Columnist
Yasar Yakis
Yasar Yakis is a former foreign minister of Turkey and founding member of the ruling AK Party.
Twitter: @yakis_yasar
Latest published
Turkey’s balancing act with the US and Russia
For decades, Turkey’s relations with the US and Russia have been a zero-sum game: When its relations with Russia improve, its American ties decline. The same rule also applies to Turkey’s relations with NATO and Russia.
Turkey slides down the EU’s agenda
In an effort to improve its relations with EU countries, Turkey last year withdrew its seismic exploration ship from the eastern Mediterranean, while claiming that this withdrawal was only for maintenance purposes. However, it is unclear what will happen when the maintenance is complete.
Erdogan’s eye on next Turkish election
The Turkish government has taken several initiatives in an attempt to increase its support ahead of the general election to be held in 2023.
New warmth in Ankara and Cairo
Turkey this month sent the strongest message yet indicating its desire to improve relations with many Arab countries, particularly Egypt.
Russia tightens its grip on Armenia
A crisis was expected in Armenia after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, and it did not take long to arise. It started as an arm-twisting exercise between the civilian and military authorities of Armenia but evolved to further consolidate Russia’s influence in the country.
A better way for Turkey to tackle the PKK
Several aspects of the Feb. 10 Turkish military operation 35 kilometers inside Iraqi territory in the Gara Mountain are still the subject of heated debate.
Foreign militaries an obstacle in Libya’s path to peace
The political process in Libya is moving steadily, but the risks of uncertainty remain. The political negotiations under the UN’s auspices on the one hand and the military situation on the other do not follow the same paths.