Turkey, Syria hold high-level security summit as SDF integration talks ramp up The summit comes as Turkey and Syria coordinate over the future of the Kurdish-led SDF, amid US mediation efforts to meet the year-end integration deadline with Damascus. Turkey
Turkey wants PKK leader Ocalan to sway Kurdish-led SDF on joining Syria army Ankara seeks to leverage peace talks with PKK while renewing threats against the SDF. Turkey
Culture Turkey's women, LGBTQ artists top targets of Erdogan's drive for cultural hegemony From pop stars to performers, Turkey’s secular arts scene faces increasing pressure under Erdogan’s conservative push. Turkey
From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain The summit underscored both leaders’ personal chemistry while highlighting the limits of what the partnership can deliver. Turkey
Can Syrian Kurds’ offer unlock door to compromise with Turkey? The Syrian Kurds have offered Turkey a 5-kilometer-deep buffer zone that would see the pullout of Kurdish forces and heavy weaponry, without seeking the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Afrin, but only that of aligned militia. Syria
Former government spokesman tapped as KRG foreign relations head A diplomat loyal to the Barzani family has been chosen as head of the KRG's Department of Foreign Relations. Iraq
Syria safe zone: Can US reconcile conflicting demands of Turkey, YPG A US delegation is visiting Turkey for "safe zone" talks amid the Turkish army's increasing activities along the Syrian border, which are signaling a possible new military operation. Syria
Will Erdogan risk an operation in Syria? Turkish media reports suggest that an incursion by the Turkish army east of the Euphrates is imminent. Syria
Iran shells Iraqi Kurdistan Region Iran follows Turkey in bombarding civilians in border areas of Iraq's Kurdistan Region. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Turkish-US talks on northern Syria stall as S-400 crisis peaks US envoy for Syria Jim Jeffrey tells the German Marshall Fund that a residual force of US troops will be staying in northeastern Syria for an "indeterminate time"; this decision appears to have been made in part to protect the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units from Turkey. Syria
Iraq throws Turkey curveball in bilateral trade Baghdad’s recent restrictions on imported goods have badly bruised Turkey’s food exporters, calling into question the target of $20 billion in bilateral trade. Iraq
Turkey continues bombing Iraqi Kurdistan amid Iraq's strong objection Turkish fighter jets bombard Qandil Mountains inside Iraqi Kurdistan, leaving dozens of civilians killed and wounded. Iraq
Russia, Turkey still defending own interests in Syria Fighting goes on in Idlib and Hama provinces between opposition forces and the Syrian regime, and recently Turkey and Russia seem more involved in the confrontations. Syria
Jailed militant leader enters Istanbul election fray An unexpected message from Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence for treason, urged Kurds to stay “neutral” and could tilt the outcome in a bitter campaign for control of Turkey’s biggest city. Turkey
Turkey mulls permanent military presence in northern Iraq Turkey is considering setting up additional military infrastructure in Iraqi Kurdistan as its operations against militants there continue. Iraq
New Diyarbakir mayor backs opposition candidate in Istanbul election rerun The new HDP mayor of Diyarbakir calls for a Kurdish vote against the AKP in Istanbul's mayoral election rerun and says his AKP predecessor has left Diyarbakir in the poorhouse. Turkey
