Despite recent rapprochement between the U.S. and Turkey, Washington is increasingly concerned over Ankara’s involvement in Iraq. Analysts note that business ties, particularly between northern Iraq and Turkey “could further push Baghdad toward Tehran.” Turkey has maintained growing trade with Iran despite U.S. and international sanctions on Iranian financial institutions that aid the illicit Iranian nuclear program. Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu is slated to visit Washington next week, during which time he will meet Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to discuss regional issues like Syria and Iran, but commentators expect that the issue of growing energy ties with northern Iraq will be among the top agenda issues. Attesting to Turkey’s increased role in the Middle East, leaders of four central Israeli parties in a foreign policy debate yesterday unanimously supported an effort to better the strategic relationship between Israel and Turkey.

[Photo: Christine und Hagen Graf / Flickr]