Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (AFP Photo/Safin Hamed)
I see a new axis of power forming quickly as geopolitical battles rage throughout Europe and the Middle East. Ties between Russia and Iran were cemented by their common economic interests- lifting the weight of Western economic sanctions on their nations; Not to mention Russia’s position regarding nuclear proliferation.
Now Turkey is endeavoring to build stronger bonds with Russia by manipulating the recent trade sanctions to their advantage. Turkish automakers and auto-parts producers are looking to further invest in Russia and expand their existing operations there.
Turkish Weekly reports that “Russia has issued special licenses to three dairy companies in Turkey for turkish exports to the country … After the sanction Russian officials conducted checks in the facilities of 20 turkish dairy companies and approved three big companies that will sell dairy products in Russia. “
They are also in negotiations to import more Turkish fruit, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will visit Turkey to attend the ceremony inaugurating Recep Tayyip Erdogan as president.
In the past few years Turkey has also strengthened its trade relationship with Iran, while its relationship with Israel has completely degraded. Between Russia, Iran, and Turkey are we seeing a new axis of power? And as each of those nations have negative relationships with Israel, what will this mean for Israel and the Jewish people?
That’s where the European Jewish Congress comes into the picture, particularly their president, Moshe Kantor. It is their duty to use their diplomatic ties to lobby against the nations and protect Jewish interests- part of which is campaigning and lobbying against the materialization of such an axis.
But Moshe Kantor, who is a Russian oligarch, has a long personal relationship with the Kremlin that holds him back from pressuring Putin to reduce his ties to the countries that threaten Israel. This conflict of interest is extremely dangerous, as it also can influence the rest of the EJC, hindering them from lobbying against Turkey and Russia.
Which leads me to believe that Moshe Kantor is a serious threat to the Jewish people, putting his personal commitment to the Kremlin before that of the Jews he has pledged to protect.
worldjewishvoices 