The Regional Minorities of Syria and Their Relations with the New Regime

Alawite family returns to their home in Latakia, Syria from sanctuary at the Russian air base, March 2025. Photo credit: REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi.

The popular uprising that erupted in Syria in March 2011 was largely limited to the Sunni Arab majority and was eventually led by Islamist activists. It confronted the country’s religious and ethnic minorities with existential challenges. Caught between the anvil of anarchy and the hammer of Islamism, they feared for Syria’s future as a secular […]

Petting Hamas While Killing Kurds, The Double Game of Turkish President Erdoğan

Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdoğan during the “Great Palestinian Rally” in Istanbul, October 28, 2023. Photo credit: REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya.

“We will tell the whole world that Israel is a war criminal. We are preparing for this. We will declare Israel a war criminal,” said Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdoğan during the “Great Palestinian Rally” that took place in Istanbul on October 28, exactly three weeks after Hamas murdered over 1400 Israeli and other citizens, […]

Turkey’s Hinge Election

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (Right), Leader of Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (Left). Photos credit: via REUTERS, REUTERS

In 2023, Turkey will hold a hinge election. An opposition victory would mean a more democratic, pro-Western Turkey—and a Turkey that keeps its distance from Islamist groups. An Erdoğan victory would solidify his hold on the nation and most likely mean diminished freedoms and continued Turkish efforts to balance East and West, as well as […]