DEFENSE MINISTRY URGES SDF TO INTEGRATE, PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO DAMASCUS
The Defense Ministry urged the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate with the central government and pledged sustained support for the Damascus administration.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
WHY TURKEY IS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE-INCOME TRAP
At the turn of the year, a familiar ritual repeats itself in Turkey. Gyms raise their membership fees. Tradespeople adjust their prices. Real estate agents pocket higher commissions by systematically pushing up sale prices. Hardly anyone objects. Hardly anyone asks what added value is being offered. Price hikes are taken for granted — not because products have improved, but because inflation exists.
MKE DELIVERS MK-82 BOMBS TO BURKINA FASO
The Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) has begun delivering MK-82 general-purpose bombs to Burkina Faso Armed Forces.
LIBYAN COMMANDERS’ PLANE CRASHED WHILE ENGINES WERE RUNNING
The engines of the plane carrying Libya’s top military officials, including Chief of General Staff General Muhammad Ali Al-Haddad, were still running when it crashed near Ankara on Dec. 23, 2025, killing all on board, according to findings of a preliminary investigation.
EUROFIGHTER PROCUREMENT NEARING CONCLUSION
Turkey is close to finalizing a major expansion of its fighter jet fleet with the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons, marking a significant step toward diversifying its air power away from U.S.-supplied platforms.
NEW ERA OF DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION WITH QATAR
As Turkey prepares to purchase 12 second-hand Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Qatar, a series of defense industry cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries, further deepening bilateral relations.
PRO-GOVERNMENT JOURNALISTS WARN OF DIGITAL THREAT
After opposition media outlets closed one after another amid economic hardship, driven by changing policies of digital platforms — especially Google — prominent figures in pro-government media began voicing similar concerns.
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.
U.S. TARIFF MOVE PUTS TURKEY’S IRAN TRADE AT RISK
A new U.S. tariff move targeting countries that do business with Iran is placing billions of dollars of Turkey’s trade at risk, with exports to the United States and energy trade with Iran most exposed.
SYRIA OUTLOOK OF ANKARA: FORCE NEEDED TO DRIVE NEGOTIATIONS
As negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stalled following the loss of two Aleppo neighborhoods from its control, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Syrian government would take steps to exercise its sovereign right to ensure unity and order within the country if needed.
TURKEY SEEKS TO CALM U.S.-IRAN TENSION
Turkey is watching the protests in Iran with growing concern, warning that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of intervention could trigger dangerous regional consequences as Ankara pushes de-escalation through diplomacy with Gulf countries.
AKP BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN TARGETING ISTANBUL MUNICIPALITY SPARKS POLITICAL ROW
A new political dispute has erupted after AKP’s Istanbul branch began running ads on billboards criticizing the Istanbul Municipality, giving the impression that an election campaign is already underway.