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Turkey

Turkey

April 24, 2026

Ankara 5:16 am

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US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a meeting with President Donald Trump and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington, DC.

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.

Members of Iraq's security forces stand guard on the the al-Rabia border crossing with Syria on April 20, 2026.

How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance

After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands during the press conference following their meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj, on April 29, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

Analysis

Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions

Italy’s expected TB3 drone purchase highlights a rapidly deepening, interest-driven alignment with Turkey on defense and geopolitics.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Latest News

Analysis

Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds?

Kurdish people waving Kurdistan flags gather to celebrate Nowruz on the hill of Urkesh in the countryside of Amuda in northeastern Syria on March 18, 2026. Nowruz, meaning "new day," is an ancient festival that marks the start of spring and the new year on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21. It is celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide and has been observed for over 3,000 years across regions including the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus and parts of Eastern Euro

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

At least 9 killed in Turkey’s second school shooting in 24 hours

YASIN AKGUL / AFP) (Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Inside Turkey’s role in the US-Iran ceasefire

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) walks with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival during an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on June 1, 2022. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan speaks during a group meeting in Ankara, on May 13, 2025.

Turkey’s parliamentary body on solving Kurdish issue bars Kurdish language speech

Two Kurdish women invited to address the parliamentary committee were told they could not speak Kurdish during the session.

ILYAS AKENGIN/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey's electricity use reaches all-time high in hottest July on record

A report found that Turkish electricity needs are skyrocketing as the climate warms.

US Air Force F-35A performs during an exhibition flight demonstration as part of the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show (Salon international de l'aeronautique et de l'espace - SIAE) at the ParisLe Bourget Airport, in Le Bourget, north of Paris on June 19, 2025.

Trump admin reaffirms F-35 ban on Turkey after letter from 40 Democrats

The State Department's reassurance followed renewed pressure from lawmakers from both parties opposed to Turkey accessing F-35 technology while retaining the Russian S-400.

Members of the new Syrian government's army are seen amid battles with militias loyal to the Assad regime on the Syrian coast near Latakia, Syria, on March 7, 2025.

Turkey launches military training for Syria’s new army: What to know

Ankara has launched training, consultancy and technical assistance support to Syrian troops, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.

Protesters hold up placards and rainbow flags as they take part in the LGBTQ Pride March in Istanbul, June 25, 2023.

Turkey blocks Instagram account of leading LGBTQ+ group Kaos GL

The ban targeting the group, a leading LGBTQ+ organization, follows earlier bans affecting its website and X account.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) arrives for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague, on June 25, 2025.

NATO summit to be held in Turkey next year, alliance says

Brussels' announcement comes as the Trump administration and Erdogan's government have continued to stake out common ground on stabilizing Syria and the southern Caucasus region.

LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images

Somaliland fumes over Turkish envoy's meeting with rebel figure: What to know

As diplomatic tensions flare between Ankara and Hargeisa after a Turkish envoy met a rebel figure in Mogadishu, Ankara is downplaying the encounter as circumstantial.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Turkey, Japan defense chiefs meet as China concerns push Tokyo toward drones

The Japanese defense chief’s visit focuses on defense industry cooperation, including a potential drone deal amid Tokyo's growing concerns over China’s naval activity.

Turkish corvette TCG Kinaliada is seen in this undated image.

Turkish warship in Tripoli as Ankara courts Libya’s rival administration

The port call follows Ankara’s new military cooperation agreement with Tripoli as Turkey reaches out to rival factions in eastern Libya.

US President Donald Trump (C) joins hands with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (L) and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (R) during a signing ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House, Washington, DC, Aug. 8, 20

Analysis

US-brokered Armenia-Azerbaijan deal hands Turkey South Caucasus opening

The agreement could pave the way for normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations and establishing a long-sought transport link unsettling to Iran.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM slams Fidan’s threats against Syria's SDF

As Ankara increasingly threatens the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the opposition People's Equality and Democracy Party warns that a potential Turkish military operation against the Kurdish-led group could disrupt the peace process at home.