Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

CRITICS QUESTION TURKEY'S RECORD PISA RESULTS
Media, Internet and Culture Sep 10, 2026

CRITICS QUESTION TURKEY'S RECORD PISA RESULTS

The Education Ministry hailed the latest educational achievement results as a 'historic success,' reporting that the nation became the fastest-climbing OECD country across all subjects, surpassing average scores in the 2025 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessment of science and reading.

Editorial Staff 2 min
THE MECCA TRAP: WHY TURKEY'S NEW PACT BETRAYS ITS OWN INTERESTS
Guest Voices Sep 10, 2026

THE MECCA TRAP: WHY TURKEY'S NEW PACT BETRAYS ITS OWN INTERESTS

The Mecca Joint defense Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan at the beginning of last month came as a surprise to many, although Turkey was interested in joining the defense agreement signed by the latter two a year ago. The new agreement goes further than defense cooperation due to a collective security pledge modelled on NATO’s famous Article 5.

Guest Voices 4 min
PEACE COMES WITH A CATALOGUE
The Third Desk Sep 10, 2026

PEACE COMES WITH A CATALOGUE

In Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove, the American president interrupts a scuffle between General Buck Turgidson and the Soviet ambassador with an appeal to institutional dignity. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room.”

Can Öztaş 3 min
ANKARA’S OUTRAGE OVER GLORIFICATION OF MLADIC
Foreign Affairs Sep 10, 2026

ANKARA’S OUTRAGE OVER GLORIFICATION OF MLADIC

International outrage erupted following the state-supported funeral ceremony for convicted Serb war criminal Ratko Mladic in Serbia. Critics worldwide denounced the honors as an attempt to glorify a perpetrator of genocide. Turkey joined the global backlash on Sept. 8, a day after the ceremony.

Editorial Staff 1 min