Atilla's Musings
Opinion: Iran’s bloody protests are just the beginning
Source:Deutsche Welle Date:30Nov2019
The backdrop to the fuel-price hike were very likely severe and urgent budget constraints, which would have jeopardized the payment of salaries to state employees, including various security
Assessing the Fatalities in Turkey’s PKK Conflict
Source:International Crisis Group Date:23Nov2019
This report by International Crisi Group answeers the question of who is winnig the war against PKK. The answer is not clear-cut. But the damage to Kurds loyalty to the Republic of Turkey is
Turkey’s Erdoğan scores a pyrrhic victory in Washington
Source:Brookings blog Date:20Nov2019
The definite word on Erdogan’s confusing visit to Washington. It is no victory. Let me add that Operation Peace Spring did not much reignite the nationalist spirit at home, either. This
Lebanon’s Protests Divide Hezbollah. Will It Strike Back?
Source:Daily Beast Date:19Nov2019
Iraq, Iran and Lebanon are in flames. A corrupt and self-interested political system and rising poverty seem to be the main causes. Iran’s attempt to spread its Shia revolution appears as
Erdogan Will Have Fewer Friends Than Ever When He Visits The U.S. This Week
Source:Huffington Post Date:13Nov2019
Fascinating account of how Turkey lost Washington. Erdogan is set to visit Washington this week with his standing here at a historic low ― and the network that’s supposed to help him
Can Turkey’s Prickly Relationship with the EU Be Repaired?
Source:Carnegie Europe Date:08Nov2019
Marc Pierini writes: Given Turkey’s current domestic politics, it is doubtful that its leadership will heed any of the EU’s requests on rule of law, economic governance, or foreign policy.
Turkey ratchets up crackdown at home as tanks roll into Syria
Source:Amnesty International Date:02Nov2019
Critical discussion on issues of Kurdish rights and politics has become even further off limits with hundreds of people detained merely for commenting or reporting on the offensive. They are
The spectre of Syria silenced Arab protest. But now it’s finding its voice
Source:The Guardian Date:21Oct2019
Second Arab Spring? Any one? his is the year that the spirit of protest in the region was proven to only have been dormant, rather than extinct. The Sudanese overthrew Omar al-Bashir in a
Protests in Iraq may unseat the government
Source:Atlantic Council Date:19Oct2019
What is this? A new Arab Spring. Along with Iraq, Lebanon, too is in disarray: The protesters want economic and political reforms that ensure social justice, economic opportunities,
Turkey’s Russia Affair
Source:TurkeyAnalyst Date:26Sep2019
An insightful analysis of what binds Putin and Erdogan. Author Mr Kiniklioglu also cites the costs for Turkey. Let me add another one: Turkey at odds with the west will never overcome