Turkey

Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan are Strategic Partners

By David Phillips

Turkey’s military strikes against the PKK in northern Iraq were a tactical and political success.  Applying military pressure catalyzed Ankara’s decision to offer Iraqi Kurdistan political and economic rewards in exchange for cooperation against the PKK, a U.S.-listed terrorist organization that Turkey holds responsible for 30,000 deaths since 1984. As a result, Turkey and Iraqi […]

Misreading Turkey’s Strategic Goals

By James Joyner

A recurring theme of mine on this blog has been Turkey’s strange behavior for a country that purports to aspire to a full membership in the Western community of nations. Ankarra has frequently been a thorn in the side of its NATO allies and is simultaneously demanding entry into the EU and unwilling to modify […]

Confidence Building between Turks and Iraqi Kurds

The Obama administration’s “responsible redeployment” from Iraq is made even more urgent by the requirements resulting from worsening conditions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. For redeployment to occur on scale and on schedule, the United States seeks an end-state in Iraq that is stable and at peace with its neighbors. Simmering sectarian violence is inevitable, but […]

Turkey-Armenia Reconciliation: The Right Side of History

By David Phillips

The recent announcement normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations is a potentially historic breakthrough. However, the lack of progress in implementing the “framework agreement” raises questions about Turkey’s intentions and resolve. Turkey’s prime minister, Tayyip Erdogan, is buckling to domestic opposition and objections from Azerbaijan. Moreover, the announcement of the normalization “road map” on the eve of Armenian […]

May Day Riots in Germany, Turkey, and Greece

By James Joyner

David Smith recently argued that the peaceful demonstrations we’re seeing in Georgia and the United States are a healthy part of democracy. Today’s May Day violence in Turkey, Germany, and Greece show the flip side of the coin.

Mixed Signals in New Turkey-Armenia Framework

By Valerie Nichols

The almost century-old dispute between Turkey and Armenia over the mass killings of Armenians in 1915 has reached a symbolic breakthrough.  A “framework” for normalizing bilateral relations was agreed upon under Swiss mediation, but exactly how it will work to resolve tensions remains unclear.

“Yellow Card” for Turkey’s AK Party?

By Valerie Nichols

Sunday’s local elections in Turkey resulted in another Justice and Development Party (AKP) victory.  Winning just shy of forty percent of the national vote was, however, less than what Recep Tayyip Erdogan hoped for.  As BBC notes, “The prime minister had boasted that his party would surpass the 47% share of the vote it gained […]

Obama Outreach Tour Hits Syria and Turkey

By James Joyner

President Obama  is making good on his campaign pledge to reach out to countries with whom relations were strained during the Bush years.  The administration has made a significant overtures to Syria and Turkey today, following yesterday’s outreach to Russia and Iran.

Party Leader Speaks Kurdish in Turkey Parliament, Breaks Law

By James Joyner

Democratic Society Party leader Ahmet Turk violated Turkey’s constitution today by addressing the parliament in his native Kurdish tongue.