Opinions - Middle East and North Africa

Turkey is about to get the consent of the Iraqi Government for a military operation

Turkey is about to get the consent of the Iraqi Government for a military operation

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 17 March 2024
Turkey is preparing to launch another incursion into northern Iraq, aiming to establish a 30-40 km deep buffer zone to counter the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). To rally support for its operation, Turkish officials have engaged in shuttle diplomacy with local stakeholders in Iraq. However, it is essential to recognize that while the use of force may provide short-term security solutions, addressing the socio-economic root causes of the conflict is crucial for sustainable peace. Without addressing these underlying issues, complications are likely to arise in the future.
Turkish-Egyptian Relations: Assessing the Impact of Erdoğan's Cairo Trip

Turkish-Egyptian Relations: Assessing the Impact of Erdoğan's Cairo Trip

By Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 17 February 2024
President Erdoğan's visit to Cairo on February 14 was marked by high honors, including a warm welcome by President Sisi at the airport and a salute with cannon fire upon his motorcade's arrival at Cairo's Ittihadiya palace. The visit garnered widespread attention, with all major newspapers in Egypt featuring Erdoğan's arrival as their headline news.
Comparison of Mass Incarcerators

Comparison of Mass Incarcerators

by instituDE, published on 7 February 2024
This table sheds light on the most oppressed groups in these countries, highlighting the complex landscape of arbitrary detentions and incarcerations worldwide.
The Withdrawal of the US troops from Syria Will Create a Power Vacuum

The Withdrawal of the US troops from Syria Will Create a Power Vacuum

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 26 January 2024
Recent reports suggest that the United States is considering the withdrawal of its troops from Syria, where currently 900 soldiers are stationed. Some officials within the Biden administration are worried that this could jeopardize the fight against ISIS.
Sudan'da Derinleşen İç Savaş ve Kötüleşen İnsani Dram

Sudan'da Derinleşen İç Savaş ve Kötüleşen İnsani Dram

by Fatih Cangür, published on 22 January 2024
2023 yılının Nisan ayında başkent Hartum'da General Abdülfettah el-Burhan liderliğindeki Sudan Silahlı Kuvvetleri (SAF) ile 'Hemedti' olarak bilinen Muhammed Hamdan Dagalo liderliğindeki paramiliter Hızlı Destek Kuvvetleri (RSF) arasındaki güç mücadelesi ülke çapında bir çatışmaya evrilmiş durumda. Sudan'da çatışmaların başladığı Nisan ayından bu yana en az 13.000 insan hayatını kaybetti.
ABD’nin Yemen’e Yönelik Hava Operasyonu ve Bölgedeki Gerilim

ABD’nin Yemen’e Yönelik Hava Operasyonu ve Bölgedeki Gerilim

by Enes Esen, published on 12 January 2024
ABD ve İngiltere Kızıldeniz’deki gemilere saldırılar düzenleyen Yemen’deki Husilere karşı bu sabah büyük bir operasyon gerçekleştirdi. ABD Hava Kuvvetlerinin açıklamasına göre Husilere ait 16 farklı yerde 60’dan fazla hedef vuruldu. Bu saldırılarda 100’den fazla hassas güdümlü mühimmat kullanıldı. Hedefler arasında eğitim merkezleri ve insansız hava araçlarının depoları da bulunuyor.

Reports - Middle East and North Africa

Turkey's Vision For a New Syria

Turkey's Vision For a New Syria

by Mustafa Enes Esen, Haşim Tekineş, Mehmet Demirbaş and Servet Akman, published on 14 February 2026
This report analyzes Turkey’s vision for Syria following the fall of the Assad family and the rise of the HTS under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa. In this regard, it focuses on the foreign actors that, alongside Turkey, now have the greatest ability to shape Syria’s future: namely the United States and Israel.

Videos - Middle East and North Africa

Oil, Power, and Politics: Inside the Turkey-Iraq Pipeline War

July 28, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 28 July 2025
In this video, we break down the complex dispute between Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

Suriye Türkiye için Zafer mi Zaafiyet mi?

July 17, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 17 July 2025
Suriye'de artan gerilim bir kere daha bölgedeki dengelerin nezaketini ortaya koydu. İsrail ise Şam'ı vurarak Suriye konusunda kararlılığını ortaya koydu? Türkiye nasıl cevap verecek?

İran'ın 13. Günü

July 13, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş and Mehmet Akif Koç, published on 13 July 2025/
İran'ın İsrail'le yaşadığı askeri gerilim İran'ı nasıl etkiledi?

Israel vs. Iran: What It Means for Turkey

June 26, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 26 June 2025
In this in-depth analysis, we explore how Turkey is responding to the Israel–Iran war and what it means for Ankara’s security, its role in the Middle East, and its delicate balance between its alliances and rivalries. From Turkey’s historical neutrality in regional conflicts to its growing tensions with both Israel and Iran, this video takes a closer look at the biggest geopolitical shift in the Middle East — and how it could redefine Turkey’s future.

İran ve İsrail Arasında Rusya

June 25, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş and Kerim Has, published on 25 June 2025
Bu hafta instituDE'nin konuğu Dr. Kerim Has, İran-İsrail krizinde Rusya'nın pozisyonunu analiz ediyor.

Trump ve İran-İsrail Gerilimi

June 19, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 19 June 2025
Trump İran ve İsrail arasındaki gerilime katılıp katılmama konusunda yol ayrımında.