Syrian refugees villainized as Turkey faces costs of coronavirus

The Turkish government is under fire for being less generous to its own needy citizens hit by the coronavirus crisis than it has been to Syrian refugees, who are said to have cost Ankara more than $40 billion.

Turkey

Intel: What’s next for Russia-Turkey cooperation after Erdogan, Putin call?

On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss potential cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the next steps in joint efforts in Syria as well as the developments in Libya.

Syria

Families of Americans detained abroad want more US government attention, study finds

An analysis of US hostage policy found that efforts to free Americans wrongfully detained abroad are hampered by unclear policies and confusion.

Lebanon

Turkey finally releases epidemic figures: coronavirus epicenter in Istanbul

Turkey’s death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak has hit 356 as political sparring has broken out over rival assistance programs for the poor and the government’s efforts to keep the economy afloat.

Turkey

Coronavirus drives opening of Turkish hospital in Gaza

The Palestine-Turkish Friendship Hospital has finally opened in the Gaza Strip to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, which authorities fear will quickly become a humanitarian disaster.

Palestine

Most vulnerable still exposed to virus on Istanbul's deserted streets

Some of Istanbul's most vulnerable people, including Syrian child refugees, are still out on the streets day and night, braving the pandemic to earn a living.

Turkey

Turkish political prisoners left out of plan to reduce jail population

As fear of the novel coronavirus grow, Ankara lawmakers are weighing reforms that would release up to 90,000 inmates from overcrowded Turkish jails, drawing criticism for excluding political prisoners.

Turkey

Turkey offers fresh money to companies, seeks donations for the poor amid coronavirus crisis

While enhancing monetary expansion measures to prop up companies and banks against the coronavirus crisis, Ankara is calling for donations from the public to support the poor.

Turkey

Erdogan threatens new restrictions if Turks flout 'voluntary quarantine'

Turkey's president continues to resist calling for a nationwide lockdown, but has admitted that stronger action will be needed if Turks don't stay home.

Turkey

Facing the music of the Holocaust in Turkey

Turkey has long claimed that it has saved many Jews twice in history, but how true is that?

Turkey

Ankara cracks down on efforts by medical groups, opposition to address pandemic

Complaining of a lack of transparency, the Turkish Medical Association began publishing its own figures tracking the virus' spread Tuesday to the displeasure of the government, which has also halted donation drives initiated by opposition mayors.

Turkey

Intel: Erdogan, Trump talk coronavirus

US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the COVID-19 crisis by phone today, the White House announced.

Turkey