Turkey is emerging strongly from the Great Recession, but the Euro area crisis, a soaring current account deficit, and domestic political uncertainty threaten the economy.
Sanctions alone are unlikely to persuade Iran to stop enriching uranium, but there are few alternative measures that would increase pressure and change the behavior of the Iranian regime.
Despite unprecedented support from the European Union and the IMF, the euro crisis that began in Greece has quickly engulfed Europe and now threatens the very future of the euro.
In spite of recent tensions, the United States and Turkey still share important common interests. However, Turkey is a growing power and there are significant areas where Turkey’s perspective and interests differ from those of the United States.
The ideals espoused by the Green Movement in Iran continue to hold a strong appeal to the country’s youthful population, but the movement needs to explain to Iranian workers why it would govern better than the current regime if it wants to change the power dynamic in Iran.
Intimidation by Ahmadinejad's regime succeeded in keeping opposition protesters off the streets on the first anniversary of Iran's rigged election. To regain its momentum, the Green Movement must tackle five key challenges.
One year after Iran was shaken by massive street demonstrations to protest the results of the presidential elections, the political, social, and economic malaise that led to those demonstrations remains strong.
Three days before the anniversary of Iran’s controversial election, the United Nations Security Council imposed its fourth round of sanctions against the country’s nuclear program. These sanctions could end up strengthening the opposition’s argument that the country is in need of new leadership.
Regional cooperation and discreet aid from the West are critical for countries to regain control of their territory and prevent al-Qaeda from gaining ground in Africa.
The violent jihad advocated by al-Qaeda is not widely accepted by Yemenis at this point, and there is a small window of opportunity to take steps to undermine al-Qaeda’s influence.