The New Turkey
Murat Yeşiltaş

Murat Yeşiltaş

Dr. Yeşiltaş is a Professor of International Relations at Sakarya University. He is currently working on the following research projects: The Rise of Kurdish Geopolitical Space, Border Security in the Middle East and The New Regional Security Project in the Middle East (NRSP).
What was Offered to Ankara in Moscow

What was Offered to Ankara in Moscow?

January 26, 2019
Maintaining a negotiation process with Russia or the U.S. will not provide Turkey with ultimate solutions to its security needs, but create time pressure on Ankara to act unilaterally. Therefore, to eliminate the PKK in Syria, Ankara has no choice but to take matters in hand.
Turkey's Options for a Safe Zone in Syria

Turkey's Options for a Safe Zone in Syria

January 18, 2019
In the long run, in case of a full U.S. withdrawal, it is not sustainable for the YPG to maintain their military presence among the majority of the Arab population.
Turkey Can Help the US Exit from Syria

Turkey Can Help the US Exit from Syria

January 12, 2019
Although the withdrawal remains unclear, the road-map for Turkey is clear. Firstly, as President Erdoğan proposed in his piece, Turkey propose a stabilization force to clean, hold and build the entire region in the eastern part of the river.
Turkey's Syria Strategy after the US Withdrawal

Turkey's Syria Strategy after the US Withdrawal

December 27, 2018
Trump’s decision brought many opportunities to repair especially the U.S.’s wrong strategy of working with a terrorist organization to fight against another terrorist organization, but at the same time triggered a new rivalry between the regional actors in Syria.
What is Turkey's Military Agenda in Northern Syria

What is Turkey's Military Agenda in Northern Syria?

December 14, 2018
Turkey’s strategic objective is clear: to de-territorialize the YPG/PYD alongside its Syrian border, fix relations with the U.S. in Syria and recalibrate its military presence.
Making Sense of Turkey s New Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Making Sense of Turkey’s New Counter-Terrorism Strategy

November 23, 2018
Turkey is revolutionizing its counter-terrorism strategy not only against the PKK in Turkey but also against other terrorist organizations in Syria and Iraq. The new face of terrorism and changing dynamics in the Middle East are likely to push Turkey to revolutionize its military affairs in the near future.  
The Dynamics Behind the Istanbul Summit

The Dynamics Behind the Istanbul Summit

November 7, 2018
The Istanbul Summit is much more critical in terms of exposing the vital position of Turkey and Russia in the Syrian crisis, rather than the summit outcome.
Geopolitics of the Khashoggi Murder

Geopolitics of the Khashoggi Murder

October 25, 2018
If Trump decides to retreat MbS because of his brutality, which is unlikely to happen, it will not be a decision of American liberal principles, but a decision motivated by the increasing unpredictability of MbS's actions in the Middle East.
The False Promise of the United Nations

The False Promise of the United Nations

September 28, 2018
In order to start a new initiative for UN reform, the UNGA should question President Trump’s speech as it reveals the main issues with the UN, and then, should refer to President Erdogan’s statements as a baseline to start thinking about its structure and possible reforms.
Winning Idlib

Winning Idlib

September 21, 2018
At this stage, the most important objective for Turkey is to solve the potential radicalization of the armed groups. If Turkey can deliver its objective, then it can keep its overall position in the Syrian civil war.