Clément Plaisant
@cplaisant.bsky.social
International Relations | Diplomacy | Turkey-Syria | Et un peu d'@OL. Personal views here
Pinned
Updated timeline of the politico-judicial operation against the Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu…
https://medium.com/@Mayis_Sikintisi/updated-timeline-of-the-politico-judicial-operation-against-the-mayor-of-istanbul-ekrem-i̇mamoğlu-4f02aaa92be7
As we pass the 100-day mark of the politico-judicial operation against Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu, I've compiled in 3 blog posts a few keys/resources that will (I hope) help to better understand this event (which is not over) :
1) a detailed timeline of the operation ++
medium.com/@Mayis_Sikin...
1) a detailed timeline of the operation ++
medium.com/@Mayis_Sikin...
Reposted by Clément Plaisant
"Turkey’s combat drone industry embodies the tension at the heart of Ankara’s foreign policy: the desire to project independent power while reaping the benefits of Western integration. However, this dual track is no longer sustainable as global political polarization intensifies"
January 30, 2026 at 4:18 PM
"Turkey’s combat drone industry embodies the tension at the heart of Ankara’s foreign policy: the desire to project independent power while reaping the benefits of Western integration. However, this dual track is no longer sustainable as global political polarization intensifies"
"Turkey has decided to repatriate female Turkish citizens and children under the age of 12 held in the Al-Hol and Al-Roj detention camps in northeastern Syria"
www.turkishminute.com/2026/01/30/t...
www.turkishminute.com/2026/01/30/t...
Turkey plans to repatriate women, children held in ISIL-linked camps in northern Syria - Turkish Minute
Turkey has decided to repatriate female Turkish citizens and children under the age of 12 held in the Al-Hol and Al-Roj detention camps in northeastern Syria, according to diplomatic sources cited by ...
www.turkishminute.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:08 PM
"Turkey has decided to repatriate female Turkish citizens and children under the age of 12 held in the Al-Hol and Al-Roj detention camps in northeastern Syria"
www.turkishminute.com/2026/01/30/t...
www.turkishminute.com/2026/01/30/t...
"Turkey’s combat drone industry embodies the tension at the heart of Ankara’s foreign policy: the desire to project independent power while reaping the benefits of Western integration. However, this dual track is no longer sustainable as global political polarization intensifies"
January 30, 2026 at 4:18 PM
"Turkey’s combat drone industry embodies the tension at the heart of Ankara’s foreign policy: the desire to project independent power while reaping the benefits of Western integration. However, this dual track is no longer sustainable as global political polarization intensifies"
Interesting article by Nuray Babacan on the weakening of the AKP's main executive bodies.
It is clear that for years now, Erdoğan has freed himself from the influence of the party, with the AKP having lost its function as a channel for political participation.
www.nefes.com.tr/yazarlar/nur...
It is clear that for years now, Erdoğan has freed himself from the influence of the party, with the AKP having lost its function as a channel for political participation.
www.nefes.com.tr/yazarlar/nur...
Lüks arabaların camından sabır dilemek…
İktidar Partisi’nin uzun yıllardan beri ‘bakanların brifing toplantısına dönen’ MKYK toplantısında beklenmedik bir çıkış...
www.nefes.com.tr
January 30, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Interesting article by Nuray Babacan on the weakening of the AKP's main executive bodies.
It is clear that for years now, Erdoğan has freed himself from the influence of the party, with the AKP having lost its function as a channel for political participation.
www.nefes.com.tr/yazarlar/nur...
It is clear that for years now, Erdoğan has freed himself from the influence of the party, with the AKP having lost its function as a channel for political participation.
www.nefes.com.tr/yazarlar/nur...
‘While there is talk of multi-billion dollar investments and agreements [between Syria and Turkey], the reconstruction of the [Syrian] legal infrastructure designed to protect labour rights is being postponed"
www.courrierinternational.com/article/econ...
www.courrierinternational.com/article/econ...
