What's behind Ankara's decision to lift visit ban on jailed PKK leader?

The Turkish government's decision to allow family visits for Abdullah Ocalan may be linked to Ankara's ongoing operation in northwest Syria.

Syria

Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib

While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue.

Lebanon

Breakthrough on Syria refugee crisis unlikely as EU sends emissary to Ankara

European-Turkish contacts are intensifying in an effort to stave off a disastrous refugee crisis on Turkey's border with Greece that could have repercussions across Europe.

Syria

Looming coronavirus threat adds to Turkey’s economic woes

Turkey’s economic recovery is facing fresh threats from the global impact of the coronavirus outbreak, which has already reached the country’s eastern neighbor Iran, coupled with war jitters from Turkey’s deepening military involvement in Syria.

Turkey

Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions

Opinion polls show mixed feelings about Turkey’s declaration of a major offensive in Syria after an attack killed dozens of its soldiers. Public attention has also shifted hundreds of miles away to its borders with Europe after the government invited millions of refugees to leave.

Syria

Pentagon says US will not retaliate for Turkey in Syria

The United States will not take direct action in Syria despite a dramatic uptick in violence and calls for an immediate no-fly zone over Idlib, which would require the Pentagon to take out aircraft and airfields.

Syria

Thousands stranded at Greek border as Ankara pressures EU over Idlib escalation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said border security would continue to stand down Monday as thousands of refugees and migrants attempt to enter Greece by land and sea.

Syria

Idlib escalation shelves talk of coup in Turkey

The survival of the Erdogan government requires periodic activation of coup rhetoric.

Turkey

Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces

Turkey has downed two Syrian jets in launching Operation Spring Shield while also sending refugees to the Greek border.

Syria

Syrian Kurds ponder Afrin’s recapture in shadow of Idlib crisis

The Syrian Kurds' partial collaboration with Syrian government forces in northwestern Aleppo has so far failed to expand amid whirlwind developments in Idlib.

Syria

Will Russia, Turkey go to war over Syria's Idlib?

Matters have gone from bad to worse in Idlib and the stakes for Moscow and Ankara are rising.

Syria

Deciphering Turkey’s darkest night in Syria

All eyes are on Ankara and Moscow in the wake of the severe attack on a Turkish military convoy in Idlib, which threatens to unleash developments that could change all equilibriums in Syria.

Syria