Analysis

In-Depth Analysis

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

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
CYPRUS TALKS: WHAT NEXT?
Guest Voices Jul 30, 2026

CYPRUS TALKS: WHAT NEXT?

Based on his experience as the British government’s Cyprus coordinator, Lord David Hannay once said: “No one has ever lost money betting against a Cyprus settlement.”

Guest Voices 4 min
TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS CAUTIOUS ON NEW PEACE EFFORTS
Deciphering Turkish Diplomacy Jul 17, 2026

TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS CAUTIOUS ON NEW PEACE EFFORTS

“Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will have several bilateral meetings in the margins of the NATO summit; yet all of them will be very short. His longest meeting will be with Antonio Costa and Ursula Von Der Leyen,” a Turkish diplomat told a European expert at a side event that took place in Ankara.

Barçın Yinanç 6 min
COMPLIMENTS THAT CHILL ANKARA: TRUMP ON BRUNSON AND IRAN
Foreign Affairs Jul 9, 2026

COMPLIMENTS THAT CHILL ANKARA: TRUMP ON BRUNSON AND IRAN

Paying an official visit to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ahead of the NATO Summit and signaling movement on the F-35 and the Kaan's F110 engines, US President Donald Trump also touched on two subjects that sent a chill through Ankara: the release of American Pastor Andrew Brunson, and Turkey's stance in the US-Israeli war against Iran. Meant as praise, both stories cut deeper than they flattered.

Editorial Staff 4 min
ANKARA AWAITS POST-NATO POLITICAL STORM
Deep Dive Jul 9, 2026

ANKARA AWAITS POST-NATO POLITICAL STORM

Turkey's political agenda is expected to pivot sharply from diplomacy to domestic maneuvering as post-NATO scenarios dominate the discussion from July 9 onward. The conclusion of the NATO Ankara Summit, widely seen as an international success for Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally, has triggered intense political speculation amid increasing pressure on dissidents.

Editorial Staff 16 min