Uluslararası Stratejik Araştırmalar Kurumu

Is a Genuine Rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia Possible?
Arzu Turgut

The international community welcomed the statement declared by Armenia and Turkey on the normalization of bilateral relations. In 2008, the visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Armenia to watch an international football match between these two countries was a breakthrough and it concluded with the protocols as a historical turning point in October 2009. In the international arena, this positive attitude led to an expectation of compromise on disputed issues between these countries...

The Making of Afghanistan: Karzai’s Second Presidential Term and Obama’s New Afghanistan Strategy
Salih Dogan

Afghanistan held a presidential election on August 20th. This was the second "democratic election” for the Afghani people to elect their president since 2001. It was up to the Afghani people whether to elect current President Hamid Karzai for a second term or to make a new beginning with a new president. It was crucially important for Afghanistan to have a free and fair election, which was hoped to lead to stability and security in Afghanistan, and even in Central Asia and the entire region. However, it could not be achieved.

Yes to Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, but What About Turkey?
Prof. Dr. Ercument Tezcan

The European Union lifted the visa requirements for Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia on December 19, 2009. At this point, it would be appropriate to first take into consideration how the visa requirements for these countries began, and then the process of lifting the requirements should be discussed.

Turkey & Russia: Old Rivals, Strategic Partners
Habibe Özdal

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan concluded two days visit to Moscow. Prime Minister met with his Russian counterpart Putin and also with President Medvedev. It can be said that meetings were dominated by energy issues however many other issues from economic relations to canceling visas have been negotiated. Turkey-Russia relations that improved significantly during last several years, continues to accelerate...

Does Azerbaijan Turn Its Face Towards the East?
Arzu Turgut

Contrary to expectations, Azerbaijan and Turkey have failed to sign a protocol in order to cancel the visa regime. According to a few sources, this agreement was not signed due to some technical reasons, incomplete procedural issues and bureaucratic problems. However, beyond this unexpected result, the issue is not only about abolishing the visa regime between these countries which have strong cultural, historical and linguistic bonds.

Israel in a Vortex of Anger
Prof. Dr. Ihsan Bal

It can be said that Israel is experiencing its most difficult days since its establishment in 1948. The shame created in the West by Jews, who were subjected to the Nazi Holocaust during the Second World War, constituted a great credit in the establishment and support of the state of Israel. Certainly, in the formation of this credit, the worldwide Jewish intellectuals that established the state of Israel, scientists and artists had also important contributions...

Turkey's Reaction to the Western Approach on the Iranian Nuclear Crisis
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

For more than six years the United States and western allies have been pressing Iran to halt its nuclear enrichment program, which Tehran insists is for civilian purposes. Despite the emergence of hope for a solution to this crisis by the October 1st Meeting in Geneva, an escalation has been witnessed, specifically in the recent weeks. Both Iran and western countries have determined deadlines and an aggressive approach has been adopted on both sides...

9/11: Repercussions and Realignment, Part 4
Alon Ben Meir

Recently I was asked by some colleagues at the International Strategic Research Organization in Ankara, Turkey to write a chapter of book they are publishing on the "Middle East after 9/11."* As many of you know, I am very supportive of Turkey's increasing involvement in the development of the Middle East, and I agreed to give my perspective on the seismic shift and its many repercussions that the events of September 11th had on the greater Middle East...

A New Approach to the Global Terrorism Threat in 2010
Suleyman Ozeren

2009 was the year when the economic crisis was the most publicized issue in terms of global problems. The deaths and violent incidents in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan have become ordinary issues. An analysis of 2009 in terms of terrorism and global security is important to create a projection for 2010...

Did Obama Succeed in Winning the Hearts of the Turkish People?
Mehmet Yegin

The public influence on foreign policy began to increase after Turgut Ozal’s term and accelerated with the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government in Turkey. Nowadays Turkish people are more interested in foreign policy. The increase in the number of newspaper pages and the minutes in newscasts allocated to foreign policy is the manifest evident of such interest. Thus, Turkish people are quite different from the Americans about their perceived importance level of foreign policy...

The French National Identity Debate: Whither Europe?
Doç. Dr. Mehmet Özcan

Nowadays, debate over its immigrant population rages in France- primarily the Muslims- which can be regarded as an expression of the growing fear in French society. The Sarkozy government initiated the quarrel over the national identity last month, which was further enflamed by an article published in Le Monde written by Sarkozy himself related to the referendum held in Switzerland about the minaret ban...

Europe's Dilemma: Security for Individuals Despite Individuals
Fatme Y. Elmas

New events addressing security weakness has brought up a recurrent fact that creates important ground for refreshing discussions about tightened security measures in Europe. Efforts on harmonization of legislation among EU members in terms of the struggle against terrorism, close cooperation via tightened measures on border security and airport transfer right after 9/11 and the Madrid-London bombings are striking examples of the aforementioned situation...

The New Israel Lobby: A Shifting Balance in Turkey-Israel-US Relations?
Kaitlin MacKenzie

Over the past year, we have witnessed a series of events, from Erdogan’s notorious outburst at Davos to Turkey’s disinvitation of Israel from a NATO air exercise, that have led to claims that Turkish-Israeli relations are declining. Often, this assertion is made in tandem with charges that Turkey is turning its face to the East, away from the West. But, when one considers the state of Turkish-Israeli relations, one undoubtedly will encounter the US, as it considers both countries to be important allies and is home to a large Jewish Diaspora...

Clash of Religions
Gamze Coskun

In any era, human history has always witnessed series of attacks, killings and intolerance between people all over the world because of their differences. Religion is one of the most common reasons why people attacked and continue to attack each other. In recent days, whenever one reads or watches the news, it is not surprising that he will meet some piece of news showing the intolerant environment between people belonging to different religions...

Indonesia Oil & Gas as Stalls in 2010
Terry Lacey

Indonesian oil and gas development is stalling in 2010 with state revenue from the sector falling US$6.36 billion, down 25 percent on 2009, and direct investment falling to $12.18 billion from $13.77 targeted, down from $13.52 billion in 2008. Waryono Karno, secretary-general at the Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry confirmed the failure to find new investors for most of the 40 oil and gas blocks offered government in 2008 was the major factor. (The Jakarta Post 04.01.2010)...

Is Germany Testing Turkey's Patience on EU Membership Process
Marcus Schadlich

The German Christian Social Union (CSU) declined in plain words the EU accession of Turkey this week, and reinforced its long-standing attitude against the Turkish-EU-negotiations. But the Bavarian party has taken a new course about the accession process in their retreat. According to an internal strategy paper, the negotiations should be immediately stopped. Turkey should be offered a privileged partnership instead of a full membership perspective...

The Oil Factor in Afghanistan
Richard Rousseau

The existence of a "Great Game” around the strategic oil and natural gas resources of the former Soviet republics of Central Asia and the South Caucasus is a geopolitical reality beyond dispute. This veiled conflict, initially confined to Russia and the United States, has been expanded with the entering of the European Union (EU) and China into the "game” in the mid 2000s.

The Message of Democracy Is Loud And Clear
Qudrat Ullah

These days a unique operation is being carried out by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) in the provincial metropolis. It is launched against the most powerful of the society- the high-rise builders who built multi-storey plazas in different commercial areas of the city and then sold them out to the unaware buyers without fulfilling even building byelaws’ requirements or caring for the structural fine-tuning, by greasing the palms of the corrupt elements in the LDA...

The OSCE Should Take More Initiatives in Central Asia
Gulay Kilic

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the security landscape has changed dramatically and many conflicts have appeared with elements such as regional, linguistic, ethnic, or religious affiliation. The climate of increased ethnic tensions affected not only the Central Asian countries but also other Soviet successor states in the early 1990s. For example, the Tajik and Georgian Civil Wars reflected conflicts that were combinations of ethnic, political and religious factors...

The Ladies of Straw Mountain (Samandag)
Haluk Direskeneli

On 5 December 2009, I participated in an Energy Forum in Hatay province, which had been organised by the Chamber of Turkish Electrical engineers and was held at the Iskenderun Town Municipality hall. The small town council meeting hall was shaped like an amphitheatre. The energy forum was open to all interested parties.

2009 Recap: What Happened in the World?
Prof. Çağrı Erhan

The most important issue of 2009, was indeed, the global economic crisis that began in the fall of 2008. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the tragedy in Gaza, all of which were inherited from 2008, continued as they were...

The Kurdish Issue: Today and Its Future
Prof. İhsan Bal

There are big differences between the 1990s and today. First of all, there was not something called the democratic initiative in the 1990s, and the amnesty issue was not something more than a bargaining. Second, it was a state-manufactured project being implemented from the top down. But when we look at today’s situation, it is totally different: it comes from the public, from the bottom up. Third, Turkey is more confident and more aware about what to do now.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul's Lecture on 'Turkish Foreign Policy in the New Era' at USAK House

Turkish President Abdullah Gul delivered a speech on "Turkish Foreign Policy in the New Era" at International Strategic Research Organization (USAK House). The full-text of the speech is available.

KEYWORDS
Abdullah Gül, turkish foreign policy in the New Era, USAK

Dr. Jorgen Johansen, Conference Speech on Conflicts and Dilemmas When New States are Born
Dr. Jorgen Johansen

Thank you and I am very happy to be invited here to this wonderful building and fascinating centre. I have some ideas to discuss with you on conflict. My research of the last 25 years has being focusing on some specific areas, like Chechnya, Palestine, parts of India and so on, but the majority of my research is on the overview – not specific conflicts but conflict chains, what is going on in the world as a whole? If you have questions please feel free to ask them while I am talking, just interrupt me, raise your hand or if you disagree with me...

Spain is to Take Over the EU Helm: What Does it Mean for Turkey?
Ceren Mutuş

On 1 January 2010, Spain is going to take over the rotating six-month EU presidency from Sweden, whose term has been marked by the continuous efforts to preserve the delicate balances among various interests at the EU level. In this sense, the victory of the "Yes" vote in the Irish referendum, the elimination of the Czech resistance before the final ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the elections of the EU's first-ever permanent posts -The President of the European Council and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy- could be given as prominent outcomes of this sense of mutual understanding and empathy.

A New Paradigm for Engaging Somalia
Abukar Arman

The stakes are much higher than ever before. And, despite the negative reports that dominate the news and thus perpetuate the sense of hopelessness, voices of reason are becoming more audible against the current senseless violence, chaos and extremism. More and more Somalis are coming to realize that the path ahead leads nowhere except the assured suicide of a nation.

9/11: Repercussions and Realignment, Part 3
Prof. Alon Ben Meir

Recently I was asked by some colleagues at the International Strategic Research Organization in Ankara, Turkey to write a chapter of book they are publishing on the "Middle East after 9/11."* As many of you know, I am very supportive of Turkey's increasing involvement in the development of the Middle East, and I agreed to give my perspective on the seismic shift and its many repercussions that the events of September 11th had on the greater Middle East.

Turks in Germany: Integration and Exclusion
İrem Güney

If anyone happens to come to Berlin, he or she should visit the German Historical Museum. Its current exhibition demonstrates how two major European countries developed their image of "the other” in order to defend and define themselves over time. A major section is dedicated to immigrant workers and their place in German and French society.

