EDITORIAL

Erdogan’s house of cards has collapsed with the earthquake. There is already a rush to find scapegoats as well as the arrests of looters.

Robert Ellis
(International Advisor at the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS) in Athens)

Copyright @ 2023 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-732072

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

In Turkey, every natural and unnatural disaster is usually accompanied by a hunt for scapegoats so that those responsible escape retribution. The major earthquakes that struck the East Anatolian Fault Zone and the aftershocks are no exception.

There have been a number of serious rail accidents in Turkey and in 2004, two years after the AKP government came to power, a new high-speed train from Ankara to Istanbul derailed, killing 36 people. However, experts had warned against launching the prestige project prematurely before the rail infrastructure had been modernized.... Read more

Alexander Drivas
(Security Analyst based in Athens, Greece)

Copyright: @ 2023 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 19 February 2023

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

In 2018, China launched the "Polar Silk Road" which is a part of the notorious One Belt-One Road (also known as Belt and Road Initiative) which Beijing had already inaugurated just a few years before (2013). Businesspeople, politicians, and academics all over the world have different views on Belt and Road Initiative due to its relativity and its ambiguous goals from the Chinese side. However, the Belt and Road Initiative is a vast trade project and depicts Beijing's priority, which is to fortify for itself the role of a global trade powerhouse. ... Read more

Raagini Shekher Sharma
(RIEAS Senior Analyst)

Copyright: @ 2023 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 8 February 2023

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

60 Years of Diplomatic Ties

The Republic of India and the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) established diplomatic ties on 10th February 1962. There has been a close and friendly relationship between both the countries since then. India supported the Republic of Cyprus's struggle for independence and has since consistently backed a settlement of the Cyprus dispute based on UNSC resolutions, international law, and the European Union’s viewpoints. On the other hand, Cyprus backed India on important matters like India’s bid for UNSC; the civil nuclear agreement between India and the US as also the issues with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ..... Read more

How far is the United States prepared to tolerate Turkey’s growing human rights abuses and incendiary behavior?

By Robert Ellis
(International advisor at the Research Institute
for European and American Studies (RIEAS) in Athens.)

Copyright @ 2023 https://nationalinterest.org/feature/erdogan-arsonist-dilemma-us-turkey-relations-206184

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

The Swiss writer Max Fritsch called his play Biedermann and the Fire Raisers (1958) “a didactic play without a lesson.” The main character, Gottlieb Biedermann, is an upright citizen and hair tonic merchant. Two ill-intentioned vagrants wheedle their way into his home, store gasoline in the attic and Biedermann even provides them with the matches to burn the house down. When confronted with solid evidence of the arsonists’ intentions, Gottlieb Biedermann finds every excuse not to take action. “All I want is some peace and quiet, not more.... Read more

Given that Turkey is a major disruptive force, it is incomprehensible that the Biden administration would consider the sale of F-16 jets to Ankara to be in line with U.S. interests and NATO’s long-term unity.

By Robert Ellis
(International advisor at the Research Institute
for European and American Studies (RIEAS) in Athens.)

Copyright@2023 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/has-turkey-become-american-foe-206122

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

At the virtual Munich Security Conference in February 2021, newly elected U.S. president Joe Biden declared that “America is back. The transatlantic alliance is back.” In a pre-election pitch, Biden also made clear that NATO is at the very heart of U.S. national security and is the bulwark of the liberal democratic ideal.

To date, Biden has held firm on his promise and revitalized NATO in its stand against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The same applies to Europe, which has abandoned its lethargy and also taken a firm stand... Read more

In dealing with Turkey, the United States needs a long spoon

By ROBERT ELLIS
(An international advisor at the Research Institute for European
and American Studies (RIEAS) in Athens)

Copyright@2023 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/türkiye-2023- what’s-name-206088

Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).

In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet asks Romeo, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Perhaps. But when it comes to renaming Turkey, there is a world of difference. Read more