While NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan could have dangerous implications for the region, some measure of instability might benefit Russia, which could use it as evidence of the importance of Russia’s military and political presence in the Central Asia.
The Justice and Development Party and Gülen alliance serves Turkish interests inside and outside the country, but the two groups are divided on the fight for religious and ideological influence in Turkish society and beyond.
The question of whether a government can and should enforce rules about personal morality is at the center of current political arguments in Turkey and the outcome of this dispute will determine the future direction of the country.
The agreement on Syria between Russia and the United States turned out to be insufficient. A broader compromise is required to resolve the crisis, particularly between the warring sides in Syria.
The Kuwaiti Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated political party, Hadas, have not been immune to the growing regional backlash against Islamist movements.
Egypt’s outdated laws and authoritarian institutions have fueled violence and discrimination against the Egyptian Orthodox Christian community.
The downfall of Egypt’s Islamist president has not led to the separation of religion and state in the country. The reality is quite the opposite: religion is being nationalized.
Russia does not have and will probably never have a specific event that can become a symbol of national consolidation. Still, something specific that consolidates everyone at once is necessary and the Kremlin wants people to nationally unite against the external enemies.
Though it is far more convenient to simply consider the last pogrom in Biryulyovo, Moscow, a sad occurrence and continue acting ad hoc, as usual, the authorities must take a strategic look at these events and act energetically, consistently, and, above all, intelligently.
The ruling party in Turkey has long relied on a powerful Islamic social movement to maintain power. But cracks in the alliance are exposing a rivalry at the heart of the state.