Podcasts about amberin zaman

For months Turkey's President Erdogan has avoided wading into the latest peace process with Turkey's Kurds and the PKK. Last week he broke his silence, saying he was prepared to meet with members of the country's pro-Kurdish DEM Party who have played a key role in talks with Abdullah Ocalan. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent based in Paris and covering major stories on Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis to break down what Erdogan's willingness to engage with Kurdish leaders means for this process.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's Erdogan says he's ready to meet with Kurds brokering peace with PKKTurkey's Erdogan discusses Russia-Ukraine war, Syria in first official call with TrumpErdoğan's top rival detained, faces block to presidential candidacyTurkey detains Erdogan's main rival on array of chargesJake Sullivan: ‘We worked behind the scenes'

Earlier this month a Turkish-flagged vessel suspected of carrying weapons to Libya blocked the EU's naval mission Irini from inspecting its cargo. This isn't the first time this has happened. The timing of this shipment, however, which comes amid an escalating row over the leadership of the country's Central Bank, is fueling speculation of renewed conflict in Libya. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis to look into this unfolding crisis in Libya, and break down whether this should be a cause for concern in the Mediterranean.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Libyan Central Bank standoff fuels conflict fears as Turkey, Russia send weaponsFrom Turkey, exiled Libyan Central Bank governor decries 'coup d'etat'Burning oil tanker is safely towed away from Yemen after rebel attacksGreece to ban new short-term lets in Athens for at least a year

A few months ago, thousands of Armenians took to the streets in anti-government protests calling on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. Protesters, led by Archbishop Galstanyan, have blasted Pashinyan for what they see as endless concessions being made to Azerbaijan and Turkey with nothing to show for it in return. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa who has covered conflicts in Iraq, Syria and the South Caucasus, joins me to look into these protests and break down what's at stake in the region as Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, continues to demand further concessions from Armenia.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Archbishop seeking Armenian PM's ouster over concessions to Turkey, Azerbaijan down but not outDiplomatic efforts to decrease tensions as Turkey deploys warships near KasosTensions rise again in the AegeanPM: Progress, lost chances in past 50 yrs

Claims that Turkish President Erdogan has canceled an upcoming meeting at the White House have been circulating in Turkish media. With neither Washington nor Ankara formally denying the rumors, it is raising more questions about whether they are true or not. In the meantime, it seems Ankara is once again putting up hurdles with regard to NATO, this time over the approval of former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new secretary-general. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, joins Thanos Davelis to get to the bottom of these rumors around Erdogan's White House visit.Read Amberin Zaman's latest here: Has Turkey's Erdogan axed his Biden meeting because of Israel?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:French ask to borrow air defense systemPyatt: Greece can cover 80% of needs via RES

Less than a year after securing another term, Turkish President Erdogan's Justice and Development Party suffered its worst defeat in its 22-year history in Sunday's municipal elections. All eyes were on Istanbul, where Ekrem Imamoglu easily won reelection and is increasingly cementing his place as Erdogan's political challenger. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, joins Thanos Davelis to break down Sunday's results, what this defeat means for Erdogan, and look at whether the opposition's resurgence can now reshape Turkey's national politics. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suffers an electoral disasterTurkish local elections: Opposition stuns Erdogan with historic victoryDefense Min unveils ‘Agenda 2030' for armed forces restructuringMitsotakis launches campaign for Euro elections stressing security, stabilityPM notes high stakes of Euro elections

In a major escalation in the Middle East crisis, three US service members were killed and dozens more injured in a drone strike on the Syrian-Jordanian border by the Iranian-backed Islamic Resistance. This comes as attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria have surged since October, and as Washington has been debating a full withdrawal from Syria. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss this latest deadly attack, what it could mean for the region, and what a potential US withdrawal from Syria would mean for America's partners on the ground - the Syrian Kurds - and for the fight against ISIS.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:U.S. troops killed, wounded in Jordan attack blamed on Iranian proxiesPentagon floats plan for its Syrian Kurd allies to partner with Assad against ISISAmerica Is Planning to Withdraw From Syria—and Create a DisasterUS opens F-35 window to AnkaraUS ready to welcome Turkey ‘back into F-35 family' if S-400 issue is resolved

