Tag Archives: Iraq

Kurdistan Regional Government’s Referendum

Posted on September 26, 2017 by

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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The Long War Against ISIL

Posted on May 30, 2016 by

May 30, 2016 In March, 2013, Free Syrian Army troops and Islamist rebel forces, including al-Nusra captured Raqqa. Soon, however, members and flags of the Islamic State appeared. By early 2014, ISIL had taken complete control of the town. Since … Continue reading →

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Syria: “Cessation of Hostilities”

Posted on February 29, 2016 by

February 29, 2016 On February 22, the United States and the Russian Federation, Co-Chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), issued the “Joint Statement on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria”. As a first reaction, even the most optimistic observers … Continue reading →

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Synopsis: Turkey’s Foreign Relations

Posted on February 16, 2016 by

February 16, 2016 This is an attempt to describe, as briefly as possible, state of Turkey’s foreign relations. US-Turkey: Exasperation. Russia-Turkey: For the optimist the word of choice could be “tension”, for the pessimist “enmity”. China-Turkey: Apprehension. NATO-Turkey: Mistrust. EU-Turkey: … Continue reading →

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Combatting ISIL Remains a Formidable Task

Posted on February 10, 2016 by

Co-authored with Yusuf Buluc (*) February 10, 2016 On February 4, 2016 Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri, an adviser to the Saudi Defense Minister and also spokesman for the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen reportedly stated, during an interview, that the … Continue reading →

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Middle East’s Vicious Circle

Posted on June 19, 2015 by

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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Time to Put Arab Boots on the Ground

Posted on June 7, 2015 by

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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