Murat Sofuoglu

Do escalating tensions spell the end for the NATO-Russia Council?

The NATO-Russia Council has been an opportunity to keep communication open since the 1990s, but recently both sides expelled their diplomats deepening the rift.

Syria unsafe for any refugee return from host countries - HRW

Human Rights Watch report shed light that Damascus operates a mafia-style intelligence state where returnees face brutality even after signing a “reconciliation” document.

How a left-leaning Germany will affect larger European politics

After 16 years, Germany’s Social Democrats finally beat Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats in September polls. If a left-led government comes in power, will it change much in the EU?

What are the best political scenarios emerging from the Iraq elections?

Without Muqtada al Sadr, Iraq's kingmaker, no coalition government can be formed, experts say. And if it is formed, Sunni bloc’s Halbousi and Kurdish leader Barzani are likely to be in the new government.

Has Iran lost grip over Baghdad after the Iraqi election?

Iran-backed groups have lost significant ground in Iraq but Tehran still has some supporters to help it keep its influence over the neighbouring country.

Are Azerbaijan-Turkey drills meant to send a tough message to Iran?

After Iran’s military deployment on its border with Azerbaijan, the two allies, Baku and Ankara, are conducting joint military drills in the Nakhchivan province of the Turkic state, sending signals to Tehran.

Why are tensions escalating between France and Algeria?

President Macron finds it difficult to grasp why Algerians are still anti-French when France is yet to apologise to them for killing and abusing their forefathers during the French colonialism.

Why is Iran deploying troops on its border with Azerbaijan?

Tehran is not happy about Azerbaijan’s victory in Nagorno-Karabakh against Armenia. And Baku’s restrictions on Iranian trucks entering the region escalated tensions between the neighbours.

Will Russia let the US use its Central Asia bases to monitor terrorism?

Washington seems interested in using Russian military bases in Central Asia to oversee terrorist threats, particularly the ones emerging from Afghanistan.

Will the Erdogan-Putin summit bring Turkey and Russia closer?

While Russia and Turkey have shown willingness to keep building their ties, the two nations may face limitations due to their divergence in foreign policy.

How the Taliban governs itself

The way the Taliban functions internally remains an enigma despite the fact that the group is now running Afghanistan. This is what we know about the group’s political structure.

Can elections change anything in war-torn Iraq?

With a little confidence in the country's political system, many ordinary Iraqis are likely to stay away from the ballot box while Shia-led parties like Muqtada al Sadr’s group are expected to dominate next month’s polls.