Turkey's President Erdogan appears to be shifting away from his initial moderate tone following the shocking Hamas terror attack this past weekend. Instead, he slammed Israel and the US this week over their response to this terrorist attack. At the same time, Erdogan vowed on Wednesday to escalate Ankara's ongoing military campaign against the Kurds in northeast Syria even as Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of war crimes. Amberin Zaman, the chief correspondent of Al Monitor, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss Erdogan's latest escalation of rhetoric against Israel and the US, look into his threats to step up Ankara's military campaign against the Kurds in northeast Syria, and break down whether Syria's Kurds are slipping further down Washington's list of priorities following the Hamas attack.Read Amberin Zaman's latest here: Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of war crimes as Erdogan vows escalationTurkey's Erdogan strikes moderate stance as Israel-Hamas war ragesYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Situation in and in Relation to SyriaGaza war tests fragile Israel-Turkey rapprochement as Erdogan ups rhetoricWhy Israel-Hamas is Erdoğan's new ‘mission impossible'EU Commission's Schinas stresses ‘respect for democracy' for West Balkans' accessionGreeks denounce Albanian trial of mayor-elect as politicalND aiming for complete dominance

President Erdogan's recent “U-turn” on Sweden's accession to NATO has led to a number of observers wondering whether Turkey may be pivoting away from Russia and returning to the West, with some asking how long Erdogan's special relationship with Putin can last. Amberin Zaman, a senior correspondent reporting from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe exclusively for Al-Monitor, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why none of Erdogan's latest moves amount to a pivot away from Russia any more than they signal a real reset with the West. Instead, this is simply Erdogan navigating Ankara's relationships in ways that he believes best benefit Turkey's interests and above all his own political survival.Read Amberin Zaman's latest piece in Al Monitor here: Erdogan's NATO moves agitate Russia but don't spell Turkey's sharp shift to WestYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Russia's war might have a new casualty: The Putin-Erdogan bondTurkey's Double Dealing in the Ukraine WarTourism enjoys total recoveryBold agenda for Greek-Turkish relations

In Episode 315 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas is joined by Nicholas Danforth and Amberin Zaman to discuss the significance of the recent elections in Turkey for Turkish politics, the country's complex relationship with its neighbors and allies in Europe and the United States, and for the Turkish economy, which has been teetering on the edge of a balance of payments crisis with no easy solution in sight. While much ink has been spilled by Western press outlets covering the recent elections, many of the stories have lacked a larger context for why Turkey's elections matter for people outside of the country. Danforth and Zama attempt to answer this question in the first hour of today's episode and devote the second part of their conversation to a discussion about Turkey's political future, its orientation toward the West, and what, if anything the United States can do to improve relations with Ankara. You can subscribe to our premium content and gain access to our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports (or Key Takeaways) at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you want to join in on the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces genius community, which includes Q&A calls with guests, access to special research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners, you can also do that on our subscriber page. If you still have questions, feel free to email info@hiddenforces.io, and Demetri or someone else from our team will get right back to you. If you enjoyed listening to today's episode of Hidden Forces you can help support the show by doing the following: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | CastBox | RSS Feed Write us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Subscribe to our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe & Support the Podcast at https://hiddenforces.io Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 05/30/2023

As Turkey threatens to mount a fresh ground assault against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria, America's Syrian Kurdish allies are warning that Washington and the Kremlin need to take a much firmer stance to prevent a Turkish offensive that will further undermine the battle against the Islamic State. While Washington has expressed “strong opposition” to a new Turkish military operation in Syria, sources have also indicated that Turkey is spurning all mediation efforts. Amberin Zaman, a senior correspondent reporting from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe exclusively for Al-Monitor, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss the increasing likelihood of a Turkish offensive, the response from Washington and Moscow, and the options on the table for Syria's Kurds. Read Amberin Zaman's latest reports here: Syrian Kurdish commander says Kobani likely target of threatened Turkish ground offensiveSyrian Kurdish commander slams US response to Turkish attacks as US diplomats evacuated from SyriaAmerican aid volunteer David Eubank says Syrian Kurds feel even more betrayed by US in wake of Turkey's most recent attacksYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece to get EU-funded anti-disinformation hubGreece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary agree to boost gas grid interconnections

While everyone's attention is on Ukraine, key developments in Syria have gone under the radar. Recent reports put the spotlight on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadi faction that runs the northwestern province of Idlib, which had moved into Afrin, the Kurdish-majority enclave that was occupied by Turkey in 2018. This move, and the broader trend we are seeing of gradual HTS expansion and consolidation have raised questions about where Turkey stands in this power grab as it's an open secret that Turkey and HTS collaborate on the ground. Amberin Zaman, a senior correspondent reporting from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe exclusively for Al-Monitor, joins Thanos Davelis to look at what's at stake in northern Syria. Read Amberin Zaman's piece in Al Monitor here: Are Syria's HTS jihadis Turkey's new friends?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Zelenskyy thanks Greece for tanks, EU bid, solidarityErdoğan gears up for huge pre-election spending spree in TurkeyTurkey set to increase defense spending

