Marc Pierini
{
"authors": [
"Marc Pierini"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Carnegie Europe",
"Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
],
"collections": [
"Turkey’s Transformation",
"Transatlantic Cooperation"
],
"englishNewsletterAll": "ctw",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Europe",
"programAffiliation": "EP",
"programs": [
"Europe"
],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Middle East",
"Europe",
"Türkiye",
"Western Europe",
"Iran"
],
"topics": [
"Foreign Policy",
"Security"
]
}Source: Getty
Turkey’s Border Threat and NATO’s Role
The West and Turkey should meet the Islamic State threat with counterterrorism and border control measures. That may not be a military operation, but it is a big challenge.
Source: Nato Channel TV
Speaking to the NATO Channel TV, Marc Pierini discussed the threat posed by Islamic State militants on the Turkish-Syrian border and the steps that Western nations and Turkey should take in response.
“When [the Islamic State] took Mosul, this was a quantum leap in terms of funding and in terms of weaponry,” Pierini said. “We now have an organization which is not a state (despite the name), which is a terrorist organization, but which has tactical depth: it has territory and it can move fighters, hostages, training camps, and military assets.” He added that the group’s technical capabilities could be seen in its ability to conduct a dual attack on both Baghdad and the Kurdish Syrian town of Kobanê.Pierini believes that the jihadists’ aim is to show the ineffectiveness of the anti–Islamic State coalition. The insurgency is “basically a homeland security threat,” Pierini argues, and the West and Turkey should respond jointly with counterterrorism measures and enhanced border control. “It’s not a military operation, but it’s a very big challenge,” he concluded.
About the Author
Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe
Pierini is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, where his research focuses on developments in the Middle East and Turkey from a European perspective.
- Europe Doesn’t Like War—for Good ReasonsCommentary
- The Iran War’s Dangerous Fallout for EuropeCommentary
Marc Pierini
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- The U.S. Export-Import Bank Was Built for a Different Era. Here's How to Fix It.Commentary
Five problems—and solutions—to make it actually work as a tool of great power competition.
Afreen Akhter
- Russia Is Meddling for Meddling’s Sake in the Middle EastCommentary
The Russian leadership wants to avoid a dangerous precedent in which it is squeezed out of Iran by the United States and Israel—and left powerless to respond in any meaningful way.
Nikita Smagin
- Three Scenarios for the Gulf States After the Iran WarCommentary
One is hopeful. One is realistic. One is cautionary.
Andrew Leber, Sam Worby
- The Fog of AI WarCommentary
In Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, AI warfare has come to dominate, with barely any oversight or accountability. Europe must lead the charge on the responsible use of new military technologies.
Raluca Csernatoni
- Egypt’s Discrete Role in the Ceasefire with IranCommentary
Cairo’s efforts send a message to the United States and the region that it still has a place at the diplomatic table.
Angie Omar