Analysis Netanyahu yields to Trump on Gaza, betting Hamas won’t disarm Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to advance the US administration's Gaza plan in a meeting with envoy Jared Kushner despite his skepticism about Hamas' commitment. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Sudan ramps up Saudi Arabia, Turkey contacts amid growing Red Sea cooperation Sudanese officials held parallel talks in Riyadh and Ankara as Saudi Arabia and Turkey deepen security cooperation around the Red Sea and fighting intensifies in Sudan. Turkey
Analysis How Israel's rivalry, defense deals prompted Turkey to join Mecca pact Turkey’s growing rivalry with Israel and mounting regional instability are driving its defense alignment with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, despite risks of strategic entanglement and friction with NATO partners. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey courts Egypt on defense pact Turkey stepped up efforts to broaden its new regional defense framework this week, seeking Egypt’s participation while deepening security ties with Saudi Arabia and Libya. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Lebanese PM urges Israeli withdrawal in meeting with US envoy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Six decades of Bedri Baykam in Bodrum By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Exclusive Turkey set to sign charter for Saudi-led Red Sea coalition on Friday By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey's infamous Diyarbakir prison empties for museum makeover Diyarbakir prison, a symbol of torture and oppression for decades in Turkey, has finally closed to be made into a museum, but some activists see whitewashing on its bloodstained walls. Turkey
Next British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's views on Middle East The Conservative statesman has expressed fairly mainstream views on Israel, Iran and other regional issues. Israel
Can Erdogan pull up his sagging support? Unlike previous polls that suggest steady decrease for Erdogan and his ruling party, a recent poll shows the tide may have been turned. Turkey
Turkey’s Central Bank ducks soaring inflation to cut rates again Despite the highest inflation in 24 years, Turkey’s Central Bank has made its third interest cut ahead of elections next June. Turkey
Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, writers reject Turkey’s new 'censorship' bill Turkey’s main opposition has taken the newly enacted bill to the Constitutional Court for annulment, while Erdogan described the law he swiftly ratified as “a pressing necessity.” Turkey
US dismisses Turkish criticism of imbalance in Mediterranean The US ambassador to Turkey stated that America is focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine amid simmering tensions between Turkey and Greece. Turkey
Erdogan’s staunchest backers 'tired' of interest rate debate The Turkish president’s controversial economic policies have led to rare public criticism by a business group that has long backed his party. Turkey
Turkish mine disaster sends blame flying In the wake of an explosion that killed 41 miners, several Turkish bodies are trading blame for safety failures in the coal industry. Turkey
Is Turkey using HTS to strengthen its hand in Syria? Amid Ankara’s overtures to Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — the radical group controlling Idlib — has seized Afrin and is seeking a deal to expand its control further into territories held by factions allied with Turkey. Turkey
Putin’s 'gas hub’ plan aims to bolster Erdogan's image Erdogan has accepted Putin’s offer to create a “gas hub” in northwest Turkey. But what is a gas hub? Is it workable? If realized, what impact would it have? Turkey
Archive Upfront from Oct 17, 2022 Are Syria’s HTS jihadis Turkey’s new friends? After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the jihadi faction that runs the northwestern province of Idlib, moved into Afrin, the question of where Turkey stands in this power grab is of critical importance. Turkey
Middle Eastern leaders converge on Kazakhstan The Central Asian nation hosted the annual Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States summits this week. Turkey