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces the biggest challenge to his nearly two decades of uninterrupted rule as galloping inflation, a wilting national currency and resentment toward Syrian migrants sap his popularity — and one world leader is watching closely: Russia's Vladimir Putin. Mark Galeotti, a London-based lecturer and writer on transnational crime in Russia and director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence has studied Turkey's relations with Russia closely. He says that Putin understands and feels at ease with ruthlessly pragmatic strongmen like Erdogan being one himself and can overlook their quarrels in pursuit of Russia's interests, especially as it faces major setbacks in Ukraine. In this podcast Galeotti unpacks the relationship, explaining how decision making on Turkey is carried out in the Kremlin and what the real security risks to the West are.For more on Erdogan and Putin read Amberin Zaman's latest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turkish leaders continue to threaten another military offensive against the Syrian Kurds. But they need either the Kremlin's or Washington's approval to mount any such offensive in the zones that are under Russian and US control. Salih Muslim, the leader of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party that hold power in northeast Syria says Erdogan is unpredictable and might carry out a military operation.Muslim recalls in this conversaton with Amberin Zaman the days when he used to travel to Turkey when Ankara was holding peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan and his commanders in the field. Muslim says until Turkey solves its Kurdish question there cannot be peace in the region.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amberin Zaman speaks to Yevgeniya Gaber a former Ukrainian diplomat who is currently a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and Carleton University about Turkey's role in the Russia Ukraine conflict ahead of President Erdogan's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Sochi. Turkey has been seeking to play mediator between the warring countries and scored a diplomatic victory earlier this month brokering a deal together with the United Nations for Ukrainian grain to be shipped from its blockaded Black Sea ports. The first ship laden with Ukrainian grain departed Odesa today but the road ahead is pitted with risks and it's too soon to celebrate, argues Gaber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The arrival of two superyachts belonging to the sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in Turkey this week comes amid international efforts to freeze assets belonging to Russian billionaires with links to Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and is raising concerns in the West that Turkey could become a haven for Russian oligarchs looking to avoid sanctions. So far, Turkey has not joined in on sanctions against Russia, opting to carve out a middle road that enables it to maintain ties with both Russia and Ukraine in an effort to play a mediating role. Amberin Zaman joins our host Thanos Davelis to explore whether Turkey might become a haven for sanctioned Russians, discuss Turkey's broader role in illicit financing, and look at how this could impact Turkey's relations with the West.Amberin Zaman is a staff correspondent for Al-Monitor covering the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria, Iraq, and Turkey.Read Amberin Zaman's latest piece for Al-Monitor here: Will Turkey become haven for sanctioned Russians?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Roman Abramovich's yachts sail into Turkish squall over sanctionsEU leaders wrangle with issue of oil and gas imports from Russia at summitEU agrees on Russia sanctions so far, but energy dividesWest rejects Russia's rouble payments 'blackmail' as it rallies behind UkraineMitsotakis: NATO unified on backing Ukraine

How will Turkey's military and diplomatic support to Ukraine — while disassociating from the Western campaign to limit Russia's reach — determine its regional policies going forward? How will Armenia and Karabakh be impacted? How will negotiations regarding opening the Turkey-Armenia border figure into Turkey's calculus for its role in the region? Amberin Zaman is a veteran Turkish journalist who has covered Turkey and the region for a variety of international publications. She is Senior Correspondent for Al-Monitor. She speaks with Institute Director Salpi Ghazarian on the view of the Ukraine war from Turkey. This is Episode 10 of the limited series called Ukraine, Armenia & War. For more, visit Armenian.usc.edu.

Tonight; Erdoğan visits Ukraine and we'll have journalist Amberin Zaman for analysis. Europe Council of Ministers begins infringement proceedings for Turkey, yet another round of firings in the government, ruling government takes more political hits, and we'll have the latest in the economy.

Amberin Zaman, senior correspondent for Al-Monitor, discusses her reporting from northeastern Syria, including the devastating effect of the worst drought in seven decades; why SDF leader Mazloum Kobane doesn't expect a Turkish attack, but is disappointed by US policy on Syria; how increasing tensions between Turkey and Russia over Ukraine could impact Syria; the tragedy of Syria's camels; and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barzani aracılığıyla Türkiye-BAE yakınlaşması - Konuk: Amberin Zaman