Reconstruction de la Syrie : la Turquie cherche à se positionner dans les starting blocks
La remise en ordre des infrastructures et le redressement économique du pays dévasté par treize ans de guerre offrent des perspectives pour les pays souhaitant ...
www.courrierinternational.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:16 AM
‘While there is talk of multi-billion dollar investments and agreements [between Syria and Turkey], the reconstruction of the [Syrian] legal infrastructure designed to protect labour rights is being postponed"
www.courrierinternational.com/article/econ...
www.courrierinternational.com/article/econ...
"The suspects are accused of maintaining direct or indirect links with intelligence operatives from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and collecting sensitive information on military installations and other strategically significant locations inside Turkey"
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Turkey arrests 6 in alleged Iran IRGC spy plot involving armed drones
Turkish authorities arrested six people accused of spying for Tehran, as Ankara works on plans to contain security risks and refugee fallout from potential US strikes on Iran.
www.al-monitor.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:04 AM
"The suspects are accused of maintaining direct or indirect links with intelligence operatives from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and collecting sensitive information on military installations and other strategically significant locations inside Turkey"
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
« «Aucun pays ne peut rivaliser avec la Russie au Mali...», estime le haut gradé précité. Avec ses drones [...] la Turquie, elle, joue les seconds rôles, mais occupe une place grandissante dans le dispositif sécuritaire malien »
www.lemonde.fr/afrique/arti...
www.lemonde.fr/afrique/arti...
La Turquie, alliée de plus en plus présente auprès de la junte au Mali
Déployant déjà son soft power dans le pays à travers divers échanges commerciaux, des ONG ou des écoles islamiques, Ankara s’est, comme Moscou, engouffré dans la brèche sécuritaire ouverte après le re...
www.lemonde.fr
January 29, 2026 at 8:53 AM
« «Aucun pays ne peut rivaliser avec la Russie au Mali...», estime le haut gradé précité. Avec ses drones [...] la Turquie, elle, joue les seconds rôles, mais occupe une place grandissante dans le dispositif sécuritaire malien »
www.lemonde.fr/afrique/arti...
www.lemonde.fr/afrique/arti...
Turkey remains in the top 20 jailers of journalist (ranked 13th), alongside the world's most dictatorial countries. This situation is hardly surprising, given that journalism continues to be under intense pressure through arbitrary detentions and heavy prison sentences.
January 29, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Turkey remains in the top 20 jailers of journalist (ranked 13th), alongside the world's most dictatorial countries. This situation is hardly surprising, given that journalism continues to be under intense pressure through arbitrary detentions and heavy prison sentences.
"The main reason for President Erdogan's visit to Saudi Arabia next week is to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors. Such a high-level preliminary agreement will help improve coordination within Türkiye's security system with its Saudi counterparts"
www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/how-...
www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/how-...
How the Ankara-Riyadh thaw is redrawing the Syrian map - Türkiye Today
Turkish and Saudi interests align in Sudan, Libya and Yemen, with neither seeking to upset the regional balance
www.turkiyetoday.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:32 AM
"The main reason for President Erdogan's visit to Saudi Arabia next week is to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors. Such a high-level preliminary agreement will help improve coordination within Türkiye's security system with its Saudi counterparts"
www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/how-...
www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/how-...
Since the start of the new peace process, Ankara has sought to turn the pro-Kurdish DEM into a ‘Turkish party’ (=redesign the party according to its interests). Today, in pro-government circles, the conclusion is clear: the DEM continues to act as a disloyal actor.
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/mel...
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/mel...
MELİH ALTINOK - DEM ne zaman silah bırakacak derken...
Mazlum Abdi, 10 ay önce PKK'nın bölgedeki tüm silahlı unsurlarını bünyesinde toplayan YPG adına, 10 Mart Mutabakatı'nı imzaladığında şu soruyu sormuştuk: 'DEM, parlamentosunda yer aldığı Türkiye'ye ve...
www.sabah.com.tr
January 28, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Since the start of the new peace process, Ankara has sought to turn the pro-Kurdish DEM into a ‘Turkish party’ (=redesign the party according to its interests). Today, in pro-government circles, the conclusion is clear: the DEM continues to act as a disloyal actor.
