Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.

NEPOTISM, OR HOW TO DISMANTLE A FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Third Desk Apr 17, 2026

NEPOTISM, OR HOW TO DISMANTLE A FOREIGN MINISTRY

Each time political appointments in diplomacy are criticised in Turkey, the same defence appears with the reliability of a reflex: “Other countries do it too”. Perhaps they do. But mediocrity does not become wisdom once imported.

Editorial Team
TENSION PERSISTS WITHIN MHP FOLLOWING DEPUTY CHAIR’S EXIT
Inside Turkey Apr 17, 2026

TENSION PERSISTS WITHIN MHP FOLLOWING DEPUTY CHAIR’S EXIT

The MHP, a key partner of the ruling alliance under the leadership of the AKP, has seen a new wave of internal restructuring as the party leadership dissolved multiple regional organizations following the high-profile departure of Deputy Chair İzzet Ulvi Yönter.

Editorial Team
DEFENDANTS CONTINUE CHALLENGING CORRUPTION INDICTMENT ON İMAMOĞLU CASE
Inside Turkey Apr 17, 2026

DEFENDANTS CONTINUE CHALLENGING CORRUPTION INDICTMENT ON İMAMOĞLU CASE

The sixth week of the mass corruption trial of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and more than 400 co-defendants produced some of its most dramatic courtroom exchanges. İmamoğlu and the presiding judge continued sharp exchanges while the municipality’s housing company, KİPTAŞ, chair Ali Kurt implicated senior government figures in a land scheme, and the European Court of Human Rights formally demanded answers from Ankara.

Editorial Team
AKP-DEM TENSION ESCALATES AMID STALLING PEACE PROCESS
Inside Turkey Apr 17, 2026

AKP-DEM TENSION ESCALATES AMID STALLING PEACE PROCESS

The question of whether Turkey's Kurdish peace process — officially dubbed 'Terror-free Turkey' — has hit a deadlock is being asked more frequently, as tensions between the ruling AKP and DEM Party escalate over who bears responsibility for the lack of progress.

Editorial Team
DOUBLE SHOW OF STRENGTH IN SOMALIA
Security and Defense Apr 16, 2026

DOUBLE SHOW OF STRENGTH IN SOMALIA

Turkey launched offshore oil and gas exploration off the eastern coast of Africa, deploying a 7th-generation ultra-deepwater drillship. Simultaneously, Turkish F-16 fighter jets, T-129 attack helicopters, and AS-532 Cougar utility helicopters, and the aircraft performed ceremonial flyovers across Mogadishu.

Editorial Team
EYES ON LIBYA AGAIN
Security and Defense Apr 16, 2026

EYES ON LIBYA AGAIN

The TAF is participating in a US-led military exercise in Libya, where Turkey backed the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the west during the civil war. Meanwhile, attention has again focused on the plane crash in which the GNA Chief of Staff Muhammed Ali Ahmed Al Haddad and his delegation died near Ankara on Dec. 23, 2025.

Editorial Team