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Break in Turkey-Egypt relations deepens regional divide

International mediation may be the next steps to rebuild trust among the countries of the region.
Supporters and opponents of ousted president Mohamed Mursi clash at Nasr City district in Cairo November 22, 2013. Mursi's supporters have staged frequent protests across Egypt, many of them after Friday prayers, since the army deposed him on July 3 in response to mass protests against his rule, and arrested most of the top leaders of his Muslim Brotherhood. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTX15OZM

As if the prevailing complexity throughout the Arab world is not enough, more complex problems are making crisis management nearly impossible. The latest is the break of diplomatic relations between two major countries in the region, namely Turkey and Egypt.

This is an unfortunate development. The ideological differences between the two regimes should not have led to this level of adversity. Turkish President Abdullah Gul made a calming statement: “I hope our relations will again get back on track.” I also hope this can expedite steps for restoring the relations between these two important countries.

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