Greece has halted the Gaza-bound flotilla protest, after Turkey had already stopped its boats from taking part. The diplomatic context is clear: Israel’s position is strengthening amid the revolts in the Arab world, and it’s gaining friends who are abandoning the Palestinians and the pro-Iran camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu correctly calculated his diplomatic steps and threats of force, and the flotilla did not embark.

But stopping the flotilla has a broader significance, one that exceeds the balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean. Governments have taken charge and made clear that they, not passengers or a vessel’s crew, determine whether ships can sail. The protest organizers grumbled, but they were helpless against the Greek coast guard.”

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