Valdai Club

The past few decades have been an experiment in Europe (though not the first one, historically). Now that attempt to realize the dreams of its romantics, utopian philosophers and certain economists and build an ideal common European home has begun to falter. A beautiful house was being built according to blueprints enshrined in numerous agreements and legislative acts, where everything seemed to have been taken care of, all the way down to waste disposal and uniform trash bins. But, as they say, it looked great on paper.

Erdogan’s new position reflects the view of Turkey’s political elite and voters, as a significant part of Turkish society is in favor of developing ties with Russia.

Despite failure of the military coup, Turkey remains a deeply divided country and bringing back unity must become president Erdogan’s top priority, Valdai Club experts believe.

The whole world knows that for more than one year actions of the US-led coalition did not have any significant impact on ISIS.

The West should finally realize that coping with challenges facing all of humankind and averting impending threats can only be achieved through common efforts and cooperation, primarily with Russia.

Last Sunday, US President Barack Obama said he believed the worst mistake of his presidency was a lack of strategic planning in Libya following the 2011 toppling of Moammar Gaddafi. "Probably failing to plan for the day after what I think was the right thing to do in intervening in Libya," he said in a Fox News interview, when asked what his worst mistake was.

There is no military solution to the Kurdish problem, but it is clear that the Kurds – if they are really involved in the attack – are reacting to what Erdogan is doing.

The US has decided to seriously consider Russia's proposal to tighten control over the funding of ISIS and other terrorist groups and to interrupt their supply routes, primarily the illegal oil trade.

Secular Arab regimes began to be seen as enemies by Erdogan’s Turkey. The Russian involvement in Syria made it clear for him that his goals were now much harder to achieve.

The entire world is discussing the Russian proposals to unite all robust forces – the Syrian and Iraqi armies, the Kurdish self-defense fighters and all regional states – and render them effective international support.