No need to say that this will create a substantial additional bill for energy-dependent countries like Turkey, and multi-pronged strategies shall be prepared beforehand to ensure energy security.

Since the beginning of the American occupation, Turkey has consistently been one regional actor that has been most supportive of Iraq. It has consistently exerted the most effort towards Iraq’s consolidation.

Anti-democratic, authoritarian pro-Western regimes hindered political participation and representation to create a hospitable environment for radical organizations.

Reviewing and questioning policies is a level that can improve Turkey's democracy. It could even prompt reactions and expectations from pro-government groups.

The Ak Party which integrated a discourse of civilization with Erdoğan's leadership, has the courage to confront all fears of the history of Turkish modernization.

The biggest trouble a social movement may have is the impression that it “contains militia” or cooperates with a “secret organization.”

The Gulen movement will be isolated from other Islamic groups as long as it breaks the Sunni codes. The accusations against it of acting against Turkey’s national interests and joining an international alliance will also continue.

Only time will tell whether a desire for such change will emerge in the political in Iran, and if it does, whether it will be achieved. Similarly, the answer to the question “Does the West prefer a normalized Iran in the region” is yet to become clear.

Gülşah Neslihan Akkaya: No official statement has been issued; however, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will clearly support the intervention as Saudi Arabia is the number one arms provider to the Syrian opposition.

One of the most severe pains of the 21st century will be the dissolution of the status quo in the Middle East which presented a luxurious world of geopolitics to the West and to those who kept guard of the regional order on behalf of the West throughout the 20th century.

Held in an environment of weak political process, the 2013 local elections were pale in comparison with other elections and specifically reminded of the 2005 local polls boycotted by the Sunni Arab community.

The 2013 local elections in Iraq give an idea about the general elections to be held in 2014 in terms of both the results and the alliances to be formed.

Recent demonstrations have revealed a polarized Turkish society. The only way forward is through genuine dialogue.

Hezbollah will face its real crisis when it completes its transformation from a respected regional actor to a lonely actor.

The Reyhanli attack is a quite clear attack in terms of its purpose and perpetrators. The Baath regime is trying to carry the fire into Turkish territory by using its regional proxies and a method it is accustomed to.