Culture How ‘dog mom’ vacuum cleaner ad sparked culture war in Turkey A Mother’s Day advertisement featuring a “dog mom” triggered a backlash from conservative media, government officials and regulators, turning a soft consumer campaign into a flashpoint over motherhood, declining birth rates, stray dogs and even antisemitism. Turkey
Newsletter: Turkey Turkey navigates Gulf rivalries while Kurdish peace efforts resurface Turkey hosts a flurry of regional diplomacy while fresh debate over Abdullah Ocalan’s future exposes new tensions in the Kurdish peace process. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul EU spotlights digital art in Ankara Also this week: A new chef’s table, ceramics and institutional debuts By Nazlan Ertan In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture
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 By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing US pauses Hormuz escort mission as Trump cites progress on Iran talks By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey’s paradox in Iraq: Weaker because of a weakened Kurdistan Turkey enjoyed the influence it wielded in Iraq because of its ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government, but it would rather see the KRG fall than risk an independent Iraqi Kurdistan inspiring Turkey's Kurds to seek the same. Iraq
Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels. Syria
Abadi, Erdogan meet to form Kurdistan game plan Iraq's prime minister met with Turkey's president in Ankara today to solidify joint support for Baghdad as it battles to keep the Kurdistan region under Iraqi control. Iraq
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Prominent writer unleashes controversy around sexuality in Turkey In a recent Ted Talks presentation, Turkish writer Elif Shafak admitted being bisexual, spurring a backlash on social media. Turkey
Syrian Kurds in uproar over US jabs at PKK leader Some Syrian Kurds are furious over US attempts to placate Turkey at the expense of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, and their angry statements and videos are being shared widely via social media. Syria
Kurds in Turkey mourn losses of those in Iraq Despite a rousing vote in favor of independence, Kurds in Iraq apparently were unable to stay united long enough to hold off Baghdad government forces, leading some critics to conclude Kurds are their own worst enemies. Iraq
Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara. Syria
Turkey does real business with virtual money Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency. Turkey
EU to cut aid to Turkey as accession talks trail off The European Council has decided to cut its pre-accession funds for Turkey in yet another bad sign for the country's EU membership process. Turkey
Jailed Turkish philanthropist ravaged in pro-AKP media Not much is known about the detention of prominent Turkish businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, and the ruling party and its loyalists seem to be building a slander campaign against him in the media. Turkey
Turkey sees 'village uprising' as rural areas hit hard by liberal economic policies In rural Turkey, farmers and livestock producers are fighting back against the government's new economic policies. Turkey