US spies see stronger, Islamic Turkey in 2025 WASHINGTON - The National Intelligence Council, which brings together all 16 US intelligence agencies, argues in its recent report titled Global Trends 2025 that Turkey’s most likely course in the next 15 years involves a blending of Islamic and nationalist strains, which could serve as a model for other rapidly modernizing countries in the Middle East by Ümit Enginsoy, 22 November 2008

Cyprus talks not so smooth ANKARA - Turkish Cypriots are losing hope of reaching a negotiated settlement due to the Greek Cypriots’ lack of motivation. "The international community, especially the United Nations, should step in and put pressure on both parties," an official said. One of the main obstacles is the Greek Cypriot faction’s refusal to set a timetable for a solution. by Serkan Demirtaş, 22 November 2008

New ministry to handle diaspora YEREVAN - Armenia has created a new ministry to cater to the needs of the country's far stretching diaspora. President Serge Sarkisian started work on the Ministry of the Diaspora immediately after his election to office in February. After long sessions in forums, evaluation and research, the ministry established in the first week of October and Hranuyş Hagopyan was assigned as minister. The ministry, aiming to unite all Armenians, is based on examples in Greece and Israel. by Vercihan Ziflioğlu, 22 November 2008