New Thermal Power Plant Investment in Amasra County of BARTIN Province
Haluk Direskeneli

I am pleased to learn the announcement of a new thermal power plant investment in Amasra County of Bartin Province, which will utilize a nearby relatively high LHV local bituminous mine. We understand that a local engineering company has already prepared the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the new investment project; it was recently released on the internet page of Bartin province for public information and awareness.

The Democratic Initiative Knocked Over the KCK
Prof. Dr. Ihsan Bal

More than 30 people, some of them mayors, have been arrested as a result of simultaneous operations in 11 provinces of Turkey carried out against the KCK (Kurdish Democratic Confederation / Turkey Council), an organization that reportedly runs as the city arm of the PKK terrorist organization. Some comments going around argue that these operations (the last operation was the fourth one against the KCK), undermine the Democratic Initiative process. However...

Who Will Provide Security in Europe?
Prof. Çağrı Erhan

Today, 21 of the 28 members of NATO are also members of the EU. Yet, it remains a dream that the EU can plan and make a military operation from ‘A’ to ‘Z’ in any part of the world without using the infrastructure, facilities, capabilities, and capacity of the strategic transportation of NATO. With the elimination of problems considering the Lisbon Treaty coming into force, the EU is being more active in security and defense issues compared to the past agenda it would undertake and they are discussed more and more.

Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement and Disagreements with Azerbaijan: A View from Baku
Rovshan Ibrahimov

The year 2009 will be remembered as a year of disagreements and misunderstandings on a number of issues between Azerbaijan and Turkey. It is a very significant event; a few years ago nobody could imagine that between these two countries there could be differences on any issue.

Germany's New Economic Reality: The Social Immigrant
Cenk Alican

Letters from Germany

According to the recently-released figures of the national German Labour Agency (Arbeitsagentur), the budget gap for welfare expenses will increase to 18 billion Euros in 2010, and another 11 billion in 2011. Frank Jurgen Weise, chief bureaucrat of the Nurnberg-based state institution, called on the government to raise the contribution rate to the unemployment insurance from 2.8 percent to 4 percent.

Turkey Should Play Further Role in Afghanistan
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

The United States and European countries have many soldiers in Afghanistan. Turkey had around 700 soldiers and it has increased this number to around 1750. However, it is not possible to estimate the role of Turkey in Afghanistan by merely focusing on the number of soldiers, because Turkey is different from other NATO countries. First, it is a Muslim country and the single Muslim country amongst the significant countries that have soldiers there...

Shalit, Shalom and a Shimmer of Light
Terry Lacey

The impending conclusion of a deal between Israel and Hamas to release the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners could mark a fresh start in the Middle East.
Sometimes the light shimmers in the Jordan Valley, as you see the waves of hot air bouncing off the rocks and sand, with visual distortions like crooked mirrors, or sudden strange visions, even of trees or water. Are these miracles of refraction or mirages, or is an oasis of peace and prosperity a possible reality?

Will Turkey's Efforts with Iran Pay Off or Be Blown Off?
Stacy Maruskin

The meeting between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Barack Obama seemed rather fleeting; it came and went without any exceptional developments or stern warnings. There were journalists in Turkey complaining that nothing eventful came to fruition; the scolding and caution they believed Erdogan would receive for his behavior, and Turkey’s "pulling away” from the West, was instead replaced with praise and re-affirmation that America wants Turkey as a friend and ally in the region. In fact, the U.S...

Visa Free Europe and Re-admission Trap
Doç. Dr. Mehmet Ozcan

Elimination of geographical derogations is a necessary matter to consider for international humanitarian law. But these re-admission agreements are, indeed, not related to the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights as well as international humanitarian law. It would not be a strategically correct step to share this burden with the EU just to get access to a visa-free Europe. I hope Turkey will not act impatient about this matter...

Big Questions of Our Time: Continuity with Change
Sundeep Waslekar

In a visit to Europe last fall, I purchased small gift items from a paper shop called Fabriano. It was established in Italy in 1264. It has been run by the same family for 750 years. Michelangelo purchased paper from it for his paintings. Today Euro notes are printed on Fabriano paper. The shop is extremely modern in its style and taste. It has been changing with times but it has not given up its original business...

What happened in Istanbul is a Conspiracy, or a Reality?
Prof. Dr. Ihsan Bal

We live in a time where people give more importance to conspiracy theories that only confuse their minds with the process of the democratic initiative. Turkey is not unfamiliar with conspiracy theories. However, if we think that everything is a conspiracy, it may be a handicap in our navigation to the facts. Moreover, if we say that there are no conspiracies, and then we cannot see the traps set for our country. From this perspective, how can we explain to the public about the people who broke the store glasses and pointed their fingers to demonstrators in Dolapdere, a suburb province of Istanbul?

Turkey's EU Membership: EU's Identity Crisis
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

It is possible to disagree with a person because of his political or economic views or even because of any personal reasons. Yet, if you counter someone, a group or a country just because of his/her/their colour, or gender or religion, then it is called discrimination, it is called racism, it is called religious extremism. All these are banned in any fair state since it is illegal...

Being 'European Muslim' or 'Muslim in Europe'
Fatma Yilmaz-Elmas

Does being exposed to a labeling like ‘Muslim in Europe’ obstruct being a ‘European Muslim’? If a sense of being marginalized is caused by the exclusion results in abstraction from society, together with being marginalized one way or another like a vicious circle, the answer is "yes”. It would be helpful to look over the key findings in a report titled "Muslims in Europe – A Report on 11 EU Cities” published by Open Society Institute, to follow up on the aforementioned answer, i.e. ‘yes’...

Model Partnership Needs to Be Specified
Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan

One of the most important headlines of the Erdogan-Obama meeting in White House was, without a doubt, collective fight against terrorism. High level formal visits have always been crucial in Turkish-American relations. Similar to US President Obama’s visit to Turkey in April as his first foreign visit, Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to US raised great expectations. It is clear that incidents such as PKK’s killing of our seven soldiers, withdrawal of Turkish Ambassador in Washington Nabi Sensoy back to Turkey, the mining accident took place in Bursa, closure of DTP by the Constitutional Court, have prevented Erdogan’s visit to come forward in the Turkish domestic agenda as expected...

Germany Needs to Abandon the Wait and See Attitude with Turkey
Marcus Schadlich

"Germany has a special interest in deepening its relations with Turkey and linking the country to the European Union. The EU membership talks that began in 2005 are an open-ended process that is not based on automatism and has no guaranteed end-result. If the EU is not in a position to take on new members or Turkey cannot fully meet all the criteria necessary for membership, Turkey must be bound closely to European structures in a way that allows its privileged relationship with the EU to develop further."

An Indigenous Change in The Offing in Pakistan
Gul Jammas Hussain

Pakistan’s Supreme Court began hearing petitions Monday in a case against President Asif Ali Zardari and key allies, including Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar. After expiration of the amnesty protecting him, the unpopular leader may face corruption charges that could force him to surrender key presidential powers or even to step down...

What Has Obama Accomplished?
Nancy Morgan

Making the rounds of conservative talk shows lately is the question, "What has Obama accomplished so far?" The question is asked of of Obama supporters and the answers range from 'abolishing lobbyists' to 'securing world peace' to 'lowering taxes.'

The Struggle of Yemen and Its Implications
Serpil Açıkalın

Together with its typical stone houses, intense unemployment, high birth rates, arduous climate conditions and low literacy rates, Yemen, which links the Red sea to the Indian Ocean, has come to the world agenda due to its domestic conflicts in recent last years...

9/11: Repercussions and Realignment, Part 1
Alon Ben Meir

Recently I was asked by some colleagues at the International Strategic Research Organization in Ankara, Turkey to write a chapter of book they are publishing on the "Middle East after 9/11."* As many of you know, I am very supportive of Turkey's increasing involvement in the development of the Middle East, and I agreed to give my perspective on the seismic shift and its many repercussions that the events of September 11th had on the greater Middle East...

The Party That Closed Itself Down
Prof. Dr. İhsan Bal

The Democratic Society Party (Turkish: Demokratik Toplum Partisi, DTP) was founded in 2005. In the 2007 elections, the DTP received around one-fourth of the Kurdish people’s votes in Turkey and formed a party group in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) with 21 parliamentarians...

The Ermenek Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant
Haluk Direskeneli

On Saturday, 12 December 2009, we had the opportunity to participate in the Panel on "Ermenek Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant" at the Middle East Technical University Alumni Association in Visnelik Premises in Ankara, Turkey. The 309 megawatt Ermenek hydropower project is currently under construction, and located on the Ermenek River, a tributary of the Göksu River in the province of Karaman. The Göksu River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in Turkey...

Obama Gave the Signal of Retreat to Afghanistan
Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan

The Taliban and al Qaeda would not exist today if 10% of the U.S. expenditure in the Afghanistan war was instead spent on the people of Afghanistan. But obviously, war equipment had to be used in order to keep their producers afloat...

The New Middle East
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

A period ends in the Middle East, and with Turkey, a new term starts in the region. It is unknown how aware Turkey is of this but the Turks destroyed the old order in the Middle East, or rather disorder, established after the World War I, and a new period based on communication, more interrelation, and cooperation emerged in its place. When the distrust in the region towards Turkey is eliminated the improved relations with Turkey also contribute to the elimination of distrust between the other countries in the region...

Erdogan’s Meeting with Obama: What Should We Expect?
Kaitlin MacKenzie

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit the White House today, December 7, to meet with US President Barack Obama. This meeting comes at a key time for both countries: Washington is seeking to continue its "strategic partnership” with Ankara and Turkey has recently faced a barrage of accusations that it is turning away from the West. As such, a face-to-face meeting between the countries’ leaders raises questions as to what items will be on the agenda and what, if any, progress will be made...

Swiss Harmony under the Shadow of the Minaret
Doç. Dr. Mehmet Özcan

The results of the referendum regarding the ban of the construction of new minarets in Switzerland have been announced. Approximately 60% of the population voted in favor of the ban, though the country has only three small minarets in total. One important point to underline is that the ban does not include the construction of new places of worship for Muslim society, but the construction of new minarets...

Exorcising the Ghost of Xunzi
Sundeep Waslekar

On the surface, the world is facing triple crises – financial meltdown, environmental degradation and climate change, and the spread of terror and weapons of mass destruction. However, if we scratch beneath the surface, we will find that these crises are mere symptoms of a deeper malaise. The world we live in is divided between 3.3 billion inhabitants in the market and 3.3 billion people living in the periphery. By 2030...

A New EU in the Making: Reflections from Turkey
Mustafa Kutlay

After a long period of speculations and intergovernmental tug-of-wars, the EU finally elected its new president and foreign policy chief. Taking the profiles of the recently elected politicians into consideration, it can be confidently said that the EU disappointed may people who believe in an ‘ever closer Union’ and a more ‘proactive Europe’ at the international fora. The new President, the Belgium Prime Minister Herman Von Rompuy, and the new foreign policy chief from the intergovernmentalist Britain, namely Catherine Aston, aroused question marks in the minds of observers...

