Qatar 'reevaluating' Hamas-Israel mediation role amid mounting criticism

Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, has mediated talks between Israel and Hamas on a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages taken in the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack.

Qatar

Hamas' Haniyeh to visit Turkey as Erdogan hits back at Gaza criticism

The Turkish president dials up his defensive tone in response to domestic criticism over the Gaza war.

Turkey

Turkey’s FM to visit Qatar as regional diplomacy seeks to contain Iran-Israel tension

Turkey says its flurry of diplomatic activity is aimed at bringing the Gaza war back into focus amid the Israel-Iran escalation.

Turkey

Senior US official in Turkey to discuss regional tensions, Erdogan-Biden summit

The expected visit of the Turkish president to the White House, along with the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, intensifies diplomatic activity between Washington and Ankara.

Turkey

Turkey: Meta temporarily shuts down Threads following government order

It remains unclear whether the platform will become available again in Turkey.

Turkey

Analysis

Will Turkey’s merchant class circumvent latest trade restrictions on Israel?

The Turkish government’s recent export restrictions against Israel will complicate their political relations, but even as bilateral trade declines, experts note that merchants on both sides will look for ways to circumvent the new measures.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Can Turkey’s economic czar stick to belt-tightening after election loss?

The Turkish government hopes that its remaining four-year mandate will give it time to placate popular anger before the next polls.

Turkey

Lebanon-Venezuela kingpin detained in Turkey's 'third largest' cocaine bust

The Turkish Interior Minister reported some 1,340 pounds of cocaine seized in the operation, which also included the arrest of 13 people.

Turkey

Turkey restricts exports of 54 products to Israel until Gaza cease-fire

As Israel pledged to retaliate, analysts believe the move is aiming to allay growing dismay among Turkey's Islamists for the government’s refusal to sever trade ties with the Middle Eastern country over the Gaza conflict.

Turkey

Turkey to take ‘series of measures’ against Israel after Gaza aid drop denied

The Turkish foreign minister said the measures would be "implemented step by step, without delay," but did not specify the actions to be taken.

Turkey

Al-Monitor/Premise poll finds Biden's unpopularity in Mideast makes room for China, Russia to outshine US

Washington’s influence remains potent despite its perceived disengagement from the Middle East, but Russia and China are eagerly finding gaps to fill.

Egypt

Iraq plans to reopen own oil pipeline as talks to restart Kurdish route stall

The move to reopen the pipeline will irk the Kurdistan Regional Government, as it introduces a rival route to a section of the pipeline in Kurdistan that has been shut for a year and is a crucial economic source for the semi-autonomous region.

Iraq