Turkey allowed France to use its military bases to bomb ISIS in Syria and Iraq in order to improve its global image and relations with the US after being accused by Russia of supporting ISIS. Turkey's move also creates division between Russia and France, who disagree on the Syrian conflict, and could bring France closer to Turkey's side. Both Turkey and France want Syrian president Assad removed, so their interests are aligned there against Russia. Turkey may also use its influence over North African militant groups to help address France's concerns about terrorism in the region.
The document discusses the options and geopolitical landscape facing the United States in Syria. It analyzes three options: 1) Accepting Russian terms for a federal Syrian state that blocks Turkey-Persian Gulf connections, 2) Supporting Iran's plans to access the Mediterranean which would require fighting Russia, Turkey and Gulf Arabs, 3) Supporting the Sunni Qatar-Turkey pipeline but this could lead to war with Russia as key US allies like Germany, France and Israel may not support such a confrontation. Given these constraints, the best option for the US seems to be supporting an independent Kurdish state in Syria and accepting Russian terms.
1) The document discusses the doctrine of Neo-Ottomanism promoted by Turkish leaders Erdogan and Davutoglu to extend Turkey's influence in a manner similar to the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.
2) It describes Turkey's influence over Sunni parts of Syria and Iraq through support of ISIS, military bases in Qatar, and financial support from Saudi Arabia, making Erdogan the "undisputed Sultan of the Sunni world."
3) However, Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions have put it in conflict with the U.S., Russia, and several countries in the Middle East and Europe.
Netanyahu, Hitler and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalemiakovosal
Netanyahu's statement that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem tried to convince Hitler to kill European Jews rather than deport them is true. The Grand Mufti, Haj Amin al-Husseini, met with Hitler in 1941 and asked him to kill Jews rather than deport them. While the Grand Mufti did not have the power to carry out the Holocaust himself, he was a more enthusiastic supporter of it than Hitler was at that point. Historians object to Netanyahu's statement not because it is factually incorrect, but because the Grand Mufti did not have the ability to implement the Holocaust. The document provides historical context about the Grand Mufti and the political situation in Palestine in the early
The Energy Expenditure of the United States - The Importance of Energyiakovosal
The document discusses the energy expenditure of the United States as a percentage of GDP. It notes that energy expenditure was around 10% of GDP in 2008 and 7.5% in 2009, likely due to high oil prices in 2008. This means that in 2008, the US spent approximately $1.7 trillion on energy sources like oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear. The document argues that a country's energy costs and security have major implications for its economy and competitiveness.
China has developed several ports along key shipping routes in the Indian Ocean for commercial and military purposes, which some refer to as China's "String of Pearls" strategy. Specifically, ports China has developed in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan are of concern to India, as India believes these ports help China expand its influence in the region and encircle India in the Indian Ocean. The "String of Pearls" strategy is a theory about China's diplomatic and economic activities aimed at gaining strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean.
- Japan and South Korea have a complex historical relationship due to Japan's colonization of Korea in the early 20th century until the end of World War 2. This has led to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
- However, they are also strategic allies of the US and important economic partners, with Japan and South Korea having the 3rd and 11th largest economies globally.
- In 2015, the leaders of Japan and South Korea agreed to further cooperate on addressing issues like compensating Korean "comfort women" from WWII and cooperating on the North Korean nuclear threat. Their relationship remains delicate due to historical grievances.
1) The Turkish President Erdogan said he would resign if Putin could prove Turkey is buying oil from ISIS-controlled fields in Syria and Iraq. However, major newspapers have reported that ISIS sells oil to all parties in the conflict, including the Syrian regime.
2) Putin accused Erdogan's son of buying ISIS oil and claimed supply trucks form a "moving oil pipeline" between ISIS and Turkey. But he has provided no photographic evidence to support these claims.
3) While ISIS earns an estimated $1.5-2 million per day from oil, or $700 million annually, this is small compared to national incomes like Russia's $415 billion in oil exports in 2013
Hawala is a shadow banking system that allows money to be transferred between parties in different locations without actual money movement or documentation. The system works through a network of brokers who honor transactions by balancing credit between locations. This underground system is difficult for authorities to trace and has been used by terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda to finance illegal activities. While hard to track, hawala also carries risks if brokers cannot honor transactions due to bankruptcy or theft.
