Explainer: What's going on between Russia and Turkey amid Black Sea escalation

Ankara’s avoidance of a public confrontation with Moscow reflects its determination to maintain a balancing act between Russia and the West.

Turkey

Tensions in Cyprus amid Turkish Cypriot plans to build controversial road

The rare confrontation between United Nations peacekeepers and Turkish Cypriot security forces rattled the ethnically divided island, which is home to one of Europe’s oldest frozen conflicts.

Turkey

With Gulf charm offensive, Turkey’s Erdogan sets up dealmaking deluge across defense, energy

A Turkish drone factory is coming to Saudi Arabia following a $3.1 billion deal with defense firm Baykar — one of many key deals that should soon take flight across numerous sectors as Turkey deepens cooperation with former Gulf rivals.

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

First cargo ship to challenge Russian blockade reaches Turkey from Ukraine

Joseph Schulte became the first civilian vessel to safely travel from Ukraine to Turkey after Russia’s withdrawal from a deal that had granted safe passage to commercial and civilian ships amid escalating tensions in the Black Sea.

Turkey

US sanctions Turkey-backed Syrian militias over rights abuses in Afrin

Washington has accused the Suleiman Shah Brigade, the Hamza Division and their leadership of committing serious rights abuses in the Kurdish-majority enclave of Afrin.

Turkey

Turkey roasts as extreme weather fuels wildfires, disrupts air traffic

In Turkey’s Mediterranean province of Antalya, soaring humidity levels have also disrupted air travel.

Turkey

Istanbul mayor announces reelection bid in Turkey’s upcoming local polls

Ending a heated public debate, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said he would not seek Turkey’s main opposition leadership, but he implicitly linked the success of his reelection bid as mayor in the local polls to main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s resignation.

Turkey

Moody’s upgrades outlook for Turkish banks amid economic U-turn

The US-based rating agency projected Turkey's economic growth to be 4.2% at the end of 2023, falling from 2022’s 5.6%.

Turkey

Turkey captures alleged conspirator in 2016 murder of Russian ambassador

Turkish authorities continue to arrest suspects seven years after Russia's ambassador to Ankara was slain by an alleged Gulenist.

Turkey

Turkey dismisses Assad’s tirade, says withdrawal from Syria 'unimaginable' now

Turkey's defense minister says withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria would be "unimaginable" before his country’s national security concerns are addressed.

Turkey

Why Turkey's Erdogan sings the same tune with Russia's Putin in Africa

Turkey’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa often align with those of Russia, with both Ankara and Moscow holding back from condemning military coups and seeking to capitalize on post-colonial resentments.

Turkey

Why did Turkey restrict gold imports as it rolled new economic measures?

Observers believe Turkey’s new economic leadership is unlikely to take strong measures to curb inflation before Erdogan gets through local elections in March 2024.

Turkey