ANALYSIS
"Can Baghdad and Ankara shift from crisis management to partnership?" by Mehmet Alaca, Amwaj.media
Turkiye's approach to Iraq’s new government increasingly rests on maintaining ‘strategic sustainability’. This policy focuses less on crisis management, courting individual leaders and managing unsteady alliances than on encouraging the Iraqi state to act as a cohesive entity. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan captured this pragmatic mindset in February as disputes in Baghdad over Iraq’s premiership heated up, saying that "whoever comes to office, [Turkiye] will work with them."
Some analysts have suggested that Barrack is actively seeking a "balance of power" favoring Ankara to counter Tehran, fueling speculation that the US aims to fold Iraq and Syria directly into Turkiye’s sphere of influence. The July 28 Iraq-Turkiye engagements, alongside Barrack’s concurrent diplomatic presence, appear to put this strategy in motion.
From Ankara’s standpoint, the largest challenge to this vision remains Tehran’s influence in Iraq and the risk of US-Iran rivalry leading to further regional instability. Zaidi's own foreign-policy orientation does appear to be leaning toward growing engagement with western states, with Turkiye acting as a potential stepping stone to that goal.
"Aoun’s Ankara visit seeks clarity in Lebanon-Turkey relationship" by Adam Chamseddine, Middle East Eye
Turkish officials are expected to use the meeting to seek greater clarity over the direction of Lebanese foreign policy, particularly following Beirut’s maritime-border agreement with Cyprus.
A senior Turkish official told MEE that Ankara was “shocked” when Lebanon proceeded unilaterally with a maritime-border agreement with Cyprus without first engaging with Turkey.
Lebanon’s agreement with Cyprus does not formally place Beirut in an alliance with Israel. But Ankara fears that the deal could gradually draw Lebanon into a regional framework built around Cyprus, Greece and Israel, which would clash with Turkey’s own strategic ambitions.
“At a minimum, Ankara expects Lebanon to maintain neutrality in the regional conflict,” the source said.
"Guterres Pushes Cyprus Towards a Results-Oriented Endgame" by Yusuf Kanlı, Politis
It would nevertheless be wrong to call Guterres's mission a failure. He moved the process away from meeting-centred diplomacy and towards results-oriented preparation, steering the debate towards the only formula that may now reconcile principle with reality: two politically equal states, linked through a loose federal partnership, represented internationally through a common structure and supported by security arrangements acceptable to both communities and the guarantor powers.
The burden now rests on Erhurman, Christodoulides and their teams to narrow differences; on Holguín to turn the Secretary-General's formula into a workable roadmap; on Ankara, Athens and London to address the external dimensions; and on the European Union to decide whether it will keep protecting the imbalances of the past or finally use its power to help build a new partnership. Guterres did not leave Cyprus with a breakthrough, but he left behind a narrowing path towards a realistic settlement, one whose direction now depends on whether every actor, especially the EU, is prepared to become part of the solution.
"Turkey, Pakistan among 14 countries backing Saudi Arabia's anti-Houthi Red Sea alliance" by Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor
Ankara's decision came as a surprise. The conventional wisdom was that Turkey would not want to fall under the command of the Saudis, who will lead the proposed organization from Riyadh. However, the dramatic shift in regional dynamics since Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel and the ensuing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has prompted regional governments to forge new alliances amid growing questions about the Trump administration’s goals and strategy.
It remains unclear whether alliance members would be willing to physically confront Iran’s Houthi allies, least of all Turkey and Pakistan, which share borders with the Islamic Republic and have struck a delicate equilibrium in their relations with Tehran. "The Turks, the Pakistanis, the Egyptians won't fight the Houthis. But their interests converge against Israel's expansion," one of the diplomatic sources speaking on background told Al-Monitor. "Deterrence is one of the major factors," the source added.
POLITICS
Former Prime Minister Davutoglu Quits Party Politics
Former Turkish Prime Minister and Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoglu announced his withdrawal from party politics and the termination of his party's activities on July 29, citing a systemic "impasse" in Turkey.