The document discusses the options and geopolitical landscape facing the United States in Syria. It analyzes three options: 1) Accepting Russian terms for a federal Syrian state that blocks Turkey-Persian Gulf connections, 2) Supporting Iran's plans to access the Mediterranean which would require fighting Russia, Turkey and Gulf Arabs, 3) Supporting the Sunni Qatar-Turkey pipeline but this could lead to war with Russia as key US allies like Germany, France and Israel may not support such a confrontation. Given these constraints, the best option for the US seems to be supporting an independent Kurdish state in Syria and accepting Russian terms.
1) The document discusses the doctrine of Neo-Ottomanism promoted by Turkish leaders Erdogan and Davutoglu to extend Turkey's influence in a manner similar to the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century.
2) It describes Turkey's influence over Sunni parts of Syria and Iraq through support of ISIS, military bases in Qatar, and financial support from Saudi Arabia, making Erdogan the "undisputed Sultan of the Sunni world."
3) However, Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions have put it in conflict with the U.S., Russia, and several countries in the Middle East and Europe.
Netanyahu, Hitler and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalemiakovosal
Netanyahu's statement that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem tried to convince Hitler to kill European Jews rather than deport them is true. The Grand Mufti, Haj Amin al-Husseini, met with Hitler in 1941 and asked him to kill Jews rather than deport them. While the Grand Mufti did not have the power to carry out the Holocaust himself, he was a more enthusiastic supporter of it than Hitler was at that point. Historians object to Netanyahu's statement not because it is factually incorrect, but because the Grand Mufti did not have the ability to implement the Holocaust. The document provides historical context about the Grand Mufti and the political situation in Palestine in the early
The Energy Expenditure of the United States - The Importance of Energyiakovosal
The document discusses the energy expenditure of the United States as a percentage of GDP. It notes that energy expenditure was around 10% of GDP in 2008 and 7.5% in 2009, likely due to high oil prices in 2008. This means that in 2008, the US spent approximately $1.7 trillion on energy sources like oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear. The document argues that a country's energy costs and security have major implications for its economy and competitiveness.
China has developed several ports along key shipping routes in the Indian Ocean for commercial and military purposes, which some refer to as China's "String of Pearls" strategy. Specifically, ports China has developed in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan are of concern to India, as India believes these ports help China expand its influence in the region and encircle India in the Indian Ocean. The "String of Pearls" strategy is a theory about China's diplomatic and economic activities aimed at gaining strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean.
- Japan and South Korea have a complex historical relationship due to Japan's colonization of Korea in the early 20th century until the end of World War 2. This has led to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
- However, they are also strategic allies of the US and important economic partners, with Japan and South Korea having the 3rd and 11th largest economies globally.
- In 2015, the leaders of Japan and South Korea agreed to further cooperate on addressing issues like compensating Korean "comfort women" from WWII and cooperating on the North Korean nuclear threat. Their relationship remains delicate due to historical grievances.
1) The Turkish President Erdogan said he would resign if Putin could prove Turkey is buying oil from ISIS-controlled fields in Syria and Iraq. However, major newspapers have reported that ISIS sells oil to all parties in the conflict, including the Syrian regime.
2) Putin accused Erdogan's son of buying ISIS oil and claimed supply trucks form a "moving oil pipeline" between ISIS and Turkey. But he has provided no photographic evidence to support these claims.
3) While ISIS earns an estimated $1.5-2 million per day from oil, or $700 million annually, this is small compared to national incomes like Russia's $415 billion in oil exports in 2013
Hawala is a shadow banking system that allows money to be transferred between parties in different locations without actual money movement or documentation. The system works through a network of brokers who honor transactions by balancing credit between locations. This underground system is difficult for authorities to trace and has been used by terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda to finance illegal activities. While hard to track, hawala also carries risks if brokers cannot honor transactions due to bankruptcy or theft.
The document summarizes a Wall Street Journal article discussing how the US and Europe are seeking to cooperate with Russia in Syria against ISIS. It notes that France is pushing for a coalition between the US, France and Russia against ISIS. Additionally, the US, Europe, Israel and Arabs would like Russia to distance itself from Iran in Syria. However, the US and Europe are uncertain if Russia is genuinely willing to separate from Iran because Russia does not want Assad removed as a precondition for resolving the Syrian conflict. Overall, the document analyzes how an enhanced Russian role in Syria could benefit the interests of the US, Europe, Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, but would be detrimental to Iran.
Turkey's downing of the Russian aircraft was a strategic political move by Erdogan and Davutoglu. They likely calculated that it would benefit Turkey by causing cracks in the anti-ISIS coalition between Russia, France, and the UK. This could undermine US support for its NATO ally Turkey and pit the US against France and the UK. Turkey's goal may have been to prevent itself from becoming dependent on Russia for energy and instead pursue its ambition of becoming an independent energy hub between Europe and the Caspian/Middle East. However, the tensions also create opportunities for Russia by dividing NATO.
