Atilla's Musings

Round One of Idlib Campaign May Target Turkish-Backed Rebels

Source:Washington Institute Date:12Sep2018

Excellent review of balance of forces in Idlib and assad strategy.   If and when a second round is launched against HTS in northern Idlib, it could be a different order of magnitude. Moscow,

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Kurds crucial to Turkey-US cooperation in Syria

Source:Arab News Date:10Sep2018

Despite these legitimate worries, Turkey has to understand that the Kurdish cause will evolve steadily, even if it disturbs Ankara.   The emergence of a Kurdish entity in the north of Syria

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U.S.-Turkey relations: from meltdown to low simmer

Source:Ahval News Date:08Sep2018

A very important commentary from a veteran journalist:  White House  might be switching to a more patient approach towards Turkey:  For the moment, the heat is not melting down the saucepan, nor

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The Myth of Erdogan’s Power

Source:Foreign Policy Date:01Sep2018

Note the key take-away:  Key figures among Ankara’s elite, on whom Erdogan depends to exercise power, represent a political tradition that is deeply hostile to Moscow. These right-wing Turkish

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Turkey might not like the West, but needs it

Source:Brookings Papers Date:31Aug2018

Bravo to Mr Metin  Kirisci:   For Turkey, the stark reality is that to get out of its economic rut, it must cooperate with the EU. The EU buys more than half of Turkey exports and owns more

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Russia’s Use of Media and Information Operations in Turkey

Source:Rand Corporation Date:30Aug2018

Russian media have sought to undermine Turkey’s political and security cooperation with the United States and Europe by exacerbating mutual skepticism and highlighting policy differences.

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Into the Abyss: Turkish Impressions of a U.S.-Turkish Break

Source:Bipartisan Policy Center Date:26Aug2018

Even though I don’t agree with the conclusion about Erdogan’s motives, a laudable effort to understand Turko-American tensions and  possible consequences.   Ironically, Turkey’s

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How Turkey Dumbed Itself Down

Source:Foreign Policy Date:25Aug2018

This article by the former governor of Central Bank explains of ignorance and  blind loyalty have been elevated to status symbols in today’s Turkish society.  These fashions, more than

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Turkey and Black Sea Security: Ten Years After the War in Georgia

Source:Atllantic Council Date:09Aug2018

Turkey’s double act between Russia and NATO is warign thin.  Note the line:  Turkey, however, is at best a fellow traveler rather than an ally of Russia.     Erdogan has turned

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Turkey’s delusions of grandeur triggers currency panic

Source:PA Intelligence Date:07Aug2018

Investors wish to know whether Erdogan has abandoned his strange theories on interest rates, growth and inflation.  What makes Turkey so unique in terms of its persistence to pursue policies

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