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.
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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Archive · page 4
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.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (6): Operation Peace Spring (9–18 October 2019)
Operation Peace Spring, launched in October 2019, followed the US withdrawal from the region. Trump’s threatening letter to Ankara became one of the rare documents in the history of diplomacy.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (5): Operation Olive Branch (20 January – 24 March 2018)
One week after the coalition announced it would form a YPG-dominated border force, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch against Afrin. The story of the most extensive operation in Syria.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (4): The Idlib and Spring Shield Operations (8 October 2017 – 5 March 2020)
The Idlib operation that began with the Astana process, and Spring Shield, which followed the deaths of Turkish soldiers in February 2020: Turkey’s hard test in Idlib.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (3): Operation Euphrates Shield (24 August 2016 – 29 March 2017)
Euphrates Shield, which began with Jarablus in August 2016, was the TSK’s first comprehensive operation against ISIS. The operation ended ISIS’s presence on the border.
Cross-Border Operations in Syria (2): Operation Shah Euphrates (21–22 February 2015)
In February 2015 the TSK carried out an operation without fighting to bring back the soldiers at the Tomb of Süleyman Shah. According to the author, it was the only and most measured cross-border operation before 15 July.