France has strengthened its alliance with Arab countries by bombing ISIS in Syria and bringing up war crimes against the Assad regime. This angers Turkey, Russia, and Iran but pleases Gulf Arab allies of France. France has large energy and arms deals with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Saudi Arabia financially supports Egypt's purchase of French weapons to help counter Turkish and Iranian influence in the region. However, France's new closeness with Gulf Arabs could strain its relations with Germany if Germany does not also improve ties with Iran.
- Iran, Sudan, and Hezbollah had previously strongly supported Al-Qaeda in attacking France in Africa by providing weapons, funding, and intelligence support. Sudan provided Iran a corridor to project influence and support terrorist groups in West Africa.
- However, the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and Sudan realigning with Saudi Arabia reduced Iran and Sudan's ability to support Al-Qaeda against France. This changed the threat environment for attacks on France emanating from Africa.
- Turkey is also an enemy of France but cannot strongly support Al-Qaeda due to its alliance with the United States, against whom Al-Qaeda also operates.
This document analyzes and compares the foreign policy doctrines of Obama and Trump as they relate to the Middle East, Russia, and China. It argues that the Obama doctrine promoted Muslim Brotherhood interests and the Qatar-Turkey natural gas pipeline, pushing Russia towards China. The Trump doctrine, in contrast, is friendlier to Russia and seeks to curb Chinese influence in the region by leaving Syria to Russia and not promoting Muslim Brotherhood interests. However, the Trump doctrine may weaken some US allies like Qatar and France.
- Turkey is accused by the West of supporting ISIS militarily and through oil purchases, allowing ISIS to more efficiently attack Europe, though Turkey does not directly order attacks.
- However, Western support for Kurds in Syria indirectly supports Kurdish attacks against Turkey through cooperation between Syrian and Turkish Kurdish groups.
- There is an indirect conflict between Turkey and the West over the issues of Kurdish attacks in Turkey and jihadist attacks in Europe as long as both sides support opposing forces in Syria.
Turkey has problematic relations with France, Germany, and Libya. Turkey disagrees with Germany and France over their influence on Muslim populations in Europe and their opposition to Turkey joining the EU. France and Turkey also disagree over France's ban on burqas and recognition of the Armenian genocide. When France led attacks on Libya in 2011, Turkey was unhappy as it wanted a larger role in post-Qaddafi Libya and supported different factions than France. Turkey has sought alternatives to relying on Russia for natural gas and faces resistance from Germany.
- The Paris terrorist attacks of November 2015 suggested a shift in ISIS strategy, as they directly targeted the West for the first time. Previously, ISIS had mainly targeted Shiite Muslims and not Western countries.
- For Al Qaeda, the West has long been an enemy because of US efforts to control oil pipelines from Central Asia and its military presence in Saudi Arabia after 1991. This led to major terrorist attacks on US soil like 9/11.
- In contrast, ISIS saw the West as useful initially in its goal of overthrowing Assad in Syria, who was allied with Russia and Iran. But Western reluctance to intervene more strongly in Syria may be changing ISIS' calculus regarding the West.
The Intra-NATO War and the Attack at the London Undergroundiakovosal
The document discusses tensions between NATO members over conflicts in Syria and Iraq. It summarizes:
1) The UK, France and Germany recently bombed ISIS in Syria, while Turkey invaded northern Iraq near Mosul to allegedly fight ISIS but may intend to control the region and prevent other NATO members from bombing.
2) Germany is wary of sharing intelligence with Turkey due to concerns it could be passed to ISIS or used against Kurds.
3) A man attacked people in the London Underground shouting "That's for Syria," two days after UK airstrikes, reflecting rising tensions.
Before World War 1, Germany and Austria supported the Ottoman Empire and promoted Pan-Islamism in Africa to counter British and French control. After World War 1, the British and French gained even more control over Africa and the Middle East. During World War 2, Hitler continued the Kaiser's policy of collaborating with Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, to counter British and French influence as Germany had during World War 1. After World War 2, Western countries sometimes supported Islamists against Soviet-backed socialist rulers in the Middle East, while Russia now supports some Islamists against Western interests. The geopolitical relationships between world powers and Islamist groups have shifted over time based on changing strategic interests.
A Summary of the Wars of the 21st Centuryiakovosal
The document provides summaries of several 21st century wars including:
- The Iraq War of 2003 where the US sought to overthrow Saddam Hussein to allow Iraqi oil to flow freely.
