The Levant Files

  Turkish authorities launched a fifth wave of operations against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) on May 31, issuing detention orders for 47 people across four separate investigations. Officials have detained 30 individuals so far, including five opposition mayors from the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The latest sweep targets Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün, Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe, Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara, and two mayors from Adana province—Ceyhan’s Kadir Aydar and Seyhan’s Oya Tekin. Other prominent figures named in the detention orders include İBB Deputy Secretary General Erdal Celal Aksoy, CHP Party Assembly member Baki Aydöner, and former CHP parliamentarian Aykut Erdoğdu. This operation marks the latest development in a sweeping investigation that began on March 19, when authorities first targeted the İBB with allegations of “establishing criminal organizations,” “bid rigging,” and “aiding terrorist organizations.” That initial wave result...

According to Raialyoum, a significant shift in Syria’s internal conflict dynamics is emerging as ISIS has launched its first attack against the new interim Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly known as al-Jolani). The attack marks a troubling development in Syria’s post-Assad security landscape. The Islamic State organization has officially claimed responsibility for detonating a remote explosive device targeting a vehicle belonging to what they described as the “apostate Syrian regime” in Sweida province. According to their statement, the attack killed one person. It wounded three others, signaling that al-Shara’s forces have become openly targeted through methods difficult to control amid widespread weapons proliferation and Damascus’s weakened central authority. This attack comes despite al-Sharaa’s ongoing campaigns against ISIS. Just last week, Hussam al-Tahhan, the transitional internal security commander in rural Damascus, announced the arrest of several ISIS membe...

  According to a new report of the Enerji Bülteni on May 30, a significant transformation in Syria's regional energy landscape is underway with Turkey's Kalyon Holding's latest investment initiative. Kalyon Holding, renowned for its numerous national and international projects in energy, transportation, and infrastructure and with close ties to Turkey's conservative ruling party, is now launching a major energy project in Syria. The Turkish company has joined a consortium established for Syria's reconstruction alongside companies from Qatar and the United States. The ambitious project will deliver a total installed capacity of 5,000 MW, comprising 4,000 MW from natural gas power plants and 1,000 MW from a solar energy facility in the Wedian Alrabee region. These developments are scheduled for completion within three years, with a phased implementation approach. Once fully operational, the 5,000 MW installations are expected to generate approximately 35 billion kWh ...

In a landmark ruling, the Greek Council of State (Supreme Administrative Court) has deemed the legalization of same-sex marriage and the subsequent right to adoption as constitutional, as reported by Efimerida ton Syntakton on May 30. The decision, made by the Grand Plenary on Friday, rejected appeals for annulment filed by three associations dedicated to supporting traditional family structures and marriage based on Greek Orthodox values. The court’s ruling affirms the constitutionality of Law 5089/2024, which, for the first time, extended civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in Greece. As a direct consequence, this law also grants adoption rights to married same-sex couples and those in registered partnerships. The case, deliberated on April 11, 2025, with Counselor of State Anastasia Papadimitriou as rapporteur, was finalized behind closed doors. President of the Council of State, Michalis Pikramenos, announced that the majority of the Plenary found the provisions of Law 5089/...

  In a recent development that has sparked controversy in Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot leader and President of the internationally unrecognized TRNC, Ersin Tatar'sTatar, has been exposed for sharing an emotional anecdote about reading a supportive headline in The Times newspaper that has been proven false. The revelation has raised questions about the credibility of the appointed President as the upcoming presidential elections approach. During a video interview with the YouTube channel "Hoth Media" filmed in Varosha (Kapalı Maraş), Tatar became visibly emotional while recounting a personal story from November 1983. He claimed that while in England, he boarded a morning train to work and noticed The Times newspaper in the hands of a fellow English passenger. According to Tatar, the headline read "Turkish Cypriots Declare Independence," which allegedly moved him to tears. "I was in England in 1983. I was getting on the train in the morning to go to work. I saw a ...

  According to Kathimerini, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has held a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi regarding the recent developments surrounding the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. The call comes in the wake of an Egyptian court ruling that has raised concerns about the monastery’s ownership status and future. During their discussion, Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of preserving the monastery’s Greek Orthodox character and resolving the issue through institutional means. Both leaders agreed that the solution lies in the mutual understanding previously established between the two countries, particularly during President al-Sisi’s visit to Athens on May 7th. As a result of their conversation, a Greek delegation will travel to Egypt on Monday, June 2nd, to further develop and finalize the agreement promptly. This diplomatic initiative underscores the urgency of the situation and the commitment of both...