Possible Implications of the EU Presidency Elections on Turkey-EU Relations
Doç. Dr. Mehmet Özcan

Following long-standing debates and previsions, the EU leaders elected the first President of the European Council. Known as a low-profile politician on the international political arena and an unknown personality except by those from his own country, Belgium Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy was elected for the position of European Council Presidency. In addition, British center-leftist politician, who is also the commissioner responsible for external trade, Catherine Ashton was elected...

A Strategic Alliance Central to Regional Stability
Alon Ben Meir

When Turkey barred Israel from a joint military exercise earlier this October, there was a great deal of speculation about the seriousness of a rift between the two allies. Although the strategic relations between the two regional superpowers is critical to both nations it also transcends the bilateral benefits that Turkey and Israel individually derive from it, as their alliance is fundamental to the region's balance of power and political stability...

Why and How Did the U.S. Torture?
Prof. Dr. İhsan Bal

The September 11 attacks have been considered a cornerstone in the history of terrorism in terms of the fact that it exhibited how merciless, indiscriminate and frightening terrorism can be. The impact of the attacks on the American society, which can well be called ‘the September 11 paranoia’, has undoubtedly been deeper. And the responsibility that trauma has put on the American Congress, courts, government and media has also been shaped under the shadow of that particular fear...

The State of Democracy and Local Administrations in Southeastern Turkey
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

Although it was the remnant of a multinational, multi-religious and multi-sectarian empire, the Turkish Republic had inherent biases against local administrations and minorities. Since the Ottoman Empire had disintegrated mainly due to the local uprisings and the local minorities the new state developed intense biases accordingly. Differences of any kind, ethnic, religious and political, were perceived as potential motives for separation and thus, the young Turkish state was built upon a centrist understanding...

Is Russia's Iran Policy Changing?
Habibe Özdal

We are witnessing a very active period in terms of international politics. Especially with Obama’s attitude on foreign policy, which tends more to solve international problems via cooperation with other actors in international relations, foreign policy issues have been brought to the top of the agenda. It is also claimed that Clinton is leaving behind doctrines and labels. Clinton’s new thinking includes "partnership, engagement and common interests”.

"Good Cop, Bad Cop" Strategy?: Clinton Appoints Former Embassy Hostage as Point Person on Iran
Phil Wilayto

When the Iranian Revolution exploded on the world scene three decades ago, John Limbert was a greenhorn diplomat assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. After that station was taken over by revolutionary students, he spent 14 months as a political hostage in the building that came to be known as the "Nest of Spies.”

U.S. Increasing Attention to Asia
Nehginpao Kipgen

In today’s international politics, no region of the world is too far to reach out to. Whether it is for good or bad, what happens in one part of the world could have its global impacts. This emerging trend brings the East and the West closer. For example, the fifty years of conflicts in the military-ruled Burma and insurgency problems in Afghanistan have its ramifications across the globe...

The EU's Position on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Still "Foreign Policy Without Tears" and Divided?
Ömer Aslan

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues to be one of the issues that the EU can neither act independently on nor demonstrate a common stance towards. It also manifests the extent to which the CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy) of the EU is ineffective on certain issues, among which the policy to be followed towards Russia also stands out. The EU’s effect on the trajectory of that conflict also continues to be minimal as it has hitherto been...

President Gul Gives the First Turkish Foreign Policy Lecture at USAK House
USAK

The President of the Turkish Republic, Abdullah Gul, joined the staff members of USAK today to celebrate the grand opening of our new building; the first structure specifically built for a think tank in Turkey. After taking a brief tour of the new establishment, President Gul gave a lecture on Turkish foreign policy...

Laçiner: Turkish Foreign Policy in the New Era
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

There are some that accuse Turkey of deviating from its Western foreign policy to that of the East. First of all, as President Abdullah Gul said in his speech at International Strategic Research Organization (USAK) this week, we should not look at Turkey’s current trade relations or official visits to understand Turkey’s direction. We have to look at the values of Turkey to assess whether there has been a change in the direction...

Western Turkey in the East: New Turkish Foreign Policy
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

Turkey’s location impacts too much its foreign policy for the ages. First of all, Anatolia is a special place between the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It was always an important place for the Romans, for the Greeks, Arabs, Iranians, and Russians. It has always been between important sea ways and trade routes. Anatolia is a passage between different cultures and religions. If a country is located in such a special place, it needs a special foreign policy to protect its interests and to maintain its relations with the neighboring regions...

The Afghan War: Why Escalation Is Not the Solution
Kaitlin MacKenzie

Throughout his presidential campaign and in the months since he took office, President Obama has reiterated his view of Afghanistan as "the good war” that required the U.S.’ attention and support. Contrasting this situation with "the bad war” in Iraq, Obama has sought to scale up U.S. and international involvement, arguing that the war in Afghanistan is necessary. Yet, with so much at stake, there has been little explanation of exactly why and how this is necessary; Afghanistan’s importance is simply assumed...

Two Cemeteries in Washington and Tehran
Barin Kayaoğlu

As you read these lines, you will probably hear the latest on the Iranian nuclear negotiations. Tehran’s response to the latest Western offer – to further develop Iran’s low-enriched uranium in France and Russia and return it to Iran – is likely to be negative. Iranian officials will let the world know – once again – that nuclear energy is their "inalienable right,” that the proud Iranian nation will not bow to bullying, and, at any rate, they are not seeking nuclear weapons...

ISKEN Sugozu 1320 Megawatt Thermal Power Plant
Haluk Direskeneli

On 7th November 2009 Saturday morning, your writer was in Adana Sugözü ISKEN Thermal power plant premises in Energy Group members of Chamber of Turkish Mechanical Engineers. We had the opportunity to listen/ learn/ visualize important technical and commercial presentations of the host company...

Another Act of Balance for Merkel
Cenk Alican

The European Union (EU) has lifted sanctions imposed on the Uzbek government in late 2005. European diplomats and senior EU officials pointed at the ineffectiveness of the trade-blocking measures and decided to end the arms embargo last week after the release of key political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty...

France: New Active Player in Eurasian Energy Game
Rovshan Ibrahimov

French President Sarkozy’s official visit to Kazakhstan in early October 2009 proved to be very interesting and promising. The two countries have signed contracts totaling more than $6 billion. In particular, both countries plan to cooperate in the field of atomic energy: France will help Kazakhstan produce fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors and to increase the production of uranium...

Is Turkey Drifting Away from the West? An Economic Interpretation (1/2)
Mustafa Kutlay

Turkey’s relations with its neighbours started to improve considerably. In line with the new foreign policy paradigm, the ‘zero problem policy’ with neighbours, Turkey devoted most of its energy to mediating the peace process between Syria and Iraq; Israel and Palestine; and to facilitating the talks between Iran and the Western world. More recently, Turkey remarkably fixed its bilateral problems with Syria, Iraq and Iran...

Intense Provocation 'Downtown' Amidst 'Returning Home'
Prof. Dr. İhsan Bal

The 34-person group’s ‘returning home’ turned into a political show in the hands of the PKK and the Democratic Society Party. The images in the Turkish media have released the impression of victory won by the PKK, which might lead many people who do not know how terrorist organizations operate to actually believe that...

Some Thoughts on Adana Tufanbeyli Thermal Power Plant
Haluk Direskeneli

The new 450 MWe coal fired thermal power plant investment in Adana Tufanbeyli is delayed for 3 years due to prevailing economic crisis. The project will be started in the second half of 2010 which was planned in year 2007 earlier. The field related hydro geological studies were continuing in the field at Tufanbeyli. Plant is expected to consume 7.2 million tons of nearby local lignite per year, and will generate 3 billion kilowatt / hour of electric energy...

Turkish-Israeli Relations: Mending a Strained Alliance
Alon Ben Meir

Earlier this month, what should have been a multinational exhibit of military cooperation between the Turkish Air Force and its counterparts in the US, Italy, and Israel, has become yet another political snub in the growing public rift between Turkey and Israel. The joint exercise, which takes place every few years, was canceled indefinitely after Turkey withdrew Israel's participation, causing the US and Italy to forgo the exercise in response...

Two Parallel Processes in the Caucasus: The Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement and The Nagorno-Karabakh Issue
Hasan Selim Özertem

Recently the Turkish government has started to pursue a pro-active policy on delicate issues both in the domestic and foreign policy spheres, and this political choice has the potential of having serious repercussions for the leading party’s political power on the public level. Political will put forward in terms of solving the Kurdish issue and normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations are two issues among those being criticized by opposition parties in the country...

Prospect for Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement: A New Beginning or a Dead End? (2/2)
Dr. Güner Özkan

The current state of her borders and one party rule in Azerbaijan was set by a delicate balance pursued by Haidar Aliyev, and later his son, Ilham Aliyev, in their relationship with their near and far abroad. Thus, any damage or change in this balance reflects directly in the territorial and political stability/instability for Azerbaijan...

Turkish-Iraqi Relations and the Water Dispute
Serpil Açıkalın

Regarding Turkish-Iraqi relations, the Turkish perspective has focused on the territorial integrity of Iraq after the US occupation. For years many terrorist attacks against Turkish territories occurred near the border between Iraq and Turkey and terror and security issues have been the primary agenda for Turkish officials. Following the October 2007 Daglica attacks on a Turkish patrol in northern Iraq, the general opinion was that Iraqi-Turkish relations would plummet...

Election Scenarios in Afghanistan: Will There Be A Real Winner?
Salih Dogan

Afghanistan held a presidential election on August 20th. This was the second election for the Afghani people to elect their president since 2001. It was up to the Afghani people whether to elect current President Hamid Karzai for the second term or to make a new beginning with a new president. It was crucially important for Afghanistan to have a free and fair election, which was hoped to lead to stability and security in Afghanistan...

Lisbon-scepticism is not Euro-scepticism
Marta Jazowska

The long-awaited changes to the European Union (EU) are now under the umbrella of the Lisbon treaty. Whether and when the treaty will come into force remains uncertain. Following an overwhelming "yes” to the second referendum held in Ireland on the 3rd of October 2009, the Polish President signed the Lisbon document. Poland and the Czech Republic had been the last members of the European Union to not have ratified the treaty...

The PASOK Period in Greece: What Does It Mean for Turkey?
Muzaffer Vatansever

Although PASOK secured the required seats in order to form a one-party government, it is not enough to stabilize the country. In addition to turbulent times in the political circles, Greece has been the scene of ups and downs for different issues ranging from the economic crisis to the Cyprus question. Accordingly, the foreign policy of Greece is also on the edge of the fizzling days...

Security, Reconciliation in Iraq Are Irreconcilable
Nicola Nasser

Insecurity in Iraq is in – built in the U.S. – conceived sectarian and "federal” constitution drafted after the U.S. – led invasion in 2003, in the political process engineered by the U.S. occupying power on sectarian and federal "constitutional” basis to create a secure pro – U.S. post – Saddam regime as well as in the sectarian polity born therefrom -- or more to the point brought in by the invading army -- and is still, seven years on, struggling to survive a possible U.S. military...

Kangal Thermal Power Plant Rehabilitation
Haluk Direskeneli

This coal mine, which produces the coal requirements of the Kangal Thermal Power Plant (457 MWe) is located 30 km south of Kangal (Sivas) city center. Coal mine site is licensed to Public Electric Generation Company, and it has been operated by a local private contracting company since 1989 under a 20-year long term agreement...