- The Afghanistan War of 2001 where the US fought the Taliban to enable Central Asian oil and gas exports to bypass rivals like Iran.
- The Arab Spring uprisings in Syria and Libya which were influenced by regional powers seeking to gain control over energy resources and transportation routes.
- The War in Ukraine stemming from Russia and Ukraine's competition over natural gas exports to Europe.
- Conflicts involving the Kurds as their territories in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey contain significant oil and gas reserves important to
NATO will face difficulties if Russia attacks Turkey in response to Turkey downing a Russian aircraft. France has been bombing ISIS in Syria, but their targets are also connected to Turkey. England has offered their airbases in Cyprus to France to aid their bombings of ISIS, which also indirectly attacks Turkey. If Russia directly attacks Turkey, the US will have to request help from England and France to defend Turkey as NATO members, but those countries have also been attacking Turkey through bombing ISIS. NATO involvement would be a messy situation.
Why ISIS Prefers Turkey than Saudi Arabiaiakovosal
1) ISIS prefers Turkey over Saudi Arabia as an ally because Turkey provides an outlet for ISIS to export oil through Turkish ports. Saudi Arabia is a competitor in oil exports and has poor relations with ISIS.
2) Turkey also borders the regions of Syria and Iraq controlled by ISIS and Sunni Islamist groups, making Turkey strategically important for logistical and military support.
3) Saudi Arabia faces more barriers to allying with ISIS such as opposition to ISIS's goals and a history of poor relations with Saddam Hussein and Sunni groups in Iraq.
The document discusses the geopolitical context surrounding statements made by the Israeli Defense Minister linking Turkey to funding of ISIS. The author argues that the minister's comments were intended to show support for Russia in its rivalry with Turkey over Syria. However, the relationship between Israel, Russia, and Turkey is complex, and predictions about long-term cooperation are difficult given rapidly changing dynamics. The blockade of Gaza also remains a sensitive issue that could impact Turkish-Israeli relations.
The Syrian conflict involves many actors with differing geopolitical interests. It began as conflict between Assad and rebels but grew as other groups like ISIS and Kurds joined. The US, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are now involved but pursue their own goals rather than just fighting ISIS. Erdogan's dictatorship in Turkey threatens conflict between secularists, Kurds, and Islamists and may lead to civil war with consequences for the region. The refugee crisis and potential territorial expansion of ISIS could lead to wider war across the Middle East.
ISIS and Al Qaeda differ in their goals and enemies. While Al Qaeda did not prioritize establishing an Islamic caliphate, it is one of ISIS's primary aims. Additionally, Al Qaeda's main enemy was the United States, whereas ISIS mainly opposes Shia regimes in Syria and Iraq that obstruct its vision of an Islamic state. ISIS has been more successful than Al Qaeda in part due to the support it receives from Turkey, whose military is stronger than Saudi Arabia's and faces fewer restrictions from the United States.
The document discusses differing views between the United States and United Kingdom on designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. While the UK has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group, the US has been unwilling to do so. The document also analyzes the geopolitical reasons for the UK distancing itself from allies like Qatar and moving closer to Saudi Arabia and countries like China and Russia. It suggests the UK seeks to reduce dependence on expensive Qatari LNG and increase energy security through deals with other countries.
Erdogan's Efforts to Unite the Muslim Worldiakovosal
Erdogan attempted to unite Iran and Saudi Arabia at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit by positioning the Saudi King to his right and Iranian President to his left. However, achieving détente between the two rivals will be difficult due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts over oil exports, religious differences, and support for opposing factions in regional conflicts. While increased cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia could benefit Turkey's goals of reducing dependence on Russian gas, many challenges around other countries' interests remain.
The Causes Behind the Conflict Between Turkey and Israeliakovosal
This short essay explains the true causes behind the conflict of the once close allies of Turkey and Israel. It turns out that as it is usually the case, the true reason for this conflict is oil and natural gas.
Is the Reconciliation Between Turkey and Israel Viable?iakovosal
Turkey and Israel announced an agreement to normalize relations after six years of tensions. The deal includes Turkey dropping lawsuits against Israeli officials, limiting Hamas activities in Turkey, and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the reconciliation faces challenges, as Turkey may struggle to curb Hamas due to domestic political pressures and its close ties with the group. Any future conflict in Gaza could also cause Turkey's president to recall its ambassador from Israel to appease domestic critics. The viability of the deal remains uncertain.
