U.S. foreign policy failed to come up with a policy that would pressure Iran to play a more responsible role in Yemen. As a result of this inaction, other countries in the surrounding region became involved in the situation militarily.

Tension has been escalating in Yemen since U.S. forces withdrew from the region. Now, as Iran extends its support to Shiite militants and the Saudi-led coalition conducts airstrikes on strategic positions, the situation is getting out of control in the country.

A presidential system will also allow better macro-policy coordination among the Finance, Development, Industry and Social Security Ministries and international trade, as there will be a clear line of upward hierarchy and better performance monitoring.

Reduced to a sectarian conflict by many, the “danger of Iran” must be evaluated as a security issue affecting both political and physical assets of the Gulf countries.

TANAP will fundamentally change the energy equation in Turkey. They will also carry peace, security and stability from the Caspian to the heartlands of Anatolia and on to Europe, thereby constituting the groundwork for the formation of a more integrated regional political economy.

If Japanese foreign policymakers want to have an autonomous foreign policy, they need to find innovative ways to lower the impact of these limitations and respond to the potential skepticism that may arise in public opinion in regards to the goals and missions of this foreign policy.

The two key elements behind the success of settlement processes are strong leadership and the perpetuity of the involved actors

The Syrian war is no longer a regional problem, it has transformed into a major global issue.