Global Scans · Turkey · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Uncertainties over Turkey's eventual political position abound. With EU decisions in doubt, recent crackdown on opposition parties causing concerns, and being embroiled in complex Middle East politics and fighting terrorism on its borders and internally, which way will she swing?

• [New] The foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Turkey condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, considering it a dangerous precedent and a threat to international peace and security. Sada News Agency
• [New] Central Asian countries and Turkey have strong interests to see trade and energy connectivity flourish and could assist in establishing soft connectivity cooperation in fees, taxes, and customs regulations. Caspian Policy Center
• [New] Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack the SDF if it fails to integrate into the Syrian state and has expressed security concerns about the future of northeastern Syria under SDF influence. Critical Threats
• [New] Despite the unsettled conditions, air temperatures across Turkey are forecast to remain slightly above seasonal norms, generally by one to three degrees. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkey is set to face a mixed weather pattern starting today, as the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) warns of widespread rain, local snowfall, fog, and strong winds across several regions. Turkiye Today
• [New] Turkish intelligence captured an IS member assigned to carry out suicide attacks in Turkey and Europe, as authorities warned of possible New Year's Eve attack plots. Euronews
• [New] Turkey will likely enhance counter-UAS capabilities along its coastline and may share technical intelligence from the recovered Merlin-VR across NATO networks, accelerating alliance-wide detection protocols for low-signature reconnaissance platforms. Drone Warfare
• [New] The Western electronics supply chain remains exploitable through third-party procurement networks in China, Turkey, and Central Asia, making sanctions enforcement a persistent vulnerability. Drone Warfare
• [New] The Turkish parliament has approved the central budget for 2026. ANF News
• [New] Turkey's crop will plummet 57% to 2 million tons due to a severe spring frost - it is forecast to drop from the eighth largest global export in 2024-25 (157,000 tons) to 12th in 2025 (65,000 tons). Capital Press
• [New] Turkey will supply natural gas from Azerbaijan to Aleppo to increase the electricity supply, in a Qatari-financed scheme. Rojava Information Center
• [New] Beyond the economic opportunities presented by redevelopment and financial reintegration in Syria, Turkey sees Damascus as an important ally in neutralising the SDF. Rojava Information Center
• [New] The deployment of Turkish forces in Gaza would raise the risks of escalation through accidental clashes with Israel, potentially triggering Turkey to lodge formal protests or demand investigations whenever Israel seeks to intervene. Arab Center Washington DC
• [New] By showing restraint on the Kurdish issue in Syria and by avoiding steps that would directly challenge Washington's position, Ankara may expect stronger US backing for Turkey's desired role in Gaza, including American support for the deployment of Turkish forces - despite Israeli objections. Arab Center Washington DC
• [New] Turkey, home to the largest number of displaced Syrians, unveiled a go-and-see policy allowing individuals to head to Syria and then return without fear of losing temporary protection, as would have happened previously. migrationpolicy.org
• [New] The Turkish military could launch offensive operations against the SDF from Turkish-occupied areas of Syria, including the Peace Spring region, given Turkey's existing positions and air superiority over the SDF. Critical Threats
• [New] Turkey's central bank said on Thursday that leading indicators implied that inflation will remain lower than projected this month as a favorable course in food prices continued. TradingView
• [New] HRW called on Turkish authorities to end the arbitrary use of security codes, halt deportations that expose Uyghurs to the risk of return to China and uphold international obligations to protect refugees from refoulement. Turkish Minute
• [New] Turkish authorities have used so-called restriction codes, administrative security markers added to immigration files under Turkey's law on foreigners, to label Uyghur refugees as public security risks without clear evidence. Turkish Minute

Last updated: 29 December 2025