Tag Archives: Syria

Turkey’s Syria Conundrum

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

3 August 2015 A country’s foreign policy is shaped by its identity, sense of belonging, world outlook and geographic location. This last one is a constant; others are subject to evolution, change and definition/redefinition within the limits of reason. The … Continue reading →

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US-Russia Relations: Compartmentalization of Issues

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

23 July 2015 I have tried for long to underline the need for US-Russia cooperation in finding peaceful solutions to problems which top the international agenda, in particular in the Middle East. Ever since the Ukraine conflict became a major … Continue reading →

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Combating ISIL

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

9 July 2015 On July 6, 2015 President Obama delivered remarks after meeting with military leaders at the Pentagon to discuss US strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State (ISIL). Here are key quotes from his remarks and a … 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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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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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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Syria: Only More Trouble Ahead

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

25 May 2015 With Daesh controlling half of Syrian territory and the “Army of Conquest” consolidating its gains in the Idlib province and getting closer to regime’s bastion of Latakia, the Assad regime appears to be on the retreat. While … Continue reading →

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Turkey’s Upcoming Election and the Syria Conflict

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

4 May 2015 On 27 April, the International Crisis Group published the “Statement on a Syrian Policy Framework”. The Statement starts with an analysis of the conflict and then suggests a framework for a political deal based on the understanding … 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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Turkish Foreign Policy in a Blind Alley

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

25 March 2015 It was only a decade ago that Turkey, in recognition of its commitment to continuing political and economic reform, was given green light to start accession negotiations with the EU. Peoples of the region were following the … Continue reading →

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