The Course of the Gaza War and the Acacia Base
Israel’s ground operation in Gaza will not be a rapid advance but a long siege war. The Acacia Base, where the Israeli army prepares for urban warfare, and the likely course of the war.
Topic
Security
Security policy, counter-terrorism, intelligence and defence in Europe and Turkey, from the individual’s sense of security to the strategies of states.
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Analysis · Security
The Gaza Tunnels
The fate of the war in Gaza will be decided underground. The history and construction of tunnels hundreds of kilometres long, and the challenges they will pose to the Israeli army.
The Gaza Deadlock
Hamas’s attack of 7 October and Israel’s response have pushed the region into a deadlock. Whether the war widens depends on the steps taken by Hezbollah and therefore by Iran.
Recent Developments Around Russia (3)
Russia’s networks of influence in Turkey and the Flynn–Alptekin connection that emerged during the Trump campaign. The third article in the “Focus on Russia” series looks at the Turkish side of influence operations.
Recent Developments Around Russia (2)
A man working for Germany’s foreign intelligence service was arrested for spying for Russia. In the same year dozens of executives in Russia died in suspicious circumstances. The second article in the “Focus on Russia” series.
Recent Developments Around Russia (1)
In the run-up to the elections, Russia deferred BOTAŞ’s multibillion-dollar gas debt. Why would a country at war do such a “favour”? The first article in the “Focus on Russia” series.
The Coup Plotters Who Forgot to Close the Bridge: Germany
Germany carried out a huge operation against the Reichsbürger movement over alleged coup preparations. Its leader a prince, its aim a monarchy, the country it was close to: Russia.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (6): Antiquities Smuggling
For ISIS, which plundered Palmyra, antiquities smuggling was one of its most important sources of income after oil. It was repeatedly alleged that Turkey was one of the markets where these artefacts were laundered.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (5): Arms Smuggling
From the MİT trucks to specialist sergeants caught at a border gate: Syria-linked arms smuggling and incidents involving public officials.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (4): Oil Smuggling
From diesel smuggled across the Orontes to the “ISIS oil” footage released by Russia and Sedat Peker’s claims: oil smuggling on the Turkey–Syria route.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (3): Human Smuggling
Young Syrians fleeing war are lured into dangerous journeys marketed like holidays on TikTok. Human smuggling on the Turkey–Syria border and the smugglers’ new methods.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (2): Drug Smuggling
Syria was called the world’s newest “narco-state” because of the Captagon trade. Drug smuggling on the Turkey–Syria route and networks involving state officials.
Turkey–Syria Criminal Links (1): Smuggling
Smuggling on the Turkey–Syria border is a regional reality that has persisted since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. With the war in Syria, these networks turned into a criminal economy stretching from drugs to antiquities.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (8): The Results of Turkey’s Cross-Border Operations in Syria
All the operations in Syria rested on the goal of toppling Assad; at the time of writing, however, the government was seeking reconciliation with Assad. According to the author, the operations came at a heavy price and their results are questionable.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (7): Operation Claw-Sword (20 November 2022)
In November 2022, after the İstiklal Avenue attack, Turkey launched the Claw-Sword air operation in northern Syria and Iraq. The author questions the timing between the attacks and the operation.
