TURKEY STEPS UP MEDIATION EFFORTS WITHOUT NAMING U.S.
As Turkey steps up mediation efforts to halt the war against Iran, it is seeking to avoid holding the United States directly responsible.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
İYİ PARTY BACKS EARLY ELECTION DEMAND
A second Turkish opposition party has voiced support for early elections, backing a call made by the CHP following a wave of detentions targeting CHP-run municipalities.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ISSUES SECOND VIOLATION RULING FOR GEZİ DEFENDANT KAHRAMAN
Although its initial decision was overlooked by a local court, the Constitutional Court once again ruled a violation since its ruling was not applied for the jailed city planner Tayfun Kahraman, finding that its earlier decision had not been implemented.
DEM PARTY DISMISSES BY-ELECTION DEBATE
The DEM Party said calls for by-elections are not on its agenda.
OUTGOING CENTRAL BANK DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S REMARKS SPARK POLITICAL BACKLASH
Internal friction among top economy officials came to light after a senior central banker dismissed the impact of political cycles on monetary policy. The remarks by Deputy Governor Cevdet Akçay triggered a sharp rebuke from pro-government figures and suggestions of a rift between the central bank and the Presidency.
DEM PUSHES FOR A NEW STATUS AND HOME FOR ÖCALAN
The DEM Party is pushing the government to take legal steps to clarify PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s status, including the allocation of a house on İmralı Island, yet the government is buying time without providing clarity on the transition law.
THE STATE AND THE STAGE
Foreign policy has always liked theater, costumes and masks. Peace conferences, state visits, summit handshakes, seating plans, flags, solemn declarations. All belong to the choreography of international life.
A SILENT STORM WITHIN THE MHP
Imagine an organized crime network, protected and fed by political connections that it steadily expands.
DOES ERDOĞAN WANT A REGIME WITHOUT ELECTIONS?
Let us say it plainly at the outset: the answer is no. This is bigger than his wishes or reluctance. For more than a year, based on the operations against CHP municipalities, there has been a slew of analyses claiming that 'Erdoğan will not hold elections'. Similar analyses — citing earthquakes and wars as justification for him avoiding elections — also proved wrong before the 2023 elections and before.
RESURRECTION OF FOUR SEAS PROJECT
While Ankara is seeking to strengthen its ties with the Washington administration, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack has dusted off an old project aimed at transforming Turkey and Syria into a hub for energy security as an alternative to the Persian Gulf, caught in the crossfire for a month.
DRUG OPERATIONS RESUME, CELEBRITIES AND BUSINESS LEADERS DETAINED
Turkish authorities launched a new anti-drug operation on March 25, detaining high-profile figures from the worlds of sports, business, and entertainment. The raids marked the end of a brief lull in such operations following the appointment of the new interior and justice ministers in February.
BAKIM / CARE
Bakım, or care, is one of those deceptively soft words, the sugar coating over a complex vitamin pill, a soft towel draped over the hard machinery of an economy. It suggests tenderness and love. What it rarely suggests is exhaustion, lost income, or the quiet arithmetic of inequality.