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/mel...
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/mel...
"Türkiye prefers to slip rather than cut the leash due to
specific assets and high price of exist costs. Despite ongoing tensions, the advantages of maintaining Western alignment – including defence cooperation, economic stability, market access and institutional legitimacy – remain significant"
specific assets and high price of exist costs. Despite ongoing tensions, the advantages of maintaining Western alignment – including defence cooperation, economic stability, market access and institutional legitimacy – remain significant"
January 27, 2026 at 6:32 PM
"Türkiye prefers to slip rather than cut the leash due to
specific assets and high price of exist costs. Despite ongoing tensions, the advantages of maintaining Western alignment – including defence cooperation, economic stability, market access and institutional legitimacy – remain significant"
specific assets and high price of exist costs. Despite ongoing tensions, the advantages of maintaining Western alignment – including defence cooperation, economic stability, market access and institutional legitimacy – remain significant"
While Ankara has recently shown signs of rapprochement with the Alevis, a similar initiative is underway with the Yazidis. A delegation from the community has just been received at the Presidential Palace and the Grand National Assembly.
t24.com.tr/haber/ankara...
t24.com.tr/haber/ankara...
Ankara’dan 'Ezidi açılımı': Heyet, ilk kez Külliye ve Meclis düzeyinde kabul edildi; Ezidilerin sorunları hakkında raporlar sundu
Ankara’dan 'Ezidi açılımı': Heyet, ilk kez Külliye ve Meclis düzeyinde kabul edildi; Ezidilerin sorunları hakkında raporlar sundu
t24.com.tr
January 27, 2026 at 4:30 PM
While Ankara has recently shown signs of rapprochement with the Alevis, a similar initiative is underway with the Yazidis. A delegation from the community has just been received at the Presidential Palace and the Grand National Assembly.
t24.com.tr/haber/ankara...
t24.com.tr/haber/ankara...
A great piece by Ibrahim Hamidi on the strategic mistakes made by the Syrian Democratic Forces leadership. In particular, the SDF severely misread the evolving regional landscape, but also overestimated the weight of international guarantees.
en.majalla.com/node/329368/...
en.majalla.com/node/329368/...
Four miscalculations by the SDF
Recent events do not mean the end of the SDF as a local actor, but rather the end of a political chapter built on outdated assumptions. The next chapter will be more fluid and unpredictable.
en.majalla.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
A great piece by Ibrahim Hamidi on the strategic mistakes made by the Syrian Democratic Forces leadership. In particular, the SDF severely misread the evolving regional landscape, but also overestimated the weight of international guarantees.
en.majalla.com/node/329368/...
en.majalla.com/node/329368/...
"If Washington were to decide that change in Iran is a strategic priority—whether through intensified coercion, escalation management that collapses into confrontation, or a broader regional reconfiguration—Turkey’s ability to stand in the way would be limited"
www.globalpanorama.org/en/2026/01/i...
www.globalpanorama.org/en/2026/01/i...
Iran Under Pressure, the Region in Flux: Interests, Leverage, and the Limits of Escalation - Ahmet Erdi Öztürk – Global Panorama
Against the backdrop of a rapidly fragmenting order in the Middle East, the Iran file is best understood not as a discrete crisis but as a multi-actor contest
www.globalpanorama.org
January 27, 2026 at 12:16 PM
"If Washington were to decide that change in Iran is a strategic priority—whether through intensified coercion, escalation management that collapses into confrontation, or a broader regional reconfiguration—Turkey’s ability to stand in the way would be limited"
www.globalpanorama.org/en/2026/01/i...
www.globalpanorama.org/en/2026/01/i...
"Turkey is planning to establish a buffer zone on the Iranian side of the border if a worst-case scenario unfolds and the government in Tehran collapses, Middle East Eye understands"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
Turkey plans buffer zone if Iran government falls
Ankara draws up plans to prevent a wave of potential refugees in case of a US attack on Iran
www.middleeasteye.net
January 27, 2026 at 11:34 AM
"Turkey is planning to establish a buffer zone on the Iranian side of the border if a worst-case scenario unfolds and the government in Tehran collapses, Middle East Eye understands"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-...
