A ‘firebrand’, ‘polarising’, ‘increasingly authoritarian’, and an ‘arrogant self-indulgent man pretending to be a Sultan’. These are some of the criticisms levied at Turkish president Receb Tayyeb Erdogan who has …
The Problem With Liberalising Arabia
One of the main drivers behind support for Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman’s vision for Saudi Arabia has been his perceived willingness to liberalise Saudi society. Reforms including allowing women …
Turkey Snap Elections 2018: What you need to know
What you need to know about the snap Turkish elections Attempts have been made to encourage former President Abdullah Gul to run against President Erdogan. The aim behind …
What is Turkey doing in Serbia?
Erdogan’s visit to Serbia late in 2017 was received with much pomp. The Serbians were clearly happy to receive him and the Turks were just as pleased with the warm …
Trump’s Jerusalem declaration is a result of a golden opportunity
The Middle East peace process has been the bane of many US presidents. Each comes in with their own ‘unique’ approach, navigating the lobbying of AIPAC, Israel’s constant tantrums, the …
What prevents a Turkey-Saudi alliance?
It makes sense. Both wanted Assad out. Both committed funds, military training and logistics to the various armed movements that sprung from the Syrian revolution to topple the government. Both …
Why Liberals Are Not Taken Seriously On Erdogan
Turkey’s referendum caught sweeping international media attention. However, despite the extensive anti-Erdogan rhetoric, Turkish citizens voted to change their system to a Presidential one. While many liberals lamented this …
Erdogan and Syria: Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t
Recently, there have been growing criticisms of Erdogan’s policy over Syria, with many accusing him of simply not doing enough. Yet, upon reflection of Turkey’s options in Syria, it begs …
Russian Ambassador killed in Ankara: The implications
In an extraordinary development, the Russian ambassador to Ankara, Andrei Karlov, has been shot dead whilst giving a speech at an art gallery. The shooter is reported to have shouted …
Why Erdogan lambasted Iraq’s Abadi
Erdogan had harsh words for Iraqi Prime Minsiter Haider al-Abadi. On the diplomatic front, the Turkish President may well have transgressed on Iraq’s sovereignty and there are legitimate question marks over …