Author: Ihsan Aktas

In recent years, under the charismatic leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has been growing and strengthening, drawing on the historical mission of the Ottoman Empire, with its powerful military capturing global attention. This has created a magnetic atmosphere not only in regional countries but across the world. During his visits to Indonesia and Malaysia last February, Erdoğan was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the people. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim left an unforgettable mark on history when he introduced Türkiye’s president, stating: “Tayyip Erdoğan has distinguished himself from all world leaders through his stance, rhetoric and policies. He stands…

Since taking office, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu has been known for his controversial and turbulent governance. Recently, his name has become associated with mega corruption allegations in a striking turn of events. Türkiye is witnessing an intense political rivalry between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). While the AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), forming the People’s Alliance, maintain their hold on power, the CHP remains a close contender. The CHP, Türkiye’s founding party, ruled the country under a de facto dictatorship until 1950. Over time, it became…

In the aftermath of the U.S. elections, Elon Musk’s swift and noticeable support for Europe’s far-right movements has drawn significant attention. As is well known, neoliberal movements have been losing influence, and many of their promises have failed globally. First, we all identified the rise of the right wing in Europe as the far-right or extreme right within the context of the neoliberal paradigm, under the influence of the radical left and the Greens. However, those who interpret these developments solely through this angle often lack a deeper understanding of European parties’ history and political evolution. In time, we will…

One of the darkest genocides in human history has come and gone. It feels as though we are witnessing a theater play on the stage of history or a movie unfolding in the flow of time – its script having begun and concluded. Humanity has endured immense genocides, destruction and trauma. Many of these atrocities stem from European countries colonizing nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America, leading to widespread slavery and genocide – many of which remain largely unknown or forgotten today. Throughout history, Jews have faced countless atrocities and injustices, including murders committed against them during the Middle…

As is well known, Türkiye has endured persistent terrorist violence for approximately 40 years, marked by fluctuations in intensity over time. What began as a primarily domestic threat four decades ago has gradually evolved into a globalized phenomenon. The PKK terrorist organization, initially rooted in Türkiye, expanded its presence to Syria and the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon and eventually gained a foothold in Iraq following the Iraq occupation of the U.S. Over these decades, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 50,000 people, maintaining its role as a perpetrator of relentless violence. Abandoning reconciliation process During the…

With the onset of the Arab Spring, the Syrian people revolted in large numbers, demanding better governance and the opportunity to live in a free country. This aspiration for change was quickly intercepted by the efforts of external powers with influence over Syria, who sought to create chaos, sow division and occupy Syrian territory. In the early days of the popular uprising, almost 90% of the population was opposed to the Assad regime. Those who sought change included Sunnis, Kurds, Armenians, Christians and even Nusayris, all of whom united in the desire for a shift in the political landscape. Türkiye,…

In the Middle East, neither strategists nor governments can reliably foresee how the narrative might shift from one day to the next. The Syrian civil war has endured for nearly 14 years, claiming close to one million lives and leaving over 10 million people exiled, maimed or displaced—driven from their cities, dying on the roads or losing their lives while crossing the Mediterranean in pursuit of refuge in Europe. This is the view from afar. Yet, when you go into the abyss in society, the depth of the suffering becomes painfully evident. The Baath system of enslavement and oppression established…

As is widely recognized, the Syrian civil war originated from the aspirations of the Syrian people for an improved quality of life, a stronger economy and the opportunity to live freely within a democratic framework. Initially, the United States aimed to facilitate a regime change in Syria and establish a democratic order. The “Friends of Syria” platform, comprising approximately 60 members, included Türkiye as an active participant. In the course of events, the U.S. abandoned the objective of regime change in Syria, influenced by factors such as the assassination of the U.S. ambassador in Libya and the steadfast opposition from…

In 2010, Türkiye encountered an unexpected situation. Known for its substantial steps toward democratization, the country successfully curtailed military tutelage and focused on democratizing the republic. Türkiye, in particular, expanded development and prosperity to all provinces, regions and grassroots. In essence, it aimed to achieve the growth, investment and progress level in two decades that Europe accomplished over a century. First and foremost, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) prioritized addressing the urgent needs of society, such as improving transportation and education infrastructure and expanding access to health care services. It swiftly worked to close the gaps in…

Türkiye holds a highly strategic geopolitical position, particularly as global powers grapple with the looming threat of World War III. Situated at the crossroads of dramatic shifts in the east, west, south and north, Türkiye is deeply exposed to regional risks. However, this pivotal location also affords the nation considerable political leverage and influence. In this context, disputes occasionally emerge with southern Cyprus and Greece over natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean. Türkiye’s role as a stabilizing force in Libya often brings it into conflict with various global powers. Meanwhile, Türkiye shares borders with two destabilized states: Iraq, which…