  An Egyptian court ruling has placed the world's oldest functioning Christian monastery at risk of closure, prompting urgent diplomatic exchanges between Greece and Egypt. Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, a Byzantine treasure dating back to the 6th century, now faces the potential confiscation of its property by the Egyptian state and the eviction of its monks. According to reports from the Greek media, "the ownership of the Monastery and all its assets now passes to the Egyptian state," with monks "called to abandon specific properties where they are no longer allowed access, remaining in the Monastery for their religious needs only as long as permitted by the owner, namely the Egyptian state." The ruling, issued yesterday, potentially paves the way for converting this historic site into a museum. Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou addressed the situation, stating: "The governments of Greece and Egypt have been working systematicall...

  The People's Defense Center (HPG), the military wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) — which is banned in Turkey and several other countries — has reported that Turkish military forces have intensified operations against its positions along the borders of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. According to a recent statement, guerrilla positions were bombarded 27 times using prohibited explosives, 7 times with chemical gases, and repeatedly with heavy weaponry. The HPG's statement detailed that from May 20 to 28, Turkish forces targeted multiple sites, resulting in the deaths of two fighters during these operations. In response to these attacks, PKK fighters have asserted their "legitimate self-defense rights." Their counter-operations included attacking military positions, destroying excavators that were attempting to demolish tunnels, and neutralizing explosive-laden drones.  Meanwhile, significant political developments are unfolding following Kurdish leader Abdullah...

Tunisia's trajectory from a beacon of democratic hope following the 2011 Arab Spring to its current state of authoritarian regression represents one of the most concerning developments in North African politics. President Kais Saied's consolidation of power has manifested in increasingly repressive measures, most notably through the April 2025 mass show trials that sentenced 37 individuals to harsh prison terms ranging from 4 to 74 years. These trials, characterized by egregious violations of due process, signal the judiciary's weaponization against political opposition, journalists, and civil society actors. The legal proceedings themselves reveal the hollowness of Tunisia's judicial independence. Defendants were denied physical presence in the courtroom, observers were barred mainly from attendance, and the actual hearings lasted mere minutes without opportunity for defense statements or cross-examinations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has rightfully cond...

  Recent violent clashes in the capital, Tripoli, have starkly underscored Libya's precarious security situation, setting the stage for what experts warn could be a period of prolonged instability. While ceasefires offer temporary respite, analysts increasingly argue that the current international playbook for Libya is failing, necessitating a fundamental shift towards addressing the conflict's root causes and fostering genuine, Libyan-led solutions. The intense fighting that periodically erupts in Tripoli, often between powerful rival militias vying for control of state institutions and resources, serves as a grim reminder of the country's deep-seated fragmentation. A report by Crisis24, " Clashes in Tripoli Set Stage for Prolonged Instability in Libya ," highlights how these confrontations are symptomatic of a persistent power vacuum and the failure of political processes to unify the nation. The existence of competing governments and the entrenched influence of...

  In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Kurdish authorities and Syria's new transitional government have reached an agreement to relocate thousands of ISIS families from detention camps in eastern Syria. The landmark deal, announced Monday, will establish a joint mechanism to evacuate Syrian families from the notorious Al-Hol camp and return them to their original communities. This camp, along with others like Roj, has housed approximately 80,000 ISIS-affiliated individuals since the terrorist organization's defeat in 2019 by the US-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). "The Kurdish authorities and the Syrian interim government have reached an agreement to empty the notorious al-Hol camp from Syrians and return them to their homes," a Kurdish official stated. The Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES), which oversees the civilian administration in Kurdish-controlled territories, confirmed the development. A delegation from the Syrian g...

According to Syria TV, a delegation from the Autonomous Administration of Northeastern Syria, comprised mainly of Kurds and their allies, tasked with negotiating with the Syrian government, has departed for Damascus to begin discussions on what sources describe as "complex files" between the two parties. The delegation will examine the terms of the agreement signed between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, on March 10. The delegation includes Fawza Youssef from the Democratic Union Party (PYD), Abdul Hamid al-Mahbash of the Future Syria Party, and Ahmed Youssef from the Finance Authority. Syriac Union Party leader Sanharib Barsoum, Women's Protection Units member Sozdar Haji, and spokespersons Maryam Ibrahim and Yasser Suleiman complete the team. Discussions will focus on integrating the Administration's civil and security institutions into Syrian state structures, alongside education polic...

