Turkey Archives -

Ep237 Realignments in the Middle East & Africa feat Isa Blumi

ALSO ON ROKFIN, PATREON

Guest: Dr. Isa Blumi. This is a wide-ranging discussion about the political realignments in the Gulf states, new partnerships in the Middle East and Africa, Qatar’s involvement in the withdrawal from Afghanistan, developments in Yemen, quiet military repurposing of strategic island of Socotra, the long and complicated exploitation of East Africa, the Red Sea region and Horn of Africa, the mass of military bases in Djbouti, the Turkey-Russia relationship and more.

For those listening to the audio version of this podcast, we have added many maps and other visual enhancements to the video version that you might find helpful during some of this discussion so if you are interested you can find those versions on Youtube and Rokfin right now and other video platforms in the not too distant future.

Dr. Isa Blumi is an historian, an author and Professor of Global History, Islamic World, Ottoman Empire, Yemen, Albania. His most recent Destroying Yemen: What Chaos in Arabia Tells Us about the World tells the story of the wars in Yemen but also “ultimately tells an even larger story of today’s political economy of global capitalism, development, and the war on terror as disparate actors intersect in Arabia.” He also authored the book Ottoman Refugees, 1878-1939: Migration in a Post-Imperial World

FOLLOW Isa Blumi @IsaBlumi and find his work at Google Scholar and his latest book at UCPress.edu.

Around the Empire aroundtheempire.com is listener supported, independent media.

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Recorded on October 6, 2021. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

Book: Destroying Yemen: What Chaos in Arabia Tells Us about the World

Ep 215 Turkey’s Geopolitical History & Role in the World Today feat Isa Blumi

Isa Blumi provides some historical background on Turkey and Ottoman empire, some more current history of Turkey and NATO and also an analysis of Turkey’s current involvement in the rising crisis between US/NATO and Russia in Ukraine. We also explore the role of Turkey’s president Erdogan and what it means when people say that he and his political allies have neo-Ottoman aspirations.

Ep 173 Libya: Civil War & Foreign Intervention feat Giorgio Cafiero

Guest: Giorgio Cafiero. We discuss the civil war and complicated foreign intervention in Libya. We first do a review of what has happened in Libya since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and then we sort out the situation in Libya right now. There is an extra (bonus question) for patrons only (Ep 173EXTRA) about the outlook for Libya going forward, whether it’s likely to split and/or be used as a battlefield by larger powers.

Ep 173EXTRA Libya: Civil War & Foreign Intervention feat Giorgio Cafiero

LISTEN ON PATREON

Guest: Giorgio Cafiero. We discuss the civil war and complicated foreign intervention in Libya. We first do a review of what has happened in Libya since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and then we sort out the situation in Libya right now. This is an extra (bonus question) for patrons only (Ep 173EXTRA) about the outlook for Libya going forward, whether it’s likely to split and/or be used as a battlefield by larger powers.

Ep 158 Conflict Between Russia and Turkey in Syria feat Mark Sleboda

(Podcast published on April 2, 2020) Guest: Mark Sleboda. We talk about the recent conflicts between Russia and Turkey in Syria. Negotiations resulted in a Sochi 2.0 Agreement, also called the Moscow Memorandum which settled the issue for the time being but none of the underlying problems were solved so it’s likely a temporary solution. We also discussed the overall situation in Syria and Turkish President Erdogan’s predicament and predictions for his future.

Ep 129 The Borg Freaks Out Over Syria (Swapcast)

Swapcast with Foreign Policy Focus podcast host Kyle Anzalone, on the withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria and the Kurds/SDF new partnership with Syria with Russia as the guarantor. The Borg freaks out.

Ep 122 Brink of War: Israel and Hezbollah feat Elijah Magnier

Ep 82 Withdrawal From Syria feat Elijah Magnier

Elijah Magnier returns to discuss the announcement of withdrawal from Syria, Turkish invasion, Kurdish dilemma and Russia’s new rules of engagement with Israel and Syria

Elijah Magnier returns to the show. He is currently in Beirut enroute to Damascus. We discuss Trump’s announcement of a rapid withdrawal from Syria, the prospect of a Turkish invasion of Kurdish and US-occupied areas in Syria, and the situation that withdrawal from Syria creates for the Kurds. Even if Trump reneges on his order, they are still confronted with a crisis of confidence about long term American occupation and their own security and interests. We also discuss Russia’s consequential changes to the rules of engagement with Israel and Syria, and a possible Middle East summit.

Ep 82 Withdrawal From Syria feat Elijah Magnier

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Ep 76 Istanbul Summit: Europe Joins Astana Process feat Joshua Landis

Middle East expert Joshua Landis returns to the show to discuss the recent summit in Istanbul, Europe’s move to join the Astana process, the war in Syria, the Khashoggi Affair and the forces aligning against the current US foreign policy in the MidEast.

