Atilla's Musings
When strongmen fight: The US and Turkey need diplomats to resolve their leaders’ dispute
Source:Brookings Papers Date:19Sep2018
Very interesting comparison between Trump and Erdogan: Disagreement over a jailed pastor has devolved into a personal fight between two strongmen, adding significant strain to relations between
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,
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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