In our first video collaboration with the Hollings Center for International Dialogue, we discussed Iran’s new era under a hardliner President and its implications for the region and beyond.
The Coronapolitics Report
The Coronapolitics Report is RDM Advisory’s special publication looking at the coronavirus pandemic from a political risk angle. The major developments in Europe, the Middle East and Asia are covered alongside commentary through themes of “Authoritarianism and Civil Unrest”, “Alliances and Diplomacy”, “War and Terrorism” and “Protectionism.”
"SLAP IN THE FACE"? A SAGA IN TESTING IRAN’S LIMITS: THE CASE OF SOLEIMANI
Struck Iran’s beloved commander, received mild retaliation, put additional sanctions. US President Donald Trump tested Iran’s limits and seems to have won this round, but the battle is far from over. Why was the Iranian retaliation moderate? What was the symbolism behind? What does the Iranian public think? What is next for Iran and US in the region?
US-TURKEY DEAL IN NORTHEAST SYRIA: A LONG-SOUGHT WIN FOR ERDOGAN? NOT YET.
A week into Turkey’s offensive in Northern Syria against the Syrian Kurdish militants, US and Turkey reached an agreement in Ankara, which the US side calls a ceasefire and the Turks call a pause. While bringing a temporary relief in the conflict, the agreement falls short of delivering any long-term solutions. The agreement might seem a win for Ankara but the new realities on the ground, a week into the conflict, seem harder to establish a border-long safe zone – which is Turkey’s end goal. This is certainly not a long-sought win for Turkey’s Erdogan. At least not yet.
PLANNED TURKISH OPERATION INTO NORTHERN SYRIA TESTS LIMITS
US President Donald Trump, after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, decided –once again- to pull back US troops from (Northern) Syria. While the troop withdrawal is on way, Pentagon officials and some heavy-weight senators are trying to dissuade Trump, as they did and succeeded in late 2018. Will Trump make another U-turn? If not, will Russia and Iran give implicit backing to a Turkey-led operation in the east of Euphrates? Turkey is testing limits in Syria, once again.