"PKK disarmament: What does it mean for Baghdad and Erbil?" by Mehmet Alaca, Middle East Eye
The PKK's tactical relations with Iran could also end in this new era. Ankara believes that Tehran uses certain armed groups to undermine its own influence in Iraq; the disbanding of the PKK could thus strengthen Turkey's hand in Iraq.
Ankara, which has established strong relations with Shia leaders in recent days, should focus on public diplomacy in this process. While Turkey might want to stay in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group, balance Iran, or increase its influence after a possible US withdrawal - despite the PKK problem being resolved - this could reinvigorate the "occupier" rhetoric.
The PKK laying down its weapons will ultimately facilitate a thaw between both the KDP and PUK and Ankara and Sulaymaniyah. But historical divisions and spheres of influence will continue to be decisive in regional politics in the months and years ahead.
"The Coming Clash Over Syria" by David Makovsky and Simone Saidmehr, Foreign Affairs
Although Israel's security concerns are legitimate, it should do what it can to avoid military confrontation with Turkey. Israel must ensure that its relationship with Ankara does not become a casualty of its rush to harden its military position in Syria. With its forces spread thin and its international reputation at its nadir, the last thing Israel needs is a new enemy.
Israel's relationship with the new Syrian government is crucial, but even more pressing is its relationship with Turkey. Both countries are U.S. allies with potent military capabilities. The Israeli bombing of T4 was a glaring reminder of how quickly things can escalate. The two countries should consider establishing redlines. At a minimum, they should agree to operate within different zones of influence in Syria so they can avoid hostilities.
“India-Pak War: How China & Turkey Joined Pakistan Army In ‘Indirect War’ Against India & Claim Big Wins” By Sumit Ahlawat, The Eurasian Times
Amid India-Pakistan “low-intensity” conflict, Turkey and China provided more than weapons support to Islamabad. Both Beijing and Ankara also joined the information war on Pakistan’s side, spreading and providing a global reach to the Pakistan Army’s disinformation campaign.
It is not hard to see why state-run Turkish media is eager to pronounce that Pakistan has shot down Indian Rafale fighter jets. Any damage to Rafale’s reputation can directly benefit Turkey in the lucrative aerospace market in the Middle East.
PKK Holds Historic Congress After Ocalan's Call to Disarm
Following PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's call to lay down arms, the organization held its 12th congress from May 5 to 7 and announced that "historic decisions" had been made, according to a statement released by the Firat News Agency. The group said details would be shared with the public soon.
It remains unclear whether Ocalan directly participated in the congress. DEM Party deputy Pervin Buldan suggested there may have been "technical communication," while the pro-government Takvim daily claimed Ocalan had undergone eye surgery in Ankara and joined the congress by phone.
In response to the congress, the DEM Party Central Executive Board issued an eight-point statement describing the moment as a historic turning point in Turkey's recent history. The statement thanked Ocalan, MHP leader Devlet Bahceli, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, and other opposition figures for their support.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented after the congress, saying, "You can receive good news at any time," and emphasized that the process is being followed with full state diligence.
However, journalist Frederike Geerdink, known for her work on the PKK and her access to inside sources, claimed there are no signs of imminent disarmament. She stated that the PKK is currently maximizing pressure on the Turkish state.
Erdogan Says PKK Disarmament Is Near, Signals New Phase Ahead
President Erdogan told ministers and deputies during a meeting at party headquarters that the PKK is close to laying down arms and dissolving the organization, according to reports.
"We have overcome all obstacles. Today or tomorrow, the PKK will lay down its weapons and dissolve the organization," Erdogan reportedly said. He added that a new phase would begin after this development but acknowledged that the process ahead would not be easy.
