İbrahim Karataş

Türkiye’s relentless efforts to produce indigenous weapons have eventually turned into a success story. While the production of mid-range and mid-size advanced weapons is already concluded, the race for the most advanced and largest weapons is still underway. This study argues that Türkiye has partly ensured a Pax Turka in some conflicts, and the more sophisticated weapons the Turkish defense industry produces, the more the Pax Turka might be prevalent, at least in some parts of the region. A small-scale Pax Turka is likely because, first, the decisive factor for peace is military strength and industry, which Türkiye considerably has and is continuing to have. Second, Türkiye is eligible to lead friendly countries, and the latter may accept the former’s leadership due to various advantages as well as necessities. Third, Türkiye and regional countries, which are also buyers of Turkish weapons, have similar characteristics and are dependent on each other, compelling them to uphold peace with the help of Türkiye. The study also asserts that the scope of Pax Turka may expand in the 2030s.

The book reveals some basic and unique reasons for the Israel-Palestinian Conflict stemming from the Palestinian side, namely polarization and demobilization. Such exclusive findings must be read by people of concern. Thus, I highly recommend El Kurd’s precious book to readers.

This article examines the history and outcomes of Hamas’ involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By using published sources and conducting interviews with five incumbent Hamas officials living abroad, the article evaluates the group’s achievements and failures since the onset of its active role in the military struggle against Israel and in Palestinian politics against the other main actor, Fatah. It concludes that Hamas, while achieving some success in its military struggle against Israel, has not delivered the expectations of the Palestinian people, partly because it was squeezed into to the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Authority, and partly because international actors have blocked aid from entering the Hamas-controlled areas. Hamas is expected to continue fighting, but may partially withdraw from politics, as the people of Gaza are not happy with its governance due to higher unemployment, as well as the Israeli blockade and attacks.