Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] The Turkish-Israeli rivalry and the risk of conflict-extending across the Middle East, including Syria, Lebanon and Iran, as well as the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus - are real. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] Erdogan's insouciance is to be expected given that he faces zero censure over his government's actions from Turkey's western allies. Al-Monitor:
• [New] Another measure of Turkey's expanding regional influence is how some hard-liners in Israel are describing Turkey as a threat akin to Iran, after nearly three years of war across the Middle East. The Christian Science Monitor
• [New] Trump is expected to tell Erdogan that he is prepared to restore Turkey to a program that would allow it to purchase F-35 fighter jets. Just Security
• [New] Turkey's access to U.S. F-35s could complicate relationships elsewhere. Boston 25 News
• [New] Turkey's nanotechnology and nanomaterials strategy is being shaped within the framework of the 2024-2028 Defense Industry Sectoral Strategy Document and the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy. Defence Turkey
• [New] Iran's 25-year gas export agreement with Turkey expires this month, and unless renewed, Iraq will remain Tehran's only major gas customer. Iran International
• [New] Turkey has been seized by ongoing drought, with a United Nations report predicting that Turkey would become a water-poor country by 2030. The 21st Century Matriarch
• [New] As a candidate country, we expect Turkey to meet the highest standards of democracy, rule of law and human rights. Euronews
• [New] Ankara is building its first overseas spaceport on Somalia's Indian Ocean coast, a facility expected to support Turkish satellite launches and missile testing as part of its push to expand indigenous defence and space capabilities. AL-MONITOR: The Middle East's leading independent news
• [New] The Trump administration plans to move forward with a more than $700 million sale of General Electric jet engines for Turkey's KAAN fighter program despite objections from some members of Congress. Just Security
• [New] Turkey's response to the current disorder will not be a break with the West. Brookings
• [New] Under Erdogan, Turkey is unlikely to revive the democratic reform agenda that might appeal to the European Union. Brookings
• [New] The spectrum auction is expected to raise $2.1 billion. / Turkey itaadmin
• [New] No precipitation is expected across Turkey over the next week, with stable and dry weather conditions forecast to continue. RestProperty
• [New] Official Turkish messaging has remained consistent: condemning actions that violate international law and endanger civilians, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and emphasizing the importance of keeping diplomatic options open. ICT
• [New] Proposed plans reportedly include a railway connecting Saudi Arabia to Syria via Jordan, alongside an oil pipeline network extending from northeastern Saudi Arabia to Syrian Mediterranean ports, which could also serve Turkey's energy needs. ICT

Last updated: 13 July 2026