ARMENIA: Opposition victory in Sunday’s vote could destabilize Nagorno-Karabakh
Early parliamentary elections on 20 June amount to a referendum on which political party can avenge the losses suffered during a six-week war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh in autumn 2020. The vote will see a tight battle between the ruling Civil Contract Party (KP) l… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
TURKEY: Easing restrictions but luring back tourists will be hard
Economic (and political) imperatives continue to shape Turkey’s fight against Covid-19. The vaccination rollout is currently disrupted by supply issues and it is unclear when an adequate provision will be secured. Barring a late rebound, the tourism season this year is … Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: A likely futile lockdown
Turkey will enforce its strictest nationwide lockdown from today (29 April) until 17 May to fight a surging third wave of coronavirus infections. Leaving aside the medical emergency, the idea is that a strict lockdown now will help to salvage the critical tourism season. However,… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
TURKEY: Armenian Genocide recognition will trigger furious (verbal) response
US President Joe Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide marks a new low-point in bilateral Turkey-US ties and will trigger a furious verbal response from Ankara. Retaliatory measures, if any, are likely to be short-lived and generally non-material. In the best-cas… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Genocide recognition would exacerbate discomfort in Turkey-US ties
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan will finally get his first chance to talk to US President Joe Biden – albeit with plenty of other world leaders – during the virtual climate summit on 22-23 April. The next day, however, could mark a new low point in Turkey-US relations as Biden … Become a member to […]
CAUCASUS: Escalation in fighting unlikely to turn into a regional conflict
Renewed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh are not expected to evolve into a wider conflict despite Turkey’s backing of Azerbaijan and Russia’s close ties with Armenia. Geopolitical considerations and economic constraints on both sides point to (eventual) de-escalation as the m… Become a member to read the rest of this article