Monthly Archives: December 2011

No doubt that Turkey, the fastest growing economy in Europe, values its seat at the forum of the G-20, the major economies that represent 85 percent of world’s economy and two-thirds of the world population. After all, the G-20 shapes … Continue reading →

Jeddah — If we are to be sincere in our efforts to bring Turkey and Saudi Arabia together in a real sense, not just because of conjecture or the imposition of changing regional dynamics, then we have a duty to … Continue reading →

RIYADH — Fast moving events in the Middle Eastern landscape in recent years have gravitated Saudi Arabia and Turkey, two regional heavyweights in this region, towards each other. To respond to significant challenges in their immediate neighborhoods, the governments of … Continue reading →

Although my mind was preoccupied with the belligerent remarks recently uttered by senior Iranian officials against Turkey and concern over the protracted conflict in Syria when putting out my question, I think it was Thom Shanker of The New York … Continue reading →

It was one of the hectic weeks leading up to the June 12 national elections in Turkey. I was in my office two blocks away from the Foreign Ministry in the Balgat district of Ankara having a candid chat with … Continue reading →

It is not a question of “if” but rather a question of “how long” Bashar al-Assad can hang on to power. When his regime will fold under mounting regional and international pressure is still unknown. But one thing is clear: … Continue reading →

The data released this week for inflation, which jumped to 9.48 percent from 7.29 percent in November of last year, must have rung alarm bells for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government in Turkey. It seems double-digit … Continue reading →

I strongly believe that education is the most important formidable challenge facing the countries in the Middle East, which have been in stages of transition amid discontent, demonstrations, uprisings or even revolutions, while they try to map out trajectories for … Continue reading →

This week’s official inauguration of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Ankara with the attendance of Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn and his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, went largely unnoticed, with … Continue reading →