The Lives of Two Nobel Laureates
Nehginpao Kipgen

As the season of the world’s prestigious prize announcements are underway, the circumstances of two renowned Nobel Peace Prize recipients are riveting: the stories of Barack Obama of the United States of America and Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma...

Shariah in Lawless Somalia
Abukar Arman

Nowhere in the world is Shariah more contested ( yet seldom debated) than in war-weary Somalia where each of the entities competing for power claims to have embraced it while condemning its detractor, or rather, its enemy, as a dangerous imposter.

Interview with Head of USAK, Dr. Sedat Laciner on the Armenian-Turkish Protocol
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

During the week, there had been speculation that Armenia felt it was too early to sign the documents, they were having hesitations. They could have been stalling because of the immense pressure they were dealing with from the Armenian Diaspora as well as the opposition they face. Sarkisian just returned from an unsuccessful attempt at convincing the Diaspora to support the protocols...

Interview with Ihsan Bal, Head of USAK's Center for Security Studies, on the Kurdish Initiative
Prof. Dr. İhsan Bal

"... this process should be referred to as the Democratization Initiative, not the Kurdish Initiative. The government and the parties believe that the term "Kurdish Initiative" narrows the scope of what can be accomplished in Turkey. Naming it a Democratization Initiative gives the parties and government an upper hand and allows them to perform in a larger arena..."

French views on Burqa and Bonds
Cenk Alican

The journey starts in Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most attractive financial centres and home to the European Central Bank (ECG) and to BaFin, Germany`s financial supervisory authority which approved a license application of Istanbul-based Kuveyt Turk, a leading participation bank established in 1989, early this month...

Exporting gas to Europe: What does Turkmenistan want?
Rovshan Ibrahimov

On July 13, 2008 an agreement was signed in Ankara between the parties of the consortium for the Nabucco pipeline on the intention of building this pipeline. It is worth noting that the Nabucco pipeline was originally intended to transport natural gas from Central Asian states such as Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, on the eve of the signing of the contract for the construction of Nabucco, the gas supply agreements from these countries had not been concluded...

Protocols In Zurich, The Armenian Diaspora In a Fury
Prof. Dr. İhsan Bal

The Armenian Diaspora seems to have been the most furious over the protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia in Zurich, Switzerland on October 10, 2009. But why does an agreement whereby two nations try to normalize their relations bring about that much fury?

Armenian Diaspora is Egoist
Doç. Dr. Sedat Laçiner

Armenian people is one of the ancient tribes. They created a great civilization and contributed to the humanity and other civilizations a lot. They established kingdoms and states as well. However as they settled mainly on the crossroads of the civilizations, religions, sects, races and great kingdoms, they could not maintain their independence. As a result they have generally lived under the other nations’ sovereignty...

Fighting a War by Objective
Alon Ben Meir

The ongoing deliberations among President Obama's national security team and congressional leaders are necessary to determine the best possible means of successfully conducting the war in Afghanistan. But what must guide these discussions and take precedent for all parties involved is a thorough understanding of the objective and a clearly outlined mission...

U.S. ‘Personality Assassination’ of a Palestinian Ally
Nicola Nasser

The report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, which the head of the mission, Judge Richard Goldstone, presented to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on September 29, prematurely plunged the Palestinian Authority (PA) in a short –lived euphoria over what it first envisaged as a political prize that...

Uncertainty at its Finest: The Armenian-Turkish Protocol
Stacy Maruskin

For those of us living in Turkey, it is an unquestionable fact that the Armenian-Turkish Protocol is a pressing topic on many people’s minds. For weeks, both the academic community and citizens of both countries have been waiting patiently for October 10th, the possible day of reckoning between the Turkish and Armenian communities...

The Irish Referendum and the Future of the EU: Is it far too late to turn back?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özcan

The Treaty of Lisbon has become an increasingly striking issue in the discussions since Ireland voted against the treaty last year in a referendum. It was the second time around for the question on Friday (October 2nd), when Ireland held a new referendum to which the Irish people said "yes” with a high percentage of the vote (67%)...

What is a Culture of Peace?
Dr. Havva KÖK

If the world order is to move away from its present chaotic and violent condition, building cultures of peace is the remedy. The creative management of differences is at the core of peace culture. But what is culture of peace?

Reading the German Election Process with Different Parameters
Fatma Yılmaz Elmas

Germany’s new elections were on September 27, with the victory going to Chancellor Merkel’s conservative Christian Democrats. Getting the majority of votes (33.8%) in the Bundestag elections and increasing their seats to 239, the Christian Democrats are now on their way to forming a new center-right government...

Strategic Step of US and its Effects on Relations with Russia
Habibe Özdal

US-Russia relations are once again on the agenda after the Obama’s decision to re-shape the Bush administration’s plan to deploy a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. After Obama came to power, the constructive atmosphere gave an opportunity for a ‘fresh start’. This was followed by steps from both Medvedev and Obama to enrich US-Russia relations...

After Abbas-Netanyahu Handshake: The Prospects for Palestinian-Israeli Peace
Ömer Aslan

After futile efforts under former American president George W. Bush to revive Middle Eastern peace process based on the roadmap failed at Annapolis in 2007, the United States under Obama administration is trying to rekindle the process once more, hopefully once for all. If the last handshake between Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu in New York at the UN summit is the first step in that regard or not is debatable but no doubt that it has elicited different reactions.

The American Approach to the Turkish-Armenian Rapprochement
Kaitlin MacKenzie

Over the past century, Turkey and Armenia’s antagonistic relationship has been well known. Embroiled in a bitter conflict over their territorial rights and, of course, the events of 1915 and claims of "genocide”, the two countries have struggled to establish some sort of diplomatic relationship. This endeavor has begun to bear fruit, with recent Swiss-mediated talks in Geneva having resulted in an agreement to establish diplomatic ties that will be signed October 10 in Zurich...

EU, Turkey and the World in 2030
Sundeep Waslekar

It would be extremely short-sighted to view the question of the Turkish membership of the European Union in the framework of a balance sheet for the two parties. It’s well known that the Turkish membership of the EU will benefit both sides by resolving some of their internal problems...

The Possible Impacts of the Greek Elections on Turkey
Muzaffer Vatansever

Greece is in the final days before parliamentary election in Sunday. On October 4th, Greek citizens will choose their new term prime minister to manage the country through the great economic challenges of the time and make crucial decisions for the country's future course.

The Prospect for a Breakthrough
Alon Ben Meir

Although the Obama administration's efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have not, as yet, produced tangible results, the prospect for a breakthrough in negotiations may be closer today than it has been in many years. Notwithstanding the inherent skepticism about the prospect of real progress, the conversion of certain regional and international developments have altered the political dynamic and created a new set of opportunities for a negotiated settlement...

A Bright Sunday for Germany?
İrem Güney

After the European Parliament elections, I was very reluctant - even allergic - to write anything on Turkey's bid for EU membership, since I was not excepting any change at all. Now, there is another important election waiting to be guessed, or let’s put it differently, to be "analyzed”: Germany is going to the polls on Sunday!

U.S. Engagement Must Understand Burma's Diversity
Nehginpao Kipgen

Developments are indicating that the Obama administration is starting to ease tension with the Burmese military junta. At the U.N. headquarters in New York on September 23, Hillary Clinton said the U.S. will be "moving in a direction of both engagement and continued sanctions.” Clinton is reiterating the comment she made earlier this year during her maiden visit to Asia as Secretary of State...

Harmony in the Middle Kingdom
Sahiba Trivedi 

Chinese President Hu Jintao has promised the people of China a politically and socially stable society. The government is working towards its goal of ‘hexie shehui’ meaning "a harmonious society” through sustainable development and people’s welfare programs. These days China is witnessing an unprecedented number of public protests, demonstrations and violence...

The Concept of Security and Nature in Ataxia
M. Salih Elmas

Last week, les Istanbulais lived through terrible times when an unforeseen calamity blew through the European side of the city. Meteorologists had forecasted the weather and predicted a probable disaster in particular locations before the city flooded; however, they didn’t anticipate such a catastrophe, with more than thirty people dead, hundreds of houses, workplaces and factories submerged and billions of dollars in material damages...

Turkey's Role as a Mediator or Facilitator
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

Eventually a new page is about to be turned to the ongoing Iranian nuclear crisis process. Despite Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s declaration that Iran will not halt its nuclear activities, a few days ago world powers agreed to initiate the talks with Iran on October 1st. Although some Iranian officials have said that the nuclear issue will not be included...

The Cyprus Question and the Future of Turkey-EU Relations
Mustafa Kutlay

After the ‘golden years’ between 1999 and 2005, Turkey-EU relations plunged into a stalemate in the post-2005 period. The profound reforms that were implemented by the Turkish government to converge with the EU acquis communitaire almost came to a halt, and the EU diluted its promises after Turkey became a "negotiating candidate country.” The virtuous cycle and the constructive atmosphere, in other words, evaporated in relatively a short period of time starting from early 2006.

Afghanistan Presidential Elections: Pessimism vs. Optimism in the Process of Democratization
Cuneyt Gurer

Procedural definition of democracy requires free, fair and regular elections in order to choose leaders by the people they govern. This minimal definition and prerequisite for well-functioning democratic system often times confused with democracy itself. Therefore in countries transiting to democracy, such as Afghanistan, elections create optimism that can easily turn out to disappointments and losing confidence of the system because of the lack of democratic institutions in the country. Elections are for people to choose their leaders in a competitive environment so that the majority could rule. However, among others, democratic institutions, economic development, civic culture, protection of individual rights are some of the crucial elements to stabilize democracy in one country. Without having those stability factors elections could provide limited support to the process of democratization in transiting countries.

The best 10 Thermal Power Plants in Turkey as of September 2009
Haluk Direskeneli

In Energy Commission of Chamber of Mechanical engineers in Ankara Turkey, we meet periodically in our Ankara office in order to review current energy issues, and try to make appropriate programs/ panels/ conferences/ seminars/ technical excursions.

Turkey and Russia’s Agreement: Different Intentions – Who is the Winner?
Rovshan Ibrahimov

The summer of 2009 witnessed a notable increase in Turkey’s activity in the energy field. On July 13 an agreement on the construction of the Nabucco gas pipeline was signed in Ankara. Then, on August 6, during Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit to Ankara, an agreement to build a second Blue Stream pipeline between the two countries was signed, which will also be built under the Black Sea.

Putin's Visit to Ankara and Nuclear Plant Tender
Haluk Direskeneli

Your writer had sincere feeling that Turkey was about to place the Nuclear Power Plant order to Russian group, because Russian prime Minister Vladimir Putin was coming to Turkey on 6th August 2009.
Without a guaranteed order, he would never come to Turkey. Prior to that meeting there was high expectation that Turkish and Russian sides will sign the NPP contract.

How Arab Sheikhs Shake German Hands
Cenk Alican

It must have been a sunshine moment for Hans Michel Piech and Wolfgang Porsche, both members of the supervisory board of the recently created joint Volkswagen-Porsche company, when Qatari prime minister SheikhHamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, just having landed in Stuttgart, made long-awaited decisions.

