November 9, 2026
After election results started coming in, President Trump conceded that the Democrats did “a good job.” Others defined that “good job” as a “decisive rebuke,” “earthquake,” “blue tsunami,” and “a sweeping repudiation of Trump.”
Some of the reasons for Trump’s repudiation are personal, including his autocratic behavior, unpredictability, and his family’s business dealings. Beyond these, the rising cost of living and the war in Iran are major factors.
Okumaya devam etOctober 31, 2026
On October 4, 2026, Brazil’s left-wing President Lula da Silva won a fourth term in a remarkable comeback against his right-wing challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro. In an extremely tight race, Lula took 51.79% of the vote, becoming the first president since Brazil’s return to civilian rule in 1985 to be elected after losing the first round. Bolsonaro, who faces multiple criminal investigations, flew to Florida on temporary status granted, reportedly after orders from President Trump, and will be granted permanent residency later, according to US officials. Trump has said that leftist incumbent Lula da Silva’s surprise win in Brazil’s presidential vote “looked like another rigged election.”
Okumaya devam etOctober 22, 2026
In mid-December 2021, Russia handed the West two draft documents, “Agreement on Measures to Ensure the Security of the Russian Federation and Member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization”[i] and “Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Security Guarantees.”[ii]
The 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties defines a treaty as “an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law… “Agreement” is usually less formal and deals with a narrower range of subject-matter than “treaty”.
Thus, from the very beginning, Moscow signaled a difference in its approach to Europe and the US.
Okumaya devam etOctober 19, 2026
With just over two months left in the year, one may already conclude that 2026 has not been a good year for the West. On February 24, 2027, Europe’s long war in Ukraine will enter its sixth year. Moreover, the war in Iran has created additional political/economic problems for Europe. Transatlantic relations are more strained than ever. President Trump’s unpredictability across the spectrum constitutes a problem for Europe and the world. The absence of leaders who inspire confidence in their people and the world has become a major problem for the West.
Okumaya devam etOctober 9, 2026
On August 7, 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye signed the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.” In fact—unless the signatory states chose to keep the text secret—what was signed was merely a joint statement.
My initial reaction to the news of this so-called “agreement” included the following questions:
Okumaya devam etOctober 5, 2026
Three years ago, Hamas carried out a large-scale surprise attack against Israel during which1,200 people, mostly Israelis, were killed and 253 Israeli and foreign citizens were taken hostage.
Since then, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been criticized for failing to foresee the attack, for not heeding the warnings, and for not taking the necessary measures to prevent it. During the past few weeks, with reports of warnings by the UAE and Egypt about an imminent Hamas attack, this criticism has gained a further dimension, creating a problem for Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 legislative elections which will determine the governing coalition.
Okumaya devam etSeptember 28, 2026
On the first day of the 81st UNGA’s general debate, Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a remarkable speech underscoring today’s global and regional challenges. He started by pointing to the widening fault lines of the world. He mentioned that in the last decade, wars erupted with devastating consequences and dragged on with despicable cruelty.
He said that the global community’s path to a multipolar world is irreversible. He stressed his preference for a world built on interdependence – and sustained by a dense web of economic, political, social and technological connections; a world in which multiple centers of influence coexist within a common framework of international law and shared rules.
Okumaya devam etThe following is a post I had written eleven years ago. A decade later, the Middle East is again in turmoil. The OIC is nonexistent. Ankara must be a partner in peace, not in conflict.
Okumaya devam etSeptember 21, 2026
In recent weeks, the Houthis, in a lightning offensive, have captured two key islands near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, giving them greater leverage over the critical maritime route. With two major maritime arteries nearly blocked, oil prices have skyrocketed, triggering worldwide anger. Moreover, a key Saudi Arabian pipeline to the Red Sea was shut down after being hit by drones launched from Iraq, creating further risks of disruption. Riyadh airport has been the target of a Houthi missile attack, and the US is unwilling to intervene. In brief, the Iran war is expanding into a broad regional conflict and the cost is rising.
Okumaya devam etSeptember 14, 2026
The war in Ukraine—Europe’s longest and deadliest conflict since World War II—continues to escalate. Many observers agree that this will be a tough winter for Ukrainians.
Earlier this year, the EU finalized a $100 billion loan for Ukraine. However, in late August, President Zelensky told European allies that Ukraine now faces an unexpectedly large defense budget shortfall and needs an additional $27 billion to get through the year. Zelensky’s request for additional funds is the latest signal that the war’s cost to Europe will continue to rise.
Okumaya devam et
