The Middle East is experiencing political turmoil of historic significance. The recent events will likely prove to be the most significant moment of fundamental change since decolonization.

The twin vetoes by Russia and China on the UNSC draft resolution on Syria, described as having “no teeth,” have analysts pondering what the next stage of the conflict might be.

The role of social media during the Arab Revolutions is often debated with strong emphasis on the particular techniques and technologies available to dissidents and the general public.

There is a broad range of expectations from President Obama’s second term. Those who expect a dramatically different Middle East policy in his second term cite the unsustainability of the cautious involvement of the first term. Others argue that the US involvement will continue to be highly risk-averse.

Turkey’s democratization process over the past decade has been the subject of much debate. Many studies identify external dynamics such as Turkey’s EU membership negotiations as main drivers of democratic progress.

Turkey has experienced various population movements in history. It has been a country of immigration and emigration and a host country for asylum seekers as well.

The Syrian conflict continues to pose one of the most formidable challenges to the United States, Turkey, regional powers and the broader international community.

Nearly three years after the start of the uprising against the Assad regime, the Syrian crisis appears nowhere near an end. Having produced enormous human costs as well as humanitarian and security challenges, the conflict continues to destabilize the region.

Turkey is entering an election cycle with three upcoming races. Municipal elections on March 30th and the presidential election in August will be followed by parliamentary elections in 2015.