Turkish-Iraqi Relations in Light of Davutoglu’s Visit To Iraq
Serpil Açıkalın

In the post-2003 period, Iraq has been the most substantial issue in Turkish foreign affairs, due to the intense domestic conflict and political instability in Iraq. For Turkey, the unity of Iraqi territory and the security of the region have been a top priority since the US occupation of Iraq.

The Last Tango in Bishkek
M. Turgut Demirtepe

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has recently made a "U-turn” regarding the closure of the Manas military base and come to the table with the United States. The Kyrgyz government had previously ended the United States’ use of the Manas base, which is of vital importance for the U.S. to support coalition military operations in Afghanistan.

Turkish-U.S. Relations Show New Growth
Stacy Maruskin

It has been four months since President Obama stood at the podium in the Grand National Assembly and addressed the Turkish Deputies. His speech was inspirational and offered hope for a new era of stronger relations between the two countries. A wide range of important matters were addressed, from energy and the European Union (EU) to Afghanistan and PKK, a terrorist organization which has caused much devastation in Turkey.

Nature: The Final Frontier of Politics
Sundeep Waslekar

Robert Frenay’s Pulse is a comprehensive, extremely well researched reportage spanning the whole world on how new technologies and systems are more and more being inspired by nature.

A Strategic Necessity
Alon Ben Meir

The Obama administration's push for a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace may have a much stronger likelihood of succeeding this time around because of the prevailing political and security dynamics. For an agreement to occur however, Israel must concede the inevitable by relinquishing territories captured in the 1967 war, and the United States must provide a new security umbrella to its regional allies.

Nabucco: The ‘Project of the Century’ and Its Value (II)
Güner Özkan

Azerbaijan has reiterated a number of times that it is ready to supply gas to Nabucco. Its recent gas export deal with Russia only includes a small amount of yield, 500 million cubic metres annually.

Germany’s Visa "Exemption” Application: A Test of the EU’s Sincerity
Ceren Mutuş

On the 5th of June 2009 the German Embassy in Ankara released a press statement announcing that it had undertaken an administrative change that would ease the visa procedure applied to Turkish nationals and widen the scope of Turkish nationals who would be able to enter Germany by "simply” providing a visa exemption document.

The Global Financial Crisis and the European Union
Ercüment Tezcan

The global financial crisis began in the summer of 2007 and had affected the whole world by September of 2008. Many governments needed to receive different types and amounts of economic support to avoid serious damage. With this crisis, the question of how the member states of the European Union can take measures independently is brought to the agenda, as their economies have been connected to each other for fifty years with the attempt to integrate.

Iran’s Disputed Elections and the Aftermath
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

Shortly after the announcement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory with 62 percent of the total votes, opposition candidates refused to accept the results they claimed were rigged and demanded an annulment of the election. Immediately after, a huge crowd of people participated in mass demonstrations to protest the results of elections claimed to be fraudulent.

Pierre Lellouche: "Turkey’s Lawyer” or "Sarkozy’s Trojan Horse”?
Mehmet Özcan

After the European Parliament’s elections in July 2009, many questions about the future of the European Union and Turkey’s membership perspective remained unanswered. Last week an important development occurred in France, where the antagonism of Turkey had been used politically during the election campaigns before.

Measuring Obama’s Moscow visit: A Breakthrough or Business As Usual?
Güner Özkan

Similar to how and what he said during his visits to Turkey in April and Egypt in June, US President Barack Obama once again made one of his elegant and well-crafted speeches in Moscow last week in which he urged for help creating an international system based on more cooperation, dialogue, understanding, multilateralism and interdependence.

Turkey’s Pipeline Politics
Sedat Laçiner

Whether Turkey has become an energy hub is a subject of continuous debate, even though the pipelines passing through or reaching Turkey indicate it has already become a regional center for energy transportation: Currently, there are two main naturalgas pipelines between Russia and Turkey.

Obama Speaks to the Muslim World from Cairo
Kaitlin MacKenzie

Barack Obama’s highly anticipated speech in Cairo drew the attention of millions around the world, and though, as he stated himself, "change cannot happen overnight…no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust,” events since then lead one to ponder how much Obama can really do to bring about change.

The Palestinians at a Pivotal Crossroads
Alon Ben-Meir

President Obama's push for a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict has given the Palestinians an historic opportunity to end their disastrous state of affairs. Although many parties involved in the conflict-especially the Arab states and Israel-have contributed directly or indirectly to Palestinian suffering, the Palestinians have undoubtedly inflicted the greatest injury upon themselves by forgoing numerous opportunities to make peace with dignity.

Possible Outcomes of Iranian Presidential Elections
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

As elections come closer a highly contentious atmosphere can be felt both in the political arena and the streets, since there was a serious rivalry among candidates through TV debate programs, electoral meetings and campaigns.

European Parliament Elections and the "Race to the Bottom” in Turkey Opposition
Mehmet Özcan

The 2009 European Parliament Elections, the biggest trans-national elections in EU history, were held on 4-7 June, 2009. According to the provisional results released by the European Parliament last night, EPP-ED, the center-right political group is estimated to have won 267 seats, while on the other hand, PES, the center-left political group seems to turn out the biggest loser of the elections with 159 seats, compared to 217 seats in the 2004 elections

Project Evaluation in Repowering (May 2009)
Haluk Direskeneli

Your writer had great joy when he learnt that a Turkish engineering contractor group had received the turnkey contract for repowering an old thermal power plant in Istanbul. As of the end of 2008, the contract was announced to be 388 million Euros, and the down payment was released.

European Parliament Elections and Turkey: No Hope for Change
İrem Güney

Next week, we will know the results of the European Parliament elections and will probably have read many articles on the expected effects. This year has been a critical year for the whole world, including Europe, which is deeply affected by the global financial crisis.

'Wake Up, Israel'
Alon Ben-Meir

I am departing from my usual analysis of the Arab-Israeli conflict as I profoundly feel that these are neither ordinary times, nor ordinary circumstances. The challenges and opportunities that Israel faces today will undoubtedly lay the ground for its future coexistence both in the Middle East and as an ally to the West.

Turkey-Azerbaijan-Armenia Triangle
Kamer Kasım

Continuing negotiations in order to normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia produced a “Road Map”, which created discussions also about Turkey-Azerbaijan relations and future of the politics of the Caucasus, particularly, security and energy dimension of it.

Sarkozy and Merkel on Turkey’s Membership Bid: One Europe or Many?
Mustafa Kutlay

Turkey, after a long struggle, finally started membership talks with the European Union in October 2005. When the negotiations started, the level of optimism among the Turkish public was quite high. Even, the decision was welcomed as the “realization of a dream” by some pundits.

Elections in Europe, Sarkozy-Merkel and Turkey: From a Different Perspective
Fatma Yilmaz Elmas

France and Germany, the engines of European integration, have reiterated their opposition to Turkey’s EU membership. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, in an interview with Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper, “the EU must stop making vain promises to Turkey and study with it the creation of a big common economic and human space”.

European Parliament Elections and the Rising Turkey Opposition in Europe
Mehmet Ozcan

In recent days, some EU leaders have begun to use Turkey’s membership as a political weapon in their European Parliament election campaigns. However, taking into consideration the current state of Turkey-EU relations, maybe this is the worst move to confine relations to short-sighted policies based on temporary political gains.

Obama's Two-State Challenge
Alon Ben Meir

President Obama's March 18th meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will introduce a new dimension to the long standing American-Israeli alliance. The changing circumstances in the Middle East and the potentially diverging views each leader holds in connection with the Arab-Israeli conflict could make finding common ground more challenging than in the past.

Chariots of Revolution "Devrim ARABALARI"
Haluk Direskeneli

"Chariots of Revolution" is the name of a recent movie, which depicts the sad story of first attempt to manufacture the first Turkish automobile. These were 4- each passenger cars which were manufactured by 23 Turkish engineers within 130 calendar days in year 1961.

How the Left Stepped Left
Cenk Alican

Germany’s opposition Left Party (Die Linke/ Linkspartei) has introduced its agenda for the forthcoming European and national elections to party fellows and media this week. The election program is marked by the party’s left-wing force and the theatrical sunshine unity of its leaders.

Afghanistan – Pakistan Turmoil: The US Misconception of the Region?
Süleyman Özeren

Afghanistan has been a land of destruction and suffering for years, and a similar situation will last years to come. There have been several devastations which have played a role in the suffering of the people in Afghanistan.

The Greatness of Nations
Sundeep Waslekar

In a recent visit to Istanbul, I stayed at Ciragan Palace, once the abode of the Ottoman emperors. It is on the Bosporus with one of the most panoramic scenes in the world. At this spot, you see Asia and Europe, modern and ancient, nature and technology.

Elections in Europe, Sarkozy-Merkel and Turkey: From a Different Perspective
Fatma Yilmaz Elmas
fyelmas@usak.org.tr
France and Germany, the engines of European integration, have reiterated their opposition to Turkey’s EU membership. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, in an interview with Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper, “the EU must stop making vain promises to Turkey and study with it the creation of a big common economic and human space”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has voiced “privileged partnership, but no full membership” for Turkey as their common position, once again.

The Intraparty Clash of Pro-Kurdish DTP
İhsan Bal

On the morning of April 14th, Turkish Police Forces conducted operations in different cities. The first news reports stated that these operations were held against a shadow group, behind the DTP, which has ties to the PKK. Operations were first begun in 12 cities and were then extended to include more than 20.

Soma Thermal Power Plant for Sale
Haluk Direskeneli

Our new job is to figure out its proper procedures and the face value of the plant, plus terms and conditions of the scheme. That is the question to estimate how much to pay in order to buy Soma Thermal Power Plant in Privatization.

Russia Dupes Azerbaijan?
Sedat Laçiner

It was obvious that nothing would be the same in the Caucasus, after the war in the region between Russia and Georgia in August of last year. During the war, the Georgian leader acted frantically with the backing of the US. Without asking anyone, including its neighbor Turkey, Georgia threw itself into Russia’s line of fire.

Evet, Yapabiliriz! (*) – Obama’s Turkish Test, Turkey’s Obama Opportunity
Barin Kayaoğlu

President Barack Obama’s visit to Turkey last week, his first to a Muslim nation since becoming Chief Executive on January 20, was a significant success. During his two-day visit to Ankara and Istanbul, Obama did and said all the right things. His most crucial statement came in response to the question of whether he was sending a message to the world by concluding his European trip in Turkey.

Nabucco as a Chess Game: Azerbaijan’s Next Move
Rovshan Ibrahimov

On March 27, 2009, a memorandum was signed between the Azerbaijani oil company SOCAR and Russia's Gazprom. This memorandum includes a statement of deliveries, beginning in January 2010, of Azerbaijani natural gas to Russia on the boundary conditions, DAF Azerbaijan / Russia.

Turkey, EU, and U.S. Relations within the Context of the Security-Freedom Pendulum
Mehmet Özcan

The US-Turkey alliance, which has been built on “if”s since the end of the Cold War, has been well-conducted due to the active foreign policy adopted during Ozal’s Presidency. The separatist terrorist movement which began in the 1980s accelerated its violence during the 1990s. As is known, a security concern came to the forefront in this period, and relations between Turkey and its Western alliances were strained as a result of their support to the organization.

