Kemalism vs Kemalism in Turkish elections

Turkish presidential election Sunday goes down to the wires From a geopolitical perspective, the Turkish presidential election on Sunday may appear to be one of the most crucial non-violent political events of this year. But appearances can be deceptive in Turkish politics.  In the surcharged polarisation of “West versus Rest” in international politics, western media is rooting for …

Syria’s return to Arab League is a big deal

Emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers agreed to readmit Syria, Cairo, May 7, 2023 When a mere subplot overnight assumes habitation and a name, it becomes more fascinating than the main plot itself. Syria’s return to the Arab League after its decade-long exclusion can be regarded as a sub-plot of the China-brokered rapprochement between …

Whither Ukraine’s counteroffensive?

Russian forces delivered massive strikes on Ukrainian military  facilities to disrupt the planned “counteroffensive” The month of May has arrived but without the long-awaited Ukrainian “counteroffensive”. The western media is speculating that it may come by late May. There is also the  spin that Kiev is judicious to “buy time.”  The chances of Ukraine making …

China shifts gear on Ukraine mediation

Russian-controlled Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporozhya region where  Ukrainian “counter-offensive” is expected (File photo) For all the noise out of Washington, more and more countries are integrating their supply chains with China. Even the UK Foreign Secretary is making overtures to China, while Zelensky had a “long and meaningful” phone call with Xi Jinping on …

Pivotal moment in India-Russia relations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (L) and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov at a Russian-Indian business forum organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs & Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, New Delhi, April 17, 2023 Most relationships undergo transition with the passage of time from appreciation of each other to …

Ukraine: Stalemate in an attritional war?

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) arrives at the Headquarters of the Dnepr Group of Forces, Kherson Oblast, April 17, 2023 The Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to the country’s “new territories” of Lugansk and Kherson/Zaporozhye Regions on Monday to assess the military situation.  The countdown has begun for the Ukrainian “counterattack”. The arrival of Patriot missile system …