Turkish, Armenian peace envoys to use common land border in symbolic breakthrough

Hints of a breakthrough came last week when Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan toured the newly refurbished Margara checkpoint on the Armenian side of the border.

Turkey

Even as Iran denies $500M arms deal with Armenia, foothold in Caucasus is priority

The report came as Iran has been accused of siding with Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan, while Tehran is also advancing an agenda of influence in the Caucasus to counter the presence of its Western adversaries and Israel.

Iran

Analysis

As Assad softens tone, can Turkey and Syria normalize relations?

As news of normalization between Turkey and Syria and a meeting between the Turkish president and his Syrian counterpart abound, many strategic and technical questions need to be addressed.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Palestinians in Gaza warm to Kamala Harris, prefer 'anyone over Trump'

An informal canvasing in Gaza showed the US vice president to be Palestinians' preferred choice as the next US president.

Palestine

Italy appoints ambassador to Syria in latest sign of European thaw

Syria’s relations with the international community are gradually improving amid the ongoing civil war.

Syria

CIA, Mossad chiefs head to Rome to discuss Gaza cease-fire

Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA chief William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel — the four figures leading the talks for a potential deal between Israel and Hamas — are set to meet on Sunday in Rome to continue negotiations.

Israel

Russia, Turkey FMs meet in Laos, discuss Syria reconciliation efforts

The two top diplomats’ talks come after the Russian and Syrian presidents discussed the Turkish president’s invitation to hold a three-country leaders' summit with his Syrian counterpart after more than a decade of hostilities.

Turkey

Hamas calls for avenging death of West Bank leader in Israel jail

A Hamas leader in the West Bank died while in Israeli custody after he was allegedly denied medical treatment.

Palestine

Ankara brushes off Iraqi first lady’s accusations labeling Turkey as 'invader'

In an unusual effrontery, the first lady accused Turkey of displacing hundreds and destroying large swaths of agricultural areas.

Turkey

Biden presses Netanyahu to close gap with Hamas on cease-fire talks

The US president reportedly urged Netanyahu to accept compromise in negotiations with Hamas in order to end the Gaza conflict amid concerns among some in Washington that the Israeli leader may be drawing out the war for political gain.

By Jared Szuba

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

Analysis

Turkey’s opposition fears political motives behind stray dog bill

As Turkey inches closer to passing a bill that could lead to the mass culling of stray dogs, some critics argue that it will provide a mechanism for the government to turn up the heat in opposition-held municipalities.

By Ezgi Akin

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

UAE, China, Russia, Turkey violating Sudan arms embargo: Amnesty

Amnesty International reports foreign countries sending weapons and ammunition to the warring sides in Sudan, where civil war has raged for more than a year.

Sudan