Creating new perspectives since 2009
Items by Said Al-Haj
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The Israel factor in tense Turkey-US relations
Regardless of the consequences of the current tension between Turkey and the United States, and how the two sides will resolve the current dispute, it is considered to be the most severe crisis between them in a long time. The last occasion of such magnitude was probably the arms...
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Choosing between Israel and Hezbollah
The title of this article may seem strange to some, and the subject will certainly stir up a “hornet’s nest” in the eyes of many, and they are right. Addressing such sensitive issues in light of the current intense state of polarisation is a risk, but it is a...
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What is required of Turkey in the latest fight for Al-Aqsa
Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque are among the most important issues in the overall Palestinian cause. They are also among the main factors that greatly interest Turkey alongside the siege on Gaza. The Holy Land holds special historical weight for Turkey due to its historical significance in the last Ottoman...
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Hamas and the Palestinian cause are at the heart of the Gulf storm
It is still not clear how difficult the Gulf crisis will be now that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have started their boycott of Qatar, but it is clear that developments are unprecedented, rolling and open to all scenarios. It is also clear that Hamas...
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Who will determine the result of the referendum in Turkey?
Only a few days separate Turkey from the most important popular referendum in its modern history, as over 55 million voters (exactly 55,336,960) head to the ballot boxes on Sunday to cast their votes a constitutional amendment aimed at transforming the country from a parliamentary to presidential system of...
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Is there a chance of Turkey having a role in the Palestinian issue?
Turkey’s attention has turned back to the Middle East, with the ruling Justice and Development Party coming closer to the Palestinian cause for various historical, political, cultural and religious reasons; it is also hoping to reinforce its role in the region. Over a number of years, Ankara has had...
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The illusion of eliminating Daesh
We are in the midst of the battle for Mosul, the plans to liberate Al-Raqqa and Turkey’s preparations for the next stage of its “Euphrates Shield” operation by entering the town of Al-Bab. This means that Daesh will be challenged in its three key strongholds in Syria and Iraq....
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Turkey’s options: Operation Euphrates Shield or the Mosul Battle
At the beginning of October, the Turkish parliament renewed the memorandum mandating the army to carry out military operations beyond its borders, specifically in Syria and Iraq. This angered the central government in Baghdad, led by Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, and led to a protest, which, in turn, disrupted...
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Turkey, Syria, Assad and the deliberate mystery
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s statements about his country’s desire to improve its relations with Syria are still getting political and media reactions, mainly in the Arab world, especially after he’s been quoted making contradictory statements. The man has repeatedly said that his government intends to improve its relations...
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Davutoglu steps down: The end of a disagreement or the beginning of a new phase?
The events that have taken place in Turkey over the course of the past few days are not normal news by any means. For the first time, the ruling figure of a party steps down, or rather, is disqualified from office at the height of his success, as is...
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Turkey’s political experience is at a crossroads
The decision made by the nominal head of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, to hold an extraordinary congress for the party on 22 May, brings to an end the long and eventful phase of the country dictated by his brilliant foreign policies. Turkey will...