Atilla's Musings
Iraqi Kurdistan, R.I.P.
Source:The Gulf Today Date:01Jan2018
The Iraqi government has cracked down and the Kurdish region is no longer semi-autonomous, autonomous or nearly independent. The bid for freedom has, for now at least, been crushed without
Baghdad lists 13 preconditions for talks with Kurds
Source:The National Date:27Dec2017
Baghdat is not serious about negotiating a new autonomy treaty with Kurds. The list of pre-conditions amount to full capitulation and cessation of any Kurdish soveregnity. The result of the
Pro-Erdogan media targets Saudis after Trump’s Jerusalem decision
Source:al Monitor Date:23Dec2017
Pinar Trembley explores a relatively less visited corner of Turkish diplomacy namely relations with Gulf kingdoms. Relations worsened after Ankara’s advocacy of Qatar against the Arab
Erdoğanomics risks overheating Turkey
Source:Politico Date:19Dec2017
This article with ample quotes from me and clsoe friend Tim Ash highlights the side effects of gang-ho growth. It is the best so far outside investment banking-supranational space.
US national security adviser: Qatar and Turkey are new sponsors of radical ideology
Source:The National Date:13Dec2017
This article requires little comment. Hear it from the highest USA source: Turkey is a threat. The other model that Mr McMaster identified with the Brotherhood is Turkey’s AKP. “By operating
With Daesh Defeated, Syrian Army Likely to Liberate Idlib and Damascus
Source:Sputnik News Date:07Dec2017
Sputnik reports that Assad intends to take back Idlib Province, currently a de-escalation zone, as a compromise is likely to be reached with pro-PKK PYD-YPG. This plan preempts Ankara’s
Turkey’s options in the Zarrab case
Source:Hurriyet Daily News Date:01Dec2017
Selin Nasi wrote the best summary of the consequences of a guilty verdict by Hakan Atilla trial jury. For more comments on consequences, please click this link.
Turkey’s Torrid Love Affair With Michael Flynn
Source:Politico Date:26Nov2017
An excellent review of Turkey’s interest in Gen Flynn and why it might further sour the bilateral relationship: Rumors that Zarrab might plead guilty and cooperate with the
Turkey’s foreign policy delusions
Source:Hurriyet Daily News Date:21Nov2017
“Lone wolf” columnist Ms Nuray Mert hits the bulls eye with this brief but very to-the-point commentary on AKP’s diplomatic delusions. “The more Turkish foreign policy
Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq’s strategic Sinjar
Source:al Monitor Date:18Nov2017
ISIS is now gone from Iraq and Syria, but peace is a distant dream. Regional actors have a myriad of issues to settle. This article discusses the role Sinjar in Iraq, currently a stronghold of