Opinions - Middle East and North Africa

Drones and the Risks of Regional Escalation for Turkey

Drones and the Risks of Regional Escalation for Turkey

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 20 June, 2020
The military intervention of Turkey changed the balance of power significantly in favor of the GNA, thanks to its drone technology. Developed by Erdogan’s son-in-law, Turkish drones had also wreaked havoc on Syrian targets in Idlib, outsmarting the advanced Russian air defense systems. These achievements boosted morale in Ankara and demonstrated that it has the power to shape developments in the region.
Türk Dış Politikası: Davutoğlu’nun Mirasını Yeniden Düşünmek (in Turkish)

Türk Dış Politikası: Davutoğlu’nun Mirasını Yeniden Düşünmek (in Turkish)

Ahmet Davutoğlu kuşkusuz Türk dış politikası tarihindeki en önemli isimlerden birisi. Gerek fikirleri gerekse uygulamadaki performansıyla Davutoğlu son yıllarda sıkça eleştirilen bir isim. Soğuk Savaş yıllarından kalma tarihi geçmiş jeopolitik kavramlara atfettiği önem ve neo-Osmanlıcı (bazılarına göre ise neo-İslamcı) ideolojik takıntısı Davutoğlu’nun fikirlerine dair önemli eleştirilerden.

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.