Türkiye in Syria, Trump praising Erdoğan, Kalın in Damascus, Embassy opened

We will see whether Türkiye really benefits from the developments in Syria, but she is actively involved: Turkish Embassy in Damascus resumes operations after 12 years Turkey condemns Israel plan to double Golan Heights population Here are the key Türkiye-related news items regarding Syria: Turkey’s Diplomatic Moves • Turkey reopened its embassy in Syria on … Read more

I guess this image of Syrian alliances should be re-imagined?

At least Asad is gone, and Israel is moving towards Damascus. I was checking out how many Syrian refugees went back from Türkiye to Syria but could not find reliable figures. It is just chaos out there, and everybody I know talks about this and fact-checking is needed!

End of en era! Bashar al-Assad has left Syria

It looks like the Axis of Resistance lost an important member. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syria. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Assad has stepped down from his presidential post and departed the country[4][5]. This development comes amid a rapid advance by opposition forces who have seized control of Damascus, the capital … Read more

Pro-Palestinian activists arrested in Türkiye for allegedly insulting the president

On November 29, 2024, nine pro-Palestinian activists were arrested in Turkey for protesting against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ongoing trade relations with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. The incident occurred during Erdoğan’s speech at an international event organized by Turkish state broadcaster TRT in İstanbul[1][2]. The Protest Two activists from the Direniş Çadırı (Resistance Tent) … Read more

Back to the civil war in Syria

In recent days, Syria has witnessed a significant escalation in military activity, particularly in the northwestern region. This surge in conflict represents the most substantial shift in territorial control within Syria’s ongoing civil war in several years[1][2]. Rebel Offensive On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, rebel forces launched a major offensive in northwestern Syria, dubbed “Deterrence … Read more

Many countries rejected Kathrin but not Türkiye

  The MV Kathrin, a German-flagged cargo ship, has been at the center of international controversy due to allegations that it is carrying explosives destined for Israel. Here are the key developments: Background The MV Kathrin departed from Vietnam in mid-July 2024, reportedly carrying 150 metric tons of explosives, including RDX and TNT[1][4]. The ship’s … Read more

The BRICS summit. Western attempts to isolate Russia failing?

This might be the most popular video from the summit (!) Erdoğan combing his hair!  The most recent BRICS summit was held from October 22-24, 2024 in Kazan, Russia. Here are the key highlights and outcomes: Expansion and Attendance The summit marked the first gathering after BRICS expanded to include new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, … Read more

Civilizational choices: Turkey/Türkiye applied to join the BRICS group

Although I attempted to catch your eyes by stating “civilizational,” it might be more pragmatic. Changing regional relations, the EU’s hesitancy, Turkish domestic politics, etc., can all be listed in the choice.  Turkey has indeed applied to join the BRICS group of emerging economies. Here’s a summary of the key information: Application Confirmation Multiple sources … Read more

A major u-turn: Sisi warmly welcomed

It looks like Turkey is changing its attitude towards Egypt. This must really hurt Muslim Brotherhood sympathizers.  The visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Turkey was marked by a warm reception, indicating a significant shift towards normalizing relations between the two countries. Erdoğan personally welcomed Sisi at the Esenboğa Airport and the two … Read more

Another u-turn: Rapprochement between Turkey and Syria?

Jihadists may not like this. There are clear signs of a rapprochement between Turkey and Syria after over a decade of severed diplomatic ties. Here are the key points:   Recent statements: Both Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have recently expressed willingness to restore diplomatic relations[3][8]. Erdogan stated there is … Read more

Turkish government admits growing trade relations with Israel while weeping crocodile tears for Gaza

Pro-government trolls were vehemently denying trade or at least trying to justify it. After a particular instance of police brutality on pro-Palestine demonstrators who demanded an end to trade with Israel, public outcry may have led to partial restrictions on trade. Turkey imposes export restrictions on Israel amid Gaza conflict One Twitter user has been … Read more

A Medium author listed all cases of alleged Mossad agent arrests since 2014 (over 100 were in Turkey)

Turkish police have recently detained seven people on suspicion of selling information to Mossad, including a private detective. The arrests are part of a wave of detentions in Turkey related to spying activities for Israel.   Citations: [1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/2/turkey-arrests-seven-suspected-of-selling-information-to-israels-mossad [2] https://apnews.com/article/turkey-suspects-detained-spying-israel-dd76ee759d7ca23c1ab4cb3d33fc920e [3] https://www.timesofisrael.com/turkey-arrests-33-alleged-mossad-agents-as-israel-threatens-hamas-abroad/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-detains-seven-suspected-selling-information-israels-mossad-anadolu-says-2024-03-05/ [5] https://www.timesofisrael.com/7-detained-in-turkey-for-allegedly-selling-intel-to-mossad-via-private-detectives/ A Medium author listed all cases of alleged … Read more

No good times to play football for Israeli players in Turkey

My already busy schedule has gotten even busier in the last weeks, and I could not blog some of the news on time. One is the Israeli players in Turkey. Mr. Jehezkel was deported even before he could realize what was happening. As far as I know, one more Israeli player has lost his job.  … Read more

Turkey after Mossad- many suspects detained

According to recent news reports, Turkish authorities have arrested 33 people suspected of carrying out “international espionage” for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. The suspects were detained in 57 locations across eight provinces near Istanbul as part of an investigation by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency. The suspects were believed to … Read more

Big mess in Riyadh as some losers decided to have the Turkish Super Cup final there…

This is a hilarious diplomatic crisis, with an unprecedented level of idiocy and incompetence on all involved. ❌ The Turkish government decides to hold the Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, no doubt in return for continued cash flow. ❌ Saudi authorities don't allow… https://t.co/8oGDhRuVPd — Umut Özkırımlı (@UOzkirimli) December 29, 2023 The Turkish … Read more