Opinions

Is the US blackmailing Turkey over Sweden?

Is the US blackmailing Turkey over Sweden?

June 30, 2023
by Enes Esen, published on 30 June 2023
The US and Swedish authorities are currently investigating graft allegations involving Bilal Erdoğan, the son of Turkey's President, according to a Reuters special report. These allegations have significant implications, as they could constitute a criminal offense under certain circumstances. However, as the report points out, there is a possibility that they may not even lead to formal charges. Interestingly, the Turkish side seems to have minimal interest in the substance of the allegations or its judicial implications.
Bumps in the Road to an EU-Tunisia Migration Deal

Bumps in the Road to an EU-Tunisia Migration Deal

June 23, 2023
by Mehmet Çelik, published on 23 June 2023
About eight years after the migration deal with Turkey in 2016, the European Union seeks to make a similar agreement, this time with Tunisia. President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid a visit to Tunis on June 11 and had discussions with Tunisian President Kais Saied. The main topic was a “comprehensive partnership package” in which the EU has offered financial assistance of more than 1 billion euros to assist the ailing Tunisian economy in return for ending the migrant crossings to Europe.
The Era of Normalization: Turkey-Gulf Relations After al-Ula Summit

The Era of Normalization: Turkey-Gulf Relations After al-Ula Summit

June 22, 2023
by Haşim Tekineş, published 22 June 2023
Turkey and the Gulf countries have initiated a normalization process since the al-Ula Summit in late 2020. The leaders have mended fences through high-level visits, diplomatic overtures, promises of investments, and dozens of agreements. Turkey has already started to reap the benefits of normalization in terms of economic and diplomatic relations. It is difficult to forecast how long this period of authoritarian peace will last, but it is promising to witness the success of diplomacy in the region.
AB’nin Yumuşak Karnı: Mülteci Konusu

AB’nin Yumuşak Karnı: Mülteci Konusu

June 20, 2023
by Enes Esen, published on 20 June 2023
Avrupa Birliği (AB) üyesi ülkeler arasında yıllardır devam eden müzakerelerin sonunda yeni bir iltica ve göç sistemi konusunda Haziran ayında nitelikli çoğunlukla bir anlaşma sağlandı. Önümüzdeki sene Haziran ayında yapılacak AB milletvekili seçimleri öncesinde AB Parlamentosu ve Komisyon arasındaki görüşmelerin tamamlanması ve bahse konu anlaşmanın yürürlüğe girmesi bekleniyor. Anlaşma incelendiğinde esas hedefin caydırıcılığın arttırılarak kaçak göçmenlerin AB dışında tutulmasının sağlanması olduğu görülüyor.
Suudi Arabistan’ın Nükleer Enerji Programı

Suudi Arabistan’ın Nükleer Enerji Programı

June 12, 2023
by Enes Esen, published 12 June 2023
Yıllık elektrik tüketimi hızla artan Suudi Arabistan, önümüzdeki 20-25 senelik dönemde maliyeti 80 milyar doları bulacak toplam 16 nükleer santral yapmayı ve böylelikle ülkenin fosil yakıtlara bağımlılığını azaltmayı planlıyor. Doğal olarak Suudi Arabistan’daki nükleer santral projelerine diğer ülkeler büyük ilgi gösteriyor. Ancak, Suudi Arabistan'ın bu projelerle elektrik üretiminin yanında nükleer silah geliştirme hedefi de güdüyor olma olasılığı kaygı verici bir durum.
Latin American Left's Strong Endorsement of Erdogan

Latin American Left's Strong Endorsement of Erdogan

June 7, 2023
by İmdat Öner, published on 7 Juni 2023
President Erdogan's recent re-election victory in Turkey's runoff election against his main opposition candidate, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has garnered widespread attention. What is particularly intriguing is the show of support for Turkey’s conservative politician Erdogan from leftist leaders in South America, including Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Evo Morales of Bolivia.
Will Turkey Drop Its Objections to Sweden’s Accession to NATO?

Will Turkey Drop Its Objections to Sweden’s Accession to NATO?

June 3, 2023
by Enes Esen, published on 3 June 2023
Sweden’s accession to NATO represents a milestone in shaping the security dynamics of the alliance. Using different pretexts, Erdoğan has consistently hindered Sweden's desired accession to NATO so far. With his triumph in the elections, the good news for NATO members is that they have a window of opportunity to negotiate with Erdoğan. 
Post-Election Turkey: More Repression at Home, More Diplomacy in the World

Post-Election Turkey: More Repression at Home, More Diplomacy in the World

June 1, 2023
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 1 June 2023
Turkey has left behind its election period with the second round of presidential runoff on May 28. Proving his invincibility to economic woes, natural disasters, and refuge crisis, Erdogan won another victory against the opposition coalition. But Erdogan is not the only winner of the elections. Turkish nationalism continues to gain momentum in the Turkish politics. However, it is important to note that nationalism may lead to greater repression within domestic politics. Paradoxically, President Erdogan appears to adopt a more diplomatic approach to foreign policy.
Evolution of Erdoğan's Victory Speeches From 2002 To 2023

Evolution of Erdoğan's Victory Speeches From 2002 To 2023

May 30, 2023
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 30 May 2023
Evolution of Erdoğan's Victory Speeches From 2002 to 2023
Bir Narko-Devlet Olarak Suriye

Bir Narko-Devlet Olarak Suriye

May 29, 2023
by Enes Esen, published on 29 May 2023
Her ne kadar Suriye’nin Arap dünyasında yeniden kabul görmesinde aslan payı ülkedeki iç savaşta Esad rejiminin galip gelmesine ait olsa da, Arap ülkelerini Suriye’yle ilişkilerini geliştirmeye iten diğer önemli faktör ülkenin her yıl milyarlarca dolar tutarında uyuşturucu ihraç eden bir narko-devlete dönüşmüş olması
Sinan Ogan: Exploring the New Generation Ultra-Nationalist's Outlook on Turkish Foreign Policy

Sinan Ogan: Exploring the New Generation Ultra-Nationalist's Outlook on Turkish Foreign Policy

May 25, 2023
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 25 May 2023
Sinan Ogan emerged as a notable surprise during the initial round of the Turkish Presidential elections on May 14. Despite his limited recognition among voters and a modest campaign budget, his vote share, which exceeded 5 percent, is a significant achievement. Notably, his endorsement of Erdogan's campaign in the second round opens up the possibility of him playing a role in the forthcoming cabinet.
14 MAYIS SEÇİMLERİ ÜZERİNE GENEL BİR DEĞERLENDİRME

14 MAYIS SEÇİMLERİ ÜZERİNE GENEL BİR DEĞERLENDİRME

May 15, 2023
by Bahadır Gülle, published on 15 May 2023
İlk turu önde bitiren Erdoğan’ın ikinci turda kaybetmesi imkansıza yakın. Tüm devlet kurumları, medyanın tamamına yakını ve halkın yarıya yakınının desteğini almış; mecliste çoğunluğu ele geçirmiş, kitlesi motive, morali yüksek bir Erdoğan muhtemelen oylarını daha da artırarak 2. turda rahat şekilde seçilecek.