Pope Leo XIV’s first international trip took him to Turkey, where he met President Erdoğan and held key religious and diplomatic meetings. The visit highlighted shared calls for peace amid global crises and underscored Türkiye’s historic role as a bridge between cultures. The Pope also visited İznik, reflecting the country’s deep Christian heritage and recent steps toward greater religious pluralism.

Interior ministry probes security lapse after Barzani’s Cizre visit

Türkiye’s Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into security arrangements during former KRG President Mesud Barzani’s recent visit to Şırnak, after images of his guards carrying long-barreled weapons in military-style uniforms sparked public criticism. Barzani, now a political party leader with no official government role, visited Cizre on Nov. 29 for the Melaye Ciziri Symposium. Footage of his armed detail drew swift backlash and raised protocol concerns. AK Party spokesman Ömer Çelik called the images “unpleasant” during a Habertürk interview and confirmed a formal inquiry, noting that Türkiye is fully capable of providing security for visiting figures.

Turkey's TIKA restores historic Ottoman-era cemetery in Damascus

Turkey has completed the restoration of the historic Ottoman-era cemetery in the courtyard of the Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Mosque in Damascus, repairing decades of damage and neglect, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) announced Monday. The cemetery, home to the graves of Ottoman statesmen and their families, had deteriorated due to wear, deliberate destruction, and lack of upkeep, leaving it in a state seen as inconsistent with the site’s spiritual and historical importance. With Syria reopening to visitors, the cemetery has again become a stop for official delegations and cultural tourists. TIKA said the first phase of restoration, removing debris, uncovering graves buried under concrete and soil, and reorganising the area, was completed in late August.

Turkey seeks permanent, fair solution to Russia-Ukraine War

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey's push for a diplomatic, fair and lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday. At a joint news conference in Istanbul, Erdoğan said they reviewed regional and global developments, including the Middle East and Ukraine, and praised Hungary’s role in the Organisation of Turkic States, noting the historic informal summit held in Budapest in May. He emphasised that Turkey has worked from the start of the conflict to advance a just peace, adding, “No one wins a war, and no one loses from a just peace.”

Parliament speaker says peace bid enters 'riskiest phase'

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş says Turkey's latest peace initiative has entered its “most risky phase” after the PKK announced it would lay down arms, warning that the process must move forward without delays. Speaking to Milliyet, he said it must be confirmed that the PKK has disarmed, ended its activities, and will integrate with the new administration in Syria, noting the YPG’s March agreement to join Syria’s national army. Kurtulmuş said the process has progressed well but stressed that the next stage is the most delicate, urging the group to fulfil its promises without hesitation. Under the government’s “terror-free Turkey” plan, the PKK declared a ceasefire, began disarming, and said in late October that it had withdrawn from Turkish territory.

As Iraq prepares for its parliamentary elections scheduled for November, the country’s electoral commission has introduced new restrictions on campaign activities to ensure fairness and orderliness during the pre-election period. These restrictions include limitations on public rallies, a ban on hate speech and sectarian propaganda, and stricter financial disclosure requirements for candidates and parties. The commission’s decision aims to minimise tensions that often accompany Iraq’s high-stakes political contests and to address the growing public demand for transparency and accountability. Observers note that this move reflects lessons learned from past elections marred by allegations of vote-buying, violence, and foreign interference. However, some political actors view the restrictions as overreach that could stifle opposition voices, adding another layer of complexity to Iraq’s fragile democratic process.

Badr bloc threatens to sever ties with Turkey over water crisis

The Badr bloc, one of Iraq’s most influential political factions, has issued a stern warning to Ankara, threatening to cut diplomatic ties with Turkey if it does not address the ongoing water crisis affecting Iraq’s Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The bloc accuses Turkey of hoarding water through dam projects that have drastically reduced Iraq’s water supply, leading to severe agricultural damage and growing discontent among farmers. The threat underscores the broader regional tensions surrounding transboundary water rights in the Middle East, where upstream nations like Turkey wield considerable leverage. The crisis has already sparked protests in southern cities such as Basra, where water scarcity has led to both environmental and public health challenges. Iraq’s government is now under pressure to negotiate more assertively with Turkey to secure water flow agreements that protect its national interests while maintaining regional stability.

Iraq's political enigma: The unpredictable man oeuvre s of Muqtada al-Sadr

Muqtada al-Sadr continues to confound Iraq’s political establishment with his unconventional and unpredictable manoeuvres. The populist cleric, who commands vast grassroots support and a disciplined movement, has oscillated between political engagement and withdrawal, shaping Iraq’s political narrative at every turn. His recent statements and actions have reignited speculation about whether he will re-enter the political fray ahead of the 2025 elections or continue his role as an outsider influencing from the sidelines. Al-Sadr’s strategy has consistently centred on portraying himself as a reformist and nationalist voice against corruption and foreign domination—particularly Iranian and American influence. Analysts suggest that his unpredictability is both a strength and a source of instability in Iraqi politics, as his sudden shifts can alter alliances and derail institutional processes. His next move could significantly influence Iraq’s path toward either reform or renewed gridlock.

Iraqi MP announces completion of impeachment process for PM Al-Sudani

A dramatic development unfolded in Baghdad’s political circles as an Iraqi Member of Parliament announced the completion of the impeachment process against Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. The move marks a critical juncture in Iraq’s internal power dynamics, with critics accusing the prime minister of mismanagement, political favouritism, and failure to deliver on key reforms promised after his election. Supporters of Al-Sudani, however, argue that the impeachment is politically motivated, orchestrated by rival blocs seeking to destabilise the government ahead of the elections. If pursued, the impeachment could plunge Iraq into another round of political uncertainty, threatening to derail public administration and reform programs. The development has also sparked concerns among international partners, who view Iraq’s political stability as essential for regional security and economic progress.

President Barzani urges Kurdish candidates to prioriti s e unity ahead of Iraq elections

In a speech aimed at the Kurdish political leadership, President Nechirvan Barzani called for unity among Kurdish candidates and parties as Iraq approaches its national elections. Barzani emphasised that internal divisions within the Kurdish political spectrum have weakened their collective influence in Baghdad, particularly during crucial negotiations over budgets, oil revenue sharing, and security arrangements. He urged Kurdish factions to focus on common goals rather than partisan rivalries, warning that fragmentation could marginalise Kurdish interests at a time when the central government in Baghdad is consolidating power. His message resonated strongly in the Kurdistan Region, where growing dissatisfaction over governance, corruption, and public service delivery has fueled voter apathy. Barzani’s appeal reflects a broader recognition that Kurdish unity is pivotal not only for electoral success but also for maintaining leverage in Iraq’s complex federal system.