Youngest c m in India- Pema Khandu BiographyVoterMood
Pema Khandu, born on August 21, 1979, is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. Pema Khandu assumed office as the Chief Minister in July 2016, making him one of the youngest Chief Ministers in India at that time.
The document summarizes a Wall Street Journal article discussing how the US and Europe are seeking to cooperate with Russia in Syria against ISIS. It notes that France is pushing for a coalition between the US, France and Russia against ISIS. Additionally, the US, Europe, Israel and Arabs would like Russia to distance itself from Iran in Syria. However, the US and Europe are uncertain if Russia is genuinely willing to separate from Iran because Russia does not want Assad removed as a precondition for resolving the Syrian conflict. Overall, the document analyzes how an enhanced Russian role in Syria could benefit the interests of the US, Europe, Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, but would be detrimental to Iran.
Turkey's downing of the Russian aircraft was a strategic political move by Erdogan and Davutoglu. They likely calculated that it would benefit Turkey by causing cracks in the anti-ISIS coalition between Russia, France, and the UK. This could undermine US support for its NATO ally Turkey and pit the US against France and the UK. Turkey's goal may have been to prevent itself from becoming dependent on Russia for energy and instead pursue its ambition of becoming an independent energy hub between Europe and the Caspian/Middle East. However, the tensions also create opportunities for Russia by dividing NATO.
France has strengthened its alliance with Arab countries by bombing ISIS in Syria and bringing up war crimes against the Assad regime. This angers Turkey, Russia, and Iran but pleases Gulf Arab allies of France. France has large energy and arms deals with Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Saudi Arabia financially supports Egypt's purchase of French weapons to help counter Turkish and Iranian influence in the region. However, France's new closeness with Gulf Arabs could strain its relations with Germany if Germany does not also improve ties with Iran.
- Iran, Sudan, and Hezbollah had previously strongly supported Al-Qaeda in attacking France in Africa by providing weapons, funding, and intelligence support. Sudan provided Iran a corridor to project influence and support terrorist groups in West Africa.
- However, the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and Sudan realigning with Saudi Arabia reduced Iran and Sudan's ability to support Al-Qaeda against France. This changed the threat environment for attacks on France emanating from Africa.
- Turkey is also an enemy of France but cannot strongly support Al-Qaeda due to its alliance with the United States, against whom Al-Qaeda also operates.
This document analyzes and compares the foreign policy doctrines of Obama and Trump as they relate to the Middle East, Russia, and China. It argues that the Obama doctrine promoted Muslim Brotherhood interests and the Qatar-Turkey natural gas pipeline, pushing Russia towards China. The Trump doctrine, in contrast, is friendlier to Russia and seeks to curb Chinese influence in the region by leaving Syria to Russia and not promoting Muslim Brotherhood interests. However, the Trump doctrine may weaken some US allies like Qatar and France.
- Turkey is accused by the West of supporting ISIS militarily and through oil purchases, allowing ISIS to more efficiently attack Europe, though Turkey does not directly order attacks.
- However, Western support for Kurds in Syria indirectly supports Kurdish attacks against Turkey through cooperation between Syrian and Turkish Kurdish groups.
- There is an indirect conflict between Turkey and the West over the issues of Kurdish attacks in Turkey and jihadist attacks in Europe as long as both sides support opposing forces in Syria.
Turkey has problematic relations with France, Germany, and Libya. Turkey disagrees with Germany and France over their influence on Muslim populations in Europe and their opposition to Turkey joining the EU. France and Turkey also disagree over France's ban on burqas and recognition of the Armenian genocide. When France led attacks on Libya in 2011, Turkey was unhappy as it wanted a larger role in post-Qaddafi Libya and supported different factions than France. Turkey has sought alternatives to relying on Russia for natural gas and faces resistance from Germany.
- The Paris terrorist attacks of November 2015 suggested a shift in ISIS strategy, as they directly targeted the West for the first time. Previously, ISIS had mainly targeted Shiite Muslims and not Western countries.
- For Al Qaeda, the West has long been an enemy because of US efforts to control oil pipelines from Central Asia and its military presence in Saudi Arabia after 1991. This led to major terrorist attacks on US soil like 9/11.
- In contrast, ISIS saw the West as useful initially in its goal of overthrowing Assad in Syria, who was allied with Russia and Iran. But Western reluctance to intervene more strongly in Syria may be changing ISIS' calculus regarding the West.
The Intra-NATO War and the Attack at the London Undergroundiakovosal
The document discusses tensions between NATO members over conflicts in Syria and Iraq. It summarizes:
1) The UK, France and Germany recently bombed ISIS in Syria, while Turkey invaded northern Iraq near Mosul to allegedly fight ISIS but may intend to control the region and prevent other NATO members from bombing.
