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Turkey

Turkey

April 24, 2026

Ankara 1:39 pm

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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

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

Putin-Trump statement on Syria contradicts Erdogan’s calculations

A joint statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump that there is no military solution in Syria infuriated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Border crossings deepen Baghdad-Erbil conflict

Baghdad insists on taking control of the Kurdistan Region's border crossings with Turkey and Iran, while authorities in Erbil refuse to hand them over to Baghdad.

Iran, Turkey divide Saudi-led bloc

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is opposed to plans by the other members of the Anti-Terror Quartet to confront Iran and Hezbollah in the Levant, to maintain Lebanon's relatively stable position.

SOCHI, RUSSIA - NOVEMBER 13: (RUSSIA OUT) Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) attend joint press conference after their meeting November 13, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. Erdogan is having a one-day visit to Russiian Black Sea resort of Sochi. Photo by Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)

Have Russia, Turkey reached Syrian simpatico yet?

Russia and Turkey have attained an "unprecedented" level of cooperation in many areas, some observers say, though the Kurds in Syria may remain a sticking point.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 19: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to speak to world leaders at the 72nd United Nations (UN) General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York on September 19, 2017 in New York City. Topics to be discussed at this year's gathering include Iran, North Korea and global warming. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Erdogan's claim on Ataturk legacy is bizarre political reach

Despite his policies in polar opposition to those of founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has touted him as a brother whose memory is only served by his own ruling party.

Can US-Turkey relations be salvaged?

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s visit to Washington last week produced little to suggest a new chapter in ties is about to be opened.

Turkey's homemade booze boom here to stay

The Turkish government’s drive to discourage alcohol consumption through high taxes has led to Turks home brewing as an alternative.

People walk past a damaged building following an earthquake in the town of Darbandikhan, near the city of Sulaimaniyah, in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Iraq November 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed - RC1AE3732600

Turkish aid arrives in Kurdistan Region following earthquake

After at least 400 people were killed and nearly 7,000 people were hurt in a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the Iran-Iraqi Kurdistan border yesterday, Turkey has pushed aside its anger over the Kurdish independence efforts and stepped in to help.

Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq's strategic Sinjar

The Islamic State has been largely driven out of Iraq, but Turkey and Iran both remain intensely interested in certain areas.

Kuwait moving up again on Turkey's BFF list

Kuwait and Turkey are increasing their military and economic ties as Kuwait looks for relationships beyond the troubled Gulf Cooperation Council and Ankara stands to benefit from the oil-rich country's growing military and infrastructure budgets.

Meze makers spill their beans in Turkey's Mediterranean port

Turkey’s first Meze Festival held in Antalya Sept. 14 brought together chefs from Beirut to Athens, to showcase how a handful of beans may yield different tastes across the region.

Turkey’s misguided Middle East policy: From Syria, Iraq to the Gulf

Turkey’s misguided foreign policy has increasingly become apparent in three main spheres: Syria, Iraq and the Gulf region.