Iran at the table: When foes come together over Syria

A week after top diplomats from Russia, the US, Turkey and Saudi Arabia met in Vienna for “constructive” talks on Syria, they’re doing it again. Only this time, Iran will be at the table.

Germany: Saving Refugees Comes with a Huge Political Price Tag

The influx of refugees into Germany is forcing its leaders to throw aside some of their long-held convictions and face reality.

Why Turkey’s ‘Kasimpasa man’ can’t get tough with Putin

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also known as the “Kasimpasa man” after the tough Istanbul neighborhood of his childhood. But when it comes to tough man of the region, Vladimir Putin, the Turkish leader can be surprisingly soft.

Why Is Turkey Increasing Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Why has Turkey escalated tensions at this moment, when the two Cypriot leaders have begun renewed, albeit wearisome, efforts to find a solution to the division of the island?

Europe is Good for Greece, and Turkey, too

Although it is possible to argue that EU membership ruined Greece and non-membership saved Turkey, this conclusion is as incorrect as it is intriguing.

Meagrely getting by on back door diplomacy

This week Israel carried out key two diplomatic moves in the region. Both moves share one thing in common: the need to show an intention to normalise relations without giving in to anyone’s demands.

The bumpy road ahead...

Each month, this blog will feature examples of the continuing threat to press freedom around the world as well as stories from the African continent.

How to lose friends and alienate people

On a collision course with the Palestinians ahead of their UN statehood bid, Israel has paid little attention to its deteriorating relations with its regional allies. Even before next week's vote, Israel's Mideast diplomacy is at a low ebb.
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Q&A: Gallagher Fenwick on the breakdown of Turkish-Israeli relations

Our Jerusalem Correspondent, Gallagher Fenwick, tells us more about Israel's response to Turkey's decision to expel the Israeli ambassador and suspend military accords amid a row over last year's attack on a Gaza aid flotilla.
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