ANALYSIS
"Can Europe Trust Turkey in Its Defense Plans?" by Hasim Tekines, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
When the idea of a European army resurfaces, Turkey often emerges as a potential partner. Its strategic location and military capabilities make it an attractive ally. Turkey’s democratic shortcomings have long blocked its EU membership bid, yet it might still play a key role in a new European defense framework. But is Erdoğan’s Turkey a reliable partner or a wildcard?
One major concern is Ankara's likely demands in exchange for committing to European defense. Rather than offering full commitment to European defense, Ankara would prefer a flexible partnership that allows it to maintain ties with countries like Russia and China.
Another challenge is Turkey's ambiguous stance on countering Russia. Despite deep geopolitical and ideological divides, Turkey and Russia have managed to avoid full-scale confrontation. This complex relationship suggests that Turkey is not the unwavering opponent of Russia that Europe might hope for.
Europe should not exclude Turkey from its security plans, but it must fully understand the costs and conditions of bringing Ankara into the fold. The question is not just whether Turkey can strengthen Europe's defense, but whether Europe is ready for the compromises that come with it.
"The Damascus-SDF Agreement: Promises Made, But the Devil Is in the Details" by Mustafa Enes Esen, The Institute for Diplomacy and Economy
While the deal may ease Turkey's security concerns, particularly regarding the SDF's presence along its border, it does not fully satisfy Ankara's demands. The YPG remains intact, a terrorist organization according to Turkey, and its structure within the Syrian military is still uncertain. However, Turkey's resolve against the YPG offers al-Sharaa leverage in future negotiations.
If the YPG integrates into the Syrian army, the raison d’être of its armed intervention will cease to exist. Now, any future Turkish military intervention in Syria may lead to a direct confrontation with the Syrian army in Damascus, as the YPG will be operating under its banner. The modality of the integration may thus undermine cooperation between Turkey and Syria, as Ankara will refrain from taking initiatives that could bolster the YPG's fighting capabilities.
For now, the deal represents a pragmatic compromise rather than a definitive resolution. If it holds, it could reshape Syria's political and military balance, accelerate the U.S. withdrawal, and curb Turkey's military ambitions in eastern Syria. But the devil is in the details, and the true test lies in its implementation.
"Turkey could be a vital partner as Europe, Ukraine seek new security framework" by Tuvan Gumrukcu, Reuters
Analysts say Europeans' push to maintain Ukraine's military capabilities and agree security guarantees, while boosting its own defence without Washington, has created a rare opportunity for Turkey to deepen ties with Europe despite lingering disputes over the rule of law, maritime issues with Greece and Cyprus, and Ankara's long stalled European Union membership bid.
"Instead of including Turkey in projects in an 'a la carte' way, it would be more logical (for Europe) to seek partnerships in a more holistic way. For example, they can start by including Turkey in the European Peace Facility programme," the official told Reuters, referring to an EU initiative supporting Ukraine.
"The fundamental question that will come before Turkey is the issue of ties with Russia because the essence of Europe's security framework starts by viewing Russia as a threat," Ulgen said, adding Ankara must choose a side and position on Russia to take a greater security role.
"Trump's Rough Diplomacy Helps Erdoğan Pitch EU on Turkey" by Beril Akman, Bloomberg
As the Trump administration threatens European security, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly urged EU leaders to increase engagement with fellow alliance member Turkey. There's a clear case to be made for closer ties.
Turkish troops could even join any future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, sources say.
That's allowed Erdoğan to crow that European security without Turkey is "unthinkable." Erdoğan says that only Turkey "can save the EU from the deadlock it has fallen into." Bluster aside, he may have a point.
POLITICS
Pro-government Daily Fakes Exam Document to Smear Imamoglu
Sabah newspaper published a fake "university exam result document" that claimed to belong to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The pro-government newspaper falsified his university exam results to smear him and cancel his diploma, aiming to prevent him from becoming a candidate.
The document contained several errors, including a spelling mistake and, most notably, the inclusion of a Turkish ID number. While this practice began in the early 2000s, the exam document from 1988 inexplicably included it.
The format of the exam result also didn't match the one used by the exam centre at that time, further raising doubts about the document's authenticity.
DEM Party Holds Meetings with Political Parties on PKK Leader's Call
The DEM Party delegation, following PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's call to "lay down arms," began meeting with various political parties to evaluate the ongoing process.
