Saim Kurubas

Another right-wing victory in Israel, another blow to conflict resolution

In the wake of Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest win, experts voice concerns that the hawkish politician may bring future negotiations with Palestinians to a standstill and trigger another uprising.

Is Colombia's historic peace deal with FARC on the rocks?

The agreement reached by former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC guerilla group faces new challenges under right-wing Ivan Duque's leadership.

Idlib residents have no safe way out

As Tehran talks failed to reach consensus regarding Assad's plans to attack Idlib, locals in the region are staring at a possible bloodbath with no place to hide.

Will Syria's Assad grant autonomy to the YPG to stay in power?

The Syrian regime and the US-backed YPG group appeared as enemies while avoiding conflicts during the country's civil war. Now both sides are holding talks that could lead to a partnership against Turkey-backed opposition groups in the north.

Strikes against economic conditions in Iran pile pressure on government

The traders' strikes in Iran that began on Monday appeared to have ended on Wednesday but the underlying issues of economic hardships that include currency devaluation and inflation have yet to be resolved.

Could Manbij be the beginning of a US double game in Syria?

Washington seems to have come to terms with Ankara on the removal of PKK's Syrian branch, the YPG, from Manbij by agreeing to patrols nearby. But it also cooperates closely with the terror group in the eastern parts of the Euphrates River.

Manbij roadmap will be a litmus test of trust for the US

The YPG will be forced out of Syria’s Manbij in a few months, according to a roadmap drawn by Turkey and the US early this week. But Ankara is cautious over the deal's implementation as Washington has repeatedly delayed a withdrawal since 2016.

Everything Turks abroad need to know about the Turkish elections

Over 3 million Turkish expatriates are expected to vote in Turkey's upcoming elections in 60 countries between June 7 and 24. The foreign vote represents nearly 5 percent of the total and could change the final result if it turns out to be close run.

Turkey-Pakistan military relations reach new high

Ankara and Islamabad have recently reached a deal on the sale of a load of 30 Turkish-made helicopters said to be worth $1.5 billion. The largest-ever defence​ contract between the two countries is also a boon to the Turkish defence industry.

Turkey’s Elections: Who are the presidential candidates?

Turks will go to the polls on June 24 to decide their future president, who will govern for the next five years. Members of the parliament will be elected, too. Ahead of the elections we take a close look at the main presidential candidates.

How does Turkey's electoral system work?

Around 60 million Turks will head to the polls on June 24 to choose their new president and parliament members. If no presidential candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the first run, the run-off will be held on July 8.

What does the presidential system bring to Turkey?

Turkey will choose its new president and MPs on June 24 and will become a presidential republic from a parliamentary one, as a result of last year's referendum. Here we explain the changes that will come into effect following the elections.