2) Germany is wary of sharing intelligence with Turkey due to concerns it could be passed to ISIS or used against Kurds.
3) A man attacked people in the London Underground shouting "That's for Syria," two days after UK airstrikes, reflecting rising tensions.
Before World War 1, Germany and Austria supported the Ottoman Empire and promoted Pan-Islamism in Africa to counter British and French control. After World War 1, the British and French gained even more control over Africa and the Middle East. During World War 2, Hitler continued the Kaiser's policy of collaborating with Islamists, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, to counter British and French influence as Germany had during World War 1. After World War 2, Western countries sometimes supported Islamists against Soviet-backed socialist rulers in the Middle East, while Russia now supports some Islamists against Western interests. The geopolitical relationships between world powers and Islamist groups have shifted over time based on changing strategic interests.
A Summary of the Wars of the 21st Centuryiakovosal
The document provides summaries of several 21st century wars including:
- The Iraq War of 2003 where the US sought to overthrow Saddam Hussein to allow Iraqi oil to flow freely.
- The Afghanistan War of 2001 where the US fought the Taliban to enable Central Asian oil and gas exports to bypass rivals like Iran.
- The Arab Spring uprisings in Syria and Libya which were influenced by regional powers seeking to gain control over energy resources and transportation routes.
- The War in Ukraine stemming from Russia and Ukraine's competition over natural gas exports to Europe.
- Conflicts involving the Kurds as their territories in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey contain significant oil and gas reserves important to
NATO will face difficulties if Russia attacks Turkey in response to Turkey downing a Russian aircraft. France has been bombing ISIS in Syria, but their targets are also connected to Turkey. England has offered their airbases in Cyprus to France to aid their bombings of ISIS, which also indirectly attacks Turkey. If Russia directly attacks Turkey, the US will have to request help from England and France to defend Turkey as NATO members, but those countries have also been attacking Turkey through bombing ISIS. NATO involvement would be a messy situation.
Why ISIS Prefers Turkey than Saudi Arabiaiakovosal
1) ISIS prefers Turkey over Saudi Arabia as an ally because Turkey provides an outlet for ISIS to export oil through Turkish ports. Saudi Arabia is a competitor in oil exports and has poor relations with ISIS.
2) Turkey also borders the regions of Syria and Iraq controlled by ISIS and Sunni Islamist groups, making Turkey strategically important for logistical and military support.
3) Saudi Arabia faces more barriers to allying with ISIS such as opposition to ISIS's goals and a history of poor relations with Saddam Hussein and Sunni groups in Iraq.
The document discusses the geopolitical context surrounding statements made by the Israeli Defense Minister linking Turkey to funding of ISIS. The author argues that the minister's comments were intended to show support for Russia in its rivalry with Turkey over Syria. However, the relationship between Israel, Russia, and Turkey is complex, and predictions about long-term cooperation are difficult given rapidly changing dynamics. The blockade of Gaza also remains a sensitive issue that could impact Turkish-Israeli relations.
The Syrian conflict involves many actors with differing geopolitical interests. It began as conflict between Assad and rebels but grew as other groups like ISIS and Kurds joined. The US, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are now involved but pursue their own goals rather than just fighting ISIS. Erdogan's dictatorship in Turkey threatens conflict between secularists, Kurds, and Islamists and may lead to civil war with consequences for the region. The refugee crisis and potential territorial expansion of ISIS could lead to wider war across the Middle East.
ISIS and Al Qaeda differ in their goals and enemies. While Al Qaeda did not prioritize establishing an Islamic caliphate, it is one of ISIS's primary aims. Additionally, Al Qaeda's main enemy was the United States, whereas ISIS mainly opposes Shia regimes in Syria and Iraq that obstruct its vision of an Islamic state. ISIS has been more successful than Al Qaeda in part due to the support it receives from Turkey, whose military is stronger than Saudi Arabia's and faces fewer restrictions from the United States.
The document discusses differing views between the United States and United Kingdom on designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. While the UK has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group, the US has been unwilling to do so. The document also analyzes the geopolitical reasons for the UK distancing itself from allies like Qatar and moving closer to Saudi Arabia and countries like China and Russia. It suggests the UK seeks to reduce dependence on expensive Qatari LNG and increase energy security through deals with other countries.
