Strategic Council Online – Guest opinion: In the West Asian region, the number of countries that have democratic systems and real and free elections may not even reach the number of the fingers of one hand, and when those elections are related to an active and proactive country in the region, such as Turkey, its importance and analytical value multiplies.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With the holding of the national elections in Greece on May 21, although the winning party announced priorities of its future government to be mainly improvement of the economic situation, the continuation of the national policy in foreign relations, security, and immigration would be most important challenges for this EU and NATO member country. Although the new leaders defend the continuation of the foreign and defense policy, strengthening of the country’s armed forces, creation of solid alliances, and development of the weapons program over the past four years, they differ in the field of energy exploration, the militarization of some islands in the Aegean Sea, and the issue of refugees.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International Affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of Turkey affairs considered the results of the first round of the elections as a kind of victory for Erdogan and said: With the victory of Kılıçdaroğlu, some regional changes might be witnessed, but in any case, it seems that the winner of the elections will face a series of internal problems and those problems will be aggravated if Kılıçdaroğlu wins.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: The two-day visit of Mr. Raisi, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Syria is important from different dimensions. This trip, which has had many reflections in the media and political circles of the region, has a vital role in the implementation of dozens of economic and commercial agreements, as well as the signing of new military and security agreements, which were agreed upon by the parties during the past years but were not fully implemented.
Barsam Mohammadi—Expert in regional issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: While national elections are set to be held in Turkey (May 14), and Greece (May 21), senior officials of the two countries hope to witness a new chapter in bilateral relations after the official election results are announced. Despite deep-rooted differences between the two countries, Greece was one of the first countries to offer sympathy and aid after two earthquakes hit 11 southern Turkish provinces on February 6. Turkey was also the first country to express sympathy and help after the train accident in northern Greece on February 28 that left 57 dead.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International Affairs analyst