In a lengthy written statement, Davutoglu described a political climate marked by extreme polarization, fragmentation, and a decline in ethical standards. He framed the decision as a moral stance rather than a surrender. "Following consultations with our authorized bodies, we decided to terminate the Future Party's activities to avoid becoming part of a contaminated political climate," Davutoglu said.
Davutoglu said he intends to contribute to public debate outside the party structure, though he did not specify his next role.
Selcuk Ozdag, a lawmaker from the party, announced that the four remaining Future Party members of parliament will continue their work as independents within the New Path parliamentary group.
The move comes as other opposition factions seek consolidation. Dogan Bekin, Deputy Chairman of the New Welfare Party, stated that merger negotiations with the Felicity Party have reached an advanced stage. Bekin expressed hope that Future Party members would join this new political alliance.
Bahceli Urges Rivals to End Infighting, Warns Personal Grudges Harm Turkey
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli demanded an end to the escalating conflict between the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Yeni Parti (New Party). Bahceli released a written statement addressing the ongoing dispute and urged opposition figures to prioritize the country's future over internal power struggles.
Bahceli acknowledged that the emergence of new political factions around the CHP represents a natural evolution of democratic life. He noted that the New Party's formation opens a fresh political path for Turkey.
The veteran politician stressed that personal grievances and internal party squabbles must never outweigh the country's collective destiny. He warned that leaders who turn political competition into a cycle of revenge and social tension damage the reputation of Turkish politics.
Bahceli, directly addressing Kemal Kilicdaroglu and Ozgur Ozcel, urged them to act with common sense. He cautioned that allowing internal disagreements to escalate into public hostility weakens the entire opposition and erodes public trust.
Three Istanbul CHP Mayors Join AK Party
Three Istanbul district leaders, elected as mayors under the main opposition CHP in the March 31, 2024 local elections, joined President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party on August 1.
Tuzla Mayor Eren Ali Bingol, Cekmekoy Mayor Orhan Cerkez and Sile Deputy Mayor Sacit Terzi received AK Party badges from Erdogan during a party meeting. Erdogan welcomed the new members and pledged the party's support for their work in their districts.
The CHP now controls 18 municipalities, while the AK Party governs 19 districts.
Istanbul Court Jails Mayor of Uskudar District in Corruption Probe
An Istanbul court jailed Sinem Dedetas, the mayor of the Uskudar district, and three others pending trial on July 31.
Police executed simultaneous raids at eleven addresses across Istanbul on July 29. Officers detained six people and seized digital materials from the suspects.
Prosecutors allege the municipality manipulated the building permit approval process. Investigators found that contractors have been forced to sign consultancy contracts with Kent AS, a municipality-owned company, to secure permits.
Authorities claim Kent AS employees used an encrypted, closed-loop email network and color-coded spreadsheets. These tools allegedly allowed them to identify individual blocks and parcels, instruct municipal staff, and control the permit process.
The court arrested Dedetas and 3 others on charges of bribery, extortion through abuse of office, and establishing and leading a criminal organization. The court released the deputy mayor and a business agent under judicial supervision, barring them from leaving the country.
Mayor Besikcioglu Detained in Sweeping Ankara Corruption Probe
Turkish authorities detained former television actor Erdal Besikcioglu on July 30 as part of a massive corruption investigation targeting local government officials. Besikcioglu, who stared as the homicide detective Behzat C in a popular TV series, currently serves as the opposition mayor of Etimesgut, a district in western Ankara. Voters elected him to the post in 2024.
The Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued detention warrants for 55 suspects. Police conducted simultaneous raids across nine provinces, detaining 52 individuals. The suspects are accused of forming a criminal organization, embezzling public funds, accepting bribes, extorting money, committing fraud in public procurement, and misusing their official positions.
Police transported all 55 suspects, including Besikcioglu, to the courthouse on August 2 following initial interrogation. Prosecutors officially requested the formal arrest of 44 people, including Mayor Besikcioglu.
ECONOMY
62% of Aegean Firms Cut Jobs as Cost Pressures Squeeze Turkey's Industry
Two-thirds of companies in Turkey's Aegean region cut their workforce in the first half of 2026, signaling that mounting cost and financing pressures now bleed directly into employment, according to a survey released by the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry.
Of the firms that trimmed staff, 56% employed 10 or more workers, underscoring that the cuts extend well beyond small operations.
Business sentiment remains deeply pessimistic. A majority of industrialists — 55% — expect economic conditions to deteriorate further before the year ends, while only 38% plan to invest. High raw material and labor costs, combined with exchange rate uncertainty, form the core obstacles choking business activity.
The survey also flagged a broader institutional concern: 30% of firms named strengthening trust in the justice system as a top priority for any meaningful recovery in Turkey.
With workforce reductions spreading across the region, the data points to a stark reality — companies are passing financing and cost pressures straight onto their employees, and few see relief on the horizon.
Turkey and Iraq Sign Energy Accords Including Pipeline Expansion Deal
President Erdogan said on July 28 that Turkey aims to sign a comprehensive energy cooperation agreement with Iraq following talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara.
The two governments signed five accords covering various fields of cooperation. Erdogan told reporters at a joint news conference that Turkey's state-owned oil and gas firm, TPAO, will operate in the Kirkuk oilfield, which BP currently uses.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the details on X. He stated that TPAO acquired a 15 percent stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited. This investment grants the Turkish company operating rights in the field.
BP officials confirmed the deal and welcomed their new partnership with TPAO.
Separately, Turkey and Iraq signed a one-year agreement to maintain and expand the use of their shared crude oil pipeline, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on August 1.
Bayraktar said they held a productive meeting in Ankara with Iraq's oil minister and his delegation. The two sides inked the one-year transit arrangement between the Turkish state energy company BOTAS and Iraq's state oil firms SOMO and NOC.
"Our efforts continue toward a new long-term agreement for this pipeline, while we have implemented this transit arrangement covering a daily capacity of 750,000 barrels," Bayraktar posted on X. Turkish data shows the line currently carries around 170,000 barrels per day. Ankara plans to fully utilize the pipeline's 1.5-million-barrel daily capacity.
French Investor Meridiam Eyes Bid for Istanbul Bridge Privatization
French infrastructure investor Meridiam SAS plans to bid for the operating rights of Istanbul's two Bosphorus bridges, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.
Meridiam intends to form a consortium with Makyol Insaat Sanayi Turizm ve Ticaret A.S. to enter the planned privatization program, the sources said. The tender covers the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and select sections of the country's highway network.
Several Turkish companies are also considering partnering with foreign firms to compete for the bid, the sources added.
Government officials are nearing the completion of the official tender process for the sale of bridge and highway operating rights, according to sources.
Turkey and Syria Central Banks Sign Deal to Open Official Account
Fatih Karahan, governor of the Central Bank of Turkey, and Syrian Central Bank Governor Mohammad Raslan signed an agreement on July 29 to open an official account for Syria's central bank at Turkey's monetary authority. The two officials inked the deal during Karahan's visit to Damascus, following a series of preparatory meetings in both capitals.
The new account will streamline financial and commercial transactions between Turkey and Syria while deepening banking and trade ties.
Raslan confirmed that both central banks also committed to expanding technical and financial cooperation. The two sides plan to exchange expertise on modernizing payment systems and other critical financial infrastructure as Damascus works to upgrade its domestic payment networks.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Turkey Grants Cybersecurity Agency Emergency Powers over Communications Companies
Turkey has authorized its Cybersecurity Presidency to order internet and communications companies to take emergency measures before judicial review.
The law, published in the Official Gazette on July 31, allows the agency to act independently or at the request of security and intelligence bodies on grounds including national security and public order.
Internet service providers, content and hosting companies, and data centers must implement the agency's orders within two hours. The agency must submit each decision to a judge within 24 hours. The court must issue a ruling within 48 hours.
Turkey Blocks Deutsche Welle Turkish Reporter on X
Turkish authorities have blocked access to the X account of Deutsche Welle Turkish service reporter Alican Uludag, citing national security and public order, the Freedom of Expression Association reported.
Authorities also blocked 13 individual posts by Uludag. Users in Turkey can no longer access his account or posts.
The blocked material included posts criticizing former chief of general staff Hulusi Akar over his handling of the 2016 coup attempt and detentions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
The move came days after authorities briefly detained and later released Uludag under judicial supervision over a post criticizing Turkey's judicial system.
FOREIGN POLICY
Trump: "Nobody tells me what we should be selling and not"
US President Donald Trump dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey on July 27. Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One a day before his scheduled meeting with Netanyahu at the White House.
"Turkey has been a tremendous ally for me," Trump told reporters. "Turkey has been great. Very powerful country, by the way. Tremendous military. Very big military. Very powerful military. Has a lot of great equipment."
Trump acknowledged Turkey's strained relationship with Israel but made his stance clear. "Nobody tells me what we should be selling and not," he said.
UK National Security Adviser Powell Meets Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Ankara on July 31.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said that Fidan met with Powell in Ankara, but provided no further details about the meeting.
Journalist Amberin Zaman stated that Powell was also received by Turkish President Erdogan. Zaman highlighted that Powell previously served as an unofficial adviser during past peace negotiations with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Moscow Views Turkey's Dual Role on Ukraine with "Caution"
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted what he called Turkey's contradictory posture on the Ukrainian conflict, noting that Ankara positions itself as a peace mediator while simultaneously signing NATO documents backing Kyiv's territorial integrity.
"Now our Turkish neighbors are once again saying they are ready to help on Ukraine, but at the same time they are signing NATO documents that state that the territorial integrity of the Kyiv regime must be restored," Lavrov told the Russian state news agency TASS.
Avoiding harsh words directed at Turkey, Lavrov mainly conveyed the message: “We approach a country that simultaneously wants to be a mediator and signs NATO resolutions with caution.”
Erdogan Hosts Lebanon's President in First Head-of-State Visit in 17 Years
Turkish President Erdogan hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Complex on July 30, marking the first visit by a Lebanese head of state in 17 years.
The two leaders discussed regional developments and focused heavily on what Erdogan termed Israel's ongoing occupation of southern Lebanon.
Erdogan pledged Turkey's full support for rebuilding areas that Israeli strikes devastated and promised continued humanitarian and technical aid for Beirut. He also stated that Ankara seeks a role in international security efforts in southern Lebanon once the United Nations concludes its long-standing peacekeeping mission.
Aoun expressed gratitude to Turkey for its backing of the Lebanese military and for its contributions to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. He outlined Beirut's immediate priorities, which include securing a complete Israeli withdrawal, returning displaced citizens to their homes, reconstructing devastated regions, and revitalizing the national economy.
Guterres Plans New Cyprus Talks After Rare Visit
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrapped up a rare two-day visit to Cyprus after meeting Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman in a renewed effort to restart peace talks that collapsed in 2017.
Guterres said he held “frank and constructive discussions” with both leaders, separately and together, and announced plans to convene another meeting under the 5+1 format after further preparations.
“Based on our discussions on the way forward, I decided that I would convene another 5+1 meeting after adequate preparations on confidence building, methodology and substance, taking into account the convergences already achieved,” Guterres said.
The format would bring together the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, guarantor states Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
Guterres stated that the UN would consult both sides and the guarantors to “create the conditions for the meeting’s success.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the UN chief’s efforts but said the two sides still lacked common ground. “We believe that focusing on achieving progress in key areas of cooperation within the framework of the process launched by Secretary-General Guterres in 2025 will serve to build trust,” it added.
President Erdogan also signaled Ankara’s firm position after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, saying any settlement effort that fails to recognize what Turkey calls the sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriots “is doomed to fail.” “The Cyprus question cannot be reduced to a simple debate over power-sharing between two communities,” Erdogan said.
Montenegro Ends Visa-Free Travel for Turkish Citizens
Montenegro ends its visa-free arrangement for Turkish citizens on November 1. The Balkan nation introduces the new requirement to align its immigration policies with the European Union.
The Montenegrin government said travelers from Turkey, Russia, Belarus, China, and Saudi Arabia would be eligible to cross the border under existing rules until October 31. But travelers must obtain a visa before entry starting November 1, 2026.
To streamline the new requirement, Montenegro said it partnered with visa-processing firm VFS Global. This arrangement would allow Turkish citizens to submit their applications at dedicated centers across Turkey rather than applying exclusively through Montenegrin diplomatic missions.
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