Category Archives: Uncategorized

Signs of Stress in the Anti-Assad Coalition

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

3 July 2015 US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recently told the House Armed Services Committee that: • Assad appears to be weakening and on the defensive, • There are … Continue reading →

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Dealing with Middle East Violence

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

29 June 2015 Four years after the killing of Usame bin Laden, Al Qaida, far from being eradicated, has new footholds in the Middle East. Its offshoot IS now controls swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, extending its reach … Continue reading →

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Turkey’s Failed Syria Policy

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

24 June 2015 A week ago, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testified before the House Armed Services Committee. According to the Associated Press, the Secretary told the Committee that … Continue reading →

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Middle East’s Vicious Circle

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

19 June 2015 The following is a key paragraph from “The Modern History of Iraq” by Phebe Marr: “Without substantial international support and lacking in understanding of Iraq or clear planning for Iraq’s future, the decision by the United States … Continue reading →

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Turkey’s Elections and Foreign Policy

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

15 June 2015 On 7 June Turkey held parliamentary elections. Result: The ruling Justice and Development Party (JDP) lost its parliamentary majority of twelve years. This was largely attributed to hubris, excessive government spending on luxury, allegations of corruption, growing … Continue reading →

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US and Russia Need to Cooperate (2)

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

11 June 2015 Every time they meet, Secretary Kerry and Minister Lavrov raise hopes of cooperation between Washington and Moscow on international issues; they refer to their countries’ ability to “make a difference”, “make things happen”. This was again what … Continue reading →

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Time to Put Arab Boots on the Ground

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

7 June 2015 On 17 December 2010 a Tunisian, Mohammed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in an act of protest. This was followed in many Arab countries by widespread demonstrations calling for democracy, respect for human rights, a better life … Continue reading →

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Ukraine: Learning to Live With a Frozen Conflict…

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

3 June 2015 On 12 May 2015 Secretary Kerry had eight hours of talks with President Putin and Minister Lavrov in Sochi. During the joint press conference held after the meetings Mr. Lavrov stated that the state of bilateral relations … Continue reading →

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US and Russia Need to Cooperate

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

31 May 2015 During his first visit to Moscow on 6-8 July 2009 President Obama tried to “reset” relations. Unfortunately for the international community this failed to materialize. Russians probably preferred to wait and see. The Arab Spring led to … Continue reading →

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Yemen’s Sectarian Divide

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

27 May 2015 Saudi-led airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis started on 26 March. On 14 April the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2216 giving Saudi Arabia what may be called a diplomatic victory. The Resolution urged all Yemeni parties to respond … Continue reading →

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