Implications of Turkey Cutting Military Ties with Israel on a Larger Scale
After Erdogan made a grand speech about rethinking Turkish-Israeli ties, Erdogan officially lowered diplomatic relations and suspended all military ties with Israel last night and this morning. Turkey, still rightfully upset with Israel, has decided to put some action behind their words and do this move. But what does the move intend to do? Is … Read more
Turkey’s Syrian Waiting Game
In contrast to Iran and Saudi Arabia, Turkey has been far more patient in its policy towards Syria and the Syrian uprising. Meanwhile Iran has completely backed Assad and Saudi has thrown its lot in with the protesters. Each decision has clear regional implications (as I recently discussed) based on national interests, but it seems … Read more
Syria Bloodshed Could Start Regional War?
Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and to reportedly deliver a letter from Turkish President Abdullah Gul strongly encouraging the Syrian leader to make real changed in both his treatment of the Syrian protesters and in regards to the demands of the Syrian people. Turkish presidential advisor … Read more
Turkish Elections and a Regional Approach to Syria
The area in the north-west of Syria seems to be becoming a violent hotspot in the ongoing protests against the regime of President Bashar Assad. Last weekend, a significant number of Syria soldiers were killed (initially reported as 20, then increased to 120), resulting in an intense, ongoing military operation in and around the town … Read more
Chris Keeler
Chris Whitman
