Review – Democracy, Islam, And Secularism in Turkey
Democracy, Islam, and Secularism in Turkey illuminates some of the most compelling and significant questions driving the central debates in contemporary Turkey.
Russia, America, and Syria
Moscow and Washington strongly disagree over many issues. Their differences over Syria, however, do not amount to a Cold War-style proxy war between them. Regional actors are more at odds in Syria than the U.S. and Russia.
The Gradual Tilt to Asia: Cause for Re-Defining Saudi Arabia’s Regional Environment?
By promoting and continuing to dominate the sub-regionalisation of Middle East foreign policy through a more integrated and assertive GCC, Saudi Arabia could stand itself in good stead to gain from a tilt to Asia.
Considering YouTube Diplomacy
The differences in Western and Arab reactions to the Innocence of Muslims video clip cannot be reconciled. A cultural détente is our best hope. YouTube diplomacy is now an issue that all nations must address.
How Can Islam Help Us Tackle Climate Change?
Rather than lagging behind in awareness and action around climate change, Islamic nations should be leading the way by taking their Islamic duties to the environment more seriously.
The Human Terrain System in Northeast Baghdad: The View From The Team Level
Rather than debating the ethics of social science in military operations, this article provides an inside account of the Human Terrain concept in a culturally complex area: northeast Baghdad.
Review – Syria at Bay
Carsten Wieland offers a nuanced insight into the complex make-up of Syrian society before it descended into chaos. Such insights will be of enormous value in a post Assad era.
Extremist Islam and Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq
Recent conflicts have highlighted how religion and identity are central to security issues. The question remains as to what extent individual conflict zones are facets of a wider, transnational war which pits the ‘West’ against al Qaeda?
It Is a Civil War Within Islam: Not Global Terrorism
Washington cannot unilaterally deal with the mayhem that the Islamic civil war has unleashed. The U.S. must enlist allies in multilateral responses to jihadist threats. Often, events can only be influenced at the margins. At times, the most prudent policy may be to do nothing at all.
Turkey Today: A “Leviathan” or a “Law-seeker”?
The profound social and political changes Turkey has undergone have made it a law seeking nation. Ankara is now on the path to becoming a full fledged democracy under the rule of law.
