MEF Dispatch: Neo-Ottoman Ambitions and the Shifting Sands of Islamist Power

MEF Dispatch: Neo-Ottoman Ambitions and the Shifting Sands of Islamist Power

By Winfield Myers ● Jan 30, 2025

Smart Brevity® count: 6.5 mins...1685 words

In Damascus, you can “feel the stark absence of the state,” which is moving “toward greater Islamization,” writes Jonathan Spyer in his third report on a recent trip to Syria. That contrasts with the new Syrian regime’s largest supporter, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has already turned his country Islamist and is expressing “neo-Ottoman” desires. Turkey is also in the midst of a campaign to vilify Israeli and Jewish interests—both real and imagined—to scapegoat them as part of Erdoğan’s efforts to further solidify his power. Meanwhile, Hamas, now regrouping during the ceasefire, conceived its urban warfare strategy not to defeat the IDF head-on, but to cause the anti-Israel/anti-Western international community to prevent Israel from winning.

In Europe, it’s stabbing season for Islamists, in villages as well as cities, although one would never grasp the magnitude of the problem nor the identity of the culprits by relying on government or media sources. The violence stems in part, we learn, from Islamists seeking revenge for military defeats long ago, including the battle of Tours in the year 732.

Turning to the U.S., we analyze a promising new national security screening mandate that could identify and expel pro-Hamas demonstrators here on F-1 visas. We also examine the benefits of confronting an almost century-old source of that radical Islamist ideology—the Muslim Brotherhood—which is ripe for designation as a terrorist organization.

Syria Feels Close to a Zone of Anarchy

The remnants of Bashar al-Assad's regime are visible across Syria, as new forces vie for control.

Why it matters: Syria's current turmoil reflects the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, with competing factions vying for power.

The collapse of Assad's regime has left power vacuums and opportunities for new groups.

The Sunni jihadis of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) are asserting their dominance, carrying out widespread retribution.

New power dynamics: HTS'svictory over the Assad regime marks a significant change in Syria's power structure.

The jihadis have taken over the capital city of Damascus.

The regime's former strongholds are now abandoned, with military equipment left unused.

What's next: The future of Syria remains uncertain as HTS attempts to solidify its control.

The coexistence of HTS fighters and local communities in Damascus is fragile.

Various armed groups, like the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces and Alawi militias, continue to operate.

Historical echoes: The situation resembles Russia in 1918, where competing forces delayed the consolidation of power.

HTS faces challenges similar to those of the Bolsheviks in Moscow.

The trajectory of Syria's governance will be tested in the coming months.

To read the full article, click here.

Turkey’s ‘Neo-Ottomanism’ and Pakistan’s ‘Neo-Mughalism’ Are a Clear and Present Danger

Turkey and Pakistan's expansionist desires pose significant threats to regional stability, with implications for global peace.

Why it matters: The adoption of ideologies like neo-Ottomanism and neo-Mughalism by Turkey and Pakistan threatens democratic institutions and fosters terrorism.

Both countries' historical narratives are being used to justify expansionist policies.

Such ideologies can destabilize regions and embolden other revisionist states.

Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's policies aim to extend Turkey's influence over former Ottoman territories.

Erdoğan's support for Islamist groups like Hamas and Kashmir-based terrorism signals a broader regional aspiration.

This approach challenges the existing geopolitical order and threatens regional democracies.

Pakistan's neo-Mughal parallels: Inspired by Turkey, Pakistan seeks to assert its dominance in South Asia.

Islamabad aims to expand its influence in Kashmir and beyond, often at the cost of regional stability.

The rhetoric of neo-Mughalism provides a framework for its aggressive foreign policy.

Regional and global implications: As Turkey and Pakistan push their revisionist agendas, the global community must respond.

Democracies worldwide need to recognize and counter these threats to maintain stability.

The international response will be crucial in determining whether these ideologies gain further traction.

To read the full article, click here.

Turkey Intensifies Covert Campaign Against Israel and Jews

Turkey's government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has intensified its anti-Israel rhetoric, painting Israel as a national security threat and launching a covert campaign against Jewish interests.

Why it matters: This narrative fuels domestic and regional tensions.

Erdoğan's government uses state-controlled media to vilify Israel and justify actions against Jewish communities.

The campaign includes judicial measures and misinformation tactics to target Jewish networks.

The strategy: Turkey aims to portray Israel as an adversary, leveraging national security rhetoric to rally domestic support.

The narrative serves Erdoğan's political survival, aligning with far-right nationalist allies.

By categorizing Israel as a threat, Turkey deflects attention from internal issues and consolidates power.

Implications: Such a campaign undermines regional stability and perpetuates misinformation.

The international community must recognize and address the impact of Turkey's rhetoric on broader geopolitical dynamics.

This approach risks isolating Turkey further and complicating diplomatic relations.

To read the full article, click here.

WATCH – John Spencer on Israel’s Urban War in Gaza: A Technical Analysis

Urban warfare expert John Spencer examines Israel's military tactics in Gaza, highlighting the challenges and strategic measures involved.

