Türkiye and Egypt: Realignment shaping Middle East

The two countries’ relationship had deteriorated with the pro-status quo Arab countries after the Arab insurgencies and revolutions erupted in 2011. As a result, the Middle East states were divided into two camps: pro-change and pro-status quo coalitions. However, after the consolidation of the status quo in the region and new dynamics of the area, the regional states have begun to normalize their relations with the rest of the region.

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Türkiye and Egypt Realignment shaping Middle East
Will the Earthquakes Lead to Change in Foreign Policy

Will the Earthquakes Lead to Change in Foreign Policy?

It is necessary to uphold the sense of solidarity, which emerged among states after the earthquakes. Last but not least, one would hope that the humane way of thinking can triumph over the idea of interest and exploitation in international relations. This is a time to focus on moral values and solidarity – not realpolitik.

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The meetings held by the Turkish delegation during their visit to Washington earlier this week once again showed how necessary constant dialogue is due to the busy agenda of Turkish-American relations. Apart from bilateral issues, Türkiye and the United States need to step up their efforts in order to work together on regional and global issues. It is no secret that there are issues where the two NATO allies do not agree or, worse yet, pursue opposing policies. However, many challenges such as hot war, food crisis, energy, great power rivalry and climate change make it all the more necessary to focus on shared interests.

Last Friday, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced that they have agreed to resume diplomatic relations and end hostilities. The Chinese government has brokered the deal between the two estranged neighbors and regional enemies. With the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two countries have decided to exchange ambassadors and reopen embassies. According to the news agencies, the surprise development was announced in Beijing after several days (from March 6 to March 10) of intense deliberations between the two countries' top officials.

Southern Türkiye was jolted by twin earthquakes on February 6 that caused unprecedented devastation across an extremely vast area, impacting 11 provinces. Almost on par with the scale of the devastation, Türkiye has also received a huge amount of humanitarian aid from many countries with which Türkiye both has cordial and strained relations. In light of the considerable level of solidarity showcased by many countries, it is still unclear whether this atmosphere of solidarity and amicability will translate into tangible outcomes in the respective bilateral relations between Türkiye and these nations. Likewise, it is also unclear whether the solidarity displayed by countries with which Türkiye had tense relations until the earthquakes will cause a thaw in bilateral ties and lead to a new chapter in relations. We asked foreign policy experts to weigh in on these questions.

Turkey's struggle to heal from this calamity is only just beginning, while the country faces the massive task of preparing for future disasters

Funding Violence with Drugs: The Cases of Hezbollah and the PKK

Hezbollah and the PKK use black market relations and criminal networks to receive huge amounts of easy money.

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Funding Violence with Drugs The Cases of Hezbollah and the
Anti-Islam sentiment Europe shooting itself in the foot

Anti-Islam sentiment: Europe shooting itself in the foot

The recent Quran burning has shown that European governments are sensitive about crimes committed against one religion, but not against another

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As Türkiye is still trying to develop its political, military and economic relations with the West on the basis of equal partnership, it also tries to develop its relations with non-Western international organizations in response to the Western nations' marginalization and alienation

In this article, I will briefly analyze some conventional and unconventional issues of 2022 and underline the increasing political crises in Western countries, all of which lead the world to a more chaotic period.

With the world's attention diverted by the Russia-Ukraine war throughout the year, the Middle East was not at the top of the international political agenda in 2022

As we bid farewell to 2022, let’s take a look back at the most defining moments of the year

This issue of Insight Turkey covers a wide range of topics while providing an insightful analysis of regional developments, with a particular focus on the Middle East, with pieces on the recent protests in Iran, the political instability in Iraq, COVID-19 impact on Palestinians, and the EU. Additionally, our last issue of 2022 includes insightful pieces on energy rivalry in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Though Türkiye wants the U.S. to reconsider relations within the framework of new global power balances, the Biden administration aims to maintain the longtime hierarchical ties

Sooner or later, Western countries will be forced to follow different and maybe conflicting policies regarding the Libyan crisis

The recently-improved capacity of Türkiye’s defense industry and the country’s active policies will play an important role in the search for a new security architecture

Western media outlets and politicians have been trying to discredit Qatar through biased and fabricated claims

President Erdoğan has been working on 2 projects at once as he asserts that Türkiye would undertake a ground campaign against the terrorist groups in northern Syria 'at the most appropriate time' and that he may meet Syria's Bashar Assad 'under the right conditions'

Iran's relationship with Russia has largely been asymmetric, in Moscow's favour. But the sale of Iranian drones to Russia for use in Ukraine has changed all that

Tehran’s most recent political moves reflect the beginning of a new discourse, with Iran valuing regional Shiite political actors to the extent that they serve its national interests

The U.S. has sent a cache of weapons to Greece, some of which were allocated on the Aegean islands. Thus, the U.S. government has indirectly supported Greece’s breach of international law. According to international treaties, these islands have a demilitarized status.