What started as a regular basketball game between two teams, ended in the arrest of 30 Turkish youth. Police in the Turkish city of Kayseri stepped in after the crowd, waving Palestinian flags, began protesting against the Israeli team. According to the indictment, they have been accused of "insulting Israel". This is not the first time Israeli players have been forced off the court. In 2009, some 3000 Turkish fans disrupted a game in the capitol Ankara. Soma analysts say these events shine a light on the growing rift between the long-time regional allies, who share trade, military and strategic ties. Tensions between Turkey and Israel were at one time, reserved only for the political leaders. However that is now being seen on the streets. This is especially true since the deadly raid on the Gaza aid ship back in May of last year that saw 9 Turkish activists' killed. Israel refuses to apologize to Turkey for the deaths saying their troops acted in self defense. According to Hayrettin Turan, the editor of the foreign desk at Turkiye Newspaper, relations between the two countries really soured with the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip in December 2008. While Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, it is a secular one, leading some to believe it will make a good role model for new governments in the Middle East. Turkey also maintains strong ties with Iran and with that growing influence across the region. The dilemma now rests with Israel and how long they feel their policies will keep them afloat. Show Less >>