Gönül Tol
@gonultol.bsky.social
Director of Middle East Institute's Turkish Program / Author of Erdoğan’s War: A Strongman’s Struggle at Home and in Syria.
As the Syrian President meets with President Trump today, one of the most consequential issues for Syria’s future stability is the ongoing negotiation between Damascus and the Syrian Kurds. In last week’s MEI podcast, I argued that a sustainable solution requires all sides to ++
November 10, 2025 at 6:08 PM
As the Syrian President meets with President Trump today, one of the most consequential issues for Syria’s future stability is the ongoing negotiation between Damascus and the Syrian Kurds. In last week’s MEI podcast, I argued that a sustainable solution requires all sides to ++
Reposted by Gönül Tol
"Erdoğan Forever?" with @gonultol.bsky.social, Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj. [3/5]
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
Erdogan Forever?
www.mei.edu
November 9, 2025 at 6:32 AM
"Erdoğan Forever?" with @gonultol.bsky.social, Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj. [3/5]
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
Reposted by Gönül Tol
If you are at all interested in Turkey, I urge you to listen to this lengthy conversation with @gonultol.bsky.social
It is probably the best thing I have heard on Turkey in at least the past six months.
It is probably the best thing I have heard on Turkey in at least the past six months.
Even better was her long discussion for MEI on Turkey. Well worth your hour to listen.
It is an incredibly rich discussion
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
It is an incredibly rich discussion
www.mei.edu/multimedia/p...
Erdogan Forever?
www.mei.edu
November 7, 2025 at 8:26 PM
If you are at all interested in Turkey, I urge you to listen to this lengthy conversation with @gonultol.bsky.social
It is probably the best thing I have heard on Turkey in at least the past six months.
It is probably the best thing I have heard on Turkey in at least the past six months.
Reposted by Gönül Tol
@gonultol.bsky.social had a fantastic one-two punch in terms of public discussions of Turkey this week.
Here is her NYT piece:
"Mr. Erdogan will find it difficult to consolidate his rule — no matter how much cover he gets from the West."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Here is her NYT piece:
"Mr. Erdogan will find it difficult to consolidate his rule — no matter how much cover he gets from the West."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Opinion | The Indispensable Erdogan
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:59 PM
@gonultol.bsky.social had a fantastic one-two punch in terms of public discussions of Turkey this week.
Here is her NYT piece:
"Mr. Erdogan will find it difficult to consolidate his rule — no matter how much cover he gets from the West."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Here is her NYT piece:
"Mr. Erdogan will find it difficult to consolidate his rule — no matter how much cover he gets from the West."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Reposted by Gönül Tol
A good reminder from @gonultol.bsky.social that you can write about the West's willingness to accommodate Erdogan without actually endorsing the West's willingness to accommodate Erdogan
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Opinion | The Indispensable Erdogan
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
A good reminder from @gonultol.bsky.social that you can write about the West's willingness to accommodate Erdogan without actually endorsing the West's willingness to accommodate Erdogan
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Another grim day for the rule of law in Turkey. Journalists are now being summoned for questioning simply for sharing posts in support of Erdoğan’s jailed rival, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
I’m sharing my New York Times piece, which argues that the West’s eagerness to do business with Erdoğan—
I’m sharing my New York Times piece, which argues that the West’s eagerness to do business with Erdoğan—
November 6, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Another grim day for the rule of law in Turkey. Journalists are now being summoned for questioning simply for sharing posts in support of Erdoğan’s jailed rival, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
I’m sharing my New York Times piece, which argues that the West’s eagerness to do business with Erdoğan—
I’m sharing my New York Times piece, which argues that the West’s eagerness to do business with Erdoğan—
Reposted by Gönül Tol
This is not just a piece about #Turkey, but what happens when capitals embrace an autocrat b/c 1) they don't believe the country he rules can ever be true democracy 2) the autocrat advances their agenda @gonultol.bsky.social on how #Erdogan rules at home from
abroad
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
abroad
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Opinion | The Indispensable Erdogan
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:10 PM
This is not just a piece about #Turkey, but what happens when capitals embrace an autocrat b/c 1) they don't believe the country he rules can ever be true democracy 2) the autocrat advances their agenda @gonultol.bsky.social on how #Erdogan rules at home from
abroad
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
abroad
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Israel’s democracy was under strain long before Oct 7—but the war has pushed it to the brink. In the latest Rethinking Democracy, I talk with @dahliasc, one of the sharpest, most insightful analysts of Israeli politics, about how wartime politics are reshaping power, protest,++
November 4, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Israel’s democracy was under strain long before Oct 7—but the war has pushed it to the brink. In the latest Rethinking Democracy, I talk with @dahliasc, one of the sharpest, most insightful analysts of Israeli politics, about how wartime politics are reshaping power, protest,++
Thrilled to share that I’ve just written the first sentence of my second book 😊 This one looks beyond Turkey to the broader Middle East—and explores how Trump’s policies are reshaping the region. It’ll be a challenge,blending archival digging with fast-moving current politics—but I’m excited for it.
October 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Thrilled to share that I’ve just written the first sentence of my second book 😊 This one looks beyond Turkey to the broader Middle East—and explores how Trump’s policies are reshaping the region. It’ll be a challenge,blending archival digging with fast-moving current politics—but I’m excited for it.
🇹🇷 Turkey Last Week
1️⃣ PKK withdrawal: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced it is pulling out of Turkey as part of a disarmament process coordinated with Ankara, urging the government to take steps allowing its reintegration into political life.
2️⃣ Fresh arrest order for İmamoğlu: (1/7)
1️⃣ PKK withdrawal: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced it is pulling out of Turkey as part of a disarmament process coordinated with Ankara, urging the government to take steps allowing its reintegration into political life.
2️⃣ Fresh arrest order for İmamoğlu: (1/7)
October 28, 2025 at 10:17 AM
🇹🇷 Turkey Last Week
1️⃣ PKK withdrawal: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced it is pulling out of Turkey as part of a disarmament process coordinated with Ankara, urging the government to take steps allowing its reintegration into political life.
2️⃣ Fresh arrest order for İmamoğlu: (1/7)
1️⃣ PKK withdrawal: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced it is pulling out of Turkey as part of a disarmament process coordinated with Ankara, urging the government to take steps allowing its reintegration into political life.
2️⃣ Fresh arrest order for İmamoğlu: (1/7)
Reposted by Gönül Tol
"The Future of Turkey's Defense Sector" with @gonultol.bsky.social, Iulia-Sabina Joja, @jasonhcampbell.bsky.social and Missy Ryan. [4/5]
The Future of Turkey's Defense Sector
YouTube video by Middle East Institute
www.youtube.com
October 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
"The Future of Turkey's Defense Sector" with @gonultol.bsky.social, Iulia-Sabina Joja, @jasonhcampbell.bsky.social and Missy Ryan. [4/5]
If you missed yesterday’s event with my colleagues and The Atlantic’s Missy Ryan on the future of Turkey’s defense sector, you can watch it here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS7-...
The Future of Turkey's Defense Sector
YouTube video by Middle East Institute
www.youtube.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:41 PM
If you missed yesterday’s event with my colleagues and The Atlantic’s Missy Ryan on the future of Turkey’s defense sector, you can watch it here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS7-...
#TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Parliament Opens, Opposition Boycotts
Turkey kicked off a new legislative year on Wednesday, but the CHP boycotted the session, which featured a speech by President Erdoğan.
2️⃣ Fighter Jet Engine Debate
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s claim that U.S. sanctions are ++
1️⃣ Parliament Opens, Opposition Boycotts
Turkey kicked off a new legislative year on Wednesday, but the CHP boycotted the session, which featured a speech by President Erdoğan.
2️⃣ Fighter Jet Engine Debate
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s claim that U.S. sanctions are ++
October 6, 2025 at 5:57 PM
#TurkeyLastWeek
1️⃣ Parliament Opens, Opposition Boycotts
Turkey kicked off a new legislative year on Wednesday, but the CHP boycotted the session, which featured a speech by President Erdoğan.
2️⃣ Fighter Jet Engine Debate
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s claim that U.S. sanctions are ++
1️⃣ Parliament Opens, Opposition Boycotts
Turkey kicked off a new legislative year on Wednesday, but the CHP boycotted the session, which featured a speech by President Erdoğan.
2️⃣ Fighter Jet Engine Debate
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s claim that U.S. sanctions are ++
Reposted by Gönül Tol
Sunday extras:
"Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?" with Kenneth Pollack, @gonultol.bsky.social and @natansachs.bsky.social . [1/5]
"Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?" with Kenneth Pollack, @gonultol.bsky.social and @natansachs.bsky.social . [1/5]
Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?
YouTube video by Middle East Institute
www.youtube.com
October 5, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Sunday extras:
"Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?" with Kenneth Pollack, @gonultol.bsky.social and @natansachs.bsky.social . [1/5]
"Can Turkey and Israel Find Common Ground in Syria?" with Kenneth Pollack, @gonultol.bsky.social and @natansachs.bsky.social . [1/5]
A Bloomberg report from today confirmed this 👇
October 2, 2025 at 6:04 PM
A Bloomberg report from today confirmed this 👇
Reposted by Gönül Tol
#TurkeyLastWeek
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
September 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM
#TurkeyLastWeek
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
#TurkeyLastWeek
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
September 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM
#TurkeyLastWeek
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
1.Ankara joins the list of opposition-run municipalities under judicial pressure: 13 detained in a corruption probe tied to city concerts.
