Turkey

Policy Analysis on Turkey

Exploiting East Mediterranean Gas: New Milestones, New Obstacles

Even as exploration companies make crucial advances on specific projects, broader development of the area’s resources will require the players to overcome political tensions and market hurdles.

Feb 8, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Making Turkey Great Again

Given the numerous risks that lie ahead, it remains to be seen if Erdogan can deliver his country back to safety, let alone to greatness.

Feb 6, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

For Assad, Manbij Is the Key to East Syria

Reestablishing control in Manbij is the only way to build influence across the Euphrates, and now that U.S. troops are set to leave, both Russia and local Arab tribes may support this regime goal.

Feb 5, 2019

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Fabrice Balanche

Brief Analysis

Sending the Right Message in Cairo: Advice for Secretary Pompeo

All eyes will be on the secretary’s speech this week, so striking the right balance between President Trump’s domestic imperatives and the realities of regional policy is crucial.

Jan 7, 2019

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Soner Cagaptay
Simon Henderson
Martin Kramer
Matthew Levitt
David Pollock
Dennis Ross
Dana Stroul
Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

How the United States Can Still Keep Faith With Its Best Allies in Syria

Despite the heavy risks created by recent policy reversals, a well-managed transition can help preserve the major gains against the Islamic State while protecting America’s local partners.

Jan 3, 2019

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David Pollock

Brief Analysis

Tal Abyad: Achilles Heel of the Syrian Kurdish Belt

The district’s ethnic composition and wartime migrations make it the weakest point of the YPG defense system, and the most likely entryway for Turkish troops and their proxies.

Dec 21, 2018

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Fabrice Balanche

Brief Analysis

As Washington Prepares to Withdraw from Syria, Turkey Is Set to Invade

The combination of premature steps would further damage U.S. credibility while giving Iranian proxies and Islamic State remnants free rein in east Syria.

Dec 19, 2018

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Dana Stroul
Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

Why the Release of Pastor Andrew Brunson Is a Good Sign for U.S.-Turkey Ties

Differences remain between Trump and Erdogan, but the two leaders are now talking again about vital issues such as Russian missile purchases, Syrian jihadists, and the Gulen movement.

Oct 18, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

Saudi Journalist’s Disappearance Developing Into Diplomatic Mess

Rumors of murder squads, jet identification numbers, and other ominous details will likely exacerbate regional rivalries.

Oct 9, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Cyprus Aims to Export Gas via Egypt

A new pipeline agreement will further establish Egypt as the energy hub of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sep 21, 2018

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Missile Attack in Iraqi Kurdistan Could Backfire

The IRGC has fired a literal shot across the KRG’s bow, but the brazen violation of Baghdad’s sovereignty may ultimately benefit Tehran’s opponents.

Sep 11, 2018

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Bilal Wahab

Brief Analysis

Round One of Idlib Campaign May Target Turkish-Backed Rebels

If Assad and his allies stick with their past strategy, the initial offensive will likely be limited, though it will still spur massive refugee flows and a serious breach between Turkey and Russia.

Sep 11, 2018

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Fabrice Balanche

Articles & Testimony

On Syria, the U.S. Can Drive a Hard Bargain with Russia

Putin gives nothing away without a price. To protect America’s interests, neither should Trump.

Sep 9, 2018

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Syrian Refugees in Turkey

The continued difficulty of integrating so many displaced people could make Ankara more amenable to a political solution that ends the war and allows large numbers of them to return home.

Aug 22, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay
Maya Yalkin

Video

Brief Analysis

Turkey Sanctions: Navigating a Historic Bilateral Crisis

Three experts examine the past drivers and near-term consequences of Washington’s rapidly escalating diplomatic conflict with Ankara.

Aug 17, 2018

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Amanda Sloat
Max Hoffman
Steven Cook

Articles & Testimony

Turkey’s Economy May Be in Freefall, But Erdogan’s Base Believes He Can Do No Wrong

The president has cultivated an adoring crowd of inflexible ‘Erdoganists’ who feed on the politics of resentment and reject Ataturk’s pro-Western legacy entirely.

Aug 16, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

U.S. Sanctions Could Hurt Turkish Economy but Strengthen Erdogan

An economic meltdown may simply push his supporters to dig in on a worldview that posits unending Western assaults against the Turkish nation and wider Muslim community.

Aug 7, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

The New Sultan and the Crisis of Modern Turkey

Rather than addressing the polarization his policies have caused, Erdogan seems set on a 'muddle through' strategy that will keep the country in a permanent state of social conflict.

Aug 1, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Articles & Testimony

Political Divide Deepening in Turkey as Erdogan Assumes More Power

With the president aiming to force a dominant-party system on a split electorate, Turkish society may be headed for a long-term political crisis.

Jul 12, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Turkey's Historic Election: What to Expect Next?

Leading experts discuss how the results will affect Erdogan's foreign policy, the political potency of ascendant ultranationalists, and the opposition's chances of staying united.

Jun 29, 2018

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Soner Cagaptay
Lisel Hintz
Nick Danforth
Rich Outzen

Supported by the

Turkish Research Program

Since its inception in 1995, The Washington Institute's Turkish Research Program has established itself as the most influential center in Washington for research and information on Turkey -- a predominantly Muslim, secular, and democratic U.S. ally.

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Soner Cagaptay

Soner Cagaptay is the Beyer Family Senior Fellow and director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute.

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Policy Analysis on Turkey

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