Turkey, UK near deal as Germany approves Eurofighter sale: What to know Turkey and the United Kingdom inked a preliminary agreement for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets after Germany lifted its hold on the deal. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s defense industry eyes $200B opportunity from NATO's 5% push NATO’s recent decision to mandate its members to spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense presents Turkey with new possibilities in planning and acquisitions. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
As it presses for F-35 jets, Turkey prioritizes air defense for NATO’s 5% spending target As Turkey prioritizes boosting its air defense system to meet NATO’s new spending target, the president has revived Ankara’s push to buy fighter jets. Turkey
Analysis Turkey sees opportunity with Trump to weaken Kurdish bloc, acquire F-35 During recent high-level talks held in Washington, both sides signaled their willingness to address some long-running issues — yet failed to address some of the biggest sticking points in US-Turkey relations. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Will Erdogan’s Afghan gambit pay off in Washington? The general impression is that Ankara’s commitment to protect Kabul airport is only aimed at winning favor with Washington. Turkey
Afghan refugee influx stokes tensions in Turkey Fresh refugee influx from Afghanistan to Turkey has stoked political and social tensions in the country where the refugee crisis is becoming more politicized. Turkey
US reaffirms stance on Turkey’s S-400, support for Syria’s Kurds The White House has maintained the previous administration's demands that Ankara dispose of the Russian missile defense system. United States
Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Turkey shrugs off Taliban warning over Kabul airport Flights to evacuate Afghan interpreters will begin by the end of July, the White House said today. Turkey
The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words. Turkey
Taliban renew demand that Turkey leave Afghanistan American and Turkish officials are still ironing out the last details on how to secure Kabul's airport. Turkey
Iran hosts Afghan government, Taliban for talks Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif celebrated the looming US withdrawal from Afghanistan during the event. Iran
Iraq to enhance cooperation with NATO As Iraq aims to rebuild its security institutions, the cooperation with NATO increases. Iraq
Turkey needs to build support for new Afghan mission Turkey’s offer to secure Kabul’s airport might turn into a perilous mission unless it reaches some understanding with the Taliban and secures the critical support of regional actors such as Pakistan and Iran. Turkey
French foreign minister: Turkey and France have a ‘verbal cease-fire’ Jean-Yves Le Drian told a French TV station there is still a long way to go to improve Turkey-France relations, mentioning Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean. The French and Turkish presidents had a cordial meeting earlier this week. News Brief
Turkish troops to remain at Kabul airport after NATO withdrawal The US president has committed to granting Turkey's requests for support to maintaining troops at Kabul International. Turkey