Ep76 Istanbul Summit feat Joshua Landis

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Ep 72 Syria: Idlib Deal & Outlook feat Ehsani

Syrian analyst Ehsani returns to the show to talk about the latest developments in the Syria, with a focus on the Idlib deal, Turkey’s role in the war, perspectives from Syrians, and the prospects for recovery.

Ep 72 Syria- Idlib Deal and Outlook feat Ehsani

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Ep 68 Iraq Politics & Stalled Idlib Op in Syria feat Elijah Magnier

Elijah Magnier returns to the show for an update and insight on the political situation in Iraq where the prime minister selection process (also a proxy battle of sorts between the US and Iran) is still ongoing. See Around the Empire Episode 56 for our first conversation on this topic. We also talk about the stalled operation in Idlib and the power players involved.

Iraq Politics & Stalled Idlib Op in Syria feat Elijah Magnier

Elijah is a veteran war correspondent, a terrorism/counterterrorism analyst specializing in the Europe and the Middle East, especially Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Libya. He recently left Iraq and is speaking to us today from Lebanon.

FOLLOW Elijah at @ejmalrai and find his work at ejmagnier.com. Support him by using the Paypal link at the bottom of every page on his website.

We are independent media and we rely on your contributions. Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com.

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Recorded on September 14, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

A Weak and Divided Iraq is Stumbling Towards an Unbalanced Future (6/8/18), Elijah Magnier
The US Forces in Al-Tanf are Beleaguered on both the Syrian and Iraqi Sides. Tehran is Challenging Washington in Iraq Abadi is No Longer the Agreed Favourite Candidate (7/23/18), Elijah Magnier
Which War for Mesopotamia? Iraq Must Choose Between Iran and the US (8/21/18) , Elijah Magnier
Faleh Al-Fayyad is the Official Anti-US PM Candidate in Iraq, While the US is Trying to Hit Iran Below the Belt (8/31/18), Elijah Magnier
The US Horse Fell at the First Jump in Iraq (9/4/18), Elijah Magnier
The USA Oblivious to the Rise of a Resistance Movement in Response to Its Interference in Iraqi Elections (9/5/18), Elijah Magnier
A Wake-Up Call to the US in Baghdad: Will Haidar Abadi Become the Mohammad Morsi of Iraq? (9/7/18), Elijah Magnier
Haidar Abadi Has Fallen With the Burned Walls of the Iranian Consulate in Basra (9/10/18), Elijah Magnier
The Liberation of Idlib: Turkey is in the Way, With Russia Slowing Down (9/14/18), Elijah Magnier
Syria – The Rationale Behind The Delay Of Idleb’s Liberation, Moon of Alabama
Can Erdogan intimidate Assad into backing off Idlib?, Amberin Zaman, Al Monitor
“Turkey reinforces military in Syria’s Idlib after ceasefire call fails”, Orhan Coskun, Reuters
Turkish Strategy in Northern Syria Military Operations, Turkish-Backed Groups and Idlib Issue, SouthFront
“Notorious Terrorist Commander Eliminated By Syrian Troops In Idlib”, Muraselon/The Syria Reporters

Ep 65 Turkey: Economic War & Global Realignments feat Tom Luongo

Analyst and writer Tom Luongo returns to the show to talk about the economic and geopolitical implications of the current hybrid war between the US and Turkey and the broader war around it. We discuss the collapse of the Turkish Lira, dollar-denominated debt, how currency wars work, and the inertia of markets and traders. We also delve into the geopolitical lead up to this crisis — Turkey’s role in the Syrian war and a failed coup — both of which led to realignments and new allies that might result in an unusual rescue. Will Turkey employ a Russian formula for surviving sanctions and currency crises? Will it lead to an exit from NATO? Or will the old guard, Cold Warrior foreign policy establishment bring a defiant Erdogan back into the fold one more time?

Tom is former research chemist and a current staunch libertarian. His specialty is markets analysis informed by geopolitics. Tom currently publishes his blog, Gold Goats ‘n Guns along with a monthly investment newsletter focused on geopolitics, commodities and cryptocurrencies. His work is also featured regularly on sites like Zerohedge, Strategic Culture Foundation and Investing.com. FOLLOW Tom @TFL1728. Find his work at Gold, Goats ‘n Guns, Steemit and on YouTube.