While a Turkish administrative court has dismissed a complaint filed by Ekrem İmamoğlu, mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of the CHP, challenging the annulment of his university degree, Tolga Sirin offers a detailed legal analysis, demonstrating the unconstitutionality of such a decision
🔴 İmamoğlu’nun diploma davası: Karardaki yapısal sorunlar
✍️ Prof. Dr. Tolga Şirin'in yazısı...
t24.com.tr/yazarlar/tol...
✍️ Prof. Dr. Tolga Şirin'in yazısı...
t24.com.tr/yazarlar/tol...
January 27, 2026 at 9:09 AM
While a Turkish administrative court has dismissed a complaint filed by Ekrem İmamoğlu, mayor of Istanbul and presidential candidate of the CHP, challenging the annulment of his university degree, Tolga Sirin offers a detailed legal analysis, demonstrating the unconstitutionality of such a decision
Erdogan lobbies EU's von der Leyen to protect Turkish auto exports
"Erdogan wrote a letter to the EC president last month expressing concern over a draft EU regulation that would prioritise “Made in Europe” automotive products in public procurement"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/erdogan...
"Erdogan wrote a letter to the EC president last month expressing concern over a draft EU regulation that would prioritise “Made in Europe” automotive products in public procurement"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/erdogan...
Erdogan lobbies EU's von der Leyen to protect Turkish auto exports
Turkey wary of EU’s ‘Made in Europe’ draft law prioritising domestic green tech in public tenders
www.middleeasteye.net
January 26, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Erdogan lobbies EU's von der Leyen to protect Turkish auto exports
"Erdogan wrote a letter to the EC president last month expressing concern over a draft EU regulation that would prioritise “Made in Europe” automotive products in public procurement"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/erdogan...
"Erdogan wrote a letter to the EC president last month expressing concern over a draft EU regulation that would prioritise “Made in Europe” automotive products in public procurement"
www.middleeasteye.net/news/erdogan...
An in-depth interview by Cansu Çamlıbel with Can Atalay - member of parliament from the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) and human rights lawyer sentenced to 18 years in prison following the 'Gezi Trial'. They discuss the 2023 earthquake, as well as the current new peace process.
🔴 Can Atalay: AYM kararları uygulanmayan iki Türkiye Cumhuriyeti yurttaşı var; Tayfun Kahraman ve Can Atalay, ikisi de aynı dosya kapsamında mahpus. MHP’den bir ses yükseldiğini işitmedim
✍️ Cansu Çamlıbel'in söyleşisi...
t24.com.tr/yazarlar/can...
✍️ Cansu Çamlıbel'in söyleşisi...
t24.com.tr/yazarlar/can...
January 26, 2026 at 5:14 PM
An in-depth interview by Cansu Çamlıbel with Can Atalay - member of parliament from the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) and human rights lawyer sentenced to 18 years in prison following the 'Gezi Trial'. They discuss the 2023 earthquake, as well as the current new peace process.
A good overview of the issues behind the growing visibility of Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
www.paturkey.com/news/2026/bi...
www.paturkey.com/news/2026/bi...
Bilal Erdoğan Speaks on His Father’s Political Legacy, Fuels Succession Speculation - P.A. Turkey
Bilal Erdoğan says those who follow President Erdoğan must preserve and elevate his political legacy, comments that revive speculation over succession and comparisons with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan...
www.paturkey.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:34 AM
A good overview of the issues behind the growing visibility of Bilal Erdoğan, son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
www.paturkey.com/news/2026/bi...
www.paturkey.com/news/2026/bi...
