When the Cold War ended, and Ankara became increasingly engaged in efforts to diversify its foreign policy, Africa began to emerge as a potential area in which Turkish influence might be exerted.

As I write this, the focus of attention of many in Turkey, and neighboring countries, is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was due to make an announcement on Friday that he said would mark the “beginning of a new era” for the country.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over a range of deep-rooted issues that affect their domestic and international agendas. Conflicts in the Middle East have made things even more complicated for the two countries, so much so that other nations are stepping in as mediators.

After months of political deadlock, intense protests and a growing economic crisis, Iraq finally has a new prime minister. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is a Shiite political figure who previously led the Iraqi National Intelligence Service for almost four years.

The deep-rooted political disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean over natural gas, and the ongoing tension between opposing camps in Libya have reignited old rivalries in the region, and are having a considerable effect on the situation in Syria.

On March 14, 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdogan became Turkey’s prime minister, heading the country’s 59th government as the leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).