We are independent media and we rely on your contributions. Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com

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Recorded on August 14, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

Lira Collapse To Jump The Mediterranean, Tom Luongo, ZeroHedge
BRICTS: Turkey Is Getting Off The US Reservation, Tom Luongo, ZeroHedge
Five Pillars of Debt Default, Tom Luongo, Gold, Goats n Guns
Turkey’s president: US waging economic war against Turkey, Associated Press
Losing Faith Fast, Istanbul Merchants Throw in Towel on the Lira, Bloomberg
Erdogan: How Turkey Sees the Crisis With the U.S., New York Times Op-Ed

Ep 62 Trump Putin MidEast Grand Bargain feat Jim Kavanagh

Dan and Joanne talk with Jim Kavanagh about the summit between American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki and the anticipated attempt to strike a MidEast grand bargain.

Jim is editor and writer at The Polemicist. His work is also published at CounterPunch, Greanville Post and he’s a frequent guest on the Loud and Clear radio show. Follow Jim at @ThePolemicist_ . Find his work at polemicist.net.

We are independent media and we rely on your contributions. Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com

FOLLOW @aroundtheempire. Follow Dan & Joanne: @USEmpireShow, @joanneleon. SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW us on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook.

Recorded on July 12, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

Lindsey Graham interview laying out War Party strategy for Syria, Iran, Turkey (starts at 2:27)
Israeli, Saudi, and Emirati Officials Privately Pushed for Trump to Strike a “Grand Bargain” with Putin, Adam Entous, New Yorker
Netanyahu May Offer Putin: Remove Iran From Syria for Lifting of U.S. Sanctions on Russia, Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz
Middle East officials flocking to Moscow – is there a big deal to be made before Putin meets Trump?, RT
The Real “Deal of The Century” in The Middle East is The One Russia Struck With Israel Regarding Syria, Adam Garrie, Eurasia Future
The Warm War: Russiamania At The Boiling Point, Jim Kavanagh, The Polemicist

Ep 48 Dispatch From Damascus: Syrian War Big Picture & Power Players feat Elijah Magnier

Joanne talks with veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier, from Damascus, about recent developments in Syria and his recent three-part article about the big picture and power players in the Syrian war. We also talk about the new crowd-funded book that he is writing on the history of Hezbollah.

Elijah is a journalist and a senior political risk analyst with over 32 years experience covering Europe and the Middle East.

Follow Elijah at @ejmalrai and find his work (in multiple languages) at ejmagnier.com

We are independent media and we rely on your contributions.

Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com

Find all of our work at our website aroundtheempire.com

Follow @aroundtheempire

Follow Dan & Joanne: @USEmpireShow, @joanneleon

Please subscribe/follow us on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook.

Recorded on April 2, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

“Will America Accept its Defeat or Will it Challenge the Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon (Part 1)”, Elijah Magnier
“Will America Accept its Defeat or Will it Challenge the Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon (Part 2)”, Elijah Magnier
“Will America Accept its Defeat or Will it Challenge the Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon (Part 3)”, Elijah Magnier

Ep 45: Ghouta, Afrin and Eastern Syria feat. Ehsani

Syrian analyst Ehsani returns to the show to talk about the latest developments in the Syrian war, with a focus on escalations in Eastern Ghouta, Afrin and Eastern Syria. Ehsani also shares his observations from a recent trip to Aleppo. This is a two-part interview originally recorded on March 8th. Due to delays in publishing and rapid developments in those regions, a second part was added on March 27th with updates on the situation.

Ehsani is a Syrian American originally from Aleppo. You can find his social media analysis and discussion about Syria on Twitter at @ehsani22. He has also written for the Syria Comment blog under the pseudonym, “Ehsani”.

We are independent media and we rely on your contributions.

Patreon: patreon.com/aroundtheempire Donations: aroundtheempire.com

Find all of our work at our website aroundtheempire.com

Follow @aroundtheempire

Follow Dan & Joanne: @USEmpireShow, @joanneleon

Please subscribe/follow us on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook.

Recorded on March 8 and March 27, 2018. Music by Fluorescent Grey.

Reference Links:

“US Mulls Action as Pro-Syria Forces Mass Nearby,” Jason Ditz, Antiwar.com
“Erdoğan accuses US of planning to form ‘terror army’ in Syria,” The Guardian
“Trapped in Eastern Ghouta,” Patrick Cockburn, Counterpunch
“Which rebel groups are fighting in Syria’s eastern Ghouta?” Wesley Dockery, Deutsche Welle
“Nearly 6,800 militants, families leave E. Ghouta, head to Idlib” – Russian military, RT
“Turkish, FSA forces close in on Tel Rifaat town in northern Syria,” Hurriyet
“In face of Ghouta defeat, Syrian rebels blame each other,” Reuters
“Turkey Seizes Full Control Over Syria’s Afrin District,” Antiwar.com