SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran, by relying on its geo-economic capacities across various fields, should strive to solidify its position as a bridge connecting the Persian Gulf to Eurasia. However, regional and extra-regional competition for influence in Azerbaijan and Armenia has reached a critical point, where Iran’s security considerations and geopolitical red lines could turn the advancement of a multi-faceted strategy into a real test for the diplomatic apparatus.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the first parliamentary elections in Syria during the interim government’s tenure, led by Ahmad al-Shar, were held while the appointed composition of seats, the absence of a national census, and the influence of foreign actors challenge the real legitimacy and freedom of these elections.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A senior Egyptian affairs analyst stated that Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace agreement with the Zionist regime in 1979, has now adopted a new strategy due to concerns about the regime’s expansionist policies. The developments following the 2023 Gaza war revealed that Tel Aviv, with the unconditional support of the United States, seeks to alter the balance of power in West Asia —a matter that has compelled Cairo to expand its relations with Iran and Turkey, two significant regional powers. By holding joint military exercises with Turkey, mediating in Iran’s nuclear dossier, and seeking military and technological cooperation, Egypt is trying to prevent the Zionists’ hegemony in the region. Although the formation of a trilateral military alliance seems unlikely for now, Cairo’s rapprochement with Tehran and Ankara is considered a potential threat to the Israeli regime. In fact, in the face of regional pressures and border crises, Egypt is seeking to create a strategic balance to curb Tel Aviv’s influence and enhance its own position in the West Asian equations.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that recently, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, by announcing his country’s mediating role between the Israeli regime and Syria, attempted to turn Baku into one of the active regional players. In an interview, Aliyev emphasized that the primary goal of this action is to strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s readiness to support the restoration of relations between Turkey and the Israeli regime and elaborated on his country’s humanitarian and energy assistance to Syria, including the export of gas to Syria based on a quadrilateral agreement with Turkey and Qatar, which began on August 2nd and may increase in the future. However, regional analysts view this mediation with skepticism, seeing it as being in line with Tel Aviv’s interests and the improvement of Baku’s geopolitical standing.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: Despite past cooperation and extensive interactions between Ankara and Tel Aviv in various economic, commercial, political, and other domains, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, recently took an unprecedented step by recognizing the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire on April 24, 1915, during World War I.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: France’s Mediterranean policy, which clarifies the country’s genuine political orientation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, can be summarized in three primary strategies: strengthening France’s position in the European Union, maintaining its strategic position in Africa, and enhancing France’s political and military role in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Ukraine and Armenia are also now gaining increasing importance in France’s Mediterranean policies.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that at present, it is impossible to have an accurate prediction whether Syria will move towards stability or another civil war will occur in the country in the next six months to a year.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.