Erdoğan's painful victory and pragmatic resilience

In the July edition of Al Majalla magazine, the cover story focuses on post-election Turkey and what Erdogan's victory will mean for Turkey and the region.

Erdoğan's painful victory and pragmatic resilience

Has President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan survived the elections?

Yes, he has survived the presidential and parliamentary elections held last May, defying predictions of the Turkish opposition and other groups who anticipated his defeat. Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) managed to retain their hold on power, albeit by a narrow margin.

While the narrow victory is indeed a success, it also presents numerous domestic and international challenges. These challenges concern the Turkish population and other regions, including Arab nations, where Turkey's expansionist ambitions are pursued through a combination of military force and softer strategies.

Consequently, this topic has been selected as the cover story for the magazine's July issue.

I visited Ankara and Istanbul in June. During my trip, I met officials loyal to President Erdoğan as well as opposition members. These meetings gave me valuable insights into the post-election landscape and the implications of Erdoğan's narrow victory.

Three-way divide

The street is divided into three groups: Erdoğan's loyalists, those who are indifferent or desperate, and the scattered opposition. Erdoğan's loyalists celebrate their victory but also feel a sense of pain. They know that the election was close and that many Turks are unhappy with the direction their country is heading toward.

The street is divided into three groups: Erdoğan's loyalists, those who are indifferent or desperate, and the scattered opposition. Loyalists celebrate victory but also feel a sense of pain because many are unhappy with the direction Turkey is heading toward.

The opposition, on the other hand, is demoralised. They lost a rare chance to defeat Erdoğan and are unsure of what to do next.

Understanding Erdoğan's pragmatism

Consequently, we will delve into these phrases by speaking to experts knowledgeable in Turkish affairs and the spheres of influence in the Arab world.

We aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of Erdoğan's pragmatism and his ventures on the brink of the abyss as he confronts economic and political challenges, particularly the collapse of the Turkish lira and the task of addressing internal divisions.

An economist will argue for the "inevitability of changing course," providing further insight. We will also feature two exclusive interviews conducted in Ankara.

Ahmet Davutoglu, the leader of the "Future" Party, will candidly discuss his relationship with his "old buddy" Erdogan, the prevailing "state of fear" experienced by the Turkish people, and the opposition's plans to overcome it.

On his part, Umit Ozdag, the leader of the Victory Party, issues a warning, highlighting the potential for a civil war in Turkey due to the presence of Syrian refugees.

Ahmet Davutoglu, the leader of the "Future" Party, will candidly discuss his relationship with his "old buddy" Erdogan, the prevailing "state of fear" experienced by the Turkish people, and the opposition's plans to overcome it.

Turkish adventurism in the Arab world

Furthermore, we will embark on field visits to areas affected by Turkish incursions in Arab territories. A former UN advisor will shed light on the expansion of the Turkish army in eastern Libya after its penetration into the Western region.

Meanwhile, an investigation conducted in north-eastern Syria will delve into the concerns Ankara faces regarding the institutionalisation of the "Kurdish administration," as well as the global apprehension surrounding the presence of the Islamic State (IS) and the potential for its resurgence.

We will emphasise the interconnectedness of IS's "sleeper cells" and the looming threat of a "time bomb" that could detonate at any moment within a massive camp housing families associated with the extremist group.

Another field report from northern Iraq will examine Turkey's presence in the region and the escalation of its military operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The issue concludes with a historical exploration of Turkish legacy and Ankara's pursuit of balance both domestically and internationally. We also provide a detailed biography of Istanbul, a Turkish city of contradictions.

Wagner rebellion

In addition, we also provide coverage of other ongoing issues, such as the aftermath of the rebellion orchestrated by the Wagner Group against President Vladimir Putin in June.

Although the armed insurrection has been quelled, uncertainties persist regarding the future trajectory of Yevgeny Prigozhin and his forces both domestically and globally, especially as he finds himself in exile in Belarus.

We also analyse the aftermath of the rebellion orchestrated by the Wagner Group against President Vladimir Putin in June. Although the armed insurrection has been quelled, uncertainties persist regarding the future trajectory of the mercenary group both domestically and globally.

We delve into Prigozhin's biography, tracing his humble beginnings to his notable role as a "chef" within the Kremlin. Furthermore, we explore the implications of his exile in Belarus within the sphere of influence of Putin's ally in Minsk.

Sudan is another arena where the Wagner Group is active, particularly in the "war of the two generals." We present a poignant testimony highlighting how the crisis in Sudan has taken its people on a journey into the unknown, shedding light on the challenges those affected face.

American geopoltiics

In the United States, the Joe Biden administration is actively supporting Kyiv against Moscow in the ongoing conflict. The administration is also closely monitoring the numerous military tests conducted by the Russian army in Syria to exert pressure on the US in relation to Ukraine.

Additionally, the complex relationship with China remains a focal point. Yet, Washington is also preoccupied with internal economic concerns. We explore the profile of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a prominent figure seeking financial solutions.

Saudi focus

Recognising that the economy is a priority that centres around people, we delve into the significance of Saudi Arabia's predominantly young population, drawing insights from official statistics. This provides an opportunity to harness the vitality of youth to drive reforms and address their interests and concerns in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Oman.

We delve into the significance of Saudi Arabia's predominantly young population, drawing insights from official statistics. This provides an opportunity to harness the vitality of youth to drive reforms and address their interests and concerns

In culture, we speak to the intellectual Saad Al-Soyyan, who focuses on recording oral history. This concern over preserving oral traditions in the absence of written documentation is not limited to Saudi Arabia as it is also felt by the Arab world.

Culture explored

Furthermore, we commemorate "One Hundred Years of Love" by documenting the legacy of Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani, drawing inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez's remarkable novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude."

Many of us are familiar with the renowned Bahraini singer Khaled Al-Sheikh and his song "Shuwaikh from the land of Meknes." In this issue, researcher Abdullah Al-Rasheed investigates the song's connection to Andalusian Sufism and its contemporary extensions while offering a review of a dystopian novel.

Lastly, an expert translator Mehmet Hakkı Suçin explores the overlap of the Arabic and Turkish languages. He navigates the challenges and nuances of two distinct cultures and languages, encapsulating the richness and difficulties inherent in this translation process.

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