Across Turkish-occupied territories in northern Syria, a pattern of violence and criminality has been established, and Turkish-backed groups are accused of becoming criminal syndicates that kidnap for money and exploit citizens' resources for their own gain. A recent piece in Al Monitor focuses on Afrin, the majority Kurdish enclave in northern Syria that has been occupied by Turkish-backed forces since 2018, has become a “laboratory for Turkey's experiments in demographic engineering and cultural imperialism. Amberin Zaman, one of the authors of this investigative piece, joins The Greek Current to talk about the violence, abuse, and profiteering now afflicting many of the territories under the control of Turkish proxies. Amberin Zaman is a roving staff correspondent for Al-Monitor covering the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Prior to Al-Monitor, Amberin Zaman served as The Economist's Turkey correspondent. Read Amberin Zaman's latest in-depth article for Al-Monitor: Turkish-backed rebels leave trail of abuse and criminality in Syria's AfrinYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Greece extends mandatory regular testing for unvaccinated tourism staffVirus spreading fast in 40-60 age groupUN Security Council slams decision to reopen Cyprus suburbNicosia okay with latest UNSC draft on Varosha

Amberin Zaman speaks this week to Tugba Tanyeri Erdemir, a Turkish academic, about the current status of the Haghia Sophia, the 6th century Byzantine cathedral that was converted from a museum to a full service mosque close to a year ago provoking harsh reactions worldwide. Has the structure been damaged? What further “conquests” does Erdogan have in mind as he pushes ahead with his ambitious campaign to supplant modern Turkey's father Kemal Ataturk as the “greatest” and most consequential leader since the founding of the Republic in 1923?Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Since May 2nd, Sedat Peker, a notorious organized crime boss in Turkey, has been posting YouTube videos implicating current and former Turkish officials, their relatives and other prominent figures in crimes, including murder plots, rape and drug trafficking. His videos have drawn millions of views, and has triggered an in-depth look at the links between mafia gangs, police, politicians and business circles in Turkey. The allegations in the videos have rocked Turkish President Erdogan's government, with Peker's videos focusing on Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu. On Wednesday, Turkish President Erdogan finally stepped in and broke his silence. Amberin Zaman joins The Greek Current with the latest analysis.Amberin Zaman is a roving staff correspondent for Al-Monitor covering the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Prior to Al-Monitor, Amberin Zaman served as The Economist's Turkey correspondent.Read Amberin Zaman's latest analysis in Al Monitor: Erdogan swats aside mobster, stands behind interior ministerYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Peker videos: Gang leader's claims rattle Turkish governmentTurkey pushed NATO allies into softening outrage over Belarus plane, diplomats sayFact sheet puts US-Cyprus ties at historic highU.S. Security Cooperation With the Republic of Cyprus

This week Egypt and Turkey held two days of talks on bilateral and regional issues aimed at reseting ties after nearly eight years of a diplomatic rift. The talks come amid a charm offensive by Turkey toward Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf states aimed at ending its growing diplomatic isolation. Ankara has also sent out feelers to Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia next week for talks. Amberin Zaman joins us to analyze this week's talks between Egypt and Turkey, and look at Turkey's latest outreach to Saudi Arabia.Amberin Zaman is a roving staff correspondent for Al-Monitor covering the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Prior to Al-Monitor, Amberin Zaman served as The Economist's Turkey correspondent.Read Amberin Zaman's latest report in Al Monitor: Will Turkey's efforts to woo Egypt yield fruit?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Egypt and Turkey hold ‘frank' official talks, first since 2013Turkey Seeks Saudi Arabia Talks as Part of Regional ResetHellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Maloney and Bilirakis Introduce Legislation to Hold Turkey Accountable for Violating the Religious FreedomsEU commissioner floats shift on Albania membership talks

Elif Çakır ve Yıldıray Oğur Bi' Karar Ver'in bugünkü konuğu Gazeteci Amberin Zaman ile S-400' ler, Halk Bankası ve Gülen Davasını tartıştı.

Over the past month, Russia has been massing troops, tanks and heavy artillery along its eastern border with Ukraine. These moves are not only raising the prospect of tensions escalating between Ukraine and Russia, but are also setting off alarms in Washington and at NATO headquarters. Amid these increased tensions, Ukraine's President Zelensky visited Turkey's President Erdogan over the weekend in a trip that highlighted Kiev's partnership with Ankara, and shored up Turkish support for Ukraine.Dimitar Bechev, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council who follows Russia and Turkey, joins The Greek Current to analyze the latest developments and look at what Turkey's show of support to Ukraine means for Turkey-Russia relations.Read Dimitar Bechev's comments in Amberin Zaman's article in Al-Monitor: Turkey, US in rare position of unity over UkraineYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Russia restricts flights to Turkey as political tensions riseRussia calls U.S. an adversary, warns its warships to avoid CrimeaUkraine to NATO: Act now to prevent war with RussiaUS agencies call for pause in Johnson & Johnson vaccineEU seeking ‘urgent clarification' on Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine delay‘Green passport' scheme for Covid-free EU travel gathers paceEU Governments to Seek Deal on Controversial Covid Passports

Ukrayna’nın başkenti Kiev’de bulunan gazeteci Amberin Zaman, Ukrayna ile Rusya arasında tırmanan gerginliği Joe Biden yönetimi ve Türkiye-ABD ilişkileri açısından değerlendirdi. Ukrayna Cumhurbaşkanı Zelenskiy’in Türkiye ziyaretinde Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan ile duyurdukları ortak bildiriyi de analiz eden Zaman, ayrıca, Biden’ın 24 Nisan’da 1915 olayları için soykırım nitelemesi kullanacağına dair haberlerle ve Mayıs ayında New York’ta görülmeye başlanacak Halkbank davasıyla ilgili sorularımızı da yanıtladı.

