Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

FIDAN MEETS TRIPOLI AND BENGHAZI LEADERS ALIKE
Foreign Affairs Aug 13, 2026

FIDAN MEETS TRIPOLI AND BENGHAZI LEADERS ALIKE

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Libya on Aug. 11 and 12, visiting both Tripoli and Benghazi, in what appears to be the first time a Turkish foreign minister has made a simultaneous visit to meet competing sides in the Libyan conflict.

Editorial Staff 2 min
ERDOĞAN EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE NEW AKP MEMBERS
Inside Turkey Aug 13, 2026

ERDOĞAN EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE NEW AKP MEMBERS

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to welcome new members into the AKP at the party's 25th anniversary event in Ankara on Aug. 14, with two sitting deputies from the İYİ Party set to join.

Editorial Staff 1 min
A NEW SUNNI AXIS?
Guest Voices Aug 13, 2026

A NEW SUNNI AXIS?

On Friday — a day of particular symbolic weight for the Islamic world — President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif put their signatures to a trilateral defense agreement in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.

Guest Voices 4 min
GIMME A BREAK
Poetic Licence Aug 13, 2026

GIMME A BREAK

Parliament breaks for recess, framework law tucked in its wake, Yeni Party supporters divided over the vote it made.

Nazlan Ertan 1 min
TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES
Foreign Affairs Aug 6, 2026

TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES

Turkey urged Russia and Ukraine to safeguard civilian navigation in the Black Sea after Turkish-owned cargo ships were hit by drones. Ankara refrained from blaming either side for the attack, instead calling on both warring parties to immediately ensure maritime security, on Aug. 4.

Editorial Staff 2 min
THE FIRE SEASON
The Third Desk Jul 30, 2026

THE FIRE SEASON

This summer, Turkey’s coast mostly held. A fire near Fethiye, a scare in Antalya’s Kepez district, a few homes emptied as a precaution and their residents returned to within a day. After last year, it has the feel of a reprieve, which is the most dangerous weather the region knows. Because we have all seen what the season can do.

Can Öztaş 4 min
LIVE SIGNING GLITCH DISRUPTS ERDOĞAN’S IRAQI SUMMIT
Foreign Affairs Jul 30, 2026

LIVE SIGNING GLITCH DISRUPTS ERDOĞAN’S IRAQI SUMMIT

A live signing ceremony crowning Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's visit to Ankara was disrupted when a Development Road agreement went unsigned, prompting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to intervene on camera and Al Zaidi to confront his own transport minister.

Editorial Staff 2 min