Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

SIGNALS OF A MARRIAGE RENEWAL WITH NATO
Security and Defense Apr 3, 2026

SIGNALS OF A MARRIAGE RENEWAL WITH NATO

Turkey shows signs of renewing its ties with its NATO alliance partners amid the ongoing Iran crisis. The renewal of vows follows a tempestuous period in its relations not only with the U.S. but also with NATO following the acquisition of the S-400 air defense system from Russia. Particularly over the past 20 years, facing U.S. CAATSA sanctions and Europe’s covert arms embargoes in the fight against the PKK, Turkey’s government and opposition have both questioned the value of NATO membership.

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ALTUN EXPECTED TO BE NAMED TURKEY’S VATICAN AMBASSADOR
Foreign Affairs Feb 6, 2026

ALTUN EXPECTED TO BE NAMED TURKEY’S VATICAN AMBASSADOR

Fahrettin Altun, who was removed in July from the Directorate of Communications he founded and from his role at the Center for Combating Disinformation, is expected to be appointed Turkey’s ambassador to the Vatican, according to several diplomatic sources.

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BAHÇELI MOVES TO STEADY TURKEY’S PEACE PROCESS AMID SYRIA SHOCKS
Inside Turkey Jan 30, 2026

BAHÇELI MOVES TO STEADY TURKEY’S PEACE PROCESS AMID SYRIA SHOCKS

As the Turkish peace process with Kurds enters a period of turbulence following shifting dynamics and territorial changes in Syria, MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli, who initiated the process, has stepped up efforts to prevent it from unraveling even as rhetoric hardens between the ruling bloc and the DEM Party.

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SYRIA SHIFT PUTS TURKEY’S PEACE PROCESS UNDER PRESSURE
Deep Dive Jan 22, 2026

SYRIA SHIFT PUTS TURKEY’S PEACE PROCESS UNDER PRESSURE

Turkey joined Damascus, welcoming the victory of Syrian government forces and the defeat of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which further strained the ongoing peace process. Tensions in the political arena rose after a Turkish flag was brought down during the DEM Party’s group meeting in the border town of Nusaybin, neighboring Qamishli. The name of the person who brought down the Turkish flag was not shared by the government, but an investigation was launched, while the DEM Party described the incident as a provocation, recalling similar instances from the past.

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DRUG CRACKDOWN WIDENS WITH NEW MASS DETENTIONS
Inside Turkey Jan 22, 2026

DRUG CRACKDOWN WIDENS WITH NEW MASS DETENTIONS

Turkey’s sweeping drug operations have expanded to include prominent figures from business and entertainment, triggering debate over whether the focus remains on organized crime kingpins or on well-known public personalities.

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‘MADE IN EUROPE’ PROPOSAL: BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS FOR TURKEY
Economy and Finance Jan 22, 2026

‘MADE IN EUROPE’ PROPOSAL: BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS FOR TURKEY

The EU’s draft “Made in Europe” proposal to support European producers of green technology excludes Turkey from “Europe” but allows the European Commission to determine which non-EU countries can be included in the scheme on a sectoral basis. The Turkish business community is alarmed at the new rules aimed at strengthening European manufacturing against rising competition from China and the U.S., Turkey in Depth learned. Fearing this would create a new hurdle in Turkey’s trade with the EU, business leaders have been lobbying in Brussels, urging officials to consider Turkey as part of Europe. Turkey in Depth has learned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen regarding the decision.

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TÜSİAD ELECTS OZAN DIREN AS NEW CHAIR
Economy and Finance Jan 16, 2026

TÜSİAD ELECTS OZAN DIREN AS NEW CHAIR

Turkey’s top business association, TÜSİAD, elected Ozan Diren as its new chair at its ordinary general assembly in Istanbul. Diren, the sole candidate, will serve for the 2026–2027 term. He succeeds Orhan Turan, who completed two terms in office.

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