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Politics & Security

Ozgu Ozel

Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel could launch new party by August

Ozgur Ozel’s remarks on a potential new party came as the legal crackdown on the main opposition widened further this week with the arrest and suspension of the mayor of Cankaya,one of the party’s most secure and symbolically important strongholds in the heart of Ankara.

Visitors stand inside Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul on April 14, 2025.

Russian couple faces deportation from Turkey after Bible reading at Hagia Sophia

The couple were detained after reading from the Bible inside the Istanbul landmark, which remains one of Christianity’s most important historic sites despite its conversion into a mosque.

BEIRUT, LEBANON - OCTOBER 13: Lebanese people wave flags and hold portraits of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (not pictured) as he arrives in southern suberb of Beirut on October 13, 2010 in Lebanon. The controversial visit is seen as a boost for key ally Hezbollah. According to reports Mr Ahmadinejad may visit the border with Israel - the site of recent deadly clashes between Israeli and Lebanese forces. (Photo by Salah Malkawi/Getty Images)

Ahmadinejad denies alleged Mossad plot to install him as Iran leader: What to know

The former president, who was a virulent critic of Israel while in office, was reportedly part of a Mossad plan to replace the current Iranian leadership.

Latest News

Israel's Netanyahu plans US visit for Trump meeting, Graham memorial

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cornerstone laying ceremony for the Atarot Heritage Center at an abandon airport in East Jerusalem near the separation wall with the Israeli occupied West Bank city of Ramallah on July 5, 2026.

Lebanon army enters Palestinian camp ahead of Aoun’s US visit

FATHI AL-MASRI/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

How UK's IRGC designation raises stakes for Iran and Europe

A general view of the Iranian Embassy on July 13, 2026, in London, England.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Border crossing

39 Palestinian prisoners freed under Hamas-Israel deal

By agreement, 150 Palestinians are expected to be released from Israeli jails, while 50 hostages held by Hamas will be turned over during a four-day cease-fire in Gaza.

Forlorn Israeli soldier, hostages

Hamas releases 13 Israeli hostages

After a one-day delay, the Qatar-mediated deal for the liberation of hostages held in Gaza is underway.

Rafah border crossing 1

Day 49 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Friday, Nov. 24

Jordan water

Analysis

How detrimental is Gaza war to Jordan-Israel climate cooperation, water security? 

Responding to domestic pressure, Jordan has called off a deal to exchange its solar energy for desalinated water from Israel, but it has no good solutions for its own water crisis.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

This photo taken on Sept. 21, 2016, shows Britain's Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.

Turkey, UK sign defense deal as Ankara presses for Eurofighter jets

The move comes as Ankara ramps up its push to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets amid the absence of any progress on the Turkish bid to buy 40 new F-16 jets from the United States.

A man walks by photos of hostages held in the Gaza Strip at in the Museum of Modern Art, Tel Aviv, Israel, Nov. 22, 2023.

Qatar says Hamas-Israel temporary cease-fire to begin Friday morning

The breakthrough agreement, which was delayed by a day, will see the release of 50 hostages held captive by Hamas in exchange for a four-day truce in Gaza.

Hostage demonstrators White House Israel

Day 48 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Thursday, Nov. 23

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas (L) and Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert hold a briefing on US President Donald Trump's Mideast plan on February 11, 2020 in New York. - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the UN Security Council that the world should reject President Donald Trump's Middle East plan, which he said would limit Palestinian sovereignty in a "Swiss cheese" deal. "We reject the Israeli-American plan," which "throws into question the legitimate rights of the Palestinians," Abbas s

Analysis

Israel’s Olmert calls for international force to manage post-war Gaza

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says that Israel must withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip once the military operation is over, and he calls for Netanyahu to be replaced immediately — not just when the war is over.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Gaye Erkan

Turkey’s Central Bank delivers larger-than-expected rate hike

The decision comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier this week that the lira's depreciation has come to an end.

Forces loyal to Yemen's Huthi rebels hold up Palestinian flags as they march in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians on October 15, 2023, in Sanaa. (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Yemen's Houthis move on Marib oil fields as Gaza war diverts world's attention?

Kate Dourian

In Dubai, reporting on energy

Smoke billows following an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel on November 22, 2023, amid increasing cross-border tensions as fighting continues with Hamas militants in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Son of Hezbollah parliament leader killed in Israeli strike

The death could mark a major escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon amid the Gaza war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) shakes hands with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas during their meeting in Jordan's capital Amman on October 13, 2023. Blinken began on October 12 a tour of Arab capitals as he seeks to build pressure on Hamas while Israel readies a likely massive offensive on the Gaza Strip following the militants' attacks. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JACQUELYN MARTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

US wants a 'revitalized' Palestinian Authority, but can Abbas deliver?

The recent call by US President Joe Biden for Gaza and the West Bank to be reunited under "a revitalized Palestinian Authority" has left many questioning what this might look like.