Syria’s Bashar al Assad recently made an unannounced visit to Moscow and met Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two discussed some of the last opposition-held areas in the country. Though much of Syria’s north continues to be out of Assad’s control, it is the last opposition stronghold in Idlib that’s troubling both Assad and Putin. So, are Assad and Putin planning to do something about Idlib?

Guests:

Bilgehan Ozturk

Researcher at the SETA Foundation

Alexey Khlebnikov

Middle East Expert at the RIAC

Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan have come together in Baku for their first-ever joint military drills. The nine-day joint military exercises involving the troops from the three countries will focus on improving co-operation between their militaries and to exchange battlefield experience. These drills are happening in the backdrop of a strategic agreement signed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan to increase political cooperation in different areas. So, what does this new alliance mean for the region?

Guests:

Mitat Celikpala

Professor at Kadir Has University

Fariz Ismailzade

Vice Rector at ADA University

In some areas, things seem to be returning to normalcy in Afghanistan. Domestic air travel has resumed and as per neighbouring Pakistan’s national carrier, its international flights will resume by next week. A recent visit by Qatar’s foreign minister to meet the Taliban’s acting prime minister is another indication. But on the streets of Kabul, regular reports of protests being crushed by force tell a different story. At a time when the country’s crumbling economy and severe food shortages are forcing many to seek refuge elsewhere, the UN has warned of a grave humanitarian crisis unfolding if aid isn’t brought in soon So, will the new Taliban cabinet be able to tackle these challenges? And what will be the role of the international community in assisting the Afghans?

Guests:

Huma Baqai

Associate Professor at IBA Karachi

Omar Samad

Former Afghan Ambassador

Turkish television drama productions have seen increased popularity and demand from across the Middle East and Asia, all the way to South America. After Dirilis: Ertugrul’s tremendous success, Turkey’s top production companies are confident of cashing in on the this rising global demand. Strait Talk’s Ludovica Brignola reports.

Turkey’s drama industry is seeing an unprecedented popularity in the international market and its exports are multiplying. From modest TV exports totalling $100,000 in 2008, the industry crossed the $500-million mark in 2020, making Turkey the world’s second-largest exporter of TV content. Only the US has more TV exports than Turkey. With 25 percent share of all the imported shows around the world, Turkish production companies are expecting to top $1 billion in global sales by 2023.

Guests:

Ahmet Ziyalar

President of Inter Medya

Miriam Berg

Assistant Professor at Northwestern University

The relations between Turkey and Egypt have been tense since 2013 when Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was deposed in a military coup. Both the countries haven’t had ambassadors for nearly a decade. But there have been signs of improving relations, including the latest visit of the Egyptian deputy foreign minister to Ankara. But can both the countries put aside their differences and look towards the future? And how will the improved ties benefit both the countries and the region?

Guests:

Ahmet Keser

Associate Professor at Hasan Kalyoncu University

Ali Bakeer

Assistant Professor at Qatar University

Bashar al Assad’s regime forces has intensified its offensive on Daraa. The city lies in a strategic region near the Israeli and Jordanian borders and is known as the birthplace of the Syrian revolution. For years, Iranian backed militias allied to Assad have been trying to take the area by force. But a Russian brokered deal back in 2018 has kept the city mostly secure. However, the city saw a violent turn this summer and thousands of civilians are now trying to find a safe way out. Why is Daraa so crucial to Bashar and his forces as well as to the Syrian people?

Guest list:

Samuel Ramani

Researcher at Oxford University

Yahya al Aridi

Spokesperson of the Syrian Negotiation Commission

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to mediate the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan. This, as well intent of more investment, came during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent trip to Ankara. President Erdogan also called for peaceful solution to the conflict between the Tigray ethnic group and the Ethiopian government. Turkey is already the second largest foreign investor in Ethiopia, just behind China. So how can Turkey's role as a major trade partner and potential mediator help Ethiopia, its neighbouring countries and the region?

Guest list:

Umut Cagri Sari

Political Analyst

Hassan Khannenje

Director of the HORN Institute

Relations between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) haven't been warm of late. But a recent phone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, is hinting towards improving relations. We look at what this possible diplomatic breakthrough could mean for the region and also for trade between Turkey and the UAE.

Guests:

Giorgio Cafiero

CEO of Gulf State Analytics

Vehbi Baysan

Political Analyst

The Americans no longer have any presence in Afghanistan, leaving the Taliban firmly in control. But questions are growing over the Taliban's ability to govern the country, and operate Kabul airport. While a Qatari technical team is in Kabul to discuss how to get the operations back on track, Turkey is also in talks with Taliban leaders about possibly helping run the airport.

Guests:

Talha Kose

SETA Brussels Coordinator

Imtiaz Gul

Political Analyst