Explore

ECFR Event to Discuss Turkey's 'Embedded Outsider' Strategy and its Implications for Europe

ECFR Event to Discuss Turkey's 'Embedded Outsider' Strategy and its Implications for Europe

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) is hosting an event to discuss Turkey's evolving role as a middle power and its complex relationship with Europe. The discussion will draw upon an upcoming ECFR paper titled 'The Embedded Outsider: Turkey's Middle-Power Strategy and Europe's Response.' The event will feature a panel of experts including Asli Aydintasbas, Associate Senior Policy Fellow at ECFR; Evren Balta, Professor of Comparative Politics & International Politics; Galip Dalay, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House; and Sibylle Katharina Sorg, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ankara. Anthony Dworkin, Senior Policy Fellow at ECFR, will chair the discussion. The central theme revolves around Turkey's strategy of building autonomy from within Western structures, rather than choosing between East and West. This approach raises questions about where Turkey's interests align with Europe's, where tensions arise, and what a strategy of managed interdependence could entail for Bruss...

Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

Poll shows rising trust in global institutions, less comfort with US as global leader

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - A new poll of over 35,000 people worldwide shows continued support for global cooperation and rising trust in international institutions, but less comfort with the United States or China taking leadership roles. In fact, many view both as a threat.

Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown

Police detain dozens at an Istanbul courthouse protest over LGBTQ+ crackdown

Police have detained dozens of demonstrators outside a courthouse in Istanbul

Northrop Grumman Expands Defense Partnerships in Eastern Europe Amid NATO Buildup

Northrop Grumman Expands Defense Partnerships in Eastern Europe Amid NATO Buildup

Northrop Grumman is increasing its defense industry collaborations across Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on air defense, armored vehicles, and surveillance systems. In Estonia, the company has signed memorandums of agreement with Go Craft and DefSecIntel to support its Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), which connects various sensors and weapons for a unified battlespace view. Poland has already declared its IBCS system combat-ready, making it one of the first operators outside the U.S. Additionally, Northrop Grumman is deepening its cooperation with Polish defense manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola on Bushmaster chain guns, used in Polish Rosomak and Borsuk armored vehicles, involving technology transfer, servicing, and support. The company is also in discussions with Poland regarding the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne command-and-control aircraft and is promoting its Raid Hunter counter-air system designed to engage drones and cruise missiles. These efforts align with NATO's increased military pr...

‘Brother’s Keeper’ Director Ferit Karahan’s ‘Djinn Wedding’ Asks: ‘Can a Person Who Refuses to Acknowledge Their Own Darkness Ever Truly Change The...

‘Brother’s Keeper’ Director Ferit Karahan’s ‘Djinn Wedding’ Asks: ‘Can a Person Who Refuses to Acknowledge Their Own Darkness Ever Truly Change The...

“Djinn Wedding” (“Cinlerin Düğünü”), written and directed by Ferit Karahan (“Brother’s Keeper,” “The Fall From Heaven”), will have its world premiere at Toronto as part of the TIFF Platform competition. This is Karahan’s follow-up feature to “Brother’s Keeper,” which won the Berlin Film Festival’s Fipresci Award in the Panorama section. A magic realism story about […]

Turkish Police Detain Protesters Amidst LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul

Turkish Police Detain Protesters Amidst LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Istanbul

Turkish police detained dozens of demonstrators outside Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse who were protesting a nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists. The protesters were demanding the release of individuals taken into custody during recent raids. This action follows a series of police operations in several cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, which the government states are part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'Decade of the Family' initiative. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek indicated the operation, named 'My Family is Safe,' targeted 162 suspects, nine associations, and 13 businesses, aiming to 'protect children, the institution of the family, and public order.' The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed concern over the detentions, stating that 'mere references to 'family values' or 'protection of children' cannot serve as legal justification for human rights restrictions.' Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans before police intervened, with one dem...

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Law and Order in Syria Following Assad Government's Fall

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Calls for Law and Order in Syria Following Assad Government's Fall

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued a statement regarding the fall of the Assad government in Syria, emphasizing the immediate need for law and order to be restored in the country. Speaking on Sunday, Scholz highlighted the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people and welcomed the end of Assad's rule as a positive development. He stressed the importance of protecting all religious communities and minorities, both now and in the future. The Chancellor indicated that future rulers in Syria would be judged on their ability to ensure that all Syrians can live in dignity and self-determination, defend the nation's sovereignty against external interference, and foster peaceful relations with neighboring countries. This statement comes amidst broader international reactions to the regime change, with the UN Secretary-General calling for an orderly political transition and the EU's top diplomat noting the weakened state of Assad's supporters in Moscow and Tehran.

Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups

Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups

Turkish authorities have cracked down on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, detaining dozens and raiding association offices and popular hangouts

President Lukashenko Orders Comprehensive Inspection of Belarusian Army for Mobilization Readiness

President Lukashenko Orders Comprehensive Inspection of Belarusian Army for Mobilization Readiness

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has ordered a comprehensive inspection of the country's armed forces, including their mobilization readiness. This directive aims to 'shake up' the army and test its capabilities under conditions that closely resemble real combat scenarios. The inspection is not merely a ceremonial review but focuses on assessing the actual readiness of various units to perform their designated tasks, particularly in the event of potential mobilization. Units that have already undergone inspection include an artillery brigade, tank and motorized rifle units, and the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Special attention is being given to communications troops and artillery. Lukashenko emphasized that these inspections are being conducted without staged activities, stressing the importance of genuine assessment to avoid casualties in actual combat, drawing lessons from recent military operations.

Bessent is doubling down with weekly bank sanctions

Bessent is doubling down with weekly bank sanctions

The Treasury secretary told everyone to watch Monday. The three weeks before it say more.

Russia hits truck near Polish border in latest strike near NATO

Russia hits truck near Polish border in latest strike near NATO

KYIV/MOSCOW Sept 13 (Reuters) - Russia attacked a truck near Ukraine's border with Poland, Polish and Ukrainian officials said on Sunday, the latest strike to hit areas near NATO as Moscow and Kyiv intensify their long-distance strikes to try to shift momentum in the war.

Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists

Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists

Kosovo lawmakers have voted in a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti