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Ezgi Akin

Ezgi Akin

Al Monitor

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Bessent says he will meet Chinese officials, discuss tariff deadline extension

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that he will meet his Chinese counterpart next week and discuss what is...

yesterday 1

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

‘We will intervene’: Turkey’s Fidan warns against dividing Syria

Ankara threatens action against the Kurdish-led SDF as the US pushes for the group’s integration into a post-regime Damascus.

yesterday 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed heads to Turkey amid heightened regional diplomacy

UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed heads to Turkey amid heightened regional diplomacy

The UAE president’s visit to Turkey comes as Turkish and Emirati involvement intensifies in regional diplomatic efforts, spanning conflicts from...

15.07.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Fidan heads to New York for Cyprus talks as Libya tensions flare

Turkey's Fidan heads to New York for Cyprus talks as Libya tensions flare

The top Turkish diplomat will attend UN-hosted Cyprus talks amid rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

15.07.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Israel strikes Syrian forces sent into Druze-majority Sweida

Israel strikes Syrian forces sent into Druze-majority Sweida

Israel launched strikes Tuesday against Syrian government forces in the Druze-majority region of Sweida, saying it was acting to protect the religious...

15.07.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Fidan heads to UN Cyprus talks as Libya maritime deal stirs tensions

Turkey's Fidan heads to UN Cyprus talks as Libya maritime deal stirs tensions

The top Turkish diplomat will fly to New York for discussions to address issues stemming from a controversial Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement.

15.07.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

PKK militants symbolically lay down arms in historic ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan

PKK militants symbolically lay down arms in historic ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan

The ceremony marks a fresh turning point in a peace process aimed at ending the militant group’s four-decade armed campaign against Turkey.

11.07.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

In first AI crackdown, Turkey blocks access to some Grok content

In first AI crackdown, Turkey blocks access to some Grok content

The access ban marked the first AI content censorship in Turkey, stemming from offensive material targeting the Turkish president, religious values,...

09.07.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As clock ticks down on Turkey's Sozcu TV, is Erdogan muting opposition?

As clock ticks down on Turkey's Sozcu TV, is Erdogan muting opposition?

As Istanbul's mayor remains jailed, pressure mounts on opposition-aligned media to soften their criticism, analysts say.

08.07.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

12 Turkish soldiers die from methane poisoning in Iraq: What to know

Turkish troops were exposed to the toxic gas while searching for the remains of a soldier.

07.07.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

At least two dead, hundreds displaced as wildfires rage across Turkey

Fire crews are battling to contain six fires across several Turkish provinces that have also displaced thousands on the Aegean coast.

04.07.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey: PKK disarmament could begin within days, Erdogan’s party says

The ruling party’s spokesperson said the disarmament process is imminent amid reports of a looming “goodwill” ceremony expected from the Kurdish...

01.07.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

US ambassador to Turkey sees solution to F-35 issue 'by year-end'

The new US ambassador to Ankara says that Congress is open to taking a fresh look at the F-35 issue.

30.06.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Gaza rescuers say 25 killed by Israeli fire

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli fire killed at least 25 people on Thursday, including 15 who had gathered near an aid distribution site.Civil...

19.06.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

'Like the sky was torn open': At Turkey border, Iranians recall terror in Tehran

"The first two days were okay, people said it would just end. But then it started escalating and people really started panicking," said Mehran Ataei...

19.06.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran’s Araghchi to visit Turkey as Ankara seeks war mediation role

Iran’s top diplomat is expected in Turkey for the OIC talks as the Iran-Israel war dominates the agenda.

19.06.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey ramps up Iran border security as Ankara, UNHCR monitor refugee risks

UNHCR stands ready to support Turkey, though no major refugee movement has been observed along the Iranian border, the international body’s Turkey...

18.06.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Amid rapprochement with Libya’s Hifter, Turkey says parliament reviewing maritime deal

The review marks a shift in Libya’s internal dynamics and Turkey’s regional diplomacy, though analysts doubt the deal will be ratified.

12.06.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

UK, Australia, Canada, N.Zealand, Norway sanction far-right Israeli ministers

Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway on Tuesday ordered sanctions against two hardline Israeli ministers for "repeated incitements of...

11.06.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

After 3-year-pause, Turkey and EU to hold defense talks: What to know

The Common Security and Defense Policy talks come after more than three years of a hiatus, as Ankara seeks a greater role in EU security.

11.06.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Turkey's inflation dips to 35%, will central bank pivot on interest rates?

Inflation has slowed to the lowest level since 2021, sparking speculation that the central bank could resume easing monetary policy amid mounting...

03.06.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short

The proposed changes would expand conditional release for some inmates but fail to meet demands of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party amid peace efforts.

29.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine

The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader.

26.05.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

As Israel deconfliction talks proceed, Turkey and Syria discuss military ties during visits

A senior Turkish military delegation traveled to Damascus as Ankara and Washington hold talks on Syrian Kurdish groups and Syrian stability.