Raziye Akkoc, a British-Turkish journalist based in Ankara who reports for Agence France Presse and co-edits a highly regarded weekly newsletter Turkey Recap, speaks to Amberin Zaman about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's unchallenged grip on politics. For all his recent setbacks — most notably a weakening economy — he is, she says, "still the guy." Early elections are a possibility and his alliance with far right nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli is likely to last.

Sherri Kraham Talabany, the president and executive director of the Iraqi Kurdistan-based SEED Foundation NGO, speaks to Amberin Zaman this week about the enormous challenges facing Iraq as the country grapples with the human toll of the havoc and brutality wreaked by the Islamic State. Few have suffered as much as the country's Yazidi community, with thousands of its women abducted, raped and enslaved, as well as young boys used as child soldiers, in a wave of violence across Iraq and Syria.

Al Monitor yazarı gazeteci Amberin Zaman, yeni anayasa görüşmeleri devam eden Suriye’de siyasi çözüm sürecinde gelinen aşama ile Şam yönetimi, İdlib’deki muhalifler, Kürtler ve başta Joe Biden başkanlığında Amerika Birleşik Devletleri olmak üzere dış aktörler arasındaki ilişkileri Gülçin Karabağ’a değerlendirdi.

Journalist Amberin Zaman analyzes Turkey's latest attempts at a diplomatic “reset” with the United States, and discusses what is in store for the US-Turkey relationship as the new Biden administration takes over. We also take a look at Syria, and whether the appointment of Brett McGurk to the National Security Council will cause more friction in US-Turkish relations. Finally, we break down recent reports that point to a rift in the governing coalition in Turkey, and examine if that means early elections may be on the horizon.Amberin Zaman is a roving staff correspondent for Al-Monitor covering the Middle East, with a particular focus on Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. Prior to Al-Monitor, Amberin Zaman served as The Economist's Turkey correspondent between 1999 and 2016.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Turkey's nationalists threaten AKP alliance with calls to ban pro-Kurdish partyTurkey's scapegoating of McGurk rooted in revisionismCan Syria be stitched back together again?Turkey launches charm offensive to ease tensions with EUEU, Turkey cautiously eye improved ties after tough 2020Athens eyes even stronger ties with US

Al-Monitor Senior Correspondent Amberin Zaman discusses why US-Turkey relations are unlikely to get better; the Kurdish question in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria; why an Israel-Turkey rapprochement is not imminent; and her new role as the other host of ‘on the Middle East….also Andrew’s take on Hamas and Egypt’s vital role in regional peace efforts.

Türkiye-İsrail ilişkilerinde normalleşme arayışları - Konuk: Amberin Zaman by Medyascope

Vaşington’dan araştırmacı Merve Tahiroğlu ile gazeteci Amberin Zaman, Medyascope özel yayınında, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde başkanlık seçimlerine çok kısa süre kala son durumu değerlendirdi.

Al-Monitor senior correspondent Amberin Zaman explains the background to the Kurdish question in Syria, US-Turkey relations, and what to expect next in the now nine-year war, as well as observations and advice for young journalists covering conflict and the Middle East.

Following up on Episode #115, Phil and Cooper discuss what’s happened in Syria since President Trump decided to withdraw US troops from the northeastern territories, leaving Syrian Kurdish allies to fend for themselves against the Turkish military operation. But are the troops really “coming home,” and if so, when? Are there still plans for troops in Syria? And if the US is leaving, who’s going to fill that void? We answer these questions and speak with senior correspondent Amberin Zaman to learn more about how the Syrian Kurds are processing events of the last few weeks. US announces full withdrawal from northern Syria as Turkish forces advance (Jack Detsch/Amberin Zaman) 'Majority' of US troops depart Syria (Jack Detsch) Who betrayed Syria’s Kurds? (Amberin Zaman) Turkey, Russia both claim win in Syria agreement (Amberin Zaman) Trump administration scrambles to salvage US troop presence in Syria (Jack Detsch) Extra Listening: Episode #82,   Walk (Back) This Way (1/10/2019): Trump announces pulling troops out of Syria, only to be stopped by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Episode #110,   The Not-So-Safe Zone (8/22/2019): The US and Turkey agree to a buffer zone along the Turkey-Syria border to prevent any military operations against the Kurds. Episode #115,  Seen and Not Kurd (10/10/2019): After a chance phone call with Turkish President Erdogan, President Trump announces that US troops will leave northern Syria, putting the long alliance with Syrian Kurds in jeopardy. Music: Sherine - “Hobboh Ganna” ( Spotify |  Apple Music)    

