Carnegie Middle East Center
As Turkey continues to take a hardline stance on the Kurds’ legal rights, international organizations and actors should take part in preventing Ankara from expanding further into Syria.
Sada asked experts to analyze potential flash points for the next U.S. administration—ranging from the globalization of Libya’s war to the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and increasing authoritarianism and violations of civil liberties and human rights.
It may seem as though Turkey’s burgeoning defense industry is zooming ahead; however, the industry faces an array of issues that could slow its long-term development.
The Hagia Sophia’s conversion from a museum into a mosque symbolizes a victory for Erdogan and Islamists beyond Turkey’s borders, while also endangering one of the world’s most important heritage sites.
A renewed NATO-Middle East cooperation can strengthen the security architecture of the Middle East.
Despite economic obstacles facing the two countries, Turkey and Iran strive to cement economic relations and maintain their multifaceted relations.
Russia’s increased involvement in Libya marks a turning point in the conflict, making an Ankara-Kremlin rapprochement all the more likely.
Turkey’s intervention in northeast Syria and the withdrawal of U.S. troops has created upheaval in the region, forcing Kurds to renegotiate gains and alliances.
The AKP’s losses in key major cities in Turkey’s local elections provide opposition parties the opportunity to hold the ruling party accountable.
Ankara’s scare tactics in Afrin and state building in Azaz highlight Turkey’s continued attempts to inhibit Kurdish expansion, yet neither approach is sustainable.
Qatar’s pledge of aid to Turkey has deepened the two countries’ alliance, even as Turkish officials worry Doha will not deliver.
In Idlib, Turkey could deter Russian airstrikes and ensure the region remains out of the Syrian regime’s control by going after extremist groups.
Changes to Turkey’s electoral laws have increased the potential for electoral fraud.
Impending sanctions on Iran will make Turkey’s energy imports more expensive and contribute to the devaluation of the lira.
Erdogan has managed to gain appeal across the region by emphasizing his independent foreign policy and successful economic and religious stewardship while still maintaining an appearance of electoral democracy.
Turkey’s opposition parties have moderated their ideologies and coordinated their strategies to collectively win more votes in the upcoming elections, which could deal a blow to the ruling AKP.
Turkey’s military engagement in Syria could lead the PKK to reorient its focus back toward Turkey, where increased repression has left Kurdish activists fewer nonviolent alternatives for opposition.
Turkey’s military incursion into Kurdish-controlled northern Syria risks straining diplomatic ties and exposing Turkey to increased terror threats.
Though challenges remain, Turkey is pushing forward with efforts to integrate Syrian students and teachers into its education system.
Despite tensions over Syria, Turkey is increasingly turning to Russia to secure its foreign and domestic policy needs.