22.05.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

PKK urges Turkey to ease imprisonment of 'chief negotiator' Ocalan

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has said Turkey should ease prison conditions for its founder Abdullah Ocalan, declaring him the group's "chief...

20.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Iran's Khamenei says talks with US unlikely to 'lead to any outcome'

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that nuclear talks with the United States were unlikely to yield any results, amid a...

20.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Mother of jailed Egyptian-UK activist returns to full hunger strike

The mother of jailed Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah announced on Tuesday that she was returning to a full hunger strike to protest...

20.05.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa

Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration.

20.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey delegation heads to US to discuss Syria sanctions relief: What to know

The talks will follow a landmark meeting between the United States, Syria and Turkish and Saudi leaders.

19.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

US-Syria thaw advances as Rubio meets Shaibani in Turkey: What to know

Top US, Syrian and Turkish diplomats discussed counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability in a landmark Turkey meeting.

16.05.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

'No more empty statements:' Iran ex-detainees press Sweden over death row academic

Over 20 foreign nationals who themselves endured years of captivity in Iran on Wednesday urged Sweden to step up efforts to free a Swedish-Iranian...

14.05.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Erdogan thanks Trump for ‘historic’ Syria decision during Sharaa meeting

The Turkish president also said his country was ready to support Damascus in the fight against the Islamic State and in maintaining the security of...

14.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

A first in 15 years, Rubio to meet Syria’s FM in Turkey: What to know

A landmark meeting in Antalya follows Trump’s surprise decision to lift Syria sanctions, handing Ankara a diplomatic victory.

14.05.2025 20

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Israel not involved in Gaza food distribution under US aid plan: envoy

Israel would not be involved in food distribution under a US-led plan for the Gaza Strip but would provide "necessary military security", Washington's...

10.05.2025 9

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Fidan says he survived assassination abroad as head of intel

The top Turkish diplomat has revealed that he was poisoned with arsenic and mercury during his tenure as the intelligence chief.

10.05.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

X confirms blocking jailed Istanbul mayor Imamoglu’s account in Turkey

The social media platform said it would challenge the court ruling while complying to avoid nationwide throttling.

08.05.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Trump, Erdogan discuss defense ties, Ukraine, possible visit in call: What to know

The two leaders discussed defense cooperation, peace efforts in Ukraine.

05.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Gazans struggling to survive as Israel plans for 'conquest'

Israel's plan for the "conquest" of Gaza has sparked renewed fears, but for many of the territory's residents, the most immediate threat to their...

05.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Damascus club shooting sparks fears of restriction on freedoms

A deadly shooting Monday at a Damascus club, days after another attack on the capital's nightlife, has sparked fears, adding to concerns that personal...

05.05.2025 8

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey's Fidan visits UAE for talks on Syria, Gaza: What to know

The top Turkish diplomat’s visit to the UAE comes amid heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel over Syria. 

05.05.2025 3

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Over 400 detained in Istanbul’s May Day protest as Turkey restricts transit

The demonstrations, which marked the first major opposition rally since mass protests roiled the country last month over the Istanbul mayor’s...

01.05.2025 10

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Palestinian student detained at US citizenship interview released on bail

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, who was arrested by US immigration authorities earlier this month at his citizenship interview, expressed...

01.05.2025 9

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Migrants' dreams buried under rubble after deadly strike on Yemen centre

Africans in search of a better future became the latest casualties of Yemen's decade-long conflict after a deadly strike blamed on the United States...

30.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Amnesty accuses Iran of 'sinister crackdown' after deadly port blast

Amnesty International accused Iranian authorities Wednesday of carrying out a "sinister crackdown" on media outlets to conceal the truth about a...

30.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

US judge orders Palestinian student detained at citizenship interview released

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered US immigration authorities to release a Palestinian student detained at a citizenship interview earlier this...

30.04.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey convicts Swedish journalist of insulting Erdogan with terror trial next

Joakim Medin will remain behind bars awaiting prosecution on terror-related charges that press freedom groups say aim to silence the free press. 

30.04.2025 6

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey detains 52 in second wave of arrests in Imamoglu probe

The main opposition links the detention of more Istanbul municipality employees to the Canal Istanbul project.

28.04.2025 7

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

New German government to decide on Eurofighter sale to Turkey: Officials

Germany’s outgoing government will leave the Eurofighter sale decision to incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, official German sources suggested to...

23.04.2025 5

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Abbas urges Hamas to free Gaza hostages as Israeli strikes kill 18

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday urged Hamas to free all hostages in Gaza, saying their captivity provided Israel with "excuses" to...

23.04.2025 2

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin

Turkey’s Istanbul shaken by 6.2 magnitude earthquake

A powerful earthquake struck Turkey’s largest metropolis and financial hub, Istanbul, triggering panic in the city of over 15 million people.

23.04.2025 4

Al Monitor

Ezgi Akin