Why U.S. President Obama must be a ‘Cautious Realist’
Güner Özkan

Obama was met like a pop star anywhere he went in Europe and Turkey in last several days. There are many credible reasons for this: young, dynamic, kind, black, inspirational, non-unilateralist, and so on. These credentials and characteristics he has and displays are very different from those of his predecessor, G.W. Bush.

Financial Crisis, G20 and Beyond: Balancing the Global Imbalances
Mustafa Kutlay

The G20 Summit is finally left behind. The leaders of the most developed 19 countries and representatives of the European Commission and the European Central Bank met at the ‘minimum common denominator’ and arguably went beyond the expectations.

Netanyahu's Second Chance
Alon Ben Meir

The new Israeli government led by Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu has raised many conflicting feelings among those concerned about the fate of the Arab-Israeli peace process. Will Netanyahu scuttle the little progress that was made under his predecessor Olmert, or will he engage the Palestinians anew?

Turkish Opposition to Rasmussen as the Head of NATO
Nermin Aydemir

NATO now appears to feel at ease after the thorny discussions at the NATO Summit on 3-4 April 2009, which was marked with the Turkish opposition against Rasmussen as the chief of the Alliance. The Turkish resistance seriously complicated the appointment of Rasmussen. Yet, the former Danish PM succeed to become the General Secretary thanks to do strong support from the heavyweights such as US, UK, Germany, France and Italy.

Obama's Critical Visit to Turkey
İhsan BAL

U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Turkey has significant meanings beyond the face value during his presidency, he made his first transoceanic visit to London for the G-20 summit. He then attended the NATO summit on the France-Germany border.

NATO Summit: Is It The Way Forward for Rasmussen?
Süleyman Özeren

The NATO summit in France and Germany for many reasons has been a fruitful meeting. The newcomers to the Organization, Albania and Croatia, the return of France to NATO military command, and the pledges of the member states to the Afghanistan mission could be the most important aspects of the summit.

Liquidation of PKK from Iraq, the US and Talabani
Sedat Laçiner

Iraq’s Kurdish President Jalal Talabani says “I did not call on the PKK to lay down its arms”. He also argues that he did not call the PKK to leave Iraq. “I just delivered Turkey’s demands, those ideas were not mine” he adds.
So to speak…

Lisbon’s Ways Through Karlsruhe
Cenk Alican

Never before in the history of European integration – not even when the French and Dutch rejected the European Constitution in referendums in 2005 – has the idea of a common legal framework for the Union’s people driven on such a bumpy road as it is these days.

Visa-Vis – Why Visa-Free Travel is Just the Beginning for Turkey’s Road to the EU
İrem Güney

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Turkish citizens who wish to enter the EU countries with the aim of providing services should not be required to obtain visa. [1]. This decision has fueled an ongoing debate in European Union countries on the visa-free travel of some Turkish citizens.

‘Terrorism Supporter’ to be the Secretary General of NATO
Sedat Laçiner

NATO has started to take on new roles, especially after the Cold War period, among which combating international terrorism is its first priority. The expansion of NATO’s operation area from the former Yugoslavia to Afghanistan is also a new development NATO is operating among religiously and ethnically diverse populations from numerous regions.

Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant in Soma
Haluk Direskeneli

We are very pleased to learn the recent Announcement made by Chamber of Mining Engineers of Turkey (www.maden.org.tr) that they will be organizing a Workshop/ Seminar on “Soma Basin Coal Reserves in Energy Generation” on 16-17-18 April 2009 at Soma Thermal Power Plant and Soma Basin Coal Mines premises with cooperation and contributions of Chambers of Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineers of Turkey.

The Soysal Decision: A “Standstill” Lesson from the ECJ to EU Countries
Ercüment Tezcan

In my comment dated 2 September 2007 about the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision regarding Veli Tum and Mehmet Dari, I drew attention to the “standstill” principle and expressed that if this rule could be efficiently applied, many unlawful acts would be prevented.

‘New Diplomacy’ in International Political Economy and Turkey-EU Relations
Mustafa Kutlay

International Political Economy (IPE), from the very beginning of its emergence as an academic field in the 1970s, have constantly tried to close the gap between economics and other social disciplines in general, and between economics and politics in particular.

Anti-Americanism: What Causes It, How Can It Be Stopped?
Barin Kayaoglu

In 1985, the political scientists Alvin Z. Rubinstein and Donald E. Smith edited a book that discussed anti-Americanism in the Third World. As they set up the conceptual framework of the book, Rubinstein and Smith declared that even though anti-Americanism was easy to identify, it was difficult to define.

Moscow’s Recent Confrontation with the US in Central Asia
Turgut Demirtepe

Two recent developments in Moscow within the past month have the potential to severely influence the balance of power in Central Asia. First, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan announced the decision to close the US air base near Bishkek during his official visit to Moscow.

Treading an Ominous Path
Alon Ben Meir

The collapse of the coalition negotiations between Likud Leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima's Tzipi Livni over Netanyahu's refusal to commit to the two-state solution may force him to form a narrow-based right-of-centre government. Such a government is likely to impede any progress or end up disintegrating under domestic and American pressure to make important concessions for the peace process.

Strengthening Strategic Partnership: Obama’s Visit to Turkey
Süleyman Özeren

The United States’ foreign policy has started to show signs of change. Yes, the U.S. has declared it will support any government in Israel no matter what, but the big difference is that it is also considering, directly or indirectly, engaging countries which it has considered a threat to world peace.

Can We Challenge Our Ideas?
Sundeep Waslekar

Ideas predate civilization. They even predate humanity. The ideas of fire, weapons and symbols were probably thought of by Homo erectus before the birth of Homo sapiens. However, lately some of us tend to believe that we don’t need to evolve our ideas.

Turkey’s Relations with Armenia and the Impact of the Armenian Diaspora
Kamer Kasım

Turkey’s relations with Armenia started in the unstable atmosphere of the Caucasus. As a landlocked country, Armenia needed to establish good relations with its neighbors, particularly with its western neighbor Turkey. However, developments in Turkish-Armenian relations have stalled over the years.

Identity Politics: A Litmus Test for Turkey's DTP
İhsan Bal

Towards the March 29 local elections, one of the top questions on the agenda is who will win Diyarbakir and who will receive the votes of the citizens of Kurdish origin. In this process, the DTP’s propaganda, which aims to get the votes of Kurdish people and practices politics through the lens of ethnic identity, is built upon polarization. As the election date comes closer, this polarization and blocking strategy seems to be continued with a higher tone by the DTP politicians.

The EU’s Challenge with the Financial Crisis and the Future of the “Single Market”
Mehmet Özcan

As the financial crisis deepens and its destructive effects are experienced throughout the world, the EU begins to deal with the most arduous challenges in its history. Undoubtedly, it is very probable to encounter several crisis and conflicts within the process of European integration.

The Nabucco Pipeline: Increased Actuality, but Inertia in Realization (II)
Rovshan Ibrahimov

Turkey is a key player in the Nabucco project, which plans to build a pipeline through Turkish territory. It should be noted that the Nabucco gas pipeline is considered to be a continuation of the existing international Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline and other internal gas pipelines in Turkey.

Gerhard Schroder’s visit to Iran – German Foreign Policy at the Crossroads
Cenk Alican

It was a vivid verbal tug-of-war on Germany’s political stage when former Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroder of the Social Democrat Party (SPD) decided to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran last week. Federal MPs of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Green Party (Grüne) criticized Schroder’s travel plans and tried to urge him to cancel his meeting with the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinedjad.

Can Armenian Diaspora Persuade Turkey to Recognise Armenian Allegations?
Sedat Laçiner

Armenian Diaspora has been carrying ‘genocide’ campaigns against Turkey for decades. They argue that these campaigns’ main aim is to persuade Turkey to recognise the Armenian allegations. As a matter of fact that the Armenian Diaspora by following such a way is trying to take revenge from Turkey more than imposing anything on it.

Does the Soysal Decision Solely Concern Visas?
Mehmet OZCAN

Turkish citizens Mehmet Soysal and Ibrahim Savatli, who worked as lorry drivers for a Turkish company, filed a case in the Berlin Administrative Court after they had been required to provide visas for entry to Germany....

Obama’s Challenges: Extraordinary Rendition and the State Secrets Privilege
Kaitlin MacKenzie

The honeymoon is over. The Obama administration, which had promised an end to Bush-era constitutional abuses, has done an about-face, reversing its opinion on the executive “state secrets” privilege that it denounced during the campaign.

Obama’s Foreign Policy Approach and Turkey
Süleyman Özeren

Since becoming the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama has followed a different path in several policy issues, including foreign relations. One of the most prominent aspects of Obama’s foreign policy is that he and his State Department team are open to dialogue and they approach the issues with an understanding of the positions of the concerned parties.

Turkey's New Middle Eastern Approach
Sedat Laçiner

Ottomans governed the region for 400 years and before the Ottomans there were other Turkish origin groups, such as the Mamluk Dynasty, Aq (Ak) Qoyunlu, Qara (Kara) Qoyunlu Turcoman. Apart from them, many Turks occupied important positions in the Abbasid Dynasty's military and governed Iran, one of the most important countries in the Middle East, for hundreds of years. For example, the spoken language in the Shah Ismail's palace was Turkish, and many of the Iranian shahs were of Turkish origin.

Nabucco Pipeline: Increased Actuality, but Inertia in Realization (I)
Rovshan Ibrahimov

The aftermath of the January energy crisis between Russia and Ukraine, which resulted in the interruption of the natural gas supply to some European countries, has once again made relevant the establishment of alternative energy routes from Russia to supply natural gas to Europe.

Israel: Coalition of the Unwilling
Alon Ben Meir

The result of the Israeli elections on February 10th expressed clear sentiments of the public's weariness of the political process and deep cynicism about the campaigning leaders. The question that faces the two leading contenders for prime minister, Kadima's Tzipi Livni and Benjamin Netanyahu of Likud is twofold: Will they rise to the occasion, join forces and put the country on a path of recovery; or will they go their own separate ways to try to form a narrow coalition government and set the country on a course for political turmoil.

Aftermath of the Energy Crisis – Russia Still Dominant in the Market!
Hasan Selim Özertem

Every year starts with new hopes, great expectations, and efforts to forget bad memories of the past. While nobly intended, I feel that we only change the calendar and begin, once again, counting down each day until the New Year.

Energy Policy of the European Union: Problems and Probable Solutions
Ercüment Tezcan

Natural gas, and in a wider context the energy issue, comes to the scene ironically in the coldest days of winter, and seems to occupy the EU agenda lately. Actually, this is not the first energy crisis that Europe has dealt with. The process began with Russia’s closure of the valves, which it has done several times.

Is PKK Turkey’s Hamas?
İhsan Bal

After Mr. Tayyip Erdogan’s walk-out incident in Davos, one of the most common statements made is that Israel and Turkey have been fighting terrorism; thus, they have to be on the same side. Part of this statement implies that PKK and Hamas are similar organizations and Kurds share the same fate as Palestinians do.

