Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

'Turkey's Kissinger' Leads Foreign-Policy Balancing Act

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:35:28 +0000

Even before his promotion from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's special adviser to foreign minister in April, Ahmet Davutoglu was regarded as the eminence grise behind Turkish foreign policy, and was occasionally even referred to as "Turkey's Kissinger." The 51-year old professor of political science is considered the architect of the new active foreign policy that the Justice and Development party has been pursuing since coming to power in 2002: "zero problems" with ...

Iran's Media Could Make It Happen, If We Let It

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:49:19 +0000

I believe we have not drawn the appropriate lessons from June's presidential election in Iran and the media's capacity to play a role in bringing about change in Iranian society and government. We are certainly not acting as though we have learned those lessons.

Should Iranians Care About Jerusalem?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:37:52 +0000

Iranian reformist groups, still alive and active despite brutal suppression, have announced that they will launch new demonstrations against President Mahmud Ahmadinejad on "Day of Jerusalem" this year.

Iran's Khamenei On Crash Course

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:35:20 +0000

For the past couple of months, we thought some kind of spring was coming to our beloved Iran. We deserved it, we thought, finally, after so many years of un-freedom and international isolation and humiliation. But after the much-expected speech by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, it seems we are not in June or May, but still somewhere in December.

Even Iran Can Change

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:53:18 +0000

As recently as a month ago, the prevailing mood in Iran was apathy. "Why vote," many seemed to be asking, "when it doesn't change things anyway?" Now it appears there's a real chance of Ahmadinejad becoming the first Iranian leader since the Islamic revolution 30 years ago to be turned out of office after just one term.

Iranian President's Chances Of Reelection Increase

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:35:33 +0000

The uncertainty over whether or not conservative forces in Iran will throw their support behind incumbent Mahmud Ahmadinejad's bid for a second presidential term is dissipating, after a coalition of conservative and clerical parties and groups announced that they will indeed support him in the June election.

The Turkish-Armenian Thaw and Azerbaijan

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:37:36 +0000

U.S. President Barack Obama's recent visit was a big boost for Turkey. But a Turkish-Armenian rapprochement was in the works even before Obama was elected president.

Ergenekon, AK, And Turkey's Municipal Elections

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:40:43 +0000

Two years ago, a sensational trial started in Istanbul that is still continuing, with the shadowy Ergenekon group accused of extrajudicial killings and plotting in 2006 to overthrow the government. And now the results of the local elections testify to a slight waning of support for the ruling Justice and Development (AK) party. Will AK take the right lessons from these two events?

From Azerbaijan To India, Spring Festival Norouz Begins

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:37:28 +0000

Across much of the non-Arab Muslim world, people are celebrating Norouz, the pre-Islamic festival that marks arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year.

Turkish Involvement Could Stimulate Middle East Development

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:55:17 +0000

In the Middle East, Turkey could play a leading role in resolving political conflicts, boosting economic cooperation and investment, and supporting political, economic, and social reforms. As the most democratic Muslim country in the region, one with rich experience dealing with and adapting to Western institutions, Turkey is best-suited to lead the effort to advance regional stability and development.

Afghanistan As Catalyst For U.S.-Iran Cooperation

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:17:13 +0000

Both Washington and Tehran need to acknowledge past mistakes, pledge sincerely not to repeat them, and start anew. The outcome could benefit the United States, which is still fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Iran, which while internally stable, in contrast to its two neighbors, is suffering from sanctions and isolation.

Washington, Tehran Should Move Beyond Talking About Talks

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:48:10 +0000

Tehran is looking to see if it's treated the same way Washington treats Kabul or Islamabad or New Delhi -- room in the relationship for criticism or challenges, but based on acknowledgment and respect without any hint that regime change, military action, or subversive activities. But Washington is also watching for signals. Substantive progress in bilateral relations can only be made if Iranian leaders back down from their statements that Israel should be wiped off the map and if they assure ...

Intolerance Is Integral To The Iranian System

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:26:03 +0000

Islamic scholar Mohammad Mojtehed Shabestari has written that Islamic law decrees "respect for the human being and his or her life and property, irrespective of his or her religion, confession, race, or sex." But that interpretation remains far from reality in Iran, where Shabestari himself is facing accusations of blasphemy and atheism for his religious writings.

U.S. Supports Greater Regional Role For Turkey

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:03:12 +0000

U.S. President Barack Obama recently called his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul to affirm the new U.S. administration's support for Turkey's "leading role" in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus. Indeed, Iraq and Afghanistan are the two areas where Turkey could help the United States and the West. As the United States prepares to withdraw from Iraq and send more troops to Afghanistan, Turkey could play a welcome role by stepping in to contribute to Iraq's further ...