Back from a summer break, Phil and Cooper discuss the recent news out of North Africa: the Tunisian president, Beji Caid Essebsi, died at age 92. There was a huge outpouring of support for Essebsi’s rule, both from Tunisians and the international community - but does this really reflect his legacy? Where did Essebsi get his start, and what comes next for Tunisia? Fadil Aliriza, a journalist based in Tunis and editor-in-chief of mesh-kal.com, joins the podcast to talk about these recent events and more. Tunisian president's death leaves conflicted legacy, unclear future (Simon Speakman Cordall) Extra Listening: Episode #83, The Jasmine Revolution, Pt 1 (1/17/19): Emir Sfaxi joins us to discuss the 2011 fall of Ben Ali and the beginning of the Arab Spring Episode #84, The Jasmine Revolution, Pt 2 (1/24/19): Amberin Zaman joins to discuss her reporting on the ground in Tunisia during the anniversary of the revolution.  Music: Nermine Sfar & Ali Sabri Belaid - “Twarri Nwarri” (YouTube)

This week, Phil and Cooper explain the age-old territorial dispute between the Greeks and the Turks for the island of Cyprus. The dispute has re-entered the national conversation as Turkey presses forward with some ambitious plans to drill for oil in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, in waters claimed by both Cyprus and Turkey. Why is the Turkish government so determined to drill? And how have other countries responded? Al-Monitor senior correspondent Amberin Zaman joins the podcast after reporting from Cyprus on the story. Eastern Mediterranean crisis balloons as Turkish drill ships multiply (Amberin Zaman) EU downgrades diplomatic ties, funding with Turkey over Cyprus gas drilling (Diego Cupolo) Congress advances bill sidelining Turkey on Mediterranean gas dispute (Bryant Harris) Eastern Mediterranean heats up as gas rivalry stakes grow higher (Metin Gurcan) Militarization of Mediterranean rises with exploration disputes (Metin Gurcan) Music: Monsieur Doumani - “Mandra” (Spotify | Apple Music)

This week, Egyptians voted on a referendum that would amend their constitution and give their sitting president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the opportunity to rule for another ten years. Who is Sisi? How did he come to power? And why is he such a controversial figure? Phil and Cooper discuss Sisi’s meteoric rise from Egypt’s military brass to the presidential palace, as well as the effects of this week’s contentious vote. Proposal to extend Sisi's term sparks controversy in Egypt (Shahira Amin) Cowed Egyptians meet Sisi’s power grab with apathy (Shahira Amin) Egypt gears up for referendum (Rania Rabeaa Elabd) Senators rebuke Egypt as White House rolls out red carpet for Sisi (Bryant Harris) Extra Listening: Episode #2, Back Up In Your A** With the Referendum (4/19/2017): Turkey votes on a referendum to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power. Episode #47, A Glance of Gaza (4/5/2018): Egypt’s presidential election sees President Sisi win with a whopping 97% of the vote. Episodes #83 & #84, The Jasmine Revolution Part I (1/17/2019) & Part II (1/24/2019): Phil and Cooper speak with Emir Sfaxi about the beginning of Tunisia’s revolution, which kickstarted the Arab Spring, and with Amberin Zaman about her recent reporting in Tunisia after the anniversary. Music: Al Massrieen - “Sah” (Spotify | Apple Music)

The second of our two-part series on the anniversary of Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution, which led to the fall of their longtime dictator Ben Ali and the birth of the Arab Spring. Eight years later, Tunisia is considered to be the sole success story of the Spring, as they have been transitioning into a democracy since the revolution. Al-Monitor’s senior correspondent Amberin Zaman joins Phil and Cooper on this week’s podcast and discusses her recent travels to Tunisia, her meetings with their historic Truth and Dignity Commission, the security situation on their borders, and what lies ahead for the country. Tunisia’s democracy on life support as politicians squabble (Amberin Zaman) Tunisians cautiously optimistic as truth commission delivers final report (Amberin Zaman) How Tunisia’s main labor union cripples economic reform (Amberin Zaman) Music: Si Lemhaf – “Ay Ay Ay” (Spotify | YouTube)

