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DAMASCUS–SDF INTEGRATION TALKS ENTER CRITICAL PHASE
Foreign Affairs Dec 19, 2025

DAMASCUS–SDF INTEGRATION TALKS ENTER CRITICAL PHASE

The integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian armed forces has entered a critical phase, emerging as one of the central pillars of Syria’s fragile transition following the overthrow of Bashar Assad on Dec. 8, 2024. Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said Syria has formally delivered a 13-point roadmap outlining the integration of the SDF into the new administration, with further details expected in the coming days.

Editorial Team
CHP SHADOW CABINET UNDER FIRE FOR MIRRORING AKP'S MODEL
Inside Turkey Dec 19, 2025

CHP SHADOW CABINET UNDER FIRE FOR MIRRORING AKP'S MODEL

The CHP has unveiled its new shadow cabinet, touting it as the team that would govern Turkey if elected. However, the lineup has sparked backlash from left-wing critics over the dominance of business figures and center-right politicians occupying key posts. Despite advocating a return to the parliamentary system — where the executive is known as the Council of Ministers and members are elected, not appointed — the CHP has mirrored the presidential model by labeling its team a “cabinet” and appointing shadow cabinet members who are business figures active in the very sectors they oversee.

Editorial Team
RÜZGAR/WIND
Word of the Week Dec 11, 2025

RÜZGAR/WIND

In Turkish, rüzgâr begins as a simple meteorological fact: the wind that sweeps across the Bosphorus, bends Aegean olive trees and makes wildfires spread uncontrollably. Etymologically, it probably blows in from Persian, once meaning “time, fate, weather,” before narrowing into “wind.” But its real life is in metaphor: the wind that shifts fortune, tests patience, topples governments. In a language where song lyricists routinely confide in the breeze, it was only a matter of time before politicians started doing the same.

Nazlan Ertan
$10.7 BILLION FIGHTER DEAL WITHOUT CONCRETE DETAILS
Security and Defense Oct 31, 2025

$10.7 BILLION FIGHTER DEAL WITHOUT CONCRETE DETAILS

Following lengthy negotiations, an agreement for Turkey to procure 20 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 fighter jets from the UK was signed in Ankara on Oct. 27. Turkey will increase the number of aircraft in its Eurofighter fleet to 44 by procuring 12 second-hand Typhoons each from Qatar and Oman. The $10.7 billion (£8 billion) payment to the U.K. under the agreement has become a subject of debate in Turkish domestic politics, as the details of the package were not announced.

Editorial Team
THREE TURKISH MP’S RETURNS TURKEY
Foreign Affairs Oct 10, 2025

THREE TURKISH MP’S RETURNS TURKEY

The three Turkish MPs, who joined the Freedom Flotilla in support of Gazans and were detained by Israel, arrived in Istanbul on Oct. 9 following the announcement of a ceasefire. The news was shared on social media by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli.

Editorial Team
EYES ON ERDOĞAN’S MESSAGE, BAHÇELİ’S INITIATIVE AS NEW TERM BEGINS
Inside Turkey Sep 29, 2025

EYES ON ERDOĞAN’S MESSAGE, BAHÇELİ’S INITIATIVE AS NEW TERM BEGINS

As the Turkish Parliament begins its new legislative year on Oct. 1, attention will center on MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli—who launched the “Terror-Free Turkey” peace initiative a year ago—and on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s remarks regarding its future. Following a 70-day recess, Parliament will convene with a special General Assembly session at 2:00 p.m. As usual, Erdoğan will deliver an opening address, though the CHP will boycott the ceremony in protest of recent mayoral arrests and crackdowns on municipalities. This year, the political spotlight will remain on post-PKK arrangements such as the “Return Home” law, the “right to hope,” and amendments to the penal code.

Editorial Team
PEACE PROCESS NEARS FIRST ANNIVERSARY: DISTRUST PERSISTS
Capital Currents Sep 19, 2025

PEACE PROCESS NEARS FIRST ANNIVERSARY: DISTRUST PERSISTS

Following the PKK’s dissolution and decision to lay down arms, the Parliamentary Commission on Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy has completed 45 days of work. Having met 11 times, the commission will discuss a “Return Home Law” once parliament reopens on Oct. 1.

Nergis Demirkaya
MABEL MATIZ'S SONG BLOCKED BY COURT DECISION
Media, Internet and Culture Sep 19, 2025

MABEL MATIZ'S SONG BLOCKED BY COURT DECISION

Access to Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz’s song Perperişan has been blocked following a court order issued by the Ankara Criminal Court of Peace. The move came at the request of the Family and Social Services Ministry, which claimed the song violated public order and general health regulations.

Editorial Team