Russia-Turkey-Iran pact can end over Idlib

Source:Gulfnews Date:26Aug2018

Attention:  Idlib could morph into something bigger than Pastor Brunson crisis   The fate of the rebel-held Syrian province of Idlib may decide the future of the uneasy alliance between

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Ankara, Moscow Intensify Diplomatic Efforts as Battle Brews in Syria

Source:Voice of America Date:25Aug2018

And the Idlib question comes to a head:   Syrian government forces are steadily building up their forces around Idlib, with helicopters reportedly dropping leaflets warning of an imminent

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Will Turkey’s currency crisis hurt Erdogan? Here’s what a new poll shows.

Source:Washington Post Date:25Aug2018

A new  poll shows currency collapse is hurting AKP, but its total control over the media is mitigating the damage–for now!   Erdogan’s ability to deflect blame for this crisis is

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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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The reason Turkey’s economic collapse is so scary is that Iran, Russia, and Syria are waiting in the wings

Source:Business Insider Date:14Aug2018

From a strategic or military point of view, Erdogan “looking for new friends” is even more worrying. Turkey suddenly has a lot in common with Iran, Syria, and, across the Black Sea,

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China will buy Turkey on the cheap

Source:Asia Times Date:11Aug2018

In a rambling speech to supporters today, he said that Turkey was exploring alternatives with China, Russia, and Iran. Earlier in the week, Erdogan said that Turkey would issue so-called panda

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Tensions Between Turkey and U.S. Soar as Trump Orders New Sanctions

Source:New York Times Date:11Aug2018

The minister of trade, Ruhsar Pekcan, reacted the news of the new sanctions in measures tones, pleading for a return to negotiations. “Turkey is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Administration’s

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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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How Russia Plans to Get Turkey on Its Side

Source:The National Interest Date:09Aug2018

While these state-to-state deals are certainly significant, they tend to overshadow a quieter, but equally important Russian campaign to “flip” Turkey’s influential business community. Akkuyu

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Talks Fail to Break Impasse on U.S. Pastor Held in Turkey

Source:Wall Street Journal Date:09Aug2018

Sad moment for Turkey and the lira. Brunson talks fail. The U.S. failed to secure assurances on Wednesday from Turkey to immediately free an American pastor held for nearly two years on disputed

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