Erdogan’s threats to replace elected mayors could backfire

Turkey's president is reviving a bitter debate by threatening to nullify local election results in municipalities that elect mayors from pro-Kurdish parties.

Turkey

Erdogan threatens to dismiss mayors seen as PKK-linked

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed PKK militants had infiltrated political parties in order to rig next month's elections, and vowed to dismiss any mayors determined by Ankara to support the outlawed group.

Turkey

Idlib’s rebels on alert against infiltration by Islamic State

The armed groups controlling Idlib remain wary of the prospect of Islamic State militants sneaking into the region, following reports that IS members are seeking safe passage to the province.

Iraq

UAE steps up anti-Turkey efforts in Syria

The United Arab Emirates engages Turkey in a war of words and deeds over Ankara's fight with Kurds in Syria.

United Arab Emirates

Erdogan hints at progress on Syrian safe zone

Confusion about a possible safe zone in northern Syria has not abated as Turkey's president continues to claim that progress is being made in cooperation with the United States.

Syria

Turkish woman’s murder trial makes waves in public opinion

When a female university student fell to her death from an office tower in May 2018, police were initially inclined to believe her male hosts' version of the story, but a trial has brought to light new evidence against the men.

Turkey

Syrian refugees in Turkey, burden or cheap labor?

The influx of Syrian refugees into the labor market has become a big advantage for business owners in Turkey’s ongoing economic crisis, but their employment may fan social tensions as the country’s army of jobless grows.

Syria

Veganism wins hearts, minds in meat-loving Istanbul

Vegan shops are springing up across Istanbul, and many curious Turks are learning to make revamp their traditional meat, egg and dairy-based dishes.

Turkey

Intel: Why Kurds' joy at Trump's decision to keep troops in Syria may be premature

Syria

For Iran, the latest Sochi summit was not just about Syria

Iran used the recent summit in Sochi with Russia and Turkey not merely to signal a willingness to expand its diplomatic role in Syria, but also to maneuver on other issues.

Syria

Erdogan FC: A soccer dream deferred

Turkish media recently reported the founding of a soccer team called the Presidency Sports Club, but in less than a day all traces of the team had vanished. It's not likely the end of the story.

Turkey

Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade

A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib.

Iraq