Ankara might be awaiting Russian OK for Afrin operation

Although Turkey keeps signaling an imminent operation against Afrin in northern Syria, it appears Moscow hasn’t yet given the green light.

Syria

Iconic lawmaker's ouster a gloomy deja vu for Turkey

The crackdown on the Kurdish political movement in Turkey has caught up with iconic politician Leyla Zana, who lost her parliamentary seat for the second time in 25 years.

Turkey

War rages in Turkish media in anticipation of military operation

News outlets loyal to the Turkish state and sympathetic to the Kurds are each busy framing the conflict ahead of possible Turkish military moves against Syrian Kurds.

Syria

Will Erdogan defy Russia, US over Afrin?

Turkey’s plan to launch an operation to take Syria's Afrin faces major difficulties, yet if Erdogan succeeds even partially it will boost his image at home.

Syria

Hosting Syria talks in Sochi presents challenges for Russia

There's plenty of suspicion and finger-pointing to go around leading up to the Syria peace talks in Sochi this month.

Syria

Turkish civilians arm themselves ahead of crucial 2019 polls

As a critical election cycle looms next year, alarm is growing in Turkey over individual armament, especially in pro-government quarters where some have formed dubious groups and openly called on peers to arm themselves.

Turkey

Erdogan vows to 'destroy all terror nests' in Syria

Turkey's president has sworn to "destroy" terror groups in Syria in an outburst likely triggered in part by the US-led coalition training a new Syrian border security force that will include YPG fighters.

Syria

Questions persist as Canal Istanbul construction begins

We have to hope Ankara has developed contingency plans for the potential political, economic, environmental and especially geostrategic consequences of the Canal Istanbul project.

Turkey

Experts examine Erdogan's continuing escalation in Syria

Decoding the Turkish president's harsh rhetoric on Syria is becoming increasingly difficult as he alienates almost all parties working to end the war.

Syria

Saudi Arabia, Turkey watch Iran-Iraq oil rapprochement warily

The oil swap deal between Iran and Iraq represents an opportunity to counterbalance Saudi-Iraq ties.

Saudi Arabia

Yazidis in Turkey camp wish for IS captives to return home

Yazidis who have been in a camp near Mardin wish for their women and children to return home safely from IS captivity.

Turkey

Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib?

Russian-Turkish relations worsen as Syrian forces advance in Idlib; Al-Monitor leads media coverage of Iran’s financial crisis — by six months; the American University of Beirut dedicates "transformative" Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center.

Lebanon