I suspect Iran would not send a ship unless it is accompanied by the military.  Of course, they would be armed and ready to attack anyone that gets in their way.  This could be the first direct confrontation with Iran, a country building nuclear weapons that it intends to use against Israel.

Russia has also made its side clear.  Russia appears to have joined Turkey in an embargo of gas shipments to Israel.  It is more important than ever that Israel become independent of potential enemies in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.  While Russian Prime Minister Putin claims that it is unrelated to the Flotilla, the comments came in close proximity to a call for a UN probe against Israel.  The results of which, of course, has already been decided.

Several cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Azamara Club, have canceled stops in Israeli cities specifically because of the Flotilla incident.  These ships can be quite large and the economic impact to the ports may be significant.

The world is watching, and now is as important of a time as ever to keep building allies and keep watch of enemies.  Time will tell who the real victor is, if any, from the Flotilla.  Thanks to a rapid response, much of which came from social networks and the blogosphere, Israel has been able to stay afloat despite the odds.

If you enjoyed this post, please take a look at what really happened at the Flotilla and how Israel responded.