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Turkey

Turkey

August 26, 2026

Ankara 1:55 am

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Top EU court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey

Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

Equality and Democracy Party lawmakers

Explainer

Turkey’s Kurdish peace process moves to implementation: What to know and what’s next

Turkey’s peace process with Kurdish militants has entered the implementation phase this week, with authorities setting up working groups to verify the Kurdistan Workers Party’s disarmament.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C) watches as US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack prepares to sign an agreement in Damascus on September 16, 2025. Shaibani announced on September 16 a plan backed by Jordan and the United States to restore calm to Druze-majority Sweida province, which witnessed deadly violence in July. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive

Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal

Israel is rethinking its hard-line Syria policy and seeking to repair ties with US envoy and Donald Trump's confidant Tom Barrack amid a push for a security agreement with Damascus.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Analysis

Why Turkey sees Israeli strikes in Syria as warning over its military role, Mecca Pact

A Turkish soldier from the 1st Border Regiment Command looks out over the border wall to Syria during alert drills at a military outpost on the Turkey/Syria border on March 2, 2017 in Kilis, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Turkey bets on US deconfliction as Israel widens Syria red lines

Turkey/Syria border

Ezgi Akin

Rina Bassist

By Ezgi Akin , Rina Bassist

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

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

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Disappearance of Saudi journalist puts Erdogan in difficult situation

The potential for a full-blown crisis between Turkey and Saudi Arabia remains in the cards.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a joint statment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, July 19, 2018. Debbie Hill/Pool via Reuters - RC13AF3278D0

Why Israel’s democracy is weakening

Israel gets to keep its rating in democracy indices only because countries like the United States, Hungary and Turkey are losing index points.

Pictures of Saudi journalist Khashoggi are placed on security barriers during a protest outside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey October 8, 2018. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RC1FD8B03460

Will Khashoggi’s disappearance rock Turkish-Saudi relations?

How Turkish President Erdogan discloses the official findings of the investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance will be crucial in determining the future of Turkish-Saudi ties.

A Syrian youth waves an opposition flag during a demonstration against the Syrian government in the rebel-held town of Hazzanu, about 20 kilometres northwest of the city of Idlib, on September 21, 2018. (Photo by Aaref WATAD / AFP) (Photo credit should read AAREF WATAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Russia, Turkey continue tug of war over Idlib despite the agreements

As the first deadlines of the Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib draw near, the two countries each seek to push their own agenda while avoiding large-scale conflict.

Opposition to US plans for east Syria unites fragile Astana trio

No daylight among Iran, Turkey and Russia in opposing US policies in Syria; Can Iraq mediate between the United States and Iran?

Intel: Why Ankara is refraining from retaliation against Riyadh over missing dissident

Turkey seems to be reluctant to wage a full-out-war against Saudi Arabia on the fate of missing Saudi journalist, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan adopts low-key approach.

What happened to Jamal Khashoggi?

The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi from the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul highlights, once again, the House of Saud's division on the war in Yemen and the crown prince's decision-making.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan address a news conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, September 28, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch - RC1161597F70

Europe’s big eggs in Turkey’s economic basket

Economic concerns lie at the heart of Turkey’s moves to repair ties with European countries, which, in turn, are open to Ankara’s overtures due to the significant stakes they have in the ailing Turkish economy.

Is the Idlib buffer plan really implemented?

The Turkish-Russian deal for a demilitarized zone in Idlib is not going on as planned, with radical groups keeping their positions and lingering uncertainty on the scale of the pullout of heavy weaponry.

Can Syrian refugees in Turkey benefit from amendment to citizenship law?

The Turkish decision to ease some requirements to apply for Turkish citizenship will not help a large number of Syrian refugees in Turkey as they cannot meet the conditions required.

Northern Syria takes step toward new judicial system

The Turkish-built Palace of Justice and an even larger prison were inaugurated in al-Rai last month with the expectation of a new judicial system to begin functioning in mid-October in place of unsanctioned courts controlled by the Free Syrian Army.

A stray dog lies outside the Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul September 17, 2010. About 250 Greek Orthodox Christians who intended to hold mass at the former basilica of Hagia Sophia have abandoned their visit to Turkey, state-run Anatolian news agency said on Friday. A mass at the former cathedral would have defied Turkish law that bars religious services in what is now a museum. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION ANIMALS TRAVEL) - GM1E69H1N0701

Turks wake up to animal cruelty

Animal rights activists in Turkey seek harsher penalties, including additional fines and imprisonment, against those who commit violence against animals.