Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Iranian Spring

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

February 1, 2016 It may not be about freedom of expression, respect for human rights or political reform but this still is an Iranian spring; more than anything else a diplomatic one, in the middle of a harsh regional winter. … Continue reading →

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Washington’s Troubled Relations with Its Middle East Partners

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 25, 2016 On January 22, 2016 Secretary Kerry addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This is how he started off his remarks on the Iran nuclear deal: “… It wasn’t so long ago that … Iran was … Continue reading →

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Iran Nuclear Deal: Implementation Day

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 19, 2016 During the weeks preceding “implementation day” for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), world’s attention focused once again on the Iran nuclear deal. Different aspects of the agreement negotiated between Iran and the “P5+1” or “the … Continue reading →

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Syria Talks Approaching

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 14, 2016 On December 18, 2015 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2254 approving the road map which had emerged from International Syria Support Group’s (ISSG) two Vienna meetings. A week later, Staffan de Mistura, UN’S Special Envoy … Continue reading →

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When Better Is the Enemy of Good

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 8, 2016 For a good number of years drafting a new constitution has been on Turkey’s agenda. The 1982 Constitution has been amended numerous times but our political parties still regard it as the legacy of a military coup … Continue reading →

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The Riyadh-Tehran Rupture

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 5, 2016 A year ago, some Middle East analysts referred to Saudi Arabia’s new leadership as a cadre of youthful, dynamic royals and technocrats. They said that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to rise above the fray of the … Continue reading →

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2015 in Retrospect

Posted on December 28, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

December 28, 2015 Arab Spring turmoil has continued to dominate world’s agenda with the war in Syria, ISIL terrorism and the refugee problem as top items. The confrontation over Ukraine has somewhat receded confirming predictions of a frozen conflict. The … Continue reading →

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UN Security Council Resolutions 2253 and 2254

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

December 21, 2015 On December 17, 2015 the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2253 (*) to suppress the financing of terrorism. The 28-page resolution covers asset freeze, travel ban, arms embargo and listing criteria for ISIL, Al-Qaida and “associated … Continue reading →

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Downing of Russian Su-24: The NATO Dimension

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

Co-authored with Yusuf Buluç (*) December 16, 2015 Downing of Russia’s Su-24 bomber on November 24, 2015 has led to tensions between Ankara and Moscow putting decades-long cooperation in danger. Before the incident, a Russian military delegation headed by Major … Continue reading →

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Turkey Needs to Build Trust

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

December 14, 2015 In a world of contradictions foreign policy is no exception. The West, for example, always takes care to wave the democracy flag but can become oblivious to democratic values in its dealings with Middle East tyrannies. Russia … Continue reading →

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