DEM Party Confirms Sabotage Attempt on Late Deputy Speaker Onder's Vehicle
The DEM Party confirmed reports of a suspected sabotage attempt targeting the vehicle of the late Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Sırrı Sureyya Onder. In a written statement on May 8, the party revealed that on April 2, a parking attendant noticed unusual noise from the tires. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where mechanics discovered a sharp iron object attached to the left rear tire, capable of causing it to burst.
Onder immediately reported the incident to party officials, who conducted an internal review and then submitted the evidence to official authorities. The party stated that due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, the matter was not made public earlier. They also confirmed that authorities have not yet communicated any definitive results regarding the ongoing probe.
MHP Leader Bahceli Returns to Parliament, Pays Respects to Late MP Onder
Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), returned to parliament on May 7 after a three-month absence due to heart surgery. He attended a memorial for Sırrı Sureyya Onder, a well-known lawmaker who passed away on May 3.
In a rare and unexpected gesture, Bahceli touched a photo of Onder and said, "May he rest in peace." He then joined DEM Party lawmakers and other parliamentarians in a moment of prayer.
Selcuk Tengioglu Arrested for Attacking CHP Chairman
Selcuk Tengioglu, who attacked Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel, was arrested following a court ruling on charges of "intentional injury due to public duty."
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that no one was found to have been involved in the incident and requested Tengioglu's arrest on the grounds of a "suspicion of escape."
Turkish Ministries Block Probes Into Officials Over Deadly Bolu Fire
Turkey's Interior and Labor ministries have refused to authorize investigations into their staff for potential negligence in a fire that killed 78 people earlier this year at a winter resort in Bolu province.
According to Deutsche Welle's Turkish edition, prosecutors have been denied the necessary permissions to investigate ministry officials despite growing public anger and mounting evidence of serious failures in safety oversight.
Istanbul City Council Member Resigns from AK Party Over Pressure on Opposition
Ekrem Baki, a city council member from Istanbul's Uskudar district, announced his resignation from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on May 5, citing growing pressure on the political opposition.
"Recently, the pressure on the opposition has intensified, and I see no indication that this will change," Baki said during a council meeting. "My understanding of law and politics does not align with this, so I am resigning from the party."
Baki will continue to serve on the council as an independent member.
Turkey's Official Inflation Rate Slows to 37.9% in April; Independent Group Reports 73.8%
Turkey's annual inflation rate slowed for the 11th consecutive month in April, falling to 37.9 percent from 38.1 percent in March, according to official data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) on May 5. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 3.0 percent in April.
However, independent economists from the Inflation Research Group (ENAG) reported a significantly higher annual inflation rate of 73.8 percent for the same period. According to the group, the prices increased by 4.46% in April on a monthly basis.
Central Bank Reserves Continue to Decline Following Operation Targeting Istanbul Mayor
Turkey's Central Bank reserves continued to fall in the week of May 2, following the March 19 operation targeting Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Total reserves dropped from $141.05 billion to $138.53 billion.
Foreign exchange assets fell by 3.3 percent to $49.9 billion, while gold reserves declined by 1.0 percent to $80.9 billion. Net foreign exchange reserves decreased to $32.79 billion, with net reserves excluding swaps falling to $13.8 billion.
Turkey and UK Agree to Begin Free Trade Agreement Modernization Talks
Turkey and the United Kingdom have agreed to start negotiations by the end of July to modernize and expand their Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced on May 7.
Bolat shared that his meeting in London with UK Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds was productive, with both sides signing sections of the FTA on motor vehicles and chemicals. He also confirmed that the 8th session of the Turkey–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) will be held later this year in London, where both countries will comprehensively assess their trade relations.
Turkey Faces Strong Criticism at UN Rights Review
Turkey was sharply criticized during the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on May 6, as numerous countries voiced concerns over declining judicial independence, limited civil space, and restrictions on free expression.
At the 49th session held in Geneva, UN member states condemned Turkey's continued imprisonment of journalists and political opponents, the misuse of anti-terror laws, and failure to enforce rulings from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). They also pointed to ongoing pressure on media and civil society organizations.
