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

Suriye'de Zamana Karşı Yarış!

May 3, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 3 May 2025
instituDE Dış Politika Analisti Haşim Tekineş Suriye'de son haftalarda yaşanan gelişmeleri, ana aktörlerin oyun planlarını ve ülkedeki dengeleri ele aldı

Is a Turkey-Israel Clash Coming?

April 9, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 9 April 2025
In this video, we break down the rising tensions between Turkey and Israel following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. As Ankara emerges as the dominant power in post-war Syria, Israel grows increasingly concerned about Turkish influence spreading across the region.

What is the PKK? Inside Turkey’s Recent Peace Talks

March 12, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 12 March 2025
Turkey has initiated a new round of talks with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a.k.a. PKK. PKK's founding leader called the group to lay down their weapons and dissolve the organization. The PKK has declared a ceasefire. Turkey seems to be closer to peace more than ever. Yet, ironically, the country is getting more and more authoritarian every passing day. The question is whether the authoritarian peace is possible?

Trump Gözünü Gazze'ye Dikti!

February 5, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 5 February 2025
Amerikan Başkanı Donald Trump Gazze hakkında önemli açıklamalar yaptı. Trump #gazze nin boşaltımasını ve buraya #Amerika nın kontrol etmesini teklif etti.

Gazze’de Ateşkes(?) Ne Kadar Kalıcı

January 17, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 17 January 2025
Gazze’de Ateşkes (?) sağlandı mı? Şiddetin bilançosu? Ne kadar kalıcı?

SURİYE'DE ZAFER SARHOŞLUĞU

December 19, 2024
Türkiye Suriye'nin doğusuna operasyon mu düzenleyecek? Trump dönemine geçiş Türkiye'nin Suriye hamlelerini nasıl etkileyebilir? Suriye'deki belirsizlikler kimlere hangi fırsatları sunuyor? Ali Dinçer ve Haşim Tekineş yanıtladılar.