Why it matters: Israel's operations aim to minimize civilian harm while securing its borders against well-prepared defenses.

Hamas's extensive tunnel network complicates Israel's efforts.

The IDF strives for precision despite global scrutiny and misinformation.

Global influence: Social media and international reactions shape perceptions of Israel's military actions.

Despite criticism, Israel maintains a low civilian-to-combatant casualty ratio.

Strategic balance: Understanding urban warfare dynamics helps assess Israel's approach in Gaza.

The IDF balances military objectives with humanitarian considerations.

To watch the full podcast episode, click here.

It’s Stabbing Season in a Collapsing Europe

A surge in violent attacks across Europe, often linked to Muslim migrants, highlights a growing crisis that cannot be ignored due to political correctness.

Why it matters: These attacks reveal a deeper societal issue that demands urgent attention and policy reevaluation.

The frequency and brutality of these crimes pose a significant threat to public safety and social cohesion.

Brushing over these incidents for fear of being politically incorrect endangers lives and undermines trust in governance.

The reality: From major cities to small towns, Europe is witnessing a disturbing pattern of violence.

High-profile stabbings and attacks are becoming alarmingly common, with perpetrators often linked to extremist ideologies.

Call to action: European leaders must confront this issue head-on, prioritizing the safety of citizens over political narratives.

Ignoring these crimes for the sake of political correctness only exacerbates the problem and erodes public confidence.

Because mass immigration from Muslim-majority countries has led to a significant increase in crime, such immigration should be curtailed and stricter controls put in place.

The bottom line: A proactive stance is essential to protect European society from further violence and to maintain the integrity of its multicultural fabric.

To read the full article, click here.

Muslims Seek to ‘Avenge’ the Battle of Tours

A radical Islamist group in France allegedly plotted attacks to avenge a battle from 732 AD, highlighting how historical narratives can fuel modern terrorism.

Why it matters: The plot demonstrates the enduring influence of historical events on contemporary jihadist ideology.

It reveals the deep historical awareness among some Muslim communities that contrasts with Western amnesia.

Such plots exemplify how historical grievances can be manipulated to justify modern terrorism.

The contrast: While many in the West overlook past wars, radical Islamists draw direct lines from past to present.

This clash of historical perceptions can exacerbate tensions between cultures and religions.

Cultural implications: Western societies must recognize historical narratives' role in shaping extreme Islamist views.

Enhanced historical awareness could aid in countering Islamist ideologies effectively.

To read the full article, click here.

Decoding Trump’s Border Counterterrorism Order, Part 1

President Trump's new executive order targets foreign nationals on visas who support Hamas, emphasizing the importance of national security over political correctness.

Why it matters: The order aims to protect U.S. campuses from violent Islamists and their allies, ensuring safety and upholding American values.

Deporting individuals who advocate for Hamas curtails potential threats and reinforces a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

Such measures could restore confidence in immigration policies and enhance public safety.

The approach: The EO mandates rigorous vetting and empowers authorities to revoke visas of those posing security risks.

This decisive action highlights a commitment to preventing extremist ideologies from spreading within U.S. borders.

Positive potential: By focusing on deportation, the U.S. sends a clear message against harboring radical elements.

The policy could serve as a deterrent, discouraging others from engaging in similar activities.

It reinforces the principle that U.S. security and public safety are paramount.

To read the full article, click here.

Trump Must Designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terror Organization

Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization would dismantle its facade of moderation and curb its influence in U.S. institutions.

Why it matters: This move is vital for safeguarding national security and countering extremist ideologies.

The Brotherhood's ideology fuels groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda, posing a direct threat to global stability.

Stripping away its legitimacy would hinder its ability to infiltrate and influence U.S. policymaking.

Strategic benefits: Aligning with allies like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the designation strengthens international cooperation against terrorism.

It sends a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate violent and subversive Islamists.

The bottom line: Designating the Brotherhood is not about targeting Islam but addressing a specific threat that undermines peace and stability.

This decisive action reinforces America's commitment to fighting extremism and protecting democratic values.

To read the full article, click here.

Further Reading:

“Virtue Signaling Gets People Killed. There Are No Shortcuts to Palestinian Statehood”
By: Michael Rubin
The way forward for those seeking independence is accountability for their actions and rule of law.

“al-Zabadani After the Revolution”
By: Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi
An interview with Samir Darwish, who headed the Al-Zabadani town council just before the Assad regime’s fall.

“‘No-Go Zones’ for Jews in Stuttgart”
By: Benjamin Weinthal
Denial remains the order of the day about the lack of freedom for Germany’s dwindling Jewish community.

World-spanning issues demand world-spanning coverage, and we aim to provide you with just that in each issue of the Dispatch. You may rely on us for continuing analyses of key issues affecting our world, be they emerging threats or centuries-old challenges.

Sincerely,
Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, MEF
Director, Campus Watch

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