Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics during November 1-15th 2013
By John VanPool, EGF Turkey and Black Sea Regional Analyst

Key Points:

• The Prime Minister’s list of concerns grows as he rounds on cohabitation between male and female students in both state-run dormitories and private residences.
• It is a bizarre, if understandable issue to focus on, with the conservative Erdogan likely playing to social issues to stir up his base ahead of election season.
• A second theory behind Erdogan’s sudden concern for students’ lifestyles may be due to an ongoing split with the Gulen movement given its ownership of private schools and dormitories.
• Turkey and the Kurdish Regional Government of Iraq agree to a pipeline deal, but all may not be lost for Baghdad as practical concerns necessitate cooperation for all parties.

• November 29, 2013

Japanese and South Korean military aircraft flew through disputed air space over the East China Sea without informing China, officials said on Thursday, challenging a new Chinese air defense zone that has increased regional tensions and sparked concerns of an unintended clash.

• November 28, 2013

Iran has invited U.N. inspectors to visit its Arak heavy-water production plant on December 8, the first concrete step under a cooperation agreement to clarify concerns about Tehran's disputed nuclear program.

• November 28, 2013

The Philippines said on Wednesday the imminent arrival of China's sole aircraft carrier in the disputed South China Sea for the first time for a training mission would raise tension.

• November 27, 2013

Five years after it fought a war with Russia, Georgia is preparing to defy its former Soviet masters again by initialing an accord on strengthening ties with Europe.

• November 27, 2013

The European Commission called on Tuesday for new protection for Europeans under United States' law against misuse of personal data, in an attempt to keep in check the U.S. surveillance revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

• November 26, 2013

World shares and the dollar slipped on Tuesday as oil prices climbed amid doubts over the real impact of the Iran nuclear deal and renewed political tensions in the East China Sea.

• November 26, 2013

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman hit back at the European Union on Tuesday, saying it was wrong to criticize Russia over Ukraine's decision to back away from a trade deal with the EU and draw closer to Moscow.

• November 26, 2013