Tag Archives: Middle East

Trump’s Decision to Withdraw from Syria

Posted on December 22, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

December 22, 2018 President Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria seems to have surprised even shocked many, particularly in Washington. His brief announcement left many questions unanswered. Had he been a consistent leader steering his administration in close … Continue reading →

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U.S. Senate’s Judiciary Committee Hearings

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Ali Tuygan

September 30, 2018 Couple of weeks in the Turkish resort town of Bodrum is a wonderful break for those who can’t help being preoccupied with Turkey’s polarized internal politics and continuing regional turbulence. Yes, there was the United Nations General … Continue reading →

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2017: Another Year of Turmoil

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

  December 20, 2017 The following is from my summing-up of the year 2016 (*): “The Ukraine conflict has led many analysts to frequently mention President Putin’s unpredictable tactics and actions if not policies. With Mr. Trump in the White … Continue reading →

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President Trump’s Jerusalem Embassy Act

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

December 7, 2017 President Trump has finally signed the Act which recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, fulfilling a campaign promise. Was this a priority for his supporters? While the decision may enjoy broad bipartisan support in the Congress, his voters’ … Continue reading →

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State of Confusion in Riyadh

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Ali Tuygan

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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Syria: “Cessation of Hostilities”

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

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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Middle East in the Grip of Polarization

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

February 18, 2016 The Middle East, in the grip of polarization, is going through a most violent period. Syria is being torn apart. Iraq is far from peace and stability. Egypt remains unsettled. Tunisia continues to face a multitude of … 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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Middle East Desperate for a Course Correction

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

10 April 2015 President Obama has again spoken to Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times. Although the interview essentially aimed at reassuring the people of Israel and Congressional opponents that the framework agreed upon in Lausanne represents the … Continue reading →

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From Joint Action Plan toward a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

Co-authored with Yusuf Buluc (*) 5 April 2015 On 23 November 2013 P5+1 and Iran reached agreement on a Joint Plan of Action which was a roadmap for the negotiation process that was to follow. Sixteen months later we have … Continue reading →

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