Saving Syria’s ceasefire
Despite its limitations, the current US-Russian brokered ceasefire offers the best chance of moving the Syria conflict towards a poltiical resolution
Syria / Iraq / Lebanon
12 Apr
Berlin Foreign Policy Club: EU-Türkei Beziehungen
Through the summit decision on 18 March 2016 Turkey became a totally different “strategic partner” of the EU than initially expected. Due to this now very close connection within the refugee crisis, Turkey becomes an important key player that is responsible for the stability and strategic position of the EU. The position of Turkish politics concerns Europe significantly more than it was the case before. Therefore we discussed this strategic position and the perspective of Turkey, as well as the consequences in foreign policy of the decision in Brussels within our Berlin Foreign Policy Club. Currently, Turkey is seen as a key state, acting as a gatekeeper for Europe in times of the refugee crisis. The general role of Turkey in the Arab Spring was always driven by economic interests, and this interest had dominated all other aspects of the Turkish view of the Arab Spring. This position is even more strenghtened by the new refugee deal between the EU and Turkey. Furthermore, the Kurdish issue was dicussed, as well as the deep mistrust between Turkey and Iran, based on historic narratives and religion, but also being shaped by economic rivalry now.
12 Apr
Struggling to Survive: Slavery and Exploitation of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
How can Europe help to ensure the protection of Syrian refugees in Lebanon?
Turkish-Kurdish race to seize ISIS territory
Turkey has entered open war with ISIS and is attempting to stifle Kurdish gains in norther Syria
Russia’s Syria withdrawal: a game changer?
Having improved the regime's position on the ground, Russia now looks set to move forward its own political track
Russia’s strategy in the Middle East
Kadri Liik gives her analysis on Russia's intervention in the Middle East
7 Mar
ECFR Abenddiskussion anlässlich des Board-Treffens
Special ECFR dinner on March 7th focussed on European approaches to the refugee crisis with a kick-off statement by the head of the Federal Chancellery Peter Altmaier.
Aiding host countries in the region
The Syria crisis shows no signs of abating and the numbers in need continue to increase on a dramatic scale. Of a pre-war population…
Saving Syria one city at a time: How to deal with the siege of Aleppo
Civilian protection, humanitarian access and freezing the conflict must be priority in Aleppo and Syria to avert escalation to even more dangerous levels