EDS Advisory

Istanbul-based Political Risk & Business Research Advisory with Turkey & MENA focus | Effective Decision Solutions

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Turkey ranked 102nd among 167 countries with a score of 4.33 in the Democracy Index 2023, published annually by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

#EconomistIntelligenceUnit
#Turkey

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (@TheEIU)

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🛢️🇻🇪 According to the latest OPEC data, Venezuela has the highest proven oil reserves, with 303.2 billion barrels.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Elon Musk says the EU should be abolished and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people. This isn't the first time, yet more direct and intense for sure.

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

The EU should be abolished and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Some analysts argue Europe is asking the wrong question. Instead of only blocking drones, the focus should be on deterring the actors launching them—though directly targeting Russian bases would be dangerously escalatory.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Europe is facing rising drone intrusions linked to Russia, sparking debate over a proposed “drone wall.” @BBCWorld reports major NATO concerns, doubts about feasibility, and warnings that drone threats evolve faster than defenses.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Experts warn that counter-drone tech can’t keep up. Every new defense is quickly outpaced by new drone tactics. It’s turning into a fast-moving arms race, making a comprehensive “drone wall” difficult to build.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🇨🇳🇵🇸🇺🇸🇮🇱Trump’s Gaza remarks shake the region—signaling U.S. abandonment of the two-state solution and pushing Arab allies into tough choices. China stays steady, quietly gaining space while Washington’s unpredictability erodes trust. MENA’s geopolitical balance just got messier.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

With U.S. policy swinging every 4 years, Arab states face uncertainty. China isn’t a major security player, but its steady, predictable stance makes it an appealing alternative. The “U.S. or China” binary isn’t so simple anymore—Washington is making Beijing’s job easier.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🇨🇳🇵🇸🇺🇸🇮🇱Trump’s Gaza remarks shake the region—signaling U.S. abandonment of the two-state solution and pushing Arab allies into tough choices. China stays steady, quietly gaining space while Washington’s unpredictability erodes trust. MENA’s geopolitical balance just got messier.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Trump’s call to “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians signals a U.S. shift from regional stability to disruption. Unlike past interventions, this isn’t about reshaping security—it’s a reckless move that Arab states now have to navigate. China, meanwhile, stays cautious.

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

Middle East Today

🇺🇸 Trump undecided on Syria pullout. 🇮🇱 Israel opposes, cites Iran threat. 🇹🇷 Turkey seeks US assurances. 🇸🇾 Global powers debate Syria's future. 🇷🇺 Russia's role weakens. ⚔️ Israel blocks Syrian army rebuild. 🌍 Syria remains a flashpoint.

#MiddleEast #Syria

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🇸🇾🚢#Syria's new authorities have annulled the 2019 agreement granting #Russia's Stroytransgaz a 49-year lease to manage the Tartus port. All port revenues will now benefit the Syrian state. The transitional government plans to reduce customs fees by 60% to boost competitiveness.

[Efe Doğuş Selvi @edoguss]

🇸🇾❌🇷🇺 Suriye'deki yeni yönetim, Rus tarafıyla Tartus limanının kiralanmasına ilişkin anlaşmayı resmen feshetti.

#Suriye #Rusya #Tartus #Syria #Russia

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🇵🇰🇦🇫Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are very tense. Problems between the two countries ⬇️

📌The Durand Line dividing the Pashtun population in two and Afghanistan not recognizing it

📌The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating in #Afghanistan poses a threat to #Pakistan

[Efe Doğuş Selvi @edoguss]

🇵🇰🇦🇫Pakistan-Afganistan arası çok gergin. İki ülke arasındaki sorunlar ⬇️

📌Durand Hattı'nın Peştun nüfusunu ikiye bölmesi ve Afganistan'ın bunu tanımaması

📌#Afganistan'da faaliyet gösteren Tehrik-i-Taliban #Pakistan'ın (TTP) Pakistan için tehdit oluşturması

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

📈ACLED reports 63% rise in political violence during 2024 elections vs 21% in non-election countries. Despite unrest, violence rarely changed outcomes (India, Senegal). Findings challenge the belief that democracy & development shield against conflict

#ACLED #PoliticalViolence

[ACLED @ACLEDINFO]

In 2024, election-holding countries saw a 63% rise in political violence—triple the rate in non-election nations. Yet unrest rarely swayed results (e.g., India, Senegal).

Learn more about conflict & democracy: https://t.co/Lm1HkJVbx7

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

🇷🇴✈️🇹🇷Romania strengthens defense capabilities with a $321M deal for 18 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey's Baykar. Deliveries set for 2024-2025, aligning with Romania's military modernization strategy.

#Defense #Geopolitics #Romania #Turkey

https://t.co/jW4s0yCmfG

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

There are around 20 pubs in #Damascus. What will happen to these places under the new #HTS administration is uncertain. When Nevşin Mengü asked the same question in #Aleppo, she observed the places were still open. The answers are critical regarding the future of the new regime!

[Efe Doğuş Selvi @edoguss]

Google Maps'e göre #Şam'ın merkezinde yaklaşık 20 pub ve bar mevcut. Yeni #HTŞ yönetiminde bu mekanlara ne olacağı merak konusu. Nevşin Mengü aynı soruyu #Halep'te sorduğunda mekanların hala açık olduğunu gözlemlemiş. Cevaplar, rejimin geleceğini öngörebilmek için kritik!

[EDS Advisory @EDSAdvisory]

An important point needs to be shed light on regarding the recent developments in Syria. In daily discussion programs (including some 'opposition journalists' broadcasting daily on YouTube), the terms Nusayri and Alevi are used interchangeably. However, that is extremely wrong.

[Efe Doğuş Selvi @edoguss]

Suriye'de son dönemdeki malum gelişmeler üzerine önemli bir noktaya dikkat çekmek istedim. Günlük tartışma programlarında (buna Youtube'da günlük yayın yapan bazı 'muhalif gazeteciler' de dahil) Nusayri ve Alevi kavramları aynı anlamda kullanılıyor. Halbuki bu son derece yanlış.