Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 25, 2015

Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post: Assad’s position strengthens in Syria with renewed Russian and Iranian support

On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a one-day visit to Russia to attend the unveiling of the new Cathedral Mosque in Moscow, described as one of the largest Muslim prayer halls in Europe. He also met with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, and announced the lofty goal of reaching $100 billion in trade between their two countries by 2023.

Russia's importance to Turkey's economy — particularly its energy sector — perhaps shadowed the comments Erdogan made on his return. When asked about a solution to Syria's brutal civil war, the Turkish president gestured to a long-mooted, potential "process" of political transition. He spoke directly for the first time of the possible role that could be played by the embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 25, 2015

Is Turkey on the Brink of Civil War? -- Kemal Kirisci, Newsweek

717 people dead: What caused the deadly Hajj stampede? -- Holly Yan, CNN

What ‘Axis of Evil’? Iran’s President Makes Nice in New York -- Claudia Parsons, Newsweek

Hamas v. ISIS, An Islamist Civil War Simmers In Gaza -- Céline Lussato, World Crunch

Israel's soaring population: Promised Land running out of room? -- Tova Cohen and Steven Scheer, Reuters

Despite Boko Haram bombings, Nigeria's battered north sees progress -- Grace Obike, CSM

How the people of Burkina Faso foiled a military coup -- Simon Allison, The Guardian

Thailand’s Military Junta is Clueless about Economic Policy -- Anthony Kleven, The Diplomat

Averting a China-Vietnam Military Clash -- Joshua Kurlantzick, The Diplomat

Expectations low for Obama-Xi state visit -- Stephen Collinson, CNN

Can China's president reassure US investors? -- Inside Story/Al Jazeera

How China’s State Media Covers Xi Visit -- William Ide, VOA

EU refugees deal barely scratches surface of a crisis still in its infancy -- Ian Traynor, The Guardian

Mexico’s miserable year -- Michael E. Miller, Washington Post

Political, legal, economic challenges face Colombia on path to peace -- Joshua Goodman, AP

7 wicked popes, and the terrible things they did -- Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post