Fatıma Taşkömür

What’s behind Sisi’s latest Sinai operation?

Egypt has started a massive operation to clear the country of “terrorist elements”. It's a continuation of a years-long security policy that aims to maintain military rule, and one that's brought it closer to its neighbours Israel and Saudi Arabia.

What's the reason behind the recent escalation of Syria's war?

Russia's increased bombardment on opposition-held areas, attacks from areas controlled by Iran-backed militias against Turkish-backed forces, clashes between the US coalition and pro-regime forces, are all shaping the outcome of Syria’s endgame.

Overturned gravestones testify to the struggle of Greece’s minorities

Religious leader Ahmet Mete explains how the Turkish Muslim minority of Greece maintains its identity, while grappling with state policies that target the community.

What is the new Syrian National Army?

The National Army, composed of various Turkey-backed opposition groups and established after months of talks, is partaking in Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch in Afrin. But it is also preparing for further military action in Manbij.

Trump's first year in office: a look at his Middle East policy

From vowing to stop Iran's "terrorist" activities to breaking with decades-long US policy regarding the status of Jerusalem, here's a look at how Trump's first year in office has altered balances in an already turbulent Middle East.

Iran protests: A call for regime change, international meddling or neither?

Although economic and political conditions in the country provide plausible reasons for protests, they remain on a small scale, making them incomparable to the massive protests in 2009.

Turks and Greeks exude warmth in a barbershop

The Turkish minorities in Greece are coexisting well with the majority community, but they continue to be on the margins of the country's political landscape.

Will this round of Geneva talks bring a solution to the Syrian war?

The latest round of Geneva talks are expected to bring concrete steps towards a political solution to the years-long conflict in Syria. However, internal disagreements within the alliances continue to threaten the process.

Reaching its limits in Syria, what is the next move for the SDF?

The SDF was formed and backed by the US to drive Daesh out of northern Syria. However, the group has strived for permanent presence in the region. With Daesh virtually erased from Syria, the SDF militia looks instead towards regional autonomy.

Saudi-Iran brinkmanship is manufacturing another crisis in the Middle East

The resignation of the Lebanese Prime Minister kicked off a chain of events that has sent shock waves throughout the Middle East. It can be seen as another effort on Saudi Arabia's part to limit growing Iranian influence in the region.

Russia's PYD game in Syria

Despite significant cooperation with Turkey in Syria, Russia has continuously provided diplomatic channels for the PYD, which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation.

The path to resignation of Masoud Barzani

Stepping down after 12 years in office, Masoud Barzani leaves behind a region in flux following his decision to hold a referendum on administrative independence for the KRG.