Analysis Erdogan’s CHP move raises early poll prospects as Iran war bleeds Turkey’s economy A court move targeting Turkey’s main opposition party, combined with mounting economic pressure linked to the Iran conflict, is raising expectations of an early vote that could extend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkish court ousts CHP leadership amid opposition crackdown The ruling marks a major escalation in the legal crackdown on the CHP, which has already been hit by the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, its presidential candidate. Turkey
Trump envoy Barrack’s embrace of 'strong leaders' sparks fury in Turkey Turkish opposition members say envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks praising “strong leaders” and monarchies undermine Turkey’s democratic tradition and embolden President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Analysis How the Iran war is giving Turkey's Erdogan a big boost Opinion polls show Turks turning to Erdogan as a steady hand during the war, even as the country's finances remain fragile. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis In Turkey, is Bilal Erdogan preparing to replace his father? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Can Erdogan pull up his sagging support? Unlike previous polls that suggest steady decrease for Erdogan and his ruling party, a recent poll shows the tide may have been turned. Turkey
Turkey’s Central Bank ducks soaring inflation to cut rates again Despite the highest inflation in 24 years, Turkey’s Central Bank has made its third interest cut ahead of elections next June. Turkey
Putin’s 'gas hub’ plan aims to bolster Erdogan's image Erdogan has accepted Putin’s offer to create a “gas hub” in northwest Turkey. But what is a gas hub? Is it workable? If realized, what impact would it have? Turkey
Erdogan’s pre-election gesture to Alevis met with suspicion Many leaders of Turkey’s Alevi community question the motives behind Erdogan’s plan to create a public authority in charge of Alevi houses of worship. Turkey
Turkish imam loses his job over lyrics criticizing government Demotion of an imam over a protest song comes as another sign of the expanding intolerant climate in Turkey ahead of June elections. Turkey
Headscarf debate returns to Turkish politics at initiative of secularist opposition The CHP becomes proactive against Erdogan's "religious populist games." Turkey
Once a safe haven, Iranians in Turkey say civil liberties are at risk Many Iranians feel that space for culture, freedom of speech and a secular lifestyle is steadily shrinking in Turkey, which until now has been serving as a safe haven for many Iranians to live freely. Turkey
Third alliance enters the fray ahead of Turkish elections The leftist Labor and Freedom Alliance pledges to undo injustice but could risk a split in the opposition vote. Turkey
Cracks in Turkey’s opposition alliance emerge over ties to HDP Kurds Infighting within the major alliance of six Turkish opposition parties over the role of the country’s largest pro-Kurdish group has the ruling party palpably gleeful. Turkey
Far-right Turkish leader likens Syrian refugees to garbage, vows expulsion Ultranationalist Meral Aksener's plans include “isolating” migrants in “concentration camps” and forcing them to return to their countries of origin against their will under a formal policy of refoulement. Turkey
'Normalization' with Assad is the new normal in Turkey Comments by Turkey's foreign minister hinting at normalization with Damascus drove hundreds of Syrians across Turkish-occupied areas of northern Syria to stage demonstrations. Turkey
Erdogan asks Turkish diplomats to fight Islamaphobia Turkey’s president, long criticized for sidelining and politicizing Turkey’s foreign service, is urging ambassadors to do their best to ensure that Turks abroad can participate in upcoming elections. Turkey
