Etiket arşivi: Turkey

Tough Times for Ukraine

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October 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.

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The West in Turmoil (2)

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October 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.

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“Mecca Alliance”: The Imperatives of the Turkish Constitution and Foreign Policy

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October 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:

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Warnings About the October 7 Attack, The Other Dimension

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October 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.

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The 81st UNGA

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September 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.

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A Narrowing Window of Opportunity

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September 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.

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Gazans to “Voluntarily Emigrate”

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September 7, 2026

This is how I had concluded a post more than a year ago:

“Against the latest flurry of diplomacy, Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing government remains determined that all Palestinians be expelled from Gaza, a project endorsed by President Trump. Both know that after 661 days of bloodshed, the war in Gaza has swept away any hope whatsoever of peaceful co-existence between the two peoples. The only question is “where would they go?” Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump must have some ideas. After all, in today’s world, there is little that money can’t buy. However, that would not be all.

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Russia-Türkiye Relations

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August 24, 2026

On August 15, 2026, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was asked about plans by the US and Türkiye to supply arms to Kyiv.

Referring to a “quite a considerable arsenal”, she said, “… these are countries which have been aspiring to play a special role in settling the Ukraine crisis and which have been saying that finding a political and diplomatic solution was their priority…” She also said that such a supply of arms would deal a severe blow to Russia’s bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara, adding that Moscow has asked both capitals for information on the matter.[i]

So far, neither capital has given a public response.

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Syria Struggling for Peace and Stability

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January 26, 2026

The US-Israel-led Western project to remake the Middle East started with the invasion of Iraq and continued with the regime change project in  Libya, followed by Syria. In December 2024, the HTS seized the capital Damascus unopposed after a lightning advance that sent President Assad to Russia after a 13-year civil war and six decades of family rule.

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