Turkey - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Turkey

Turkey

August 30, 2026

Ankara 10:37 am

19°C

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrive for a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Feb. 4, 2025.

Analysis

Why Turkey welcomes Israel-Syria talks despite mounting red lines

Turkey supports US-backed Israel-Syria talks but sees little prospect of a lasting accommodation until the Israeli elections.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Barcelona

Culture

In divided Cyprus, FC Barcelona youth camp sparks new dispute: What to know

A planned Barca Academy camp in northern Cyprus has offered more fuel to the controversy over the island’s unresolved divide, rasing tensions over recognition, access and international isolation.

Latest News

Top European court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey

Omer Messinger/Getty Images

Explainer

Turkey’s Kurdish peace process moves to implementation: What to know and what’s next

Equality and Democracy Party lawmakers

Exclusive

Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C) watches as US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack prepares to sign an agreement in Damascus on September 16, 2025. Shaibani announced on September 16 a plan backed by Jordan and the United States to restore calm to Druze-majority Sweida province, which witnessed deadly violence in July. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images)

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Samuel Wendel

Senior Analyst, Middle East Business & Tech

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

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Trump-Erdogan summit exudes love but few breakthroughs for Turkey

US President Donald Trump had raised expectations during a joint news conference in which he showered praise on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him a “tough guy,” “a great leader” and someone “I respect.”

President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 25, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump says Turkey sanctions could end 'very soon' at White House meeting with Erdogan

During the meeting, Trump suggested the dispute over Turkey’s F-35 fighter jets could be resolved quickly as sanctions discussions continue.

A delegation from the Naval Forces of the Ministry of Defense, led by Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Saud, visited the Commander of the Turkish Fleet, Admiral Kadir Yıldız, where discussions were held on ways to cooperate and strengthen bilateral relations. The visit also included a tour aboard the Turkish frigate TCG KEMALREİS in Kocaeli Province, during which the

Syria navy delegation visits Turkey: What to know

Turkey is seeking to help Syria build its new military, and the neighbors are also cooperating on counter-narcotics and intelligence matters.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey touts gas, trade deals ahead of Erdogan-Trump summit

The flurry of agreements comes as the Turkish leader looks to press the US president on fighter jets and Kurdish policy in Thursday's meeting.

President Donald Trump (R) speaks with President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L), as they arrive for the North Atlantic Council Plenary Session on the second day of the 2025 NATO Summit on June 25, 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands.

Turkey’s Erdogan eyes F-35s, Kurdish concessions in White House talks with Trump

Erdogan is pressing Washington for a return to the F-35 program and a rollback of US support for Kurdish forces, even as Congress signals resistance.

Richard Moore

UK’s top spy uses farewell from Turkey to lure Russian recruits, sparks fury

The outgoing MI6 chief called on Russians with "truths to share" to contact the agency, sparking diplomatic unease just days before Erdogan’s White House meeting.

US President Donald Trump (L) and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) leave the stage after the family photo to head to the plenary session at the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London.

Turkey scraps tariffs on some US imports ahead of Erdogan-Trump meeting

The reversal of the levies was announced in Turkey’s Official Gazette on Monday, affecting goods such as passenger cars, fruit, rice, cosmetics, solid fuels and chemical products.

People pose for photographs in front of a Turkish Hurjet at Turkey's 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) on July 24, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Analysis

As US steps back from Europe, Turkey eyes bigger role in NATO defense industry

Ankara’s growing defense industry offers Europe new opportunities, but political rifts and technological hurdles may limit its reach.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Kuwaiti traders follow the stock market activity at Boursa Kuwait, in Kuwait City on April 7, 2025.

Middle East debt issuance near $200B record amid September borrowing surge

A borrowing boom driven by Saudi Arabia and Turkey arrives amid a broader wave of issuances in 2025, underlining the Middle East’s status as one of the busiest and most resilient players in international debt markets.