America’s Absence in Istanbul: A Sign of Decline, Not Surrender

America’s Absence in Istanbul: A Sign of Decline, Not Surrender

You would hardly know it from reading the U.S. press, but a summit of considerable significance took place late last month. German, French, Russian, and Turkish leaders convened in Istanbul Oct. 27 to create a comprehensive plan to end the seven-year war in Syria. On the agenda: increase humanitarian aid, rebuild ruined towns and cities, assist…

Turkey’s “Sea Bandit” Threats Are Indirectly Aimed Against the US

Turkey’s “Sea Bandit” Threats Are Indirectly Aimed Against the US

Turkish President Erdogan warned against so-called “sea bandits”. He was speaking in regards to the controversial issue of energy exploration in disputed Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean territories along his country’s maritime borders with Greece and Cyprus, the latter of which is comprised of a northeastern third that declared itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”…

The Reopening of the UAE Embassy Might Signal Syria’s Pivot to the GCC

The Reopening of the UAE Embassy Might Signal Syria’s Pivot to the GCC

It would be foolish to believe that the uber-wealthy UAE needs war-torn Syria more than the reverse, so the reported reopening of the Emirati Embassy more than likely signals a significant change in policy on Damascus’ behalf and not Abu Dhabi’s, the ramifications of which could be far-reaching for the entire region and especially Iran….

Pakistan in the Middle of Saudi, Iran and Rival Pipeline Plans

Pakistan in the Middle of Saudi, Iran and Rival Pipeline Plans

A tweet roared like announcing a blockbuster premiere and sanctions did engulf Iran on time – despite opposition from Russia, China and the EU-3 (France, Germany and the United Kingdom), who still support the United-Nations endorsed Iran nuclear treaty. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called this an economic war waged by a “bullying power”. The…