Turkey, Japan launch defense industry partnership with eye on drones The initiative could eventually lead to joint UAV development and production as Japan looks to expand drone capabilities amid regional tensions. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks Israeli strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon raise new doubts over a fragile ceasefire ahead of expected talks in Washington. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Saudi FM in Turkey as Ankara, Riyadh step up coordination amid Iran war Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit to Ankara comes amid rapidly expanding Turkish-Saudi coordination as the fallout from the Iran war reshapes Gulf security dynamics. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul “Form-Craft-Activism” spotlights the labor behind making By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Turkey emerges with ‘Pyrrhic growth’ from pandemic-hit 2020 Turkey’s economy grew 1.8% last year despite the pandemic, but not without major risks and downsides, including a smaller GDP in terms of dollars. Turkey
Turkish politics has entered Clubhouse Clubhouse, an invite-only chat app, is connecting people around the world and providing a platform for muffled voices in Turkey. Turkey
Turkish-Iranian rivalry heats up over Mosul Turkey’s increasing focus on Iraq’s Sinjar region is linked to a broader rivalry with Iran for influence over Mosul. Turkey
With Turkey set to reopen schools, educators and health experts urge caution amid pandemic Turkey will resume widescale face-to-face education March 1 as some educators and health experts warn premature normalization measures could spur a rise in coronavirus cases. Turkey
Turkish government's fact-checking app brings concern, ridicule Turkey’s information tsar Fahrettin Altun’s announcement of a “next-generation application” to combat “false facts” raised fears of further control over social media. Turkey
The Takeaway: US-Turkey strains worsening over Syrian Kurds amid fresh Erdogan complaints Turkish president questions US-Turkey NATO alliance, while Iran expands influence in eastern Syria; US still partner of choice for GCC countries, but China may be gaining; kingdom offers inducements to businesses; more! Turkey
Where is the money? Erdogan feels the heat over foreign reserves drain Turkey’s government goes on the defensive as the main opposition presses for answers on how the central bank ended up with negative reserves. Turkey
Turkey accuses Greece of harassing research vessel in eastern Mediterranean The two countries are set for renewed talks over Aegean maritime zones in early March. Turkey
Turkey, US maintain dialogue of the deaf Ankara and Washington, both unwilling to budge over differences, can expect ties to get worse before they get better. Turkey
As Erdogan finesses Turkey-US ties, Pentagon reiterates stance on S-400s A Pentagon official urged Ankara to take action over its Russian-made S-400 missile acquisition after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed interest in restoring bilateral ties. Turkey
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party under pressure as calls increase for its closure The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party faces renewed pressure in Turkey amid rising calls for its closure and recent court decisions that could see one of its lawmakers removed from parliament. Turkey
West-East dilemma closes in on Erdogan As Erdogan teeters between the West and the Russia-China axis, it will be his goal of securing his political future at home that determines which direction he takes. Turkey