A coalition of rights groups submitted a report noting that Turkey has failed to implement most of the human rights reforms it committed to during its previous UPR cycle.
Over 300 Arrested Amid Crackdown on Alleged Gulen Movement Supporters
Turkish authorities have arrested 77 people, including many young women, pending trial following a sweeping crackdown on alleged followers of the Gulen movement in the country's southeast. Among those arrested is businessman Taner Nakiboglu, a former executive at Naksan Holding who had previously served a prison sentence.
The operation began on May 6 and spanned 47 provinces, with Gaziantep at its center. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya initially announced the detention of 208 individuals, most of them university students and recent graduates. Defense lawyers later confirmed that the number of detainees had climbed to 320.
Authorities reportedly questioned the detainees about legally protected activities, such as attending certain schools or universities, staying in student dormitories, traveling abroad for education, or even simply possessing a passport or driver's license.
Turkey Blocks Jailed Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu's X Account Over Security Claims
On May 8, Turkish authorities blocked access to the X account of jailed Istanbul opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The digital rights group EngelliWeb, which monitors internet censorship in Turkey, reported on X that the account was blocked, citing concerns about national security and public order.
According to a post from the Presidency's Disinformation Combat Center, the block followed an investigation by Istanbul prosecutors into a post shared from Imamoglu's account on April 24. Authorities claimed the post amounted to "public incitement to commit a crime."
In response, social media platform X confirmed it had enforced the block but said it strongly disagreed with the decision. The company stated it had filed an official objection with the court and publicly shared the details of that appeal.
Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas handed his personal election campaign account to Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. In a show of solidarity, Yavas also changed his profile photo to Imamoglu's image. "My account will continue to be Ekrem Imamoglu's voice and will be used on his behalf until the access block is lifted," Yavas said.
Turkey Blocks Over 27,000 Social Media Accounts in First Four Months of 2025
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on May 7 that Turkish authorities blocked 27,304 social media accounts and 6,765 URLs between January and April 2025.
Speaking at a government-run workshop in Ankara on "synthetic media and disinformation," Yerlikaya defended the sweeping measures, claiming they were essential for protecting national security and maintaining public order.
ECtHR Reviews Turkey's Use of Terrorism Charges in High-Profile Yasak Case
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) held a Grand Chamber hearing on May 7 in the case of Yasak v. Turkiye, a high-profile challenge to Turkey's controversial use of terrorism laws.
Lawyers for Saban Yasak, a Turkish national sentenced to over six years in prison, called on the court to intervene against what they described as Turkey's weaponization of terrorism charges to punish peaceful behavior and retroactively criminalize associations.
Yasak's lawyer, Johan Heymans, told the judges that a previous ruling by the court's Second Chamber in this case is now being cited by Turkish courts to justify the same rights violations already condemned in the Yalcinkaya ruling.
The Grand Chamber's final decision will be issued at a later date.
Swedish FM Urges Turkey to Release Jailed Journalist
Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard met with her Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on May 8 to request the release of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, who was recently convicted in Turkey for allegedly insulting President Erdogan. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an informal EU foreign affairs gathering in Warsaw, the Swedish foreign ministry announced.
"I met with the Turkish foreign minister, we talked about Joakim Medin, and I clearly said that I wanted him to return home soon," Stenergard said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Visit Turkey for NATO Talks on Ukraine War
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Turkey for the first time in his new role as the top US diplomat. After accompanying President Donald Trump on a trip to the Middle East, Rubio will break off to attend the informal NATO foreign ministers meeting in Antalya from May 14 to 16.
The meeting will focus on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and prepare for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague this June, the State Department said in a statement.
Turkey Offers to Monitor Ukraine Ceasefire, Ready to Host Peace Talks Again
Turkey is prepared to take on the role of monitoring a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said during a "coalition of the willing" call with Kyiv's partners on May 10, according to a Turkish foreign ministry source. The coalition, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, agreed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire set to begin on May 12.
