The article argues that a possible Turkish operation in Iraq may target not only the PKK but also the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, particularly through plans to open a new border gate at Ovaköy that would bypass Kurdish-controlled areas and weaken the region economically and politically. It describes Ankara’s broader strategy as aiming to cut links between Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish territories, reduce the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy, and shift regional power dynamics. The piece highlights tensions among Kurdish political groups, the impact of Iraqi Federal Court decisions on the Kurdistan Region, and the risks of destabilization if Turkey proceeds with military action.

A sharp rise in irregular migration following the lifting of Covid‑19 travel restrictions has increased movements toward Europe through Turkey, which remains a major transit point alongside Libya and Tunisia. Migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria and several African countries typically enter Turkey illegally from Iran through routes managed by trafficking networks before moving on to Istanbul and attempting passage to Europe via Greece or Bulgaria. Human smugglers operate extensive networks across Van, Doğubayazıt and Istanbul’s Aksaray district, with payments handled through intermediaries. Increased Greek pushbacks have redirected flows toward Bulgaria, while instability in Libya has opened new routes attracting Syrians and Pakistanis. Morocco’s economic troubles have also triggered a surge of young migrants legally entering Turkey before seeking irregular routes into Europe. Growing migrant populations in Istanbul and İzmir reflect mounting pressures and shifting routes shaped by enforcement patterns and regional conditions.

Clashes between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces escalated following a power struggle between their leaders, Abdulfettah el-Burhan and Hemedti, rooted in disputes over integrating the RSF into the national army. The article traces Hemedti’s rise from militia leader to powerful commander implicated in atrocities, outlines the fall of Ömer el-Beşir, and details failed political transitions that deepened mistrust. Regional actors are discussed amid allegations of foreign support for the RSF, while mediators attempt to secure ceasefires that have repeatedly failed. Casualties continue to rise as both sides pursue military advantage and reject concessions.

The article discusses the plight of Afghan and Pakistani refugees in Istanbul who work as waste paper collectors, a job that provides them with a meager income and often includes accommodation. These refugees, including individuals like 17-year-old Faisal and 33-year-old Muhammed, have turned to collecting waste paper due to the lack of other employment opportunities, as they are in Turkey illegally and cannot speak Turkish. They live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions but accept this work to support their families back home. The article also touches on the recent government raids on waste paper warehouses, which have instilled fear of unemployment among these refugees. Despite the hardships, they find solace in being able to send money to their families. The article includes personal stories and quotes from the refugees, providing insight into their daily lives and struggles.

Earthquake survivors in Gaziantep describe severe shortages of basic necessities, including drinking water, heating, hygiene, and tents, while sheltering in damaged facilities or makeshift structures. Residents report illness, fear, and a lack of government coordination or oversight, expressing frustration that no effective assistance or accountability is being provided.

Burkina Faso’s military government has formally requested that France withdraw its troops within a month, following growing anti-French protests and the country’s shift toward Russia under interim leader Ibrahim Traoré. The move echoes Mali’s rupture with France after its 2020 coup and has fueled concerns that Wagner Group personnel may replace French forces, although their deployment in Burkina Faso has not been definitively confirmed. Experts say Traoré is using nationalist and anti-colonial sentiment to strengthen his authority, while Russia-linked disinformation may be amplifying public support for Moscow. The withdrawal is unlikely to resolve the worsening insurgency involving Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked groups, and could further complicate regional security.

A Libyan appeals court suspended the Libya‑Turkey hydrocarbons memorandum after five lawyers challenged the Dibeybe government’s authority to sign international agreements, arguing legal violations and insufficient oversight. Turkey stated the agreement remains important and that the Libyan government supports it, while the parliament and eastern authorities criticized both the deal and Ankara’s reaction, insisting it violates Libyan law. Regional opposition from Greece and Egypt continued, citing concerns over Mediterranean security and the legitimacy of Libya’s interim government. Turkish intelligence chief Hakan Fidan visited Tripoli for high-level talks amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the agreement.

Egypt’s December 2022 decree unilaterally defined its western Mediterranean maritime boundary with Libya, prompting the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity to call the move unlawful and demand negotiations based on international law. Greece supported Egypt’s position, while Turkey had not issued an official response. Analysts said the decree could further complicate the overlapping maritime claims of Egypt, Libya, Turkey and Greece, potentially affecting the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime agreement and the 2022 hydrocarbon memorandum. The move also risks worsening Turkey-Egypt normalization efforts, which had already stalled over Libya, although some diplomatic reporting suggested Egypt’s coordinates did not directly encroach on Turkey’s claimed continental shelf. Egypt’s ultimate aims—negotiating with Libya, accessing Libyan resources, reinforcing Greece’s position or testing Turkey’s response—remained unclear, making dialogue or legal proceedings the likely avenues for resolving the dispute.

Forty migrants, including children, were stranded for over two weeks on an islet on the Greek side of the Evros River, reporting mistreatment, theft and pushbacks by Greek border guards while fearing detention or deportation in Turkey. Accounts from migrants and humanitarian groups describe worsening conditions, inadequate assistance and rising pushback incidents. A Syrian migrant and a Turkish citizen detail economic hardship, administrative barriers and safety fears driving attempts to reach Europe. The death of Barış Büyüksu, allegedly following torture and forced return by Greek authorities, has raised demands for accountability.

Forty migrants, including children, have been stranded for over two weeks on a small island on the Greek side of the Maritsa River after reportedly being beaten, robbed, and pushed back by Greek border guards. Aid activists say Greek authorities deny the group’s presence while migrants fear detention or deportation if they attempt to return to Turkey. Accounts highlight worsening conditions, food shortages, illness and harsh weather. The article also explores broader migration pressures, including testimonies from Syrian refugees facing economic hardship and bureaucratic barriers in Turkey. It further recounts the death of Barış Büyüksu, a Turkish citizen who allegedly suffered torture by Greek authorities before being pushed back and later died in Turkey. Calls for accountability accompany concerns about ongoing pushbacks and rising risks for migrants attempting to reach Europe.