What lies behind the oil and gas negotiations between Russia and Azerbaijan?

While nationalists were narrowing the maneuvering space of political Islam, the response to Turkey, which aimed to improve relations with Syria, from Damascus was: "Leave our lands, and stop supporting terrorist groups." It was known that this response did not please Ankara. Therefore, a few days ago, the national defense minister, Yaşar Güler, essentially closed the door by saying, "Let Syria make changes to its constitution and hold democratic elections, and then we can think about normalizing relations."

The message from the Israeli public broadcasting corporation Kan, which claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had prohibited their soldiers from staying in Azerbaijan and Georgia due to potential threats from Iran, caused confusion both in Israel and in the mentioned countries.

Recent events indicate a marked escalation in anti-Turkey rhetoric from the North. While Ankara's official position remains undeclared, analysts closely monitoring the unfolding situation are advised to interpret these events as part of a broader strategic realignment. Turkey, a cornerstone in the Western alliance's economic, military, and political architecture, has navigated a delicate path with Russia until mid-2023.

Today, ASTNA welcomes Mikhail Krutikhin — a Russian analyst, renowned specialist in the oil and gas market, translator, journalist, historian, and orientalist specializing in Iran and Arab countries. His deep knowledge and extensive experience in studying the Middle East, as well as the economic and political situation in Iran, make him one of the leading experts in this field.