Opinions - Middle East and North Africa

İran–İsrail Savaşı: Askerî Gerçeklikler ve Güç Dengesindeki Aşınma

İran–İsrail Savaşı: Askerî Gerçeklikler ve Güç Dengesindeki Aşınma

by Ahmet Kalafat, published on 6 March 2026
İran ile İsrail arasında giderek tırmanan çatışma hakkında yapılan yorumların önemli bir bölümü, savaşın gerçek askerî dinamiklerinden çok algılar üzerinden şekillenmektedir. Özellikle bazı analizlerde ABD ve İsrail’in stratejik hedeflerine ulaşamadığı veya planlarının başarısız olduğu yönünde iddialar öne sürülmektedir.
Ankara Expects the Iranian Regime to Survive but Risks for Turkey Persist

Ankara Expects the Iranian Regime to Survive but Risks for Turkey Persist

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 5 March 2026
The Turkish government views the potential collapse of the Iranian regime as a harbinger of regional instability. Nonetheless, Ankara remains convinced that the Iranian regime will survive this ordeal, even after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Three Phases of Turkish-American Relations in Syria

Three Phases of Turkish-American Relations in Syria

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 20 February 2026
The Syrian civil war has had a major impact on relations between Turkey and the United States. Syria has created both areas of cooperation and sources of tension between the two countries. As interests and the regional balance of power shifted, the nature of the relationship also changed.
Why Turkey Chooses Continuity Over Change in Iran

Why Turkey Chooses Continuity Over Change in Iran

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 6 February 2026
Ankara has repeatedly made clear that it opposes a military intervention against Iran. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated again on February 5: “We are doing everything to prevent these tensions between the United States and Iran from driving the region into a new conflict and chaos. We clearly expressed our opposition to a military intervention in Iran.” To this end, the Turkish government has also formed a sort of ad hoc alignment with regional countries to lobby the Trump administration against war.
Would Turks in Iran Pursue Independence Amid Turmoil? A Framework Analysis

Would Turks in Iran Pursue Independence Amid Turmoil? A Framework Analysis

by Mehmet Akif Koç, published on 21 January 2026
Iran built an extensive sphere of influence across the Middle East between 2003 and 2023. This influence has largely—at least for the time being—collapsed following the 2023 war in Gaza with Hamas, the 2024 conflict in Lebanon with Hezbollah, and the December 2024 fall of Syria’s Baath regime. Together, they formed the backbone of Iran’s regional influence.
When Trump Moves On: Syria’s Lesson for Venezuela

When Trump Moves On: Syria’s Lesson for Venezuela

by İmdat Öner and Mustafa Enes Esen
The experience of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) should be a warning for Venezuela’s opposition. Not because Syria and Venezuela are the same, but because they reveal how U.S. policy actually works when hard choices are made. In both cases, Washington has shown that it values stability and workable partners over past alliances or political sympathy. That logic matters far more than the specifics of either country.

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.