Author: Sibel Duz
In the background of the war in Ukraine, a major shift is taking place in global military thinking. Ballistic missiles, once used only by powerful countries as a last-resort warning, are now being used regularly in battles, political messaging and international conflicts. From Ukraine to the Middle East, the rise of long-range, accurate missiles is not only making wars more intense but also weakening the balance that nuclear weapons once helped to maintain. The war in Ukraine clearly shows how missile warfare is changing. With the help of U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-French Storm Shadow missiles, Ukraine has reached a new…
Türkiye’s approach to the PKK conflict has undergone a profound strategic transformation – one that may now be nearing a historic culmination. From the early days of military confrontation to today’s intricate web of political, intelligence and diplomatic tools, Ankara has shifted from counter-force to counter-value and finally, to non-conventional warfare. This evolution is not simply tactical – it represents a comprehensive recalibration of how Türkiye seeks to dismantle the PKK’s influence across multiple geographies. In this context, Abdullah Öcalan’s Feb. 27, 2025, declaration – urging the PKK and all affiliated entities to disarm and dissolve – cannot be dismissed…
In 2024, Türkiye faced various security threats and regional changes, highlighting the challenges of counterterrorism and geopolitical turbulence. The year revealed both vulnerabilities in Türkiye’s defenses and new opportunities to consolidate influence in a shifting Middle East. Türkiye’s longstanding battle against the PKK/YPG continued to dominate its security landscape. The January infiltration of a Turkish outpost in northern Iraq underscored the PKK’s operational resilience. Similarly, the October attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara, which claimed five lives, marked a concerning escalation in the PKK’s tactics. By targeting critical infrastructure, the PKK highlighted its ability to disrupt Türkiye’s industrial…