Suchergebnisse

This study explores the impact of Turkey's likely entry in the European Union (EU) in terms of the EU's foreign, security and defense policies. It reviews Turkish capabilities, namely its military capabilities, which could provide the EU with valuable defense assets. There are differences related to Turkey's relations with the EU, which have increasingly spilled over into the NATO, hindering the development of cooperation over crisis management operations. The article then delves in the implications of Turkey's strategic geographical location to EU policies. It reviews how far the EU and Turkey may have convergent interests in some of the neighboring regions, especially in the Middle East. Adapted from the source document.

Last December, the Iraq Study Group presented an independent & bipartisan report on the Iraqi situation. The report describes the situation as "serious & deteriorating" & advocates a pull-out of the troops until 2008, the launch of a new peace initiative towards the Palestinian conflict & an open dialogue with Syria & Iran. It also suggests the formation of a support group including Iraq's neighbors & other key-countries in the region & the world. The report demands a greater commitment from the Iraqi government in achieving the goals of reconstruction, security & national reconciliation. However, in his speech of January 10, President Bush has announced a new strategy for Iraq that diverges in some critical aspects from the recommendations made by the ISG. Adapted from the source document.

The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council had a foreseeable result, but one that was a bucket of cold water for Israel & for the international community. The election of Hamas generated a predicament, difficult to surpass. The President of the Palestinian Authority then threw a challenge to the Hamas government: the calling of a referendum on the creation of the Palestinian State, should Hamas not accept to the establishment of political negotiations between the Government & the Presidency. However, in the meantime, the abduction of an Israeli soldier brought radical change to Israel-Palestinian setting. Further abduction of two other Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, resulted in Israel deploying military operations in Gaza & in Southern Lebanon. Adapted from the source document.

When the Arab Spring broke out, the United States was in a quandary over how to handle the crisis in its attempt to balance its moral obligations and ideals without undercutting its strategic interests and those of its close allies. Flaws in US diplomatic approach have contributed to one of the most serious foreign policy crisis for a US administration to date with consequential upheaval and erosion of the US-built balance of power. The reactions and policy responses of the Obama administration highlight the difficulties in grasping with the new reality in the Middle East and in enunciating a policy platform that could combine American interests and values. Adapted from the source document.