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6761. Some Recommendations Following the Gaza Operation and the Israeli Elections

Author:
Bora Bayraktar and Can Yirik
Publication Date:
03-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
The crisis that started with Hamas winning the Palestinian Authority (PA) elections in January of 2006 seems to have entered a new stage with the start of 2009. Israel, which provides the occupied PA with the bulk of its economic resources, the US and the EU classifying Hamas as a terrorist organization and the resulting 3 year long economic siege and blockade, and the Israeli operation that started on the 27th of December and lasted for 22 days have all made the humanitarian situation in this region unbearable.
Topic:
Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Aid, and Terrorism
Political Geography:
United States, Europe, and Israel

6762. Iran, the Bomb and Turkey

Author:
Yalım Eralp
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
The question of Iran “ going nuclear” is of global concern. Iran has up to now used devious methods to violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty and has indeed misled the world community. The Obama Administration is concerned about these developments as much as the previous Bush Administration was. However, President Obama's approach to nuclear weapons in general and talks with Iran have been different both in essence and form. Another matter of concern has been the attitude of Israel and the manner in which the US has tried to handle the Israeli dossier towards Iran. The October 1st negotiations with Iran have been considered constructive by the West. These negotiations will take time and probably prove to be difficult. Turkey's attitude towards a “nuclear” Iran seems to be ambivalent in recent times, whereby while Turkey does not want a nuclear Iran, it seems to be pointing a finger to nuclear Israel.
Topic:
Nuclear Weapons
Political Geography:
Iran, Turkey, and Israel

6763. The Kurdish Question: The process and the grave mistakes by the Governments

Author:
Yalım Eralp
Publication Date:
10-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
For many years successive governments in Turkey have ignored an even denied the existence of Kurds in Turkey. What would have been possible in the past by recognizing cultural rights has now been a problem whereby an operation seems to be needed. Two common and important mistakes of governments: one is to say Kurds are primary citizens of this country as if there are secondary citizens! The second is “end the terror and we will recognize some rights”. Basic rights cannot be negotiated. This second mistake has led Öcalan to announce his own road map paralel to the Governments. Negotiating with hostile entities is very difficult and needs public consensus. Turkey, unlike Britain and Spain does not have public consensus. The best way was and is to follow EU's democratisation road map.
Topic:
Government
Political Geography:
Europe, Turkey, and Kurdistan

6764. President Obama's Speech in Cairo: A new climate of hope on the world scene

Author:
Ozdem Sanberk
Publication Date:
03-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
Will President Obama's speech in Cairo prove to have been a historic turning point in relations between the Islamic world and the United States? There is no doubt that the President himself sincerely intended it to be. And it is easy to see why. The antagonism between the USA and substantial sections of world Muslim opinion, particularly in the Arab Middle East and Iran, is one of the biggest challenges faced by US foreign policy, a clear threat to world peace. But can things change while the USA is closely aligned with Israel? How ?
Political Geography:
United States and Middle East

6765. Suing for Sovereignty: Property, Territory, and the EU's Cyprus Problem

Author:
Rebecca Bryant and Mete Hatay
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
This article explores the actual and potential effects of recent European legal judgments on ongoing reunification negotiations in Cyprus. In particular, we argue that the European Union's failure to formulate a policy regarding the position of Turkish Cypriots in Europe has had increasingly negative consequences both for negotiations between the island's leaders and for relations between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities. The EU has chosen to ignore the suspension of constitutional order in the Republic of Cyprus, in the process refusing to acknowledge the legal and political effects of the RoC's EU entry on Turkish Cypriots. We use a recent European Court of Justice judgment to illustrate the substantive effects of this hands-off approach, showing how the political use of transnational courts threatens to undermine what many have called the island's “last chance” at reunification.
Political Geography:
Turkey and Cyprus

6766. Turkiye

Author:
Menekşe Tokyay
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
The relations between Turkey and the European Union, which have reached a unique level of harmonization and integration since the start of accession negotiations on 3 October 2005, has become one of the most important anchors for Turkish foreign policy. The accession negotiations towards full membership to the EU are still continuing despite a number of difficulties and delays. This Policy Brief aims to make an analysis of current developments regarding the accession process. It also intends to make some predictions about future prospects related to the EU-Turkey relations.
Political Geography:
Turkey

6767. The United Nations Security Council and Turkey

Author:
Yalım Eralp
Publication Date:
01-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
Turkey became a non permanent member of the UN Security Council as of January 1, 2009. The Brief deals with the important functions of the Council and the election campaign which a candidate country to the Council may sometimes have to run. Five Security Council resolutions which have to various degrees changed the course of events are explained. More than that, the writer tries to portray the behind the scenes activities of the resolutions. Finally, by defining the atmosphere of the Council, the writer tries to give advice on what Turkey, as a non permanent member, should do and in particular the qualities which the Permanent Representative should possess.
Topic:
United Nations
Political Geography:
Turkey

6768. A Vision for the Centennial of Our Republic

Author:
Şadi Ergüvenç
Publication Date:
05-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
There are now less than fifteen years left before we celebrate the centennial of the Republic of Turkey. Taking into consideration the fact that we, the humans, managed to squeeze into the last century two or three world wars and worn out several ideologies, even raising the Earth's temperature whilst exhausting its natural resources, no doubt we will be living in a much different world than the present one, in fifteen years from now... Moreover, the pace of change has increased such that it is incomparable with that of the past and the possibility of unforeseen technological and societal change has dramatically improved. The way the latest financial crisis erupted is the manifestation of such a potential. Since no one yet can predict the eventual outcome of the crises that suddenly shook the financial markets and economies like an earthquake, an attempt to foresee the first quarter of the 21st century might seem like a futile effort.
Topic:
Natural Resources and Financial Crisis
Political Geography:
Turkey

6769. What is a Nation?

Author:
Ingmar Karlsson
Publication Date:
03-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Global Political Trends Center (GPoT)
Abstract:
The article analyzes what do terms such as nation and nationalism mean in the current age. The author provides the reader with an extensive historical background of the topic. He explains the relevant notions from the perspective of various philosophical approaches. The possibility of emergence of a European nation and the challenges waiting on the way to common European identity, are addresses, as well.
Topic:
Nationalism
Political Geography:
Europe

6770. Enhancing Enforcement on Poaching of Turtles by Foreign Fishing Vessels: The Way Forward for Malaysia

Author:
Cheryl Rita Kaur
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Turtles are vital for the health of the marine and coastal ecosystems. Where green turtles graze on seagrass and algae, the sea bottom habitat is healthier and more productive, hence commercially important species such as shrimps, lobster, and fish thrive. This translates to better sea harvest, boosting the income of the fishing industry. Besides that, by depositing their eggs on the shore, turtles transport vital nutrients from the ocean to nutrient-poor coastal and inshore areas.
Topic:
Environment, International Trade and Finance, Maritime Commerce, and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia