Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics during May 2012

Key Points:

• Turkey expels Syrian diplomats after the massacre of over 100 people in Houla. Although Ankara is rumoured in some circles to be harbouring remnants of the Syrian opposition military forces, overt Turkish intervention in Syria remains unlikely at the time of writing.
• Ankara increases its cooperation with the Kurdish Regional Government in Erbil, while also harbouring a high level, fugitive Sunni Iraqi politician. Tensions between Baghdad and Turkey continue to deteriorate over the two issues.
• The ongoing coup and terrorist investigations roiling the country have Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan concerned. The prime minister urged for the probes to speed up for the good of the country.
• Erdogan sparks a fierce debate in Turkey over his remarks on abortion rights.
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• June 13, 2012

Constructing a widespread network of pipelines for natural resources in Turkmenistan is of great national interest, the country's president said.

• June 11, 2012

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to visit Iran on June 13 to discuss a range of issues, including the next round of talks between Iran and six world powers on the Islamic republic's nuclear program.

• June 11, 2012

The Barack Obama administration is likely to open North America's doors to India for its energy needs as it pushes New Delhi to reduce its energy dependence on "nuclear armed" Iran. This hydrocarbon sop for India - oil, cooking and shale gas - is scheduled to figure in the third round of Indo-US strategic dialogue in Washington on June 13.

• June 11, 2012

ISSUE #21
06/04/2012
On 29 May 2012, Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said that it was necessary to bring Ukraine closer to integration into the EU. “Let us not abandon Ukraine on its path towards the Western world because [it] will go to the East,” he said. READ MORE

• June 11, 2012

ISSUE #20
05/28/2012
In the resolution of 24 May 2012, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed their concern over trials in Ukraine which they believe do not meet European standards. READ MORE

• June 11, 2012

Iran hopes that the final nuclear agreement for giving permission to IAEA inspectors (to visit Parchin military complex) will be signed, Iran Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Ali Asghar Soltanieh told ISNA.

• June 9, 2012

Afghanistan: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization will grant Afghanistan observer status and accept Turkey as a dialogue partner, Chinese President Hu Jintao said on 7 June.

• June 9, 2012