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Turkey

Turkey

April 29, 2026

Ankara 12:40 pm

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Cadets of the Saiqa Force (Special Forces) of the self-styled Libyan National Army affiliated with eastern strongman Khalifa Hifter take part in a graduation ceremony in tribute to the force's late commander, Wanis Bukhamada, in the eastern city of Benghazi, on Jan. 20, 2022.

In first, Libya’s rival armies to join drill in Turkey: What to know

The move follows the first joint exercise inside Libya amid renewed international efforts to unify the country.

Turkey's submarines and fast-attack craft ships participate in the live-fire phase of the Blue Homeland-2026 (Mavi Vatan) tactical military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, in Antalya on April 9, 2026.

Turkey’s military spending jumps to $30B, leads Mideast growth in 2025

Newly released data shows Ankara’s military spending hit $30 billion, while Saudi Arabia remained the region’s top spender and Israel’s outlays declined in 2025.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted the third meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the margins of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, on April 17, 2026.

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan

The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

CORLU, TURKEY- MARCH 2: A B model of Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA (Assault Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) in the sky on March 2, 2022 in Corlu, Turkey. (Photo by Baykar Press Office/dia images via Getty Images)

Turkey’s Baykar tests K2 swarm kamikaze drones for first time: What to know

Baykar tested its K2 and new loitering drones, featuring AI-driven swarm capabilities and the ability to operate under GPS jamming.

Latest News

Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey

US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a meeting with President Donald Trump and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington, DC.

How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance

Members of Iraq's security forces stand guard on the the al-Rabia border crossing with Syria on April 20, 2026.

Analysis

Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands during the press conference following their meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj, on April 29, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

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

Members of LGBT community take part in a Gay Pride parade in central Istanbul, Turkey, July 1, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC1A989D9800

'Hipstanbulites' struggle to preserve their city's heritage

Istanbul, a magnificent city, has become a victim of its own beauty by overpopulation. Now, college students, young professionals, artists and others find ways to preserve breathable spaces in Istanbul.

A member of Turkish police special forces stands guard in Azaz, Syria January 24, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC1CA41F7370

Young Turks with enough cash seek to skip military service

Thanks to a massive grassroots lobbying effort, the Turkish parliament will consider allowing prospective conscripts to pay their way out of military service.

Trial of Turkish hospital staff begins as sex abuse crisis deepens

Two health workers are on trial for failing to notify police about 115 pregnant teenagers, many of them underage, in what feels to many Turks like a child abuse epidemic.

After Erdogan's win, what's next for Turkey's foreign policy?

Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anti-Western rhetoric and signs pointing to its continuing, Western leaders appear to accept that they will nonetheless simply have to work with him.

Turkish economy just as volatile after elections

Despite expectations, Turkey’s June 24 elections have failed to reduce uncertainties in the economy, raising the specter of austerity measures with hefty political costs.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Convicted Turkish mafia boss Alaattin Cakici (L), escorted by anti-terror police, arrives at Istanbul criminal court, 14 October 2004. Cakici was extradited from Austria where he was arrested in July after fleeing Turkey and faces a series of charges, including murder, media reports said. AFP PHOTO/Mustafa Ozer (Photo credit should read MUSTAFA OZER/AFP/Getty Images)

Turkish underworld joins war on journalists

Turkey's beleaguered press corps is now facing threats from the Turkish mafia, and the staff of a mildly oppositionist newspaper is under police protection.

How long can Erdogan’s alliance survive?

Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election last week, his party’s failure to secure an absolute majority in parliament has complicated the picture, leading many to believe that Erdogan would look for ways to achieve full control of the legislature.

A pedestrian lights a cigarette as he walks past in banners with portraits of Turrkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and the leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli in Istanbul on June 19, 2018. - Turkey is preparing for tight presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, while many analysts say President Erdogan wants a major foreign policy success to give him a final boost. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images)

More of the same? Erdogan rule to replace emergency rule in Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will reportedly not extend Turkey's state of emergency, in place since the 2016 coup, when it expires, but critics warn Erdogan has just gained many of the powers it afforded him.

Devlet Bahceli, leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), addresses his supporters during an election rally in Ankara, Turkey June 23, 2018. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov - RC144FF5C390

Why ultra-nationalists exceeded expectations in Turkey's elections

The higher-than-expected vote share of the ultra-nationalists in Turkey's recent elections surprised many, but in hindsight and upon closer examination, its causes are not so puzzling.

Palestinian supporters of the Hamas movement hold portraits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as they shout slogans against the military coup attempt in Turkey, during a demonstration in Gaza City, on July 16, 2016.
Erdogan battled to regain control over Turkey on July 16, 2016 after a coup bid by discontented soldiers, as signs grew that the most serious challenge to his 13 years of dominant rule was faltering. After a night of drama and bloodshed, at least 90 people had died and more than 1,150 pe

Palestinians applaud Erdogan win, pin hopes on Turkey

Palestinians hope Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will cut ties with Israel and focus even more on their cause.

Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci speaks during an interview with Reuters in Ankara, Turkey, June 7, 2016. To match Interview TURKEY-ECONOMY/MINISTER REUTERS/Umit Bektas - D1AETIRNZCAB

Ankara vows to ignore Iran sanctions

Turkey and the United States are entering a new stage of strained relations as newly re-elected President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, flush with power, disregards renewed sanctions on Iran.

Muharrem Ince, presidential candidate of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), addresses his supporters during an election rally in Istanbul, Turkey June 23, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal - RC1C225D63F0

Turkish opposition fails miserably in critical election test

Turkey’s June 24 elections will likely have significant and lasting effects on the future of the opposition.