In a deeply troubling development that threatens to unravel years of hard-won security gains, Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells have launched a series of devastating coordinated attacks across eastern Syria, Kurdistan24 reports. Security experts warn this alarming escalation signals the extremist group's determined effort to reconstitute its operational capabilities despite territorial defeats. The surge in violence has sent shockwaves through communities still recovering from ISIS's brutal reign. In just 24 hours, six separate attacks targeted Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions, leaving a trail of bloodshed and renewed fear across the region. The most brazen assault occurred in Diban, Deir ez-Zor province, where heavily armed ISIS operatives unleashed automatic weapons fire on an SDF military checkpoint, injuring an innocent civilian woman caught in the crossfire. "This is not random violence—this is a calculated campaign," warned a senior security analyst wh...

According to T24 , Mehmet Ali Kulat, Chairman of MAK Consultancy and a public opinion researcher, claimed during an interview on TGRT that eight ministers will be replaced and two new ministries will be established in Turkey's cabinet. This significant government reshuffle is expected to expand the current cabinet from 16 to 18 ministries, with significant structural changes anticipated in the coming weeks. The cabinet reshuffle speculation follows the AKP's major congress in February, which saw significant changes in management positions but no cabinet changes then. President Erdogan opted not to make cabinet changes despite widespread expectations. However, the situation is changing, with June 3 emerging as a critical date when current ministers will become eligible for retirement benefits, potentially facilitating the transition. In his televised remarks, Kulat provided specific details about the anticipated changes. "One or two current parliamentarians are expected to ...

  Recent developments indicate growing problems in Turkey's new dialogue process aimed at resolving the decades-long Kurdish issue, according to a report by YetkinReport . The initiative, officially called the "Terrorist-Free Turkey" process, faces multiple challenges from various stakeholders despite President Recep Tayyip Erdoğa describing it as potentially "our greatest achievement." A heated exchange between Presidential Chief Advisor Mehmet Uçum and Democratic Equality Party (DEM) Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan highlights the tensions. Uçum criticized DEM's terminology, stating that referring to politically imprisoned individuals as "political prisoners" was inappropriate. "This ideological-political memorization and aggressive language towards positive law must be abandoned immediately," Uçum wrote on social media. Bakırhan responded sharply during a local government meeting in Diyarbakır: "Can Turkey's century-old social peace b...

In a thrilling showdown in Abu Dhabi, Fenerbahce Beko has claimed the prestigious Euroleague championship, defeating Monaco with a score of 81-70 in an electrifying final encounter of the Final Four! The Yellow Canaries of Istanbul have done it again! This marks the second major European triumph for Fenerbahce, cementing their status as one of basketball's elite clubs on the continent. The Bosphorous giants showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, culminating in this spectacular victory on the grand stage in Abu Dhabi. Istanbul's proud basketball powerhouse delivered a masterclass performance, thrilling fans who traveled across continents to witness this historic moment. The arena erupted as the final buzzer sounded, with yellow and navy blue colors flooding the stands in celebration. This victory adds another golden chapter to Fenerbahce Beko's illustrious European basketball journey, proving once again they are a force to be reckoned with in international comp...

According to a recent analysis by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) , Libya is facing another wave of violence as clashes between rival militias have erupted in Tripoli, marking some of the most intense fighting the capital has witnessed in years. The violence was triggered by the May 12 killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, known as 'Ghnewa,' who led the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), one of Tripoli's most powerful militias that was once loyal to the Government of National Unity (GNU). The assassination has dramatically altered Tripoli's security landscape, creating a power vacuum that various factions struggle to fill. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabeiba attempted to use this moment to declare an end to "parallel security systems" and ordered a restructuring of security forces, framing the killing as evidence that the state was regaining control. However, his move appears to have backfired, revealing the fragility of his government...

In a moment that transcended cinema and entered global politics, dissident Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's Palme d'Or victory at the 78th Cannes Film Festival has sparked an extraordinary wave of reactions across political divides. Standing before a tearful audience Saturday night, Panahi—who spent years under house arrest and filmmaking bans in his homeland—clutched the golden palm as acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett presented the award for his clandestinely shot film "It Was Just an Accident." "Let no one tell us what to wear, what to do, or what films to make," Panahi declared to thunderous applause, his words resonating far beyond the glamorous French Riviera setting. The political ripples were immediate and far-reaching. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the moment a "symbolic act of resistance," imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi praised Panahi from her cell as a "brave and distinguished director" whose ...

In a significant political development, Greece's major opposition parties have issued a joint statement criticizing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis for their government's position on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The statement, signed on May 25, represents a unified front from parties across the left of the political spectrum. The joint declaration was signed by the parliamentary group leaders of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left), Sokratis Famellos; the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Dimitris Koutsoumbas; New Left, Alexis Charitsis; and Sailing for Freedom, Zoe Konstantopoulou. This initiative, which originated from a proposal by the Communist Party, marks a rare moment of consensus among