The primary objective of "Kurdish-Turkish reconciliation" is Turkish foreign policy
Upon reaching an agreement with the Turkish state, Turkey has taken the first definitive step towards executing the “
Terror-Free Turkey
” plan, which seeks to find a legal and constitutional approach for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to disband and lay down its arsenal. Last October, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan backed this plan, which was
promoted
by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet...
The Islamic Republic appears to be deliberately seeking to strengthen Iranian-Islamic identity by combining Islamic revolutionary values with elements of nationalism
For the first time in three weeks, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a public
appearance
, attending a significant Shiite Muslim religious ceremony. Reformists and others from Iran's political spectrum have praised Khamenei's come back, which comes amid increased fears of an Israeli assassination attempt. This...
... a few.
Future political landscape: possible scenarios
The future of the political system in Ukraine remains uncertain and depends on several factors, including the course of the conflict, the stance of Western partners and the readiness of Ukrainian society to return to legal and democratic procedures. Three scenarios seem possible.
First, institutionalized authoritarianism.
The current power structure with an outsized role of the president’s office would be kept in place; there would be stage-managed ...
The West is trying to lay the groundwork for gaining leverage over the current authorities in Damascus
It has been six months since the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham [
1
] group led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani (now known as Ahmed al-Sharaa) seized power in Syria. Shortly before that, half a world away, Donald Trump had won the U.S. presidential election, and all eyes turned to see what his foreign policy would look like. Nobody was watching more closely than Syria’s new authorities, who were well aware that...
Report No. 99 / 2025
Report No. 99 / 2025
The following report focuses on the Middle Eastern policies of extra-regional actors and their transformation in changing conditions. It concentrates on studying the strategies pursued by Russia, the U.S., the EU, China and India in the Middle East. The report also examines how Middle Eastern countries perceive extra-regional actors as they aspire to build pragmatic and balanced relationships with external partners.
Extra-Regional Actors in the Middle East...
... to rejuvenate its workforce and global connections. For India, it provides opportunities for its youth while reinforcing strategic bonds with a trusted ally. Moving forward, collaborative efforts by policymakers, educational institutions, and civil society are essential to nurture and expand this dynamic partnership for decades to come.
First published in the
NatStrat
.
The creation of a Shiite southern region is a powerful negotiating tool in the “Greater Middle East” mapping movements, as well as internal, regional, and even international political processes
Discussions on federalism in Iraq have long been entwined with
political rivalry and conflicting interests
. Federal regions have proposed reforms, as well as ways to exert political pressure to consider incorporating federalism in certain regions. In light of recent events—particularly the situation in...
... artificial intelligence (AI), which is massively changing not only our working world, but also our lives.
Our reality is determined by trade wars, tariff increases, new borders, the expansion of old border fortifications and numerous divisions in our society.
Globalization has reached its boiling point. Ever more, ever higher and ever further. When will enough finally be enough?
Jacques Ancel or the identity of the heart
One vision, an approach that is becoming more relevant today than ever before,...
The situation around Iran has reached a critical juncture
From war threats to negotiations
In the early months of 2025, Iran and the United States
stood
on the brink of open military conflict. The escalation was driven by several factors that coincided in time, heightening the effect of instability. It was one of the most dangerous periods in the history of their relations. Until very recently, Iran lived under a cloud of anxious expectation: would war erupt, or could the situation be contained?...
... drastic internal reforms, including the liberation of Ocalan, genuine and long-term opening to the Kurdistan Freedom Movement, and constitutional amendments to protect Kurdish rights. This approach would help Turkey avoid danger and rebuild the state and society using democratic principles. However, such an approach may prove difficult given the opposition from some nationalist parties. Therefore, the resolution of the Kurdish crisis should be linked to the adoption of a new constitution by leveraging ...
