Turkey

Policy Analysis on Turkey

Given the near-certainty that conflict will erupt again in northwest Syria, the United States should start planning for how it might leverage that next outbreak to push the parties toward a political process.

Mar 11, 2020

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Dana Stroul

Turkey’s Imperial Foreign Policy: Vision vs. Reality

A deep dive into the evolution of Erdogan’s regional approach and how it informs the current crises in Syria and other hotspots.

Mar 6, 2020

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

A New Erdogan-Putin Deal in Idlib May Help—For Now

Turkey, Russia, and Washington have compelling reasons to welcome a new ceasefire agreement, however imperfect, but they still need to address the longer-term dangers posed by the Assad regime’s murderously maximalist strategy.

Mar 4, 2020

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Arab, Iranian, and Turkish Responses to President Trump’s Impeachment

A survey of how regional media outlets discussed the congressional impeachment process and its potential ramifications on the 2020 presidential election.

Feb 19, 2020

Articles & Testimony

Erdogan’s ‘Mini Empire’ in Libya and Syria

A deep dive into the evolution of Turkey’s Middle East policy and the mixed results it has had in two Russian-fueled conflict zones.

Feb 12, 2020

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Turkey’s Options for Pressuring Russia in Idlib Are Limited

Weighty domestic concerns and geopolitical fears will likely keep Erdogan from pushing too hard against the current Russian-Syrian campaign, but the parties may yet broker a temporary deal to carve the province in half.

Feb 11, 2020

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Soner Cagaptay

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Latest Battle for Idlib Could Send Another Wave of Refugees to Europe

Various displacement scenarios may unfold as the fighting escalates, each carrying a high risk of negative humanitarian and economic consequences even if the parties live up to their promises.

Feb 10, 2020

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Fabrice Balanche

Video

Brief Analysis

The New Status Quo in Northeast Syria: Humanitarian and Security Implications

Three leading experts assess the current balance of power and its potential effects on counterterrorism, refugee resettlement, governance, economics, and other crucial issues.

Jan 29, 2020

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Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Gonul Tol
Dana Stroul

Russian president Vladimir Putin and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov

Brief Analysis

Russia’s Growing Interests in Libya

As in other conflict zones, Moscow cares little about reaching a peace deal so long as it can outmaneuver the West strategically while securing port and energy access—with private contractors playing an increasingly important role.

Jan 24, 2020

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Anna Borshchevskaya

Brief Analysis

Making the Most of the Berlin Conference on Libya

If the latest conference is to succeed, the principal actors stoking the civil war must endorse a genuine ceasefire and a return to Libyan internal dialogue.

Jan 17, 2020

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Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

Ceasefire or Escalation in Libya?

After the fall of Sirte, Erdogan and Putin’s desired ceasefire can only be achieved with Washington’s support.

Jan 10, 2020

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Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

The Obstacles Still Facing Israel’s Leviathan Gas Field

Regional and commercial challenges require an evolving business plan.

Dec 31, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

Assad Is Growing Stronger Under Trump’s Nonexistent Syria Policy

The Caesar Act will not put an end to the Syrian catastrophe so long as Washington keeps ceding political and military leverage to adversaries who do not care about human rights.

Dec 29, 2019

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Oula A. Alrifai

Brief Analysis

Turkey Pivots to Tripoli: Implications for Libya’s Civil War and U.S. Policy

Facing pressure from General Haftar and his foreign military backers, the Tripoli government has welcomed the helping hand extended by Ankara, whose own lack of regional options has drawn it into the middle of another conflict.

Dec 19, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay
Ben Fishman

Brief Analysis

A Decisive Vote for Humanitarian Support in Syria

Renewing the UN cross-border mechanism is crucial to helping millions of needy Syrian civilians, preventing Russia and Assad from weaponizing aid deliveries, and safeguarding future international assistance efforts.

Dec 18, 2019

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Dana Stroul

Articles & Testimony

Turkey Doubles Region’s Troubles—First in Syria, and Now in Libya

New maritime and military agreements may pull Ankara into Libya’s civil war, adding yet another foreign actor to an already tortuous multilateral showdown.

Dec 16, 2019

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

What Will It Take to Repair Middle Eastern Economies?

Directly investing in nongovernmental enterprise and giving international approval to private competition can change the dynamic in individual countries, promote liberal economies, and give citizens greater agency.

Dec 8, 2019

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Bilal Wahab

Articles & Testimony

Why Erdogan Wants to Get Along with Trump

The Turkish leader knows that if he cannot restore economic growth at home or stay just out of Russia’s permanent orbit, his political troubles will only increase.

Nov 14, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay

Brief Analysis

Erdogan in Washington: Setting the Agenda for a Pivotal Visit

The Trump administration needs to treat the meeting as a chance to frankly address congressional concerns and defuse a host of hot-button issues, from Syria policy to F-35 production.

Nov 7, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay
Anna Borshchevskaya
Conor Hiney
Dana Stroul

Brief Analysis

Why Turkey Is Raising the Stakes in the East Mediterranean

Ankara is willing to take provocative and risky steps around Cyprus because it views the island’s gas resources and strategic location as crucial to countering rivals and securing interests in the neighborhood.

Nov 4, 2019

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Soner Cagaptay

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 fellow and director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute.

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Turkey

Policy Analysis on Turkey

Turkish Research Program

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Regions & Countries

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Policy Analysis on Turkey

Turkish Research Program

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