Israel, Greece sign $3.5 billion air-defense deal: What to know Against the backdrop of growing tensions with Turkey, Israel signed one of its largest-ever defense industry deals to supply Greece with advanced air defense systems. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan set Mecca Alliance into motion The three countries are moving to formalize military coordination under the newly named Mecca Alliance amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Turkey welcomes Israel-Syria talks despite mounting red lines Turkey supports US-backed Israel-Syria talks but sees little prospect of a lasting accommodation until the Israeli elections. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Culture In divided Cyprus, FC Barcelona youth camp sparks new dispute: What to know A planned Barca Academy camp in northern Cyprus has offered more fuel to the controversy over the island’s unresolved divide, rasing tensions over recognition, access and international isolation. Turkey
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey’s Kurdish peace process picks up pace By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul Summer’s final set By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
Explainer Turkey’s Kurdish peace process moves to implementation: What to know and what’s next Turkey
With Gulf charm offensive, Turkey’s Erdogan sets up dealmaking deluge across defense, energy A Turkish drone factory is coming to Saudi Arabia following a $3.1 billion deal with defense firm Baykar — one of many key deals that should soon take flight across numerous sectors as Turkey deepens cooperation with former Gulf rivals. Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
First cargo ship to challenge Russian blockade reaches Turkey from Ukraine Joseph Schulte became the first civilian vessel to safely travel from Ukraine to Turkey after Russia’s withdrawal from a deal that had granted safe passage to commercial and civilian ships amid escalating tensions in the Black Sea. Turkey
US sanctions Turkey-backed Syrian militias over rights abuses in Afrin Washington has accused the Suleiman Shah Brigade, the Hamza Division and their leadership of committing serious rights abuses in the Kurdish-majority enclave of Afrin. Turkey
Turkey roasts as extreme weather fuels wildfires, disrupts air traffic In Turkey’s Mediterranean province of Antalya, soaring humidity levels have also disrupted air travel. Turkey
Istanbul mayor announces reelection bid in Turkey’s upcoming local polls Ending a heated public debate, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said he would not seek Turkey’s main opposition leadership, but he implicitly linked the success of his reelection bid as mayor in the local polls to main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s resignation. Turkey
Moody’s upgrades outlook for Turkish banks amid economic U-turn The US-based rating agency projected Turkey's economic growth to be 4.2% at the end of 2023, falling from 2022’s 5.6%. Turkey
Turkey captures alleged conspirator in 2016 murder of Russian ambassador Turkish authorities continue to arrest suspects seven years after Russia's ambassador to Ankara was slain by an alleged Gulenist. Turkey
Turkey dismisses Assad’s tirade, says withdrawal from Syria 'unimaginable' now Turkey's defense minister says withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria would be "unimaginable" before his country’s national security concerns are addressed. Turkey
Why Turkey's Erdogan sings the same tune with Russia's Putin in Africa Turkey’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa often align with those of Russia, with both Ankara and Moscow holding back from condemning military coups and seeking to capitalize on post-colonial resentments. Turkey
Why did Turkey restrict gold imports as it rolled new economic measures? Observers believe Turkey’s new economic leadership is unlikely to take strong measures to curb inflation before Erdogan gets through local elections in March 2024. Turkey
Turkey-Syria reconciliation slips away as Assad bashes Erdogan The top diplomats of Syria and Turkey met in Moscow earlier this summer, but little substantial progress seems to have been made in their path toward reconciliation. Turkey
Analysis After Saudi drone deal, Turkey’s defense industry eyes record export year Turkey’s military exports could hit a record $7.5 billion this year after a major deal with Saudi Arabia. By Eray Gorgulu