Tag Archives: Turkey

Combatting ISIL Remains a Formidable Task

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

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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Geneva III: A Rocky Start

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

February 3, 2016 The road map for Syrian political transition which the UN Security Council (UNSC) approved through Resolution 2254 envisaged the Syrian government and the opposition engaging in formal negotiations in early January 2016. It also envisaged a nationwide … Continue reading →

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The Iranian Spring

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

February 1, 2016 It may not be about freedom of expression, respect for human rights or political reform but this still is an Iranian spring; more than anything else a diplomatic one, in the middle of a harsh regional winter. … Continue reading →

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When Better Is the Enemy of Good

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

January 8, 2016 For a good number of years drafting a new constitution has been on Turkey’s agenda. The 1982 Constitution has been amended numerous times but our political parties still regard it as the legacy of a military coup … Continue reading →

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Obligations of the Refugee

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

15 September 2015 The huge influx of refugees into Greece and from there into other EU countries has overshadowed all other international agenda items. Ukraine, Libya, Yemen and even battling the Islamic State are pushed into the background. All one … 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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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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Escalation in Yemen

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Ali Tuygan

15 April 2015 The fighting in Yemen no doubt reminds Turks of a beautiful but sad folk song (Lament of Yemen) mourning the loss of thousands of Turkish soldiers in this far away part of the Ottoman Empire during the … 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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