In light of the international efforts to convene the Geneva II meeting next month – aimed at getting all the political actors in Syria, including opposition elements and the Assad government, to the table – USAK's Middle East expert Ali Bakeer was asked about the course that political developments surrounding Syria could take, who are the actors involved, and what roles do they play. READ MORE

France will say no to Iran's efforts to mediate in the Syria conflict when President François Hollande meets Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Paris wants a resolution that is "as binding as possible" on Syria's chemical weapons arsenal to be passed. READ MORE

At the Munich Security Conference 2011 NATO Secretary General Rasmussen introduced a new concept of defense, capable of creating more favorable conditions in the field of security with fewer resources through closer cooperation and flexible than it was before. It is based on the principle of differentiated responsibilities of the Alliance members with different capabilities, taking into account, in what areas they have an advantage. And the search for common ground with other organizations. In the first place with the European Union, whose interests in the field of security is largely coincide with those of NATO. But as for an organization such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization, NATO is still only prefers to develop bilateral relations with each of the members of this organization. Strengthening of cooperation with the countries of the CSTO is dictated by the situation in neighboring Afghanistan. As well as the modernization of NATO itself. READ MORE

Following visits to three European capitals, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu continued his diplomatic push for Syria in Istanbul, meeting successively the Syrian National Coalition (SNC) leader Ahmad Jarba and his Qatari counterpart Khaled al-Attiyah on Aug. 24. READ MORE