Tag Archives: Syrian conflict

The Obama Legacy and the Middle East

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

December 26, 2016 President Obama assumed office on January 20, 2009. Washington’s relations with Moscow were troubled as a result of the military conflict between Russia and Georgia. The US was moving closer to withdrawal from Iraq but the war … Continue reading →

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Aleppo’s Continuing Tragedy

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

December 19, 2016 The tragedy of Aleppo which has become the symbol of the devastation and the suffering caused by the Syrian conflict appears to have entered a new phase. The agreement reached between Russia and Turkey for the evacuation … Continue reading →

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The Battle for Aleppo and Beyond

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

December 12, 2016 On December 4, 2016 Secretary of State John Kerry addressed the Saban Forum (*). More than anything else he vented pent-up frustration with the Middle East. He was extremely blunt in his criticism of Israel’s settlement policy. … Continue reading →

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The West and the Middle East

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

October 31, 2016 Middle East turmoil has led some analysts to look back and speculate on the Sykes-Picot agreement and whether or not current borders would survive. The very first of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points read: “Open covenants of peace, … Continue reading →

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A Critical Week for the Middle East

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

October 17, 2016 It takes an expert to explain the identity, evolution, affiliation and the objectives of the different groups battling in Syria. The history of groups bringing together major international actors involved in the conflict is less complicated but … Continue reading →

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Syria: A Bleak Future

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

October 4, 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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Syria: Scant Hope for a Breakthrough

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

September 26, 2016 On February 22, 2016, the US and the Russian Federation, Co-Chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), issued the “Joint Statement on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria”. Six months later, in the absence of any progress, … Continue reading →

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Syria: Reviving the “Cessation”

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

September 12, 2016 Ever since the rise of ISIL and Syria’s proxy wars compelled Moscow and Washington to engage in greater cooperation they have had three hurdles to tackle: • Breaking the deadlock over Assad’s future. • Persuading the regional … Continue reading →

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Turkey Needs to Launch a Syria Inquiry

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

August 25, 2016 Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus met a group of journalists, professors and think tank representatives on August 15, 2016. He reportedly said: “Many of the things Turkey is facing today is the result of our Syria policy. … Continue reading →

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A Critical Meeting in Moscow

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

July 20, 2016 The need for US-Russian cooperation for the resolution of Middle East problems, prominently among them the Syrian conflict, had been obvious from the start (1). On February 22, the United States and the Russian Federation, Co-Chairs of … Continue reading →

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