On March 11, the delegation visited the CHP, EMEP, and DEVA Party. On March 12, the party delegation met with the Felicity Party, Future Party, and Turkish Workers' Party officials. On March 16, the DEM Party visited the Left Party. The delegation is expected to meet with the MHP and AK Party in Parliament on March 17.
Bahceli and Fidan Refer to Ocalan as 'Founding Leader of PKK'
For the first time, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli referred to outlawed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan as the "founding leader of the PKK."
Bahceli questioned whether the pro-Kurdish DEM Party would follow Ocalan's "Peace and Democratic Society Call" or support political agendas that could destabilize Turkey under the pretext of Syria.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also used the term "founding leader" for Ocalan, stating that his recent call from Imrali prison urged the PKK to dissolve itself, describing it as a "historic call" that should be taken seriously.
Istanbul Prosecutor Investigates CHP-Led Municipalities Over Terror Financing Claims
Authorities launched an investigation on March 11 into the Sarıyer and Sisli municipalities in Istanbul, both run by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), over allegations that they financed the DHKP-C, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, between 2014 and 2016.
During early morning raids, police detained 34 suspects at 34 locations, including employees from the Sisli, Sarıyer, Atasehir, and Maltepe municipalities and former Sarıyer Mayor Sukru Genc.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office accuses the municipalities of channelling funds to the DHKP-C through public tenders.
On March 14, 17 people, including Genc, were arrested on charges of "financing a terrorist organization," while the remaining 17 were released on probation.
CHP Leader Ozgur Ozel Ordered to Pay Damages to Istanbul Prosecutor
A Turkish court ruled that CHP leader Ozgur Ozel must pay 480,000 lira ($13,000) in damages to Istanbul's top prosecutor, Akin Gurlek, for violating his personal rights.
The lawsuit stemmed from Ozel's remarks calling Gurlek "the executioner and mobile guillotine of the palace." The court found that his statements went beyond criticism and constituted a personal attack.
ECONOMY
Turkey's Central Bank Vows Tight Policy to Meet 24% Inflation Target
Central Bank Governor Fatih Karahan said on March 13 that Turkey will take all necessary measures to reach its year-end inflation target of 24%, including maintaining a tight monetary policy.
In an interview in New York during a series of meetings, he stressed that demand conditions would not be allowed to disrupt the disinflation process. "Our determined stance in monetary policy will support interest in the Turkish lira," Karahan added.
Turkey Seeks Extension of US Waiver for Russian Gas Payments
Turkey is working to extend a U.S. waiver from sanctions that allows it to continue buying Russian natural gas, according to Turkish officials who spoke to Bloomberg.
Ankara has not publicly disclosed the expiration date of the waiver on Gazprombank JSC, which was granted in December. However, officials say it is set to end on March 20, and Turkey is pushing for an extension.
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek is expected to discuss the extension in a call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the officials said.
Zelenskiy: Ukraine Ready to Ratify Free Trade Agreement with Turkey
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on March 13 that Ukraine sees Turkey as a security partner and is ready to ratify a free trade agreement during President Erdogan's upcoming visit, though no date was given.
In Kyiv, Zelenskiy met Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli to discuss bilateral ties, drone production, and Turkey's role in Ukraine's reconstruction.
Bolat and Yumakli also attended the first meeting of a Turkey-Ukraine task force on rebuilding Ukraine. Bolat stated that over 20 Turkish contracting and consultancy firms and Ukrainian state and private sector representatives participated in the talks.
Turkish Navy Tests Submarine-Launched Atmaca Missile
The Turkish Navy successfully tested the submarine-launched version of Atmaca, a domestically produced anti-ship missile, the Ministry of Defense announced.
The test took place on March 12 from the submarine TCG Preveze as part of a project to deploy the Roketsan-developed missile using fully indigenous resources.
Footage released by Turkish authorities showed the missile's launch phase but did not confirm whether targeted guidance systems were assessed.
Flash TV and Pozitif Bank Owner Detained in Illegal Betting Investigation
Authorities issued detention orders for 59 people on March 14, including Erkan Kork, owner of Flash TV and Pozitif Bank, over allegations of leading an illegal betting operation.
As part of the probe, assets worth 6.9 billion lira were seized, including Flash TV, Pozitif Bank, and Payfix. The suspects are accused of using payment systems and companies to launder illegal betting revenues, transferring around 4.5 billion lira.
