Analysis Kurds, Damascus step back from brink as SDF signs fresh deal with Syrian government After intense US-led diplomacy, Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF agreed to a ceasefire and phased integration, averting all-out conflict. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Interview YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities In an interview with Al-Monitor, YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali said Kurdish forces were successfully repelling advances by the Syrian army, while Damascus accused the Kurds of launching unprovoked attacks. Siyamend Ali YPG spokesman
Turkey detains nurse over hair-braiding video in support of SDF Authorities say the nurse’s social media post amounted to terror propaganda, while critics argue that her symbolic protest falls under freedom of expression as tensions over Syria spill into Turkey’s fragile peace process. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s Syria gains come with risks as Damascus pushes Kurdish integration Turkey has benefited from the Syrian government’s rollback of the Kurdish-led forces, but whether those gains translate into lasting security, refugee returns and domestic de-escalation will depend on political inclusion in Damascus. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Could US shift on Syria’s Kurds unlock progress with Turkey? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump praises Syria's Sharaa after truce reached with SDF By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Turkey’s first national soccer game in Kurdish heartland hints at electioneering The match was set in Diyarbakir by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he faces a tough vote next year. Turkey
Istanbul bomb attack could have repercussions in international arena Turkey lashes out at ‘insincerity’ of US condolences for an attack targeting a crowded street after claiming that the Syrian ‘branch’ of the PKK ordered it. Turkey
Turkey points to Kurdish militants for deadly Istanbul bombing Turkish security forces have arrested a Syrian woman they say confessed to carrying out the attack under instructions from Kobani, but both the Kurdistan Workers Party and Syrian Kurdish forces deny any involvement. Turkey
Erdogan's nationalist ally supports talks with pro-Kurdish party MHP leader Devlet Bahceli's decision to back negotiations with the HDP over a constitutional amendment hints at an election strategy for Turkey’s ruling alliance. Turkey
Turkey blasts Sweden ahead of NATO chief's visit to appease Erdogan Sweden's steps to gain Erdogan's approval appear not to have "cut the ice" thus far. Turkey
Siege tightens around Turkey’s critical newsrooms ahead of election Government opponents fear Ankara will use all of its means to stifle unfavorable news and public debate ahead of crucial elections next year. Turkey
Turkey ramps up pressure on Kurdish journalists with mass detentions The detentions are part of a campaign against journalists working for outlets that report on rights abuses, particularly in the Kurdish-majority southeast. Turkey
Iran protests put Turkish government in tight spot As their Western partners strongly react to the Iranian protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his administration remain curiously quiet. Turkey
Why Russia’s Vladimir Putin is rooting for Turkey’s Erdogan Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s "pro-Russian tilt" has grown louder in recent weeks, as Vladimir Putin clearly looks for Erdogan to stay in power. 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
How realistic is Erdogan’s vision for security belt from Syria to Iraq? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is bent on creating an “end-to-end” security belt along Turkey’s southern borders with Syria and Iraq — a vision too ambitious given the political and topographic conditions of the areas in question. Turkey
Swedish, Finnish NATO bids face test as officials meet Turkey’s representatives Lack of movement on extradition of “terrorist” suspects still poses threat to Nordic states joining alliance. Turkey
