Trapped in Eastern Ghouta: How Both Sides Stop People from Escaping

Trapped in Eastern Ghouta: How Both Sides Stop People from Escaping

Syrian rebels and government forces are both preventing civilians fleeing the bombardment of Eastern Ghouta, according to a teacher who has been trying to get his family out. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Ghafour, 43, a teacher of Arabic, spoke of their abortive attempt to escape. “I live in Douma [in the north…

The Changing Role and Position of Turkish Armed Forces in Turkish Foreign Policy

The Changing Role and Position of Turkish Armed Forces in Turkish Foreign Policy

The Turkish Armed Forces have been discussed substantially during the last few years in the context of Turkish Foreign Policy due to new developments in the military; such as building a military base in Qatar and Somalia, technological transformation, the S400 strategic defence system deal with Russia, and operations in Iraq and particularly in Syria….

Bull in a China Shop: US Announces More Unilateral Sanctions on North Korea

Bull in a China Shop: US Announces More Unilateral Sanctions on North Korea

On Feb.23, the US Treasury Department announced the introduction of sanctions on 56 shipping vessels and entities accused of illicit trading with North Korea. The pressure intensification pursues the goal of compelling Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program. Today, almost all ships used for trade with that country are under the restrictive measures, including ship-to-ship transfers….