Former Yeni Safak columnist and publisher Ibrahim Pasali was appointed as a trustee for Flash TV.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Turkish Independent Media Accuse Google of Traffic Blockade
Independent media outlets in Turkey, including T24, BirGun, Diken, Ekonomim, Gazete Pencere, Kısa Dalga, Medyascope, and Artı Gercek, have published an open letter protesting what they call a "traffic embargo" by Google. Their joint letter, published on March 13, 2025, calls the situation a crisis for both media and democracy.
They claimed that Google has cut their traffic by 98% via "Discover" and "News," calling it an "embargo." The issue first appeared in October 2024 and resurfaced in January 2025. Despite attempts to contact Google, they say no clear response was given.
The outlets warned that the situation threatens independent journalism and called for state intervention.
Google's algorithm update last fall has severely impacted independent news outlets in Turkey, causing massive drops in traffic.
These sites have lost between 40% and 80% of their readership, leading to serious financial struggles. This week, Gazete Duvar, one of the country's leading independent outlets, was forced to shut down.
Council of Europe Urges Turkey to Release Demirtas
The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has again called on Turkey to immediately release opposition leader Selahattin Demirtas, warning that his prolonged detention violates European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings.
In an interim resolution adopted on March 6 and made public on March 12, the committee expressed deep concern over Demirtas' continued detention since November 2016, despite the ECtHR's 2020 ruling that his imprisonment aimed to suppress political pluralism and debate.
FOREIGN POLICY
Turkey Blocks Israel from NATO Exercise in Bulgaria
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Turkey has blocked Israel from participating in NATO's annual Resilience and Emergency Preparedness exercise, set to take place in Bulgaria this September.
The decision came after a meeting two weeks ago between Israeli diplomats, NATO's coordinating team for the drill, and Bulgaria's NATO delegation, the newspaper said.
EU Leaders' Summit to Include UK, Norway, and Turkey
The European Union (EU) Leaders' Summit will take place in Brussels on March 20-21.
At a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that the United Kingdom, Norway, and Turkey would also attend the meeting.
Turkey Evaluates Eurofighter Jet Purchase Offer
At a weekly press briefing, Ministry of National Defense (MSB) spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk confirmed that Turkey had received an offer to buy 40 Eurofighter jets and was reviewing it.
MSB officials stated that Turkey would assess the proposal from the Eurofighter consortium—Airbus SE, British BAE Systems Plc, and Italian Leonardo SpA. They also noted that Turkey would prepare a counteroffer in response.
SDF Signs Agreement with Syrian Government to Integrate into State Institutions
The Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a deal with the Damascus government on March 11 to integrate into Syria's state institutions. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi shook hands in Damascus after agreeing to merge SDF-controlled civilian and military institutions in northeast Syria with the state.
The agreement states that border crossings, an airport, and oil and gas fields in eastern Syria, currently under SDF control, will be transferred to the Damascus administration. It also commits the SDF to fighting the remnants of Assad's regime.
The deal is set to be implemented by the end of the year, but it does not specify how the SDF's military forces will be integrated into Syria's defense ministry.
Turkish President Erdogan welcomed the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, stating that its full implementation would enhance security and stability in Syria.
Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), praised the agreement, stating that it aligns with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for peace. Bakirhan emphasized that the deal is crucial for protecting the cultural and political rights of all communities in Syria.
A Turkish delegation visited Damascus on March 13 for official talks. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and MIT Director Ibrahim Kalin met with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The three-hour meeting focused on bilateral relations and regional developments.
Fidan described his visit to Damascus as "good and productive" during a TV programme. Fidan said they discussed the agreement between the Damascus administration and the YPG, addressing Turkey's concerns and questions regarding the deal.
Five Detained for Providing Critical Information to Iranian Intelligence
On March 14, five individuals were detained for providing critical information to Iranian intelligence, including details about military bases in Turkey. The operations took place in Istanbul, Antalya, and Mersin.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) revealed that the suspects gathered intelligence on military bases in Turkey, key areas, and critical points abroad, which was then transferred to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence.
Erdogan, Trump Discuss Bilateral Relations and Defense Issues
Turkish President Erdogan had a phone call with US President Trump on March 16 and discussed Turkey-US relations, regional issues, and global matters, according to state-owned TRT.
Erdogan reportedly stressed the need for the US to take steps against terrorism in line with Turkey's interests. He also called for lifting CAATSA sanctions, finalizing the F-16 deal, and reinstating Turkey into the F-35 program to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
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