Turkey, Japan launch defense industry partnership with eye on drones The initiative could eventually lead to joint UAV development and production as Japan looks to expand drone capabilities amid regional tensions. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Hezbollah commanders killed as renewed strikes test Lebanon-Israel talks Israeli strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon raise new doubts over a fragile ceasefire ahead of expected talks in Washington. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Saudi FM in Turkey as Ankara, Riyadh step up coordination amid Iran war Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s visit to Ankara comes amid rapidly expanding Turkish-Saudi coordination as the fallout from the Iran war reshapes Gulf security dynamics. Turkey
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks A tentative diplomatic opening with Iran emerges as the US sustains its pressure campaign. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Iraq’s Zaidi offers economic promise for Turkey but unknowns loom By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul “Form-Craft-Activism” spotlights the labor behind making By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Russia adjusts Syria plan as Obama’s term nears end Russia is trying to figure out all the Middle East scenarios that might affect it under a Donald Trump presidency. Syria
State of emergency shuts down Turkey's NGOs Since the failed July 15 coup attempt, some 1,500 nongovernmental organizations have been banned. Turkey
AKP bill to pardon child rapists who marry their victims Turks are furious over a proposed law that would commute the sentences of men who have sex with minors if they end up marrying the girls, but Turkey’s ruling party has the simple majority it needs to push the law, which it claims is intended to address legal issues surrounding child marriage, through parliament. Turkey
Turkey’s emergency rule fuels brain drain Turkey is losing precious human capital, as many educated Turks are migrating to the West, scared off by ferocious crackdowns since the July coup attempt. Turkey
Help wanted: Turkey advertises for special forces Running short of personnel because of massive purges, Turkey's armed forces are trying to fill the void using civilians. Turkey
Who will take charge in Raqqa after it's freed from IS? The Syrian Democratic Forces are making progress in northern Raqqa, cutting the supply lines of the Islamic State. Syria
Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weighs risks and benefits of military interventions as Donald Trump transition signals possible Turkish tilt; Will Iraq's Baathists return after liberation of Mosul? Iraq
How Russia views Turkey’s role in Syria To Russia, tumultuous Turkey is a work in progress on a journey of self-discovery. Turkey
Ankara-PKK divisions could have major impact on Raqqa battle As the operation to clear Raqqa from IS continues, tensions are rising in the al-Bab region to the north of Aleppo, where a clash between Free Syrian Army forces supported by Turkey and local fighters backed by the People's Protection Units is becoming more likely. Syria
How Erdogan can rule Turkey until 2029 A presidential system that could keep Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in power for 27 years will be a political experience that gives euphoria to its supporters and fear to its dissidents. Turkey
Iran, Turkey fight over Tal Afar As the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), with the support of Iran, expand their control over the recently liberated area of Tal Afar, which has a Turkmen majority, the tension between the PMU and Turkey has increased. Iraq
Will Iraq's Sinjar become new base for PKK? While the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party are competing over Sinjar, the Yazidis dismiss fears of the PKK making it a "second Qandil." Iraq