Tag Archives: Turkey

Turkey’s Descent

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

March 16, 2016 Terrorist attacks continue to claim rising numbers of innocent lives. The word “gridlock” can hardly describe the political atmosphere. The country is polarized like it has never been. Foreign and security policies are in shambles. Tourism, a … Continue reading →

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Turkey’s Relations with Russia

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Ali Tuygan

February 23, 2016 On November 24, 2015 Turkish fighter jets downed a Russian Su-24 warplane for having violated Turkish airspace and the incident has led to a major setback in bilateral relations as well as regional complications (*). This is … 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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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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