WHY IS TUNÇ SOYER ALWAYS A TARGET?
Tunç Soyer, the former mayor of İzmir, was detained as part of an operation targeting the municipality and its affiliated companies during his term.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
COUNTDOWN BEGINS AS PKK PREPARES TO DISARM, BOTH SIDES WARY OF PROVOCATIONS
The process dubbed “Terror-Free Turkey” by the ruling alliance has reached a critical point. The PKK is expected to release its first disarmament footage in the coming days. With such symbolic images looming, both sides are warning of possible provocations, stressing the need to remain vigilant against attempts to derail the process.
‘PHANTOM’ DIPLOMACY AND ELECTION CALCULATIONS AS ERDOĞAN SEEKS KURDISH SUPPORT
The PKK is expected to lay down arms this week in a symbol that will be one of the most significant steps of the peace process dubbed “Terror-free Turkey.” Iraqi Kurdish media outlet Rudaw reported on June 30 that the group would hand over weapons as a 'gesture of goodwill.”
PROMOTION OVERHAUL UNDERMINES MERIT SYSTEM IN FOREIGN MINISTRY
A new directive issued by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry is drawing criticism from within diplomatic circles, with several senior sources saying it undermines the long-standing merit-based promotion system of the diplomatic corps.
FIRST SIGNAL FOR 2027 ELECTIONS
Presidential advisor Mehmet Uçum has weighed in on the possibility of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan running for office again. In a post on X, Uçum said no constitutional change is required for Erdoğan to seek another term.
AFTER ISTANBUL, IT IS IZMIR'S TURN
A new front has been opened in the judicial assault on the main opposition CHP, shifting the focus from Istanbul to the party’s stronghold in Izmir. The latest set of raids came as Izmir fought off forest fires and as the CHP prepared to hold a major rally in Saraçhane—home to Istanbul's Municipality—marking the 100th day of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s pre-trial detention. They also followed hard on the heels of a court hearing that could have annulled the party’s 2023 congress.
MILLIONS WATCH EMPTY SEAT ON YOUTUBE
After the arrest of journalist and YouTuber Fatih Altaylı, one of Turkey’s most-watched commentators, millions continued to view his channel as Turkey’s media watchdog RTÜK warned him to apply for a license.
SAÇ EKTİRME
Now that the summer season is on, Turkey loves to market itself with the usual package: sun, sea, sand and the occasional sex. But for over a decade now, the country’s most reliable tourism magnet has been a silent fifth S: saç/hair. Or more precisely, saç ektirme/hair transplant.
FATİH ALTAYLI: WHEN A JOURNALIST IS JAILED
This week, Fatih Altaylı joined the list of jailed journalists. A veteran of mainstream media, Altaylı had turned to his YouTube channel as the media landscape shifted. He was arrested over remarks made in his most recent broadcast. The charge: “threatening the president.”
TURKEY’S STAKES IN THE IRANIAN CRISIS
The Hamas terror attacks on Oct. 7, 2023 gave Netanyahu a golden opportunity to eliminate Israel’s adversaries in the region.
NATO SHIELD ENABLES TURKEY’S RISKY STRATEGIC STRETCH
The unintended consequence of U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan has been the assertion of Iranian power. “We are in power in four capitals,” Iranians used to brag of their presence and clout in Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus and Yemen.
GOVERNMENT’S NEW MOTTO: DOMESTIC FRONT
The ruling AKP and MHP chairs continued calling for a strong “domestic front,” urging the opposition not to voice objections as the Kurdish process continues.