World Press on Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus (March 29, 2011)

"Oil, electricity investment talks bring Turkish prime minister to Iraq as violence kills 11" is an article published by the Washington Post. The author says that, joined by dozens of businessmen, Turkey’s prime minister led trade talks Monday with Iraqi leaders, which officials said would be a step toward greater regional stability as the Middle East is in turmoil from uprisings and unrest. Erdogan urged Iraq to work in “solidarity” with Turkey against the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, saying that “would strengthen our regional brotherhood.” Turkey, which has served as a mediator in many regional conflicts under Erdogan, is also maintaining contacts with both sides in the fighting between Libyan rebels and Moammar Gaddafi’s forces, in an attempt to arrange a cease-fire.

The Washington Post published an article headlined “Russian investigators say Chechen warlord behind Moscow airport bombing; detain 2 suspects.” It reports that Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said it had charged Doku Umarov and another militant with organizing the Jan. 24 bombing of Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, which killed 37 and injured more than 180. Umarov claimed responsibility for the airport bombing in a video posted last month and warned that many more such incidents will follow if Russia does not allow the Caucasus to become an independent Islamic state governed by Sharia law.

The Turkish information agency Hurriyet reports that, as China is set to overtake the US in scientific output in few years, Turkey's improved scientific performance has been almost as dramatic as China's, a major new study by the Royal Society, the UK's national science academy, says . While the top 10 is still dominated by the major Western powers, their share of research papers being published is falling. Although, being further behind, Turkey and Iran are among the countries making dramatic progress. Furthermore, ambitious scientific nations such as Saudi Arabia and South Africa are also increasing their relative collaboration, the report said.

“Turkey to assume control of Benghazi airport in Libya” is an article published by Hurriyet. Turkey is assuming control of Benghazi airport, and sending naval forces to patrol the corridor between the rebel-held city and Crete, as it prepares to join a London meeting on the international response to Libya. Turkey has pressed for broad-based participation in the Libya mission – including the Arab League, the African Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference – to secure a peaceful transition in Libya and meet the legitimate needs of the Libyan people, Erdoğan said.

The Iranian information agency Press TV published an article subtitled “Iran calls for greater African unity.” It says that Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi says the global situation no longer works to the benefit of “bullying rulers,” and African unity can thwart the conspiracies of arrogant powers. The Iranian official reiterated that expansion of relations with African countries is among the top priorities of Iran's foreign policy and that Tehran is keen on improving its relations with African countries. Rahimi touched upon the "huge" capacities of the two states for the promotion of mutual cooperation, stressing the need for the improvement of relations and collaboration in trade and culture.

"Iran: Saudi invasion of Bahrain ominous." Press TV reports that Iran's Defense Minister, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, has warned against a Saudi invasion of Bahrain, saying any "ill-advised" move would be detrimental to nations in the region. He denounced the Saudi invasion of Bahrain and added, "Governments should safeguard people and their independence. They should not invite other countries to assault and kill their people." The Iranian minister went on to warn that the region would turn into "a center for incendiarism, hostility and clashes" should such "destabilizing and illegal" moves continue.