Sweden and Finland have proclaimed their intent to join NATO in the backdrop of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war in Europe. The move, which is a drastic deviation from decades of military non-alignment between both countries, deals another blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin as his country struggles with the repercussions …
Read More »US eases sanctions on investment in Kurdish, Turkish areas of Syria
The United States has formally lifted sanctions on foreign investments in non-regime held areas of northern Syria, a long expected move that was held up by Treasury Department red tape as reported earlier by Al-Monitor. The Treasury Department posted the authorization on its website, which allows activities in 12 different …
Read More »Erdogan opposes Finland, Sweden joining NATO
Just as the commentariat was hailing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Westward pivot, he announced today that Finland and Sweden’s bid to join NATO was not such a great idea.
Read More »Sinjar Becomes Latest Flashpoint For Iran-Turkey Tensions In Iraq
Clashes between Iraqi security forces and a Yazidi militia known as the Shingal Resistance Units (YBS) may represent one of several new fronts in escalating tensions between Iran and Turkey in Iraq. Turkey has intensified air, drone and artillery attacks against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) targets beyond the remote, northern …
Read More »Turkey, Kazakhstan sign joint production accord for drones
Turkey and Kazakhstan agree on an enhanced strategic partnership during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first-ever state visit to Turkey . Turkey and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to start co-producing Turkey’s Anka drones in Kazakhstan during the first-ever state visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Ankara. The memorandum of understanding signed between …
Read More »Syrian Kurdish unity talks crumble as Turkey escalates anti-PKK campaign
The breakdown between sides serves Turkey’s agenda of keeping its Kurdish foes divided and weak. Turkey’s military escalation against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has deepened the gulf between Syrian Kurdish groups and put the kibosh on US-mediated talks that were aimed at forging unity in northeast Syria between the …
Read More »Revolution In The South Caucasus
While the Kremlin is busy in the west, developments to the south promise further threats to its aggressive policy in the borderlands. Overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the South Caucasus is witnessing huge developments which could potentially decrease tensions between Armenia on the one hand and Turkey and Azerbaijan …
Read More »US targets Islamic State financiers in Turkey, Syria, Indonesia
The Biden administration imposed economic sanctions on five Islamic State financiers in Turkey, Syria and Indonesia on Monday night. Members of the network played key roles in helping IS recruits join the group, and moved funds to help IS fighters obtain weapons and for children to be smuggled out of …
Read More »Turkey’s potential xenophobia goes beyond Syrian refugees
Growing popular resentment of refugees and migrants is on course to become the second hot-button election topic in Turkey after the economic crisis, but the government is not in a position to force the return of Syrians, the main component of the problem. The danger of xenophobia is rising in …
Read More »Turkish foreign minister to visit Israel
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s visit to Israel May 24 could finally open the way for both countries to reinstate their ambassadors. Israeli and Turkish representatives are both expected to participate May 10 at the spring meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC). But apart from the expected …
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