European Values and Turks in Germany
İrem Güney

The Partnership Agreement with the European Economic Community (EEC) has not resulted in the free movement of Turkish people in Europe. The visa application procedure is one of the most important and controversial issues today and the legal decisions have not changed much.

Subsidizing Gas Price in Household Consumption - Not a Smart Solution!
Haluk Direskeneli

Mr. Murat Karayalçın, CHP candidate for Great Ankara Municipality Mayor said that "Natural gas, which is distributed to 1,100,000 units for household consumption in Ankara, is to be subsidized, in order to stop coal pollution". (METU Alumni Association, on 7 January 2009).

How Can Provincial Elections Contribute Security in Iraq?
Guner OZKAN

Iraq descended into a civil war further after the first election in January 2005 causing thousands of dead. On the 31st of January, Iraqi people once again went to the polling stations to elect 440 representatives for the provincial councils from over 14, 000 candidates.

Turkish-American Relations under the Threat of the Armenian Lobby
Kamer Kasım

With the election of Obama as US President, a new era has begun in Turkish-American relations, bringing with it new expectations. Turkey and the US might continue and develop their cooperation in the geographical area from Afghanistan to the Balkans. The two countries have expectations from each other.

The Violence and Settlements Anathema (Part 1)
Alon Ben Meir

From his first Middle East tour as President Obama's special envoy, George Mitchell must have found that not much has changed since his 2001 report. During his previous mission on the origins of the Second Intifada, Mitchell concluded that ending the Israeli settlement activity and violence are intertwined and remain the core impediment to meaningful negotiations.

Ergenekon Case and Indecent Proposals
İhsan Bal

Turkey surely is in an important situation with the Ergenekon Case. This case, regarded as the most important in the history of the Turkish Republic, has long captivated the public attention with buried guns and grenades, links with the previous staggering assassinations, and plans for further assassinations. This is common for terrorist organizations.

The CD and DVD Weapons of Ergenekon
İhsan Bal

Turkey surely is in an important situation with the Ergenekon Case. This case, regarded as the most important in the history of the Turkish Republic, has long captivated the public attention with buried guns and grenades, links with the previous staggering assassinations, and plans for further assassinations.

Turkey-EU Relations in 2009: What is on the Agenda?
Mehmet Ozcan

The direction of Turkey-EU relations in the incoming year constitutes one of the controversial issues debated by many EU specialists, politicians, and media. A general perception of the issue is that the relations will continue on the same path as the previous year.

How Mitchell Should Deal with Hamas?
Alon Ben Meir

The recent appointment of George Mitchell as special envoy to the Middle East is no doubt a positive sign of President Obama's commitment to the region, signaling that there will be immediate and direct American involvement in the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations.

Use of War Terminology in Combating Terrorism
Sedat Laciner

Using the language of war in combating terrorism has been dramatically increased in the recent period. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in particular, the Bush administration identified combating terrorism as a war, even a “global war.” Not only in the US, but also in other countries, the term “war on terrorism” had often been used instead of “combating terrorism,” to gain the public support so as to employ security forces and to mobilize people and other sources more effectively.

The Somalian Straits and Maritime PT Syndrome Linked to Terrorist Organization and the Use of Private Military Companies
Andrin Raj

The threat of piracy in the Somalian waters of the Gulf of Aden has been recently an ongoing struggle for ships and vessels enroute these waters. The instability of Somalia however goes back as far as the beginning of the Somalian civil war that dates back to the early 1990s and the collapse of the state.

Small Fish with Shark Teeth
Cenk Alican

Ten years ago the Liberal Voters Alliance (LVA, Freie Wähler) was a side issue on Germany’s political stage. But now, having gained 19 percent of votes in Bavarian local elections in March 2008 and more than 10 percent in elections to Bavarian Parliament in September 2008, the little party has become the key for Federal President Horst Köhler (Bundespräsident) to be re-elected by the Federal Convention (Bundesversammlung) on May 23rd.

After Gaza Attacks: Does Arab Initiative Possible for the Middle East?
Serpil Açıkalın

After the cease fire on 18 January, three weeks after Israeli assaults, we have enough data for an evaluation of the events. In 2006 (Israel's War on Hezbollah in Lebanon), we saw that Hezbollah was more successful than today’s Hamas –if we measure the success with the number of dead people-.

Touching "the Untouchables" in Turkey
İhsan Bal

The legitimacy of a state disappears if it fails to punish people who keep guns, bombs, blackmailing tapes, or action plots in an attempt to create chaos in the country. Therefore Turkey has to pursue the Ergenekon case (the Untouchables case) until the end for its own sake.

Mission: Impossible? Ending the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, In a Nutshell
Barin kayaoglu

The question of Palestine remains the biggest chasm between Israel, the Arabs, and non-Arab Muslims. Since the first war between Arab states and Israel in 1948-49, there has been no end in sight to the conflict. For sure, Israel managed to sign peace treaties with, and gain recognition from, two of its neighbors (Egypt and Jordan). But because Israel does not take the bold steps necessary to create the Palestinian state, most Arab and Muslim countries refuse to recognize it.

Israel – Hamas Conflict and Iran’s Stance
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

Recent Israeli attacks on Gaza caused more than a thousand civilian casualties. At least 1,100 Palestinians have been killed and 5000 injured since the beginning of the attacks. Israel’s disproportionate use of force and its attacks on civilians had been condemned and led to many protests all around the world.

Israel Shakes the Very Bases of Its Security Permanently
Dilek Aydemir

Since the beginning of the Israeli assault against Hamas, Israeli officials have stated that Israel invaded Gaza to retaliate against Hamas' unending rocket attacks which targets its security. Moreover, supporters of Israel's offensive further asserted that Israel did not intend to kill civilians.

The Arab World, Israel and Hamas
Osman Bahadır Dinçer

23 day war in Gaza seems to have ended with more than 1300 dead and thousands of wounded Palestinians. It is really difficult to predict what is going to happen in upcoming days. Yet, it is not impossible to say that the forthcoming elections in Israel will occupy much of the time and the agenda of the Israeli politicians.

Obama and Change - But How?
Mehmet Yegin

Barack Obama is officially the President of the United States. For nearly, two months not only the US, but also the world discussed his election, his team, and the change he would bring to the White House. After eight years of Republican control, the West Wing passed to the hands of Democrats again.

US Medal of ‘Dishonour’ and War on Gaza
Güner Özkan

On the 13th of January, the US's highest civil award, the Congressional Gold Medal of Honour was given to three ‘outstanding’ politicians by the outgoing President Bush. They are former British and Australian Prime ministers of Blair and Howard and President Uribe of Colombia.

Turkey: Sacrificing 44 Sheep for Obama!
İhsan Bal

One may easily see the breeze of happiness blowing in a global sense from Latin America to the Middle East after the presidential elections in the US. Turkey is not an exception. People of Gurtepe village, in Van, sacrificed 44 sheep for the appraisal of Obama’s lection as the 44th president of the US[1] This is just one of the examples that people showing their hopes and expectations from the new term in the US foreign policy.

'A War Against Hamas—Not the Palestinian People'
Alon Ben Meir

Now that Israel has unilaterally declared an end to the hostilities it appears that Hamas, which has been badly crippled, will eventually sign on to the ceasefire. Having achieved its war objectives, Israel must demonstrate that the war was waged against Hamas and not the Palestinian people. The tragic losses of many innocent civilians and the destruction resulting from war must be a catalyst for an irreversible movement toward peace.

İrem Güney

Today is not the first time that the European Union faces stark criticism for its foreign policy. In fact, many political scientists argue that the EU does not and will not for the foreseeable future possess a true common foreign policy due to its intergovernmental character and the resulting conflicts of interest among member states.

2009: Russian Gas Policy - First Step Taken
Rovshan Ibrahimov

For the past few years, the New Year has begun with a tradition: confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries celebrated this New Year with differences in their views of Ukraine’s natural gas price and a transportation fee for Russian gas to pass through Ukraine territory to European countries

Energy Overview of Ankara, 2009
Haluk Direskeneli

Turkish Chamber of Mechanical Engineers is participating to 2nd Urban Symposium in Ankara on 17th January 2009 Saturday afternoon. As an active member of Energy Commission in The Chamber of Mechanical Engineers since graduation year of 1973, your writer is to deliver a speech on "Energy Overview in City of Ankara" in Ankara 2nd Urban Symposium in IMO Conference Hall.

Ukraine and Russia Signed Gas Deal: So Back to Geopolitics!
Güner Özkan

The row over the delivery of Russian gas to Europe between Ukraine and Russia seems to be resolved after its start at the beginning of this month. Russian and Ukrainian prime ministers’ meeting in Moscow on the 17th and 18th of January produced finally an agreement that appears to have just now relieved all involved. But, how can all these be read? Is it just a deal to warm the people in cold or go back to the energy geopolitics of Ukraine?

Remarks on the Israeli Assault
Nermin Aydemir

The death toll in Gaza nears 750 and thousands of others are wounded. Almost all the victims are civilians, including hundreds of children. Medical care options are highly limited since the Israeli Defense Force neither hesitates to bomb hospitals, nor keeps ambulances out of the bomb shower.

The Israeli Factor in the Rise of Hamas
Osman Bahadır Dinçer

The recent events in the Middle East have been watched by sensitive people around the world approximately for two weeks. Yet, the decision makers, who could not understand it is impossible to reach a solution by only condemning, are only watching the ‘state terrorism’.

Gaza Attacks: The US, its Arab Allies and Turkey
Serpil Açıkalın

Israel has been continuing its offensives in Gaza since December 27. The death toll reached 770 at the end of thirteenth day and a quarter of the deaths are civilians. Although many Arab columnists had interpreted the election of Obama as a new era for the future of the region -because there were many expectations from him- the last events caused pessimism, particularly on the basis of his long silence.

A Welcome Party from Israel for Obama
Sedat LACINER

It seems like the headlines will be occupied with Israel and its actions during Obama’s presidency as it was during George Bush’s. Obama, who already gave too many promises on Jerusalem, will have a hard time dealing with Israel’s further demands and actions.

An Overall Assessment of the French EU Presidency
Ceren MUTUS

By the first day of the New Year, a new leaf was turned over for the European Union. The Czech Republic which assumed the EU’s six-month Presidency from France on January 1 will be presiding over the meetings of the EU-27 between January and June 2009.

2009 Prospects for the Horn of Africa as the Power Vacuum Furthers in Somalia
Huseyin AKTURK

The headline-grabbing raids by the Somalian pirates as well as the gains of the radical Islamist groups in the southern region of Somalia marked the failure of the international community, specifically the United Nations, despite the thousands of Ethiopian soldiers backed by the United States occupying the Somali lands.

The Gaza tragedy: Is the Human Rights an 'Export Material' for the EU?
Mehmet OZCAN

The human rights policies of the EU have always been criticized severely. Many scholars blame the EU for using human rights concept as an ‘export material’, and for developing contradicting attitudes at different places as well as at different times.