Erdogan's Efforts to Unite the Muslim Worldiakovosal
Erdogan attempted to unite Iran and Saudi Arabia at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit by positioning the Saudi King to his right and Iranian President to his left. However, achieving détente between the two rivals will be difficult due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts over oil exports, religious differences, and support for opposing factions in regional conflicts. While increased cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia could benefit Turkey's goals of reducing dependence on Russian gas, many challenges around other countries' interests remain.
The Causes Behind the Conflict Between Turkey and Israeliakovosal
This short essay explains the true causes behind the conflict of the once close allies of Turkey and Israel. It turns out that as it is usually the case, the true reason for this conflict is oil and natural gas.
Is the Reconciliation Between Turkey and Israel Viable?iakovosal
Turkey and Israel announced an agreement to normalize relations after six years of tensions. The deal includes Turkey dropping lawsuits against Israeli officials, limiting Hamas activities in Turkey, and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the reconciliation faces challenges, as Turkey may struggle to curb Hamas due to domestic political pressures and its close ties with the group. Any future conflict in Gaza could also cause Turkey's president to recall its ambassador from Israel to appease domestic critics. The viability of the deal remains uncertain.
Similar to Why Turkey Allows France to Use her Military Bases Against ISIS (20)
Youngest c m in India- Pema Khandu BiographyVoterMood
Pema Khandu, born on August 21, 1979, is an Indian politician and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the son of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu. Pema Khandu assumed office as the Chief Minister in July 2016, making him one of the youngest Chief Ministers in India at that time.
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केरल उच्च न्यायालय ने 11 जून, 2024 को मंडला पूजा में भाग लेने की अनुमति मांगने वाली 10 वर्षीय लड़की की रिट याचिका को खारिज कर दिया, जिसमें सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की एक बड़ी पीठ के समक्ष इस मुद्दे की लंबित प्रकृति पर जोर दिया गया। यह आदेश न्यायमूर्ति अनिल के. नरेंद्रन और न्यायमूर्ति हरिशंकर वी. मेनन की खंडपीठ द्वारा पारित किया गया
2. As you can read at the following New Europe article, Turkey decided to
allow France to use her military bases of Incirlik, in order for France to
bomb ISIS in Syria and Iraq. See “Turkey opens airspace to French jets”,
November 2015. Naturally Turkey has never allowed Russia to use her
bases.
http://neurope.eu/article/turkey-opens-airspace-to-french-jets/
That’s a very impressive diplomatic move from Turkey, whose status was
deeply hurt when the Russian President publicly accused Turkey of
supporting ISIS by buying its oil. The Russian president said that the trucks
carrying the oil to Turkey are so many that they form a moving oil pipeline.
Moreover the Russian state-owned news agency RT (Russia Today) wrote
that the companies of Tayip Erdogan’s son i.e. Bilal Erdogan, are buying oil
from ISIS.
By opening her Incirlik bases to France, Turkey can say that she helps the
war on terror. But I am sure that Turkey is not only trying to improve her
image abroad. Turkey is going for a lot more than that. Remember that in the
past Turkey has also allowed the United States to use her Incirlik bases to
bomb ISIS in order to convince the Americans to agree on a Turkish
controlled buffer zone at the Turkish-Syrian borders. Turkey needs a
corridor to Syria in order to import oil and also help the Sunni Islamist
militants she supports in Syria and Iraq. See “The Oil Fields of the Islamic
State”.
https://iakal.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/the-oil-fields-of-the-islamic-state/
3. But it is a sure thing that the United States would let Turkey know what they
were doing in Syria and Iraq when they were using the Incirlik bases. The
United States want to support the Kurds against ISIS in Syria, and also to
prevent the oil of the Iraqi Kurds from falling under the control of ISIS, but
nevertheless for the Americans Turkey is an ally and Russia is a rival. This
is true even with the differences that arose between the Americans and the
Turks over the Kurds and due to the American-Iranian rapprochement.
Therefore Turkey is expecting the US to support her against Russia, who is a
common rival.
After all, ISIS is not anti-American. ISIS is anti-Shiite and anti-Iranian,
sometimes even anti-Saudi. But ISIS is not anti-American. It is al-Qaeda
which is very anti-Shiite but also very anti-American. And that’s normal
because there is a lot of Turkish influence over ISIS while there is a lot of
Saudi influence over al-Qaeda, and the Turkish geopolitical interests are a
lot more aligned to the American ones, at least when compared to the Saudi
ones. See “ISIS VS Al-Qaeda Part 2”.
https://iakal.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/isis-vs-al-qaeda-part-2/
Map 1
4. But let’s think about France and Turkey for a moment. In Syria, France has
supported the removal of Bashar Assad with the same, if not with more
enthusiasm than Turkey. Bashar al Assad is a Russian and Iranian ally, and
the French are selling to the Arabs of the Persian Gulf weapons worth billion
of dollars. When you sell so many weapons to the Arabs you need to offer
them some protection too from the Iranians and the Turks. Moreover the
French and the Arabs are cooperating in the energy sector. The French also
have very problematic relations with the Turks and the Iranians. The point is
that the French, together with their Arab allies, want Assad to go, and that’s
what Turkey wants too. But that’s not what Russia wants.