How will we miss 2018? Let me count the ways. Alright, we’re done - let’s get this year over with. Phil and Cooper speak with Al-Monitor’s Congressional Correspondent Bryant Harris about the recent Senate vote on Yemen, and we will hear from him and many other Al-Monitor editors and columnists about their predictions for the coming year, featuring Mazal Mualem, Daoud Kuttab, Laura Rozen, Mohammad Shabbani, Ali Mamouri, Amberin Zaman, and Max Suchkov. Also, give a warm welcome to guest host, the late John McLaughlin. This is the last episode of 2018, see you in January! Senate votes to end US involvement in Yemen war (Bryant Harris)  Music: Fairuz – “Laylet Eid” (iTunes | Spotify)

Phil and Cooper speak with Turkey Pulse columnist Amberin Zaman and Washington editor Julian Pecquet about the tensions between the US and Turkey following the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson and the gruesome details of the Jamal Khashoggi disappearance. Music: Yara - Ma Yhemmak (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)

Elijah Magnier returns to the show for an update and insight on the political situation in Iraq where the prime minister selection process (also a proxy battle of sorts between the US and Iran) is still ongoing. See Around the Empire Episode 56 for our first conversation on this topic. We also talk about the stalled operation in Idlib and the power players involved. Elijah is a veteran war correspondent, a terrorism/counterterrorism analyst specializing in the Europe and the Middle East, especially Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Libya. He recently left Iraq and is speaking to us today from Lebanon. Follow Elijah at @ejmalrai and find his work at ejmagnier.com. Support him by using the Paypal link at the bottom of every page on his website. We are independent media and we rely on your contributions. Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com. FOLLOW @aroundtheempire. SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW on iTunes, iHeart, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook. Recorded on September 14, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey. Reference Links: A Weak and Divided Iraq is Stumbling Towards an Unbalanced Future (6/8/18), Elijah Magnier The US Forces in Al-Tanf are Beleaguered on both the Syrian and Iraqi Sides. Tehran is Challenging Washington in Iraq Abadi is No Longer the Agreed Favourite Candidate (7/23/18), Elijah Magnier Which War for Mesopotamia? Iraq Must Choose Between Iran and the US (8/21/18) , Elijah Magnier Faleh Al-Fayyad is the Official Anti-US PM Candidate in Iraq, While the US is Trying to Hit Iran Below the Belt (8/31/18), Elijah Magnier The US Horse Fell at the First Jump in Iraq (9/4/18), Elijah Magnier The USA Oblivious to the Rise of a Resistance Movement in Response to Its Interference in Iraqi Elections (9/5/18), Elijah Magnier A Wake-Up Call to the US in Baghdad: Will Haidar Abadi Become the Mohammad Morsi of Iraq? (9/7/18), Elijah Magnier Haidar Abadi Has Fallen With the Burned Walls of the Iranian Consulate in Basra (9/10/18), Elijah Magnier The Liberation of Idlib: Turkey is in the Way, With Russia Slowing Down (9/14/18), Elijah Magnier Syria - The Rationale Behind The Delay Of Idleb's Liberation, Moon of Alabama Can Erdogan intimidate Assad into backing off Idlib?, Amberin Zaman, Al Monitor “Turkey reinforces military in Syria's Idlib after ceasefire call fails”, Orhan Coskun, Reuters Turkish Strategy in Northern Syria Military Operations, Turkish-Backed Groups and Idlib Issue, SouthFront “Notorious Terrorist Commander Eliminated By Syrian Troops In Idlib”, Muraselon/The Syria Reporters

We're a day late, but Happy Halloween. Phil and Cooper forgo the usual back-and-forth and bring in the real expert — Al-Monitor's own Amberin Zaman — to discuss Iraqi Kurdistan's future after President Massoud Barzani stepped down from power this week. Also, Egyptian female pro wrestling. 05:46 - Ankara still frosty toward KRG as Barzani exists (Amberin Zaman) 22:43 - Female grapplers take it to the mat in Egypt (Salwa Samir) Music: Dawoud Hussein & Haya Al Shuaibi - Thriller (Michael Jackson cover) (YouTube)

US-Turkey relations are at an all-time low, and now it’s going to be harder for Americans to get visas to travel to Istanbul. Phil and Cooper explain the backstory of the scuffle between the two countries, and what’s happened since. Also, Saudi Arabian royalty visited Russia last week – what’s the significance of their first-ever visit from a Saudi king, and what might Russia be thinking? Also, Julian won an award, yeah Julian! 05:34 - Erdogan targets US envoy over escalating visa row (Amberin Zaman) 05:34 - Turkey, US keep finding ways to vex each other (Pinar Tremblay) 10:00 - Why are Turks disposing of $1 bills? (Tulay Cetingulec) 16:28 - Russians, Saudis look to spruce up relations (Max Suchkov) 16:28 - King Salman goes to Russia (Bruce Riedel) 16:28 - US missile defense sale to Saudis seen as effort to thwart Russia (Jack Detsch) Music: Elif Kaya - Tövbe Tövbe (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)

