Atilla's Musings

Push for Syria Solution May Hasten Iranian Forces’ Exit

Source:Haaretz Date:24Nov2018

To free itself of these shackles, Iran hopes Russia will be able to accelerate the peace process in Syria. This would enable Iran to withdraw its forces from the position of a partner to the

Read More

Turkish Policy in Syria: Divining Intent and Options for the United States

Source:Atlantic Council Date:17Nov2018

Aaron Stein nails it on the head:  Without a Turkish-PKK ceasefire, the threat of a broader conflict in Syria will remain. It is in the United States’ longer-term interest to mitigate future

Read More

Factbox: Greece’s territorial waters and Turkey

Date:12Nov2018

A Greek view on  the territorial waters dispute in the Aegean Sea.  Mostly impartial.   Why is Turkey taking issue with Greece’s maritime border expansion? A decision to extend Greek

Read More

The status of Turkish gas imports under US “snap-back” sanctions

Source:LEXOLOGY Date:11Nov2018

As I understand it, Turkey has also automatically  recevied a temporary waiver for gas imports:   Foreign financial institutions in countries that receive significant reduction exceptions

Read More

From Manbij to Idlib: Turkey’s deal-making in Syria

Source:Ahval News Date:09Nov2018

Best analysis of the stage of affairs in North Syria:  the Turkish presence can’t be ignored   Ultimately, Hawez identifies Turkey as “a major player in influencing the outcome of the

Read More

Turkey-U.S. relations: Trump strengthened in foreign affairs after U.S. mid-terms

Source:Ahval News Date:09Nov2018

The eventual appointment of a new ambassador to Turkey will certainly spark contentious hearings, even with the removal of Brunson’s detention as a point of conflict between the two allies.

Read More

Is Turko-German spring illusive?

Source:al Monitor Date:04Nov2018

Mortan noted that foreigners have fears over “the security of earnings” in Turkey. “The plan to nationalize 21% of Isbank shares alone is enough to scare them. There is no guarantee this would

Read More

An opportunity for U.S.-Turkey relations?

Source:Ahval News Date:30Oct2018

A d,fferent angle on the repercussions of Kashoggi murder. It could lead to better relations between Turkey and US, says Kyle Orton of Ahval News.   For Turkey, comparisons with Saudi Arabia

Read More

The Breakneck Islamization of Turkey’s Education System

Source:Gatestone Institute Date:28Oct2018

All the same, the number of “imam hatip” schools has climbed from 450 in 2002 to 4,112 in 2017. Meanwhile, there are only 302 specialized science high schools in the country. Imam

Read More

The Sanctioned States: Economic Crises in Iran and Turkey

Source:The Moshe Dayan Center Date:25Oct2018

A fresh perspective on  Iran and Turkey:  The Trumpian damage Turkey is better placed to get out of the crisis than Iran. The crisis over US sanctions could be easily resolved and Turkey has some

Read More