Energy security and the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus featured prominently in discussions, as Western leaders prepared to open a two-day North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in Latvia.
The results of the November 17 summit of the leaders of Turkic-speaking nations exceeded the expectations of many diplomats and political analysts. The presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey took the first steps toward the creation of a Turkic commonwealth, giving an enthusiastic endorsement to efforts aimed at strengthening energy and security ties.
Turkey, seeking to revive a plan to forge a Turkic Commonwealth, will play host November 17 to the leaders of Azerbaijan and all Central Asian states, except Tajikistan. Summit participants are expected to explore ways of turning energy abundance into greater collective geopolitical influence.
A November 1-2 meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Moscow promises to highlight competing approaches toward this increasingly strategic region.
In awarding the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature to Orhan Pamuk, the Swedish Academy stressed the Turkish author's literary skill. However, analysts and critics see unmistakeable evidence of political motives in the decision.
Turkey is struggling to keep its European Union membership aspirations alive on the first anniversary of the start of accession talks. The next few days could prove pivotal for Ankara.
Russian plans for a new natural gas pipeline are placing Turkey in a tough position. The new Russian route would use Turkey as a transit point for exports to the European Union, in effect creating a direct competitor to Turkish-controlled ventures. Given Ankara's interests in joining the EU, however, Turkish officials are reluctant to be seen as creating hurdles for the project.
Turkey and Iran are trying to finalize an energy deal that would open a new export avenue to the European Union. As it tries to strike a deal, Turkey is treading carefully, mindful of not wanting to upset the region's geopolitical balance.
The appointment of a reputed hard-liner as Turkey's new chief of the general staff has sparked speculation about the military's continued support for reforms and European Union accession.
Turkey has emerged in recent weeks as an important player in the Iranian nuclear crisis. Turkish leaders are in constant contact with their Iranian counterparts, quietly cajoling Tehran to come up with a response to an international incentive offer and open the way for a direct US-Iranian dialogue.
