What is Russia's strategy in Idlib?

Russia is playing the long game with Turkey in the battle for the Syrian provence of Idlib.

Syria

New Diyarbakir mayor backs opposition candidate in Istanbul election rerun

The new HDP mayor of Diyarbakir calls for a Kurdish vote against the AKP in Istanbul's mayoral election rerun and says his AKP predecessor has left Diyarbakir in the poorhouse.

Turkey

Syria's territorial divisions complicate reconstruction

Russia's efforts toward the reconstruction of Syria are hindered by the inherent challenges in the territorial fragmentation of the country.

Syria

Interview

Sen. Van Hollen challenges Trump's bypass of Congress on Saudi Arabia, Iran

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen describes efforts to curtail the Trump administration’s Gulf policies.

Chris Van Hollen

US Senator from Maryland

Why Turkey is closing down Syrian refugee camps

The Turkish government has been systematically closing down Syrian refugee camps, citing high costs and integration problems, but are those the real reasons?

Syria

Turkey squashed by Idlib pressure

Despite the usual bluster in his traditional Ramadan address, Turkey's president said not a word about the destruction in Syria's Idlib, where Ankara's balance is wobbling.

Syria

Can Turkey correct human rights record with new justice reform strategy?

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has just announced a comprehensive judicial reform program, but will it be enough to solve the country's deepening human rights problems?

Turkey

Ottoman fountains testify to heritage of charity, style

Water fountains became functional and artistic ornaments in Istanbul, the Ottoman capital, pioneering architectural trends and incorporating historical information.

Turkey

US denies willingness to talk over S-400 concerns with Turkey

A Pentagon spokesman told Al-Monitor that its concerns with Ankara’s purchase of the Russian missile defense system “cannot be mitigated.”

Turkey

How Russia defends its Syrian air base from attacks

Russia has been using attacks on its air base in Khmeimim as a leverage in talks with Turkey over Idlib, but has also taken some practical steps to counter the assaults.

Syria

Turkey to end draft — for those who can pay

A proposed bill to change Turkey's conscription practices has stirred fierce debate and warnings from military experts.

Turkey

Voters’ economic confidence dips ahead of key Istanbul vote

Turkey’s consumer confidence index, which also reflects voter confidence, has plunged to a record low ahead of a critical rerun of the mayoral election in Istanbul next month.

Turkey