Afghanistan Is A Failed State, But Not Beyond Saving

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:26:52 +0000

Speaking at the recent Munich Security Conference, Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed optimism about Afghanistan. Things are improving, he said, and the West should provide more support to crack down on Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. He categorically rejected the view that Afghanistan is a failed state. What is a "failed state," after all?

Will Iran's Supreme Leader Choose Further Isolation, Or Openness?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:55:01 +0000

Former President Mohammad Khatami has announced his candidacy for the June 12 Iranian presidential election. What are the chances that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will throw his support behind the reformist Khatami, rather than incumbent President Mahmud Ahmadinejad?

Iraq Is More Democratic Than Iran

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:16:36 +0000

Whatever one may think about the U.S. motivation behind the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the post-invasion violence, destruction, and chaos, at least in terms of free and fair elections, Iraq today is far more democratic than most other Arab countries and neighboring Iran.

Erdogan's Outburst Could Damage Turkey's International Standing

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:55:08 +0000

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's fiery exchange with Israeli President Shimon Peres on January 29 at the World Economic Forum in Davos may earn him votes in Turkey's March local elections or sympathy on the "Arab Street." But it could well harm Turkey's role as a bridge between the West and the Muslim world and as a would-be mediator between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Moreover, it won't help Ankara's relations with Washington or the country's EU membership bid.

Iraq, Turkey, Iran Vulnerable To Ethnic Conflict

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:26:07 +0000

Occasionally, I have heated discussions with my Turkish and Kurdish friends. Most of those from Iraqi Kurdistan warn that it would declare independence if things fall apart in Iraq. At this juncture, we have serious disagreements over whether the resulting small, landlocked country encircled by hostile neighbors would be viable.

Would Disabling Hamas Benefit All Sides?

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:53:39 +0000

It is unlikely that Hamas will be completely destroyed by Israel's offensive. But if it is disabled or severely weakened and unable to operate as it did before, at least for a few years, Israel could have relative peace in the south and seriously consider making peace with Syria, which has been another source of instability for Israel.

Today's Gaza Tragedy Sets Stage For Tomorrow's

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:38:31 +0000

A conflict between neighbors for a day or a month might be tolerable, but a continuing drama that lasts for years becomes a living hell for both sides. Whether you are the strong, prosperous neighbor or the poor and desperate one, the only choice is to end the conflict or live in hell.

Nothing Simple About Disbanding Of Iranian Rebel Camp In Iraq

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:22:27 +0000

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who has found himself sandwiched between the demands of an influential neighbor, Iran, and the presence of a large occupation force of mostly U.S. soldiers, assured Iranian leaders during a recent visit to Tehran that a "solution acceptable to all parties" was imminent to the contentious issue of an Iranian rebel camp on Iraqi soil.

Changing U.S.-Iran Relations Won't Be Easy

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:20:23 +0000

Although U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has expressed a willingness to sit down and talk with Iran's leadership, doubts remain over whether the Iranian leadership has sufficient flexibility to reach a meaningful agreement.

Iran Watches As Iraq Negotiates Security Pact With U.S.

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:35:04 +0000

Iranian condemnation of the agreed status-of-forces deal between Washington and Baghdad is somewhat surprising, considering the position that Ahmadinejad and others in Tehran expressed as the pact was being negotiated.

Germany's 'Green Obama' Breaks New Ground For Minorities

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:34:06 +0000

Germany's Green Party has elected an ethnic Turk as its co-chairperson -- a clear sign of maturity for a country that has long refused to embrace and integrate immigrants, especially from Turkey, into mainstream society.

Russia Turns Up The Pressure On Turkey

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:33:28 +0000

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to arrive in Ankara to discuss the presence of U.S. warships in the Black Sea, as well as Turkey's proposed Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Pact. Like many EU states, Turkey cannot afford to annoy Moscow and will look to advance dialogue in the Caucasus, while the Kremlin seeks a free hand in the region.

Washington, Tehran Move To Get Past Confrontation

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:56:36 +0000

The rhetoric of war and confrontation seems to be on the wane, which can only improve the prospects for peace in the region and relieve some of the pressure on world oil prices.

Commentary: Important, Doable, But (For Now) Improbable

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:47:08 +0000

Syria's Bashar al-Assad and Iran's Mahmud Ahmadinejad -- allies of necessity? (AFP)