Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Normalizing” Turkish-American Relations

Posted on February 18, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

February 18, 2018 In view of increasing tensions between Ankara and Washington, engaging in comprehensive, substantial and authoritative talks at sufficiently high level, preferably in Ankara to be of consequence, had become the dictate of diplomacy (1).  Last week, following … Continue reading →

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Who are the terrorists?

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

February 5, 2018 Washington designated Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997. Last week the Department of State also designated its leader Ismail Haniyeh as a terrorist. Some in the Arab world were no doubt delighted whereas Turkish Foreign … Continue reading →

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Turkish-American Relations Under Strain

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

January 29, 2018 On May 16, 2017 Presidents Erdogan and Trump had talks in Washington. A few days before the visit I had said: “…neither Ankara nor Washington can afford a too rocky relationship with too many ups and downs. … Continue reading →

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Shifting Priorities in Syria

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

January 22, 2018 On January 17, Secretary Tillerson delivered remarks at Stanford University. His topic was “The Way Forward for the United States Regarding Syria”. Next to him was Condoleezza Rice, National Security Adviser and later Secretary of State during … Continue reading →

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From a War of Travel Advisories to a Face-off in Syria

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

January 15, 2018 On December 28, 2017, the Turkish Embassy in Washington issued a statement which welcomed the decision of the U.S. to resume regular visa procedures by lifting the restrictions applied to Turkish citizens and said that in accordance … Continue reading →

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Obituary for Turkey’s EU Accession Process

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

January 7, 2017 Turkey remains in diplomatic isolation. Once, the government called this “precious loneliness”, a price Ankara was prepared to pay no matter what for its “principled foreign policy”. However, this policy of needless defiance coupled with the decline … Continue reading →

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Iran Protests and the Middle East

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

January 4, 2013 The protests in Iran became a focus of international attention during the past week. In the background were the nature of the Iranian regime, its expanding regional reach which is largely a result of the 2003 US … Continue reading →

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The Jerusalem Controversy

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

December 25, 2017 On December 6, President Trump signed the Act which recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. A week later, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) met in Istanbul at summit level on current chair Turkey’s initiative and strongly condemned … Continue reading →

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2017: Another Year of Turmoil

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

  December 20, 2017 The following is from my summing-up of the year 2016 (*): “The Ukraine conflict has led many analysts to frequently mention President Putin’s unpredictable tactics and actions if not policies. With Mr. Trump in the White … Continue reading →

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President Trump’s Jerusalem Embassy Act

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

December 7, 2017 President Trump has finally signed the Act which recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, fulfilling a campaign promise. Was this a priority for his supporters? While the decision may enjoy broad bipartisan support in the Congress, his voters’ … Continue reading →

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