... prevent the onset of the greatest global financial and economic crisis since the Great Depression (barely managing to address it ... ... failed to effectively deal with conflict in Libya, Ukraine, and Syria, all within or near its periphery. The situation in Syria ... ... economic policies. In France, a rising far-right party funded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government may possibly ... ... people further to the right. The assault on democratic norms in Turkey by its government is far worse. Still worse in that region,...
... means to secure them; if Putin would just deescalate in Ukraine and start focusing on ISIS in Syria, there is a very real chance that both sanctions relief could be on the table and that a final peace deal that removes Assad would see Russian strategic and arms trade interests preserved. Yet if he continues down his current path, he risks destroying important relationships with Turkey and Europe, increased sanctions, a future Syria that will do everything it can...
By Zhyldyz Oskonbaeva (RIEAS Senior Advisor & Eurasian Liaison)
On a number of levels, the situation between the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the ethnic Kurds of Syria, Iraq and Turkey is creating a power shift that no one is discussing. In this article, I will explain why: 1) The Kurds have an unprecedented opportunity to achieve a political homeland; 2) Tehran's strategy of expanding Shia influence over the Sunnis is ...