Category Archives: Uncategorized

Diplomatic Realignment in the West?

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

July 16, 2017 Dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the end of the Cold War. The profound changes in structures which had governed East-West relations for five decades led to a unipolar world at the center of which was the … Continue reading →

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Moving Towards Post-ISIS Iraq and Syria

Posted on July 9, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

July 9, 2017 During his first visit to Moscow in July 2009 President Obama tried to “reset” US-Russia relations. It did not happen. The Arab Spring led to a new set of confrontations. Snowden affair became an irritant and lead … Continue reading →

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Gulf Crisis and Turkey (3)

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

July 2, 2017 After a few days of make-believe mediation between the parties, Turkey has become Qatar’s staunchest supporter in the Gulf crisis. Because, the thirteen-point ultimatum presented to Qatar also includes the immediate termination of Turkish military presence in … Continue reading →

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On Turkey and the Middle East

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

June 24, 2017 In the fall of 1966, I took a series of exams to join the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Among other things, we were asked to comment on a widely used metaphor, “Turkey is a bridge between East and … Continue reading →

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Middle East of Inconsistencies

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

June 19, 2017 “Pact of the League of Arab States” defines the purpose of the League as achieving close collaboration between Member States to safeguard their independence and sovereignty. Articles 5. and 6. of the Pact state the following:

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The Gulf Crisis and Turkey (2)

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

June 12, 2017 On June 9, 2017, in a statement on the Middle East, Secretary Tillerson said: “… As we combine efforts to defeat the military, financial, and ideological support of terrorists, we expect to see progress in the Arab … Continue reading →

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The Gulf Crisis and Turkey

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

June 7, 2017 On June 5, 2017 Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen’s UN-backed government, the eastern government of divided Libya and the Maldives severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over allegations of support for terrorism. In addition, … Continue reading →

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Turkey Needs a Serious Foreign Policy Review

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

May 31, 2017 Turkey’s traditional foreign policy stood on pillars. Our relations with the United States and the European Union constituted the first two. A third one was our relations with our neighbors and the region. Prominently among those was … Continue reading →

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President Trump and Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

May 24, 2017 President Trump has now completed the Middle East leg of his first trip abroad. Though not as important as what he discussed with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Israel, images from his visits were also interesting. For … Continue reading →

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Presidents Obama, Trump and the Middle East: Choice of Capitals, Messages and Audiences

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

May 22, 2017 President Obama arrived in Turkey in April 2009 after attending a G20 summit in London, a NATO summit in Strasbourg and an EU summit in Prague. This was his first overseas trip as President. The following paragraph … Continue reading →

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