Why the Phrase “Arab Spring” Should be Retired

February 4, 2021 / Essays

It’s time to stop using a Western-based concept ten years on from the events that began the Arab Uprisings.

The Empire He Did Not Want

November 19, 2019 / Midan

Erdoğan wanted to build a “neo-Ottoman” empire but missed out on what is strategically most important—real influence in the Middle East

It’s tempting to blame the country’s recent slide into repression on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s thirst for personal power. But did the ruling Islamist party ever really abandon the country’s long tradition of state authoritarianism?

Lessons from the Turkish Coup Attempt

August 12, 2016 / Tahrir Forum

Turkey’s failed coup attempt suggests the military’s political role has reached a nadir, but politicization of the institution continues.

Making Sense of Turkey’s Failed Coup

July 19, 2016 / Tahrir Forum

However you look at the violence in Turkey, the fallout is to President Erdogan’s advantage.

Tag: 2016 Turkey coup