Phil and Cooper figured that last week’s referendum in Kurdistan deserved a little more airtime, so we give an update on the threats that the Kurds are dealing with along their borders after this landmark vote. Also, Palestine joins Interpol, and fall is in the air. 05:38 - Iraqi Kurds watch nervously as Erdogan heads for Tehran (Amberin Zaman) 05:38 - Turkey, Iran, Iraq in shaky alignment against Iraqi Kurdistan (Fehim Tastekin) 05:38 - Iran’s pressure on Kurds could backfire (Fazel Hawramy) 16:02 - Palestine’s admission to Interpol sparks angry response from Israel (Daoud Kuttab) Music: Mohammed Assaf - Dammi Falastini (iTunes | Spotify | YouTube)

This week, the podcast receives its first guest. Al-Monitor Columnist Ali Hashem joins Phil and Cooper to discuss the results of last week's Iranian elections, the mood on the ground in Tehran over the weekend, the path forward for President Hassan Rouhani and what the future holds for conservative hardliners. Phil and Cooper also talk about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's goon crew and their violence towards protesters on US soil. 01:18 - Ali Hashem's articles for Al-Monitor 17:13 - DC treated to Turkish-style crackdown on pro-Kurdish demonstrators (Amberin Zaman) 17:13 - McCain reacts to DC brawl: throw Turkey's ambassador 'the hell out' (Amberin Zaman) 17:13 - New voices join Washington clamor over beatdown by Erdogan guards (Amberin Zaman) Song: Arsames - Cyrus the Great

Tensions have been rising between the US and Turkey after strikes against the YPG in Syria, and Phil and Cooper are here to break it down. In addition, they discuss this week's Algerian elections (which no one there really cares about, since no one knows whether their president is alive). Also, Disney movies and the Met Gala. 05:38 - Kurds call on US to set up no-fly zone after Turkish attacks (Amberin Zaman) 05:38 - YPG, Turkish forces exchange fire on Syrian border (Amberin Zaman) 05:38 - White House still quiet on Turkish airstrike in run-up to Erdogan visit (Amberin Zaman) 05:38 - US move to protect YPG could push Turkey into Russia's arms (Amberin Zaman) 05:38 - Does Turkey plan to continue airstrikes in Iraq, Syria? (Metin Gurcan) 16:02 - Self-reliant Algeria cracks open the door to US influence (Julian Pecquet) 23:40 - 'Beauty and the Beast' romances Egypt despite controversial content (David Awad) Song: Cheb Khaled - C'est la vie Feel free to email us at podcasts@al-monitor.com with any questions, comments, concerns, or feedback you may have!

Can Turkish democracy - and Turkey's strategic relationships with Europe and the United States - survive Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increasing consolidation of domestic political power? Three Turkish experts, including the author of a timely new book on Erdogan's rise and ambitions, discuss the country's likely future. Near East PolicyCast: Conversations on Middle East issues from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Turkey first applied to join the European club over 50 years ago. Over the subsequent decades-long flirtation, enthusiasm for the EU in Turkey has remained high. Integrating with Europe, it was thought, would spur modernisation and economic development. But the country is changing under President Erdogan – who recently survived a coup attempt – in ways which deepen doubts in Europe about whether Turkey really shares its values. And enthusiasm in Turkey for the EU has begun to ebb away, as fewer and fewer Turks believe the EU will ever fully embrace them. So, our question this week: does Turkey still want to join the EU? Contributors: Aykan Erdemir, former Turkish politician; Amberin Zaman, journalist and fellow at the Wilson Center; Senem Aydın-Düzgit, professor in international relations at Sabancı University; and Sinan Ulgen, scholar in Turkish foreign relations at Carnegie Europe. Presenter: Chris Morris Producer: Julia Ross (Photo: European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the EU Commission in Brussels, Belgium, 05 October 2015. BBC Copyright, Elvis)

“Increasingly the Turkish public is no longer privy to critical views of the government, so all you have is just propaganda,” said Amberin Zaman. “What’s also troubling is the fact that now the government is also targeting the Western press.”

Amberin Zaman est éditorialiste pour le site turc d’information en ligne Diken. Elle collabore également au site d’actualités sur le Moyen-Orient, Al-Monitor, basé à Washington aux États-Unis. Elle participe ce soir (16 novembre à 19 h) à une table ronde organisée par l'Institut international de la presse et l'Université Concordia de Montréal. Le thème : « Menaces, risques et libertés : une conversation sur le journalisme et les droits de la personne ».