Energy pipelines have never been merely engineering projects. Throughout the modern history of the Middle East, they have served as instruments of geopolitical influence, strategic leverage and regional power projection. Every major pipeline has reshaped political calculations as much as it has redirected the flow of oil. The decision by Iraq and Syria to revive the historic Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline ...
Impressions from a visit to Uzbekistan. For much of the past three decades, Central Asia has been viewed through the prism of geopolitical competition, with major powers seeking influence over a region strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Yet amid this contest for access, markets, resources, and transport corridors, Uzbekistan has increasingly positioned itself ...
Experts comment on Azerbaijan’s application for BRICS membership. By Tehran Tapdigov, Baku, Azerbaijan Russian President Vladimir Putin, who visited Azerbaijan on August 18-19, discussed many issues of the region with Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev. Many intergovernmental documents were signed. After the meeting, Azerbaijan submitted an application to the organization for membership in BRICS. The fact that the Russian leader invited ...
The war in Palestine continues. It is framed especially by Western politicians and media as a conflict between Israel and Hamas. Is that true? Türkiye has proposed to establish a guarantor system on Gaza and presented itself as ready to take responsibility. What does that mean? And, what should the regional countries do in order to prevent an Israeli ground ...