Türkiye is making waves abroad as it reassumes its central position
Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s international performance is extraordinary. Türkiye was previously treated like a garrison state on the West’s periphery, positioned as an outpost, and charged as NATO’s “border guard” on the east and west... more
Türkiye's ruling AK Party pulls all stops ahead of decisive 2023 elections
In one of my previous columns, we discussed the reasons for Türkiye's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party losing in Istanbul to the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) by 10,000 votes in the municipal elections of 2019.I criticized the p... more
Is NATO’s new 'cold war' declaration a means to reform bipolar world?
The historic NATO summit in Madrid was a concrete indication of why the Ukraine war happened, why the Aegean crisis further deepened, as well as the tensions in the West Balkans. We had the opportunity to follow the summit from start to end. Every st... more
The significance of moving Suleiman Shah’s tomb to Karakozak as Türkiye prepares to launch a military op in N Syria
We are counting not the days but the hours until Turkey launches its new operation in north Syria after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Tal Rifaat and Manbij will be the targets.These two areas, where Russia waved its flag, are on the w... more
America’s strategic plans for the Middle East have not changed
As the countdown for the G-20 Summit in Rome continues full-swing, many are debating what the future holds for Turkey-U.S. relationsHere, we would do well to particularly remember the strategy America designed for our region over the past 30 years.Du... more
The ball is now in Biden’s court after Erdogan’s tête-à-tête with Putin
For a week now, the Sochi summit has been a hotly debated topic in Turkey. Those wanting to score political points have no tangible insights other than criticizing the fact that the interview was held one-on-one and behind closed doors.Or regurgitate... more
After prevailing in Sochi, Erdogan has strengthened his hand against Biden in upcoming Rome visit
We journalists had the chance to observe President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s day-long visit to Sochi this week. Frankly, we had quite a few concerns before the trip. For one thing, the “Gordion’s Knot in Syria’s Idlib” awaited a solution. For... more
Have you noticed how Daesh keeps popping up now that Biden is in charge?
The first harbingers that U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration will be the “third Barack Obama term” are the actors in the Middle East. Almost all elements of the Obama period have returned to the stage. As far as we can ascertain, Biden long ag... more
Chaos running amok in Armenia on anniversary of the Khojaly genocide
Wonders never cease! Chaos has ensued in Armenian capital Yerevan on the anniversary of the Khojaly genocide. The coup attempt against Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is ongoing, who has called on the people to take to the streets. Even while... more
With Biden president, will Daesh rear its ugly head to legitimize the PYD/YPG terror group?
The discussion that has taken hold ever since U.S. President Joe Biden’s inauguration is that “the third term of Barack Obama has begun.”Considering certain appointments directly concerning Turkey, we too find the statement that this is the “third Ob... more
Neither West nor Russia adhered to deals signed with Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a meeting yesterday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to find a permanent solution to the Idlib crisis. My first observation on the flight when heading to Moscow was as follows: The ground for reaching an agreemen... more
The Suleiman Shah Tomb in Karakozaq must become the central base of Syria’s safe zone
It was only a week ago that the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) Syrian affiliate, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), patrolled together with the U.S. in the east of the Euphrates, north of Syria. They also shared photos of the incident. ... more
August is the month of expeditions, victories and tests for Turkey
According to some, August is a “vacation” month. For example, because Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's mayor is Ekrem İmamoğlu. Who cares about any disaster in Istanbul? Istanbul has a mayor that cannot be reached when called, who comes and goes ... more