2.CHP re-elected Özgür Çelik as Istanbul provincial head after a court briefly removed him over alleged irregularities++
Reposted by Gönül Tol
Great thread
Today’s Trump–Erdoğan meeting underscored how dependent Turkey remains on the West for its defense needs, and on the East for its energy needs.
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
September 26, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Great thread
Reposted by Gönül Tol
As usual, great analysis by @gonultol.bsky.social.
My standard response to those asking “Is Turkey pivoting to the West” has always been: No. It’s called hedging. Or strategic autonomy. Read TR media.
Erdoğan consistently positions Turkey as a mediator. It conveniently means you don’t take sides
My standard response to those asking “Is Turkey pivoting to the West” has always been: No. It’s called hedging. Or strategic autonomy. Read TR media.
Erdoğan consistently positions Turkey as a mediator. It conveniently means you don’t take sides
Today’s Trump–Erdoğan meeting underscored how dependent Turkey remains on the West for its defense needs, and on the East for its energy needs.
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
September 26, 2025 at 2:33 AM
As usual, great analysis by @gonultol.bsky.social.
My standard response to those asking “Is Turkey pivoting to the West” has always been: No. It’s called hedging. Or strategic autonomy. Read TR media.
Erdoğan consistently positions Turkey as a mediator. It conveniently means you don’t take sides
My standard response to those asking “Is Turkey pivoting to the West” has always been: No. It’s called hedging. Or strategic autonomy. Read TR media.
Erdoğan consistently positions Turkey as a mediator. It conveniently means you don’t take sides
Trump’s joint press conference with Erdogan today was filled with softball questions that surely pleased the Turkish side. Yet there were four remarks Ankara likely wished he hadn’t made on camera:
“Turkey had sentenced Pastor Brunson to 35 years in jail, I called Erdogan and he released him.”+++
“Turkey had sentenced Pastor Brunson to 35 years in jail, I called Erdogan and he released him.”+++
September 25, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Trump’s joint press conference with Erdogan today was filled with softball questions that surely pleased the Turkish side. Yet there were four remarks Ankara likely wished he hadn’t made on camera:
“Turkey had sentenced Pastor Brunson to 35 years in jail, I called Erdogan and he released him.”+++
“Turkey had sentenced Pastor Brunson to 35 years in jail, I called Erdogan and he released him.”+++
Today’s Trump–Erdoğan meeting underscored how dependent Turkey remains on the West for its defense needs, and on the East for its energy needs.
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
September 25, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Today’s Trump–Erdoğan meeting underscored how dependent Turkey remains on the West for its defense needs, and on the East for its energy needs.
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
Despite claims at home and abroad that Ankara’s expanding indigenous defense sector makes it ‘strategically autonomous,’++
Reposted by Gönül Tol
Once hailed as a rare democracy in the Middle East, Lebanon has now slipped into the ranks of closed autocracies, according to a 2025 democracy index report. Decades of corruption, sectarian rule, and foreign meddling have left the country reeling — and the past year brought++
September 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Once hailed as a rare democracy in the Middle East, Lebanon has now slipped into the ranks of closed autocracies, according to a 2025 democracy index report. Decades of corruption, sectarian rule, and foreign meddling have left the country reeling — and the past year brought++
Once hailed as a rare democracy in the Middle East, Lebanon has now slipped into the ranks of closed autocracies, according to a 2025 democracy index report. Decades of corruption, sectarian rule, and foreign meddling have left the country reeling — and the past year brought++
September 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Once hailed as a rare democracy in the Middle East, Lebanon has now slipped into the ranks of closed autocracies, according to a 2025 democracy index report. Decades of corruption, sectarian rule, and foreign meddling have left the country reeling — and the past year brought++
Reposted by Gönül Tol
"Markets, Mayors, and Crackdowns: Erdoğan’s High-Stakes Gamble" with @sedademiralp.bsky.social, @selvademiralp.com and @gonultol.bsky.social. [3/5]
Markets, Mayors, and Crackdowns: Erdoğan’s High-Stakes Gamble
Turkey’s main opposition, the CHP, is facing its toughest test yet: mass arrests, sham court rulings, and the ouster of key leaders—including Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Erdoğan’s chief rival. Wi...
www.mei.edu
September 14, 2025 at 5:51 AM
"Markets, Mayors, and Crackdowns: Erdoğan’s High-Stakes Gamble" with @sedademiralp.bsky.social, @selvademiralp.com and @gonultol.bsky.social. [3/5]
Reposted by Gönül Tol
Great @turkeyrecap.bsky.social episode with @gonultol.bsky.social on Turkish democracy, Syria, PKK
www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkeys-de...
www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkeys-de...
Turkey’s democracy, Syria and the PKK peace process with Gönül Tol
Recap radio #16
www.turkeyrecap.com
September 13, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Great @turkeyrecap.bsky.social episode with @gonultol.bsky.social on Turkish democracy, Syria, PKK
www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkeys-de...
www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkeys-de...