Kadir Üstün All daily Yeni Şafak Columns

23.12.2024, Monday
14:59

Kadir Üstün

113 columns listing

What is the U.S. After in Syria?

22 December 2024, Sunday

Debating what the United States wants in Syria might seem futile, as the question lacks a clear answer. This is primarily because, for some time now, the U.S.’s de facto policy in Syria—shaped by what it doesn’t want—has failed to evolve into a comprehensive strategy. The result has been a patchwork approach that oscillates between non-involvement and preventing Syria from falling entirely into Iranian and Russian hands. This tactical zigzagging, spanning the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations,

ICC Ruling, UN Veto, and Biden's Israel Legacy

28 November 2024, Thursday

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) historic arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant has given President Biden yet another "opportunity" to showcase his unwavering support for Israel. In a statement signed by Biden, the White House condemned the ICC's decision as a "disgrace," asserting that no equivalence can be drawn between Israel and Hamas, and reaffirming the U.S.'s steadfast commitment to Israel’s security. These remarks, unsurprising given Biden’s

Escalation in Ukraine War Before Trump’s Inauguration

23 November 2024, Saturday

The Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missile systems against targets inside Russia has marked a significant escalation in the war. Ukrainian leaders had long struggled to persuade Washington to take this step, but reports suggest that Russia's deployment of North Korean troops may have been the tipping point for Biden. Determined to fulfill his promise of full military support to Ukraine, Biden appears intent on ensuring Kyiv enters potential negotiations—expected

What direction will Trump's Türkiye policy take?

14 November 2024, Thursday

In the first week after Trump’s election victory, he named several people he intends to appoint to his cabinet, signaling that border security and immigration will be his top priorities. While Trump aims to speed up Senate confirmations for these appointments, his full foreign policy team is yet to be finalized. His exclusion of figures like Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo suggests he’s looking to avoid repeating dynamics from his first term. In place of those who once had their own agendas and aspirations,

Is Trump gearing up for a clash with the establishment?

14 November 2024, Thursday

President-elect Trump’s recent cabinet appointments have caused shockwaves in Washington, surprising even some Republicans. His picks for critical positions like Defense Secretary, Director of National Intelligence, and Attorney General aren’t only controversial but also face potential difficulties gaining Senate approval. Figures such as Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Matt Gaetz, while ardent Trump supporters, lack experience for such senior roles. These appointments signal Trump’s focus on removing

Biden's Gaffe, Elitism, and the Future of American Politics

03 November 2024, Sunday

In the final days before the election, President Biden’s latest blunder has made headlines. At a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, while responding to a comedian's comment about Puerto Rico being a "floating garbage patch," Biden remarked that the real "garbage" was around Trump himself. This slip has only fueled Trump’s base, especially amid backlash from nearly half a million Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania, who forced Trump into a defensive stance. Biden tried to clarify his remarks,

Is the real issue the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or the US elections?

19 October 2024, Saturday

It’s hard to believe that the Biden administration’s letter suggesting that military aid to Israel could be halted unless humanitarian aid flows into Gaza isn’t tied to the upcoming U.S. elections. After turning a blind eye for over a year to the ethnic cleansing and policies that have starved civilians, it seems Biden’s administration has suddenly remembered this crisis just three weeks before the elections. The timing and leaking of this letter could be interpreted as part of two weeks of negotiations

Do hurricanes count as an October Surprise?

12 October 2024, Saturday

In U.S. law, elections are held on the "first Tuesday following the first Monday in November," and major events occurring shortly before an election, with significant potential to sway its outcome, are known as "October surprises." The American public is familiar with such developments, which can range from national security issues involving war and peace to scandals concerning candidates' personal lives. Campaign teams often withhold damaging information about their opponents until October, ensuring

Israel's perpetual war strategy after October 7

09 October 2024, Wednesday

A full year ago this week, I was in Ankara for a meeting. When Hamas launched its attacks on October 7, the Palestinian issue quickly became the main agenda. It became evident that Israel was facing significant security vulnerabilities, and there was much discussion about the timing of Hamas's actions. There was a consensus that Israel would respond disproportionately. It was clear that the conflict between Israel and Hamas was entering a new phase, and discussions were underway about the steps

The Significance of Erdoğan's Emphasis on Gaza in His UN Speech

28 September 2024, Saturday

President Erdoğan dedicating a significant portion of his UN speech to Gaza highlighted not only the importance of the Palestinian issue for Türkiye but also its central role in regional peace and global governance. The moral clarity and call to action on this matter, which has been a recurring theme in Erdoğan’s past speeches, carried considerable weight. The UN, established to ensure international peace and security, has been paralyzed in addressing the Palestinian issue due to its structural