« Certes, la Turquie n’impose pas de visa aux ressortissants iraniens, mais il est hors de question pour lui et son père de rester plus longtemps de ce côté-ci de la frontière. « Comme pour les Syriens, les Turcs ne veulent plus de nous» »
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
Pour les Iraniens, « venir en Turquie, même pour quelques heures, c’est sortir d’un trou noir »
Depuis qu’une violente répression s’est abattue sur les manifestants de la République islamique, des Iraniens viennent chaque jour chercher de l’autre côté de la frontière une connexion à Internet, ré...
www.lemonde.fr
January 26, 2026 at 9:54 AM
« Certes, la Turquie n’impose pas de visa aux ressortissants iraniens, mais il est hors de question pour lui et son père de rester plus longtemps de ce côté-ci de la frontière. « Comme pour les Syriens, les Turcs ne veulent plus de nous» »
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
www.lemonde.fr/internationa...
The "new peace process" conducted by Ankara is often analyzed in terms of internal motivations, but external motivations are just as important: at the regional level, the aim is to stabilize the Kurdish question and reshape the Kurdish political movement.
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/neb...
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/neb...
NEBİ MİŞ - Terörsüz Türkiye ve bölge hedefinin geleceği
Terörsüz Türkiye hedefi ile yeni bir siyasi yaklaşım ortaya konduğunda, PKK terör örgütünün yurt içinde tüm kabiliyetleri minimize edilmiş, Kuzey Irak'ta örgütün saha hakimiyeti zayıflatılmış, lojisti...
www.sabah.com.tr
January 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM
The "new peace process" conducted by Ankara is often analyzed in terms of internal motivations, but external motivations are just as important: at the regional level, the aim is to stabilize the Kurdish question and reshape the Kurdish political movement.
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/neb...
www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/neb...
An excellent piece by Nergis Demirkaya reviewing the latest developments in Syria and their consequences for Turkish domestic politics, particularly relations within the AKP-MHP-DEM triangle.
www.24saatgazetesi.com/mhpden-komis...
www.24saatgazetesi.com/mhpden-komis...
Nergis Demirkaya: MHP’den komisyon hızlansın teklifi
AK Parti ve MHP’nin “Terörsüz Türkiye” adını verdiği süreç Suriye sınavında. AK Parti-MHP ile DEM Parti’nin arasını açan gelişmelerin çözüm masasına nasıl etki edeceği tartışılıyor.
www.24saatgazetesi.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:00 PM
An excellent piece by Nergis Demirkaya reviewing the latest developments in Syria and their consequences for Turkish domestic politics, particularly relations within the AKP-MHP-DEM triangle.
www.24saatgazetesi.com/mhpden-komis...
www.24saatgazetesi.com/mhpden-komis...
In a statement on social media platform X, Erdogan's main ally Devlet Bahçeli criticised a Turkish court's decision to sentence Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Istanbul’s Esenyurt district from the CHP, to more than six years in prison on a terrorism conviction.
t24.com.tr/haber/bahcel...
t24.com.tr/haber/bahcel...
Bahçeli'den yargıya Ahmet Özer tepkisi: Karar 'Terörsüz Türkiye' gayesiyle taban tabana zıt; Türk hukuk sistemi önyargılardan uzak olmalı!
Bahçeli'den yargıya Ahmet Özer tepkisi: Karar 'Terörsüz Türkiye' gayesiyle taban tabana zıt; Türk hukuk sistemi önyargılardan uzak olmalı!
t24.com.tr
January 23, 2026 at 8:39 PM
In a statement on social media platform X, Erdogan's main ally Devlet Bahçeli criticised a Turkish court's decision to sentence Ahmet Özer, the mayor of Istanbul’s Esenyurt district from the CHP, to more than six years in prison on a terrorism conviction.
t24.com.tr/haber/bahcel...
t24.com.tr/haber/bahcel...
A Turkish court rejected on Friday a lawsuit from jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu challenging the cancellation of his university degree, his legal team said.
www.reuters.com/world/turkis...
www.reuters.com/world/turkis...
Turkish court rejects bid by Erdogan rival to overcome block to his presidential run
A Turkish court rejected on Friday a lawsuit from jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu challenging the cancellation of his university degree, his legal team said, in a further blow to his plans to run...
www.reuters.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:25 PM
A Turkish court rejected on Friday a lawsuit from jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu challenging the cancellation of his university degree, his legal team said.
www.reuters.com/world/turkis...
www.reuters.com/world/turkis...