Fidan expressed Turkey's full support for the ceasefire efforts and confirmed Ankara's readiness to observe the truce if it is implemented.
On May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, following calls from Kyiv and European leaders for the ceasefire. Speaking from the Kremlin, Putin said he would ask Turkish President Erdogan to mediate the talks.
In response, Erdogan told Putin in a phone call that Turkey is ready to host negotiations in Istanbul once again and welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Turkey's commitment to a lasting solution, according to a statement from his office.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15, responding to a public call from U.S. President Donald Trump to accept the proposal for direct talks. Trump, posting on Truth Social, urged Ukraine to accept the meeting.
"I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey on Thursday. Personally," Zelenskiy wrote on X.
Erdogan to Visit Washington for Talks, Trump says
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 5 that he wants to work with Turkish President Erdogan to help end Russia's war in Ukraine, following a phone call between the two leaders.
"I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He also noted that Erdogan had invited him to visit Turkey and that he would be meeting him in Washington.
Halkbank Asks US Supreme Court to Halt Sanctions Case
Turkey's state-owned Halkbank has asked the US Supreme Court to review a lower court decision that allows American prosecutors to pursue a case accusing the bank of helping Iran evade US sanctions, Reuters reported on May 6.
The bank's US-based lawyer, Robert Cary, confirmed in a letter to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals that they submitted the petition before the May 5 deadline. The request challenges the appeals court's October 22, 2024 ruling in Manhattan, which cleared the way for the prosecution to move forward.
EU Envoy Says Imamoglu Arrest Has Strained Turkey-EU Relations
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, said on May 8 that the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has negatively affected recent efforts to improve relations between Ankara and Brussels.
Speaking at a Europe Day reception in Ankara, Ossowski said developments concerning Imamoglu had raised concerns in Brussels and weakened political momentum.
While avoiding harsh criticism, Ossowski emphasized that the EU is watching developments in Turkey closely and remains committed to a constructive agenda.
Ossowski has also revealed that Turkey could receive a visa exemption if it fulfills six necessary conditions: Aligning the anti-terrorism law with EU standards, bringing personal data legislation in line with EU regulations, finalizing a mutual legal assistance agreement with EU member states, securing an operational cooperation agreement with EUROPOL and adopting the Council of Europe's anti-corruption standards.
EU Parliament Urges Pause on Turkey's Accession Process Amid Democratic Concerns
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a report on May 7, with 367 votes in favor, 74 against, and 188 abstentions, stating that Turkey's EU accession process cannot resume under the current circumstances. Despite the democratic and pro-European aspirations of many in Turkish society, the report highlighted that the Turkish government has not addressed key democratic shortcomings.
MEPs expressed deep concern over the ongoing decline in democratic standards in Turkey, as well as the continuous suppression of critical voices. The report warned that the actions of the current Turkish authorities are steering the country towards an increasingly authoritarian regime.
Turkey to Supply Natural Gas to Syria for Power Generation, Minister Says
Turkey will begin supplying 6 million cubic meters of natural gas per day to Syria over the next three months to help generate electricity, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on May 8 in an interview with CNN Turk.
The planned deliveries, amounting to 2 billion cubic meters annually, will be sent via pipeline from Turkey's southeastern Kilis province to a natural gas power plant in Aleppo, northwestern Syria. The gas will be used to produce electricity in the war-torn country.
Turkey and Iraq Sign Wide-Ranging Agreements
Turkey and Iraq signed multiple agreements in key areas, including migration, education, counter-narcotics, disaster and emergency management, and defense industry.
The agreements followed one-on-one and delegation-level meetings between Turkish President Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on May 8 in Ankara.
At a joint press conference held at the Presidential Complex, Sudani emphasized the importance of the strategic Development Path Project, describing it as "a great opportunity to further strengthen integration between the two countries."
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