Category Archives: Uncategorized

What if…

November 15, 2017 What if the Turkish Government had, • remained on the democratic path, thus an invaluable partner for the West, • continued to be a source of inspiration for the Middle East,

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State of Confusion in Riyadh

November 13, 2017 Candidate Trump called Saudi Arabia “the world’s biggest funders of terrorism.” President Trump made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia. On November 7, in the wake of the purges in the Saudi capital, he tweeted, “I … Continue reading

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Prime Minister Yıldırım’s Visit to Washington

November 6, 2017 On October 29, Secretary Tillerson made the following remarks on the occasion of Turkey’s National Day: “… Turkey has been a close American ally for more than 60 years. We are strategic partners in addressing the causes … Continue reading

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Turkey in Low Spirits

October 30, 2017 Turkey’s current mood is one of gloom. Much of this is unpredictability related. We Turks don’t know what tomorrow may bring not to speak of the months and years ahead. We are constantly on edge, anxious and … Continue reading

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The Imperative for Iraq’s Internal Peace

October 23, 2017 Most observers agree that Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) independence referendum backfired; Massoud Barzani overplayed his hand and lost; and, his inclusion of “disputed territories” in the referendum was an overreach. The mood in Arbil is one of … Continue reading

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Diplomacy Is Only Part of the Solution

October 16, 2017 In earlier posts, I have often referred to President Obama’s visit to Turkey in early April, 2009. This is what I said: “The President arrived in Turkey after attending a G20 summit in London, a NATO summit … Continue reading

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Turkey’s Syria Policy Coming Full Circle

October 10, 2017 The Syrian conflict is in its seventh year and much has changed after the Russian intervention. Gone are the days of the Friends of Syria Group meetings and international coalitions targeting regime change. This Group was formed … Continue reading

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The Uncertain Future of the Iran Nuclear Deal

October 6, 2017 On September 19, President Trump addressed the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He called the Iran nuclear deal an embarrassment to the US and said, “I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it … Continue reading

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Kurdistan Regional Government’s Referendum

September 26, 2017 During his meeting with President Erdogan on the margins of the UN General Assembly, President Trump heaped words of praise on his guest. “He’s running a very difficult part of the world,” Trump said. “He’s involved very, … Continue reading

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President Trump’s “Philosophical” UNGA Speech

September 20, 2017 On Tuesday, President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the first time (*). According to media reports based on White House and administration sources, this was going to be a “philosophical” speech. Yet, when … Continue reading

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