France initially made close ties with Saddam in 1970's. To read all the history and to understand is quite a task.It shows that French ministers had some personal deals going on with Saddam , but everything has been so volatile in the area, over the years , I think swapping sides and handshakes have always been about.
Turkey has only just launched it's attacks on IS, since they were attacked a couple of weeks ago. They have now given US permission to use their airbase in Incirlik. USA had requested for that many times, but Turkey didn't want to get involved. Their beef is with the PKK, but according to news reports, it's the Yazidi women and girls who are now joining up to PKK. They are the ones who were rounded up by IS from the mountains. PKK say they are fighting IS, Turkey is fighting PKK. It really does make you wonder who is actually in control of any of this. Then of course there are the PYD and the YPG. Far too complex
What does come across is ,' don't believe any of them', because they swap sides time and time again.
I find it quite strange that Israel is surrounded by these fighting countries , and giving due consideration to the dislike that some of the middle eastern countries have towards Israel , there has not been an attack on Israel or Palestine, the same as all the Western countries and other Arab countries have had ( I don't think) Who is at the heart of it all or is that pure coincidence ?
Overall Benjamin Netanyahu has been very quiet just recently, apart from his total disapproval of the recent agreement between Iran and USA and Britain. He's happy for the rest of the world to protect Israel at whatever cost, and has a tantrum when he doesn't get what he's expecting.
DD, if you find I have made an error with any word used or in the wrong context and wish to alter it, then please feel free, although I think generally my point is understandable.