Moreover Turkey is in a very difficult position because there is a European
alliance against ISIS, with France, England and now Germany on board. If
all these countries start bombing ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Turkey might have a
big problem. Therefore it is a sure thing that Turkey would love to create a
5. division between Russia and France. After all the Russians and the France
might have a common problem with the Jihadists, but in Syria the French
want Assad to go and the Russians want him to stay. By downing the
Russian aircraft the Turks increased tensions with Russia and drew the US
closer to Turkey, and made it ever harder for France to work with Russia.
Now they are trying to bring France on their side too.
We should not forget that for France North Africa is a lot more important
than Syria and Iraq, while Syria and Iraq are a lot more important than North
Africa for Turkey. It is in Africa that the French army is hunting the
Jihadists, and Africa is the main source of terrorism for France. Moreover
we should not see ISIS as one thing. The ISIS of Nigeria has different
interests than the ISIS of Iraq etc. We should see the various branches of
ISIS in the same way we see NATO or any other alliance. International
branches of ISIS can work together when they have common interests, and
they cannot when they don’t. I usually refer to Turkey when I talk about
ISIS because in military terms Turkey is the strongest country of the Muslim
world, and it is a country that supports Sunni Islamist militants.
That does not mean that Turkey is the main influence over ISIS in Nigeria or
ISIS in Afghanistan. I would expect Turkey to be the major influence over
ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But it is difficult to imagine that any ISIS branch
would ignore Turkey, and dare to go completely against Turkey’s wishes,
given how important and strong Turkey is. The same is true for Saudi Arabia
and al-Qaeda. What I am trying to say is that maybe Turkey could use her
influence over the Jihadists of North Africa in order for the French to feel a
bit more comfortable when they are sleeping, and France could pay less
6. attention over the Jihadists of Syria and Iraq. In addition France has many
problems with Islamists supported by Iran in North Africa, and maybe
Turkey could help even more on this one.
Therefore Turkey could provide some help to France, given that North
Africa is less important than Syria and Iraq for Turkey, and given that Syria
and Iraq are less important than North Africa for France. After all both
Turkey and France want Assad to go, and sometimes the Turks cooperate
with the Arabs of the Persian Gulf, who are French allies, against Russia and
Iran.
Therefore we have to wait and see how France is going to respond to the
Turkish gesture, and also we have to see how far Turkey is willing to go
with France. Because we can be sure that Turkey would not be willing to let
France bomb whatever she wants and whenever she wants in Syria and Iraq.
And we also have to see how the French-Russian relations will be affected if
the tension between France and Turkey does indeed cool down. What is for
sure though is that France has a problem with the Jihadists and Turkey will
have to somehow help France with that, if she really wants to bring France
closer to her and away from Russia. France and Russia on the other hand
have the Jihadists as a common threat, and Turkey as a common rival, but in
Syria they are on the opposite sides, because France might not be on the
Turkish side, bus she is on the Arab side.
Another thing that must be taken into account is that the French know full
well that by cooperating with the Russians they are making life hard for their
American allies, because the Americans cannot support Russia against
7. Turkey, at least not for now. Moreover the Russians are much closer to
France’s main competitor in Europe i.e. Germany, and also Russia is a
Chinese ally, and the French are competing with the Chinese for the
resources of Africa. Therefore the French know that they need the
Americans, and they know that by aligning with the Russians they make life
harder for them, and that’s not good for France.
Finally we should not forget that just yesterday i.e. 29.11.2015, the
agreement between the EU and Turkey was finalized, and Turkey will
receive 3 billion euros to stop immigration flows from Turkey to Europe.
Moreover Turkish citizens will have the right to enter the EU without visas.
France must have also played a role in this agreement, and we do not know
what she might have asked from Turkey in return.
Therefore, even though the Turkish gesture to allow France to use Incirlik is
very impressive, we should better wait to see what will happen, and how the
relations between France and Turkey and between France and Russia will be
affected. But Turkey enjoys immediate benefits because she can say that
contrary to what the Russian president said she helps the war on terror.