International

The Turkey dilemma

Interference is not a good counsel

by Florian Stumfall*

(25 June 2023) Turkish President Erdogan has been confirmed to office, and the Turkish community in Germany has made a disproportionate contribution to this result. At first glance, this may appear surprising because the people in question are predominantly second- or third-generation residents of Germany, but they have now made a national Turkish-Islamic pledge. So, while German politicians speak idealistic words about integration on all festive and holiday occasions, the majority of Turks residing in their local communities, retain a strong sense or their Turkish identity. The overly generous dual citizenship law also makes it easy for them.

“The U.S. Should Be a Force for Peace in the World”

Open letter to President Biden

by Eisenhower Media Network,* USA

(25 June 2023) In the United States, eminent former national security experts have written an open letter to President Biden and members of Congress, calling for every effort to be made to put an end to the war in Ukraine through diplomacy. Without endorsing the Russian invasion, they do not hesitate to denounce the actions of NATO and the arms dealers who have helped destabilise Europe. Will they be heard?

EU moves to the periphery of the world – by choice!

by Ivan Hoffman,* Czech Republic

(13 June 2023) (Edit. Globalbridge.ch) Well-known Czech publicist Ivan Hoffman – dissident under socialism, after 1989 working for “Radio Free Europe” for several years, then journalist, editor and presenter on Czech state radio – has written a short commentary on the current EU policy. Ivan Hoffman hits the mark with it, and his commentary should therefore also be read in German-speaking Europe. (cm)

US hopes to snatch victory from jaws of defeat in Ukraine

by M. K. Bhadrakumar,* India

(6 June 2023) The G7 Leaders’ 2700-word statement on Ukraine,1 issued in Hiroshima after their summit meeting glossed over the burning question today – the so-called counter-offensive against the Russian forces.It is a deafening silence, since rumours are swirling about the disappearance of the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Significantly, President Vladimir Zelensky himself is making himself scarce from Kiev touring world capitals – Helsinki, Hague, Rome, Vatican, Berlin, Paris, London and Jeddah and Hiroshima. It does seem that something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Background and elements of the war in Ukraine

“This crisis shows us the weakness of our society”

Jacques Baud* in an interview with “Swiss Standpoint”

(30 May 2023) On the occasion of a trip to Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels, two members of the editorial board of “Swiss Standpoint” had the following conversation with the Swiss military analyst Jacques Baud. He talks about the causes of the war, the current situation of Ukrainian and Russian troops and the influence of the USA on events in the region. In a second part, questions of international trade relations and Switzerland's loss of trust and credibility abroad are also discussed.
Sudan conflict

The new geopolitical battlefield between East and West?

by Matthew Ehret,* Canada

(23 May 2023) The potential outbreak of a civil war sparked by a factional fight within Sudan's military government poses a destabilization threat beyond the nation's borders – into Africa, West Asia, and the emerging multipolar order. This suits the west just fine.