Israel's Land Operation
Sedat LACINER

Israel, on the 8th day of its air and sea strikes, launched a land operation in the Gaza Strip. Actually, it was an expected step. All Israelite high officials involving Minister of Defence and Foreign Minister were stating that the operations were still at the preliminary stage. Avital Leibovich, the spokesman of the Israel Ministry of Defence, made a declaration that “we just started the secondary stage” when the Israeli forces impinged the land borders.

Israel's Method in Combating Terrorism
Ihsan BAL

The international community is aware of different Israeli ways of combat with terrorism. The news agencies broadcast live news world widely about the ways with which Israel eliminates the menace of “terror” targeted its territory and its citizens.

Changing the Reality in Gaza
Alon Ben-Meir

Israel's ongoing and decisive military response to Hamas' continuing rocket attacks should have been anticipated by the organization's leadership. Yet it seems they have badly miscalculated the Israelis' sentiment and resolve.

Gaza: Legitimacy Requires Responsibility, Consistency, and Commitment
Süleyman Özeren

If legitimacy involves acceptance or approval of the appropriateness or coherence of any implementation or policy decision of a government, then it requires responsibility and commitment.

An Overall Assessment of the French EU Presidency
Ceren Mutuş

By the first day of the New Year, a new leaf was turned over for the European Union. The Czech Republic which assumed the EU’s six-month Presidency from France on January 1 will be presiding over the meetings of the EU-27 between January and June 2009.

Euro@10: A Question of 'Single Representation'
Mustafa Kutlay

Amid the global financial turmoil and recession in the Euro Area, the member countries prepare to celebrate the tenth year of the adoption of euro. When it was first introduced in 1999, the EU, albeit not with all members, realized one of the biggest dreams of the European integration process.

No Illusions around the Horn of Africa
Cenk Alican

In December the EU`s Marine Mission “Eunafor Atalanta” started operating around the Horn of Africa. It is for the first time in this framework that Germany receives a robust international mandate to combat pirate activities off the Somali coast.

Deniable Plausibility or a Different Course of Action!
Suleyman Ozeren

Israel has carried out attacks on Hamas targets on last Saturday, and Sunday. More than 300 people have been killed and hundreds have also been wounded in the attacks. Since, many of the casualties were civilians; a huge reaction occurred at international community, moreover, numerous Muslims held protests against the attacks all over the world.

Why Azerbaijan Has No Full Diplomatic Relations With Israel
Shamkhal Abilov

Azerbaijan and Israel has a developed relationship on the economical and political spheres and Israel consider Azerbaijan as its important strategic partner in the region. But despite of the developed relationship between these states Azerbaijan has no full diplomatic relation with Israel.

Thermal Power Plants Overview as of End 2008
Haluk Direskeneli

Here at this end of the globe, your humble writer sincerely advocates ratification of Kyoto protocol, more utilization of local coal/ wind/ hydro sources, more thermal power plants with clean coal technologies i.e. Circulating Fluid Bed (CFB), Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC), firing local low quality lignite, more emphasis on national energy supply security, more professional education and creation of engineering backbone in nuclear technology, more green employment in green technology.

Negotiating an Israeli-Palestinian Breakthrough
Alon Ben Meir

The difficulty in concluding an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement lies in the internal and psychological struggle resulting from decades of debilitating conflict that has left both sides weary about future co-existence.

Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai: An Analysis
Ihsan Bal

It is hard to determine the terrorist group’s roots according to the limited information. The group may be members of a local terrorist organization, or an international terrorist organization that calls themselves the “Deccan Mujahedeen”. The attackers may not belong to any organization but a group solely formed for this specific terrorist activity.

Turkey and Agreement with IMF: Neither Compulsory, Nor Adequate
Mustafa Kutlay

Since the financial crisis deepens, governments all around the world have started to search for alternative measures to mitigate its effects. As can be remembered, the first comprehensive recovery plan (amounted at 700 billion dollars) came from the United States in October.

Advancement within the Immigrant Society: Not an Easy Task to Achieve
Nermin Aydemir

Concerns over unemployment spreads out all around the world as the impacts of the global economic crisis are felt more deeply every passing day. Things are not easy neither for the companies nor for the governments or for the people.

The Audacity of Hope
Sundeep Waslekar

The election of Barack Obama is a victory for the underdog. It is a victory for democracy. It is a victory for the United States of America. It is a victory for the world. But, most important, it is a victory for the concept of hope.

US Presidential Elections and the Moscow-Washington Line
Habibe KADER ÖZDAL

After the victory of Obama in US presidential elections, the attention turned on the up-coming US policies over the world issues. While all the newspapers were predominantly emphasizing Obama’s victory that was liken a revolution, Moscow had witnessed a very consequential speech of Medvedev. During his first nation-address since he took over the presidency form Putin, Medvedev pointed out very important issues on both domestic issues and foreign affairs.

Yes, we Cem! Congrats Mr. Ozdemir!
Cenk Alican

Germany`s Obama, Turkey`s Pioneer, Europe´s Elvis! Commentators and columnist of daily papers used endless synonyms to describe an event that has set benchmarks in Germany`s political and party landscape this weekend: 43-year-old Cem Ozdemir, member of the European Parliament since 2004, was elected co-chairman of the Greens at the party`s ordinary congress in Erfurt, receiving 79.2% of the delegates` votes.

Turk-Ita Forum: European Public Concerns under Examination
Fatma Yilmaz

The Turkish-Italian Forum has recently been convened, having two parts first one is in Rome, second in İstanbul. With the aim of providing an opportunity for dialogue between Turkey and Italy in terms of Turkey’s accession process to the EU, the Forum, the fifth one, brought political leaders, businessmen, scholars and media representatives together. In contrast to the past four forums....

The Playboy King of Swaziland Challenged by Pro-Democracy Movements
Huseyin Akturk

Every year, people in Turkey as well as all others in the world, get introduced to the tiny kingdom of Swaziland with the annual traditional ceremony called the “Reed Dance” (the Umhlanga in Siswati) where twenty to thirty thousand half naked, virgin women in the country get together to pay their tribute to the Queen Mother.

Obama's Daunting Middle East Challenge
Alon Ben-Meir

After eight years of misguided policy by the Bush administration in the Middle East, the time is overdue for an enlightened strategy to tackle the region's woes. This must include an approach that will bring hope to a region shattered by violence, consumed by conflict and division and filled with disdain toward the United States.

Some Socio-Economic Variables among Migrants in the Netherlands
Nermin Aydemir

Immigrant groups in the Netherlands are increasingly integrating to the education system and labor market, according to the latest integration report of the Central Bureau for statistics. Although differences between the native and the migrants remain to some extent, the second and third generations perform much better than their (grand) parents.

Civil Society in “European Commission 2008 Progress Report on Turkey”
Dilek Aydemir

Especially in the last two decades, civil society has gained a role as an important actor in giving voice to people’s demands and strengthening the social bases of politics at societal level in Turkey. Moreover, intentions to create a civil society which can make positive contributions to political pluralism were considerable.

The New U.S. President and Iran
Arzu Celalifer Ekinci

Finally we left this famous U.S. presidential elections behind and Barack Obama as the first ever black president of the U.S. won the historic victory. But this was just the first step for president-elect Obama. Everybody knows that as soon as he takes office in January 2009 he will find a series of problematic and major ongoing issues on his desk.

Second Obamania in Berlin – Herzlich Willkommen Mr. President?
Cenk Alican

Barack Obama`s sweeping election victory has caused optimistic reactions in the German political and business landscape. The expectations of lawmakers and economic actors are high, but once the euphoria starts fading, Berlin will feel the new president’s hard shell. Conflicts among old friends may occur.

Humanitarian Intervention in Darfur: A Viable Option?
Huseyin Akturk

Darfur is considered as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. From 2003 to 2008, it is estimated that about 300,000 people, mostly civilians died due to violence, disease, and starvation and more than 2 million civilians became internally displaced persons.

New Thermal Power Plant Investment in Bandirma
Haluk Direskeneli

Your writer has received press releases from various resources for a new thermal power plant in Bandirma, Turkey. It is advised that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has received order for M701F gas turbines for natural gas-fired power generation plants in Turkey. The 920 MW (megawatt) gas turbine combined-cycle (GTCC) power plant for a Turkish electricity provider for the domestic market, is slated to go on-stream in August 2010.

Turkish Economy amid Global Financial Turmoil
Mustafa Kutlay

Finally, it has happened. The reluctant comparisons and bashful voices at the very beginning of the crisis have turned out to be screams and outcries. Almost every newspaper lists the similarities between current global crisis and the Great Depression in 1929. Almost every single news starts with the phrase of “the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression” in order to show us how terrible the situation is.

Gas OPEC: New Instrument of International Policy
Rovshan Ibrahimov

On 21 October in Tehran Russia, Qatar and Iran have agreed on the establishment of a "gas troika", which will cooperate in the gas sector, in particular external export contracts for natural gas. It is expected that this troika will create an organization similar to oil OPEC. All formalities in the formation of a new organization will be dealt in18 November in Moscow, where the gas-exporter countries forum will be held.

US' Military Operation in Syria and International Law
Sedat LAÇİNER and Ceren MUTUŞ

US air forces launched a military assault on Syrian territory that killed eight people on October 26. According to the statements of Syrian officials and witnesses, four US helicopters penetrated eights kilometers into the Syrian territory and targeted a building in the village of al-Sukkariya in the Albu Kamal area near the border with Iraq.

Will PKK Survive?
İhsan BAL

The recently rising terrorist attacks of PKK have reached their peak with martyr of the 17 soldiers in Aktütün on 3 October 2008 and 6 security personnel in Diyarbakır on 8 October 2008. After these two attacks, Turkey has locked its agenda to terrorism while focusing on the questions of what the PKK terrorism is aiming to do, what are the reasons lying beneath the attacks and how to conduct an effective struggle against the terrorist organization.

The US, Economic Crisis and Politics
Hasan Selim Özertem

It has been more than a month that the conflict in Georgia broke out and since then the diplomacy has gained impetus in the region. Even though different reactions have been shown against Russia it has become clear that there is a dispersion of hegemonic power of the US in the world politics.

"Why did you open the door in the first place?"
İrem GÜNEY

Recently, Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan accused the EU of prolonging the accession talks on purpose, by opening two chapters during each term presidency[1]. The same idea was also expressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Babacan. I cannot think of a better summary of recent EU-Turkey relations than Erdoğan’s words.

Drug Smuggling As Main Source of PKK Terrorism
Sedat LACINER, PhD
slaciner@gmail.com
Some claim that Turkey is one of the transit countries of the drug trafficking, not a consumer; so the fight against narcotic should not be involved with in the priority struggels of Turkey. Even, within some conversations, it is

The Changing Nature of Turkey’s Trade Structure: An Overview
By Mustafa KUTLAY
mustafakutlay@gmail.com
At the end of last month, Turkey’s 2007 trade statistics have been published. According to the statistics, Turkey has achieved significant success and increased its trade

Where to Go with the Lisbon Treaty?
Mehmet OZCAN, PhD
mozcan@usak.org.tr
European Union Leaders signed a new treaty on the 13th of December in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. This Reform Treaty, or known as Lisbon Treaty, forms the last circle of EU's periodic revision policy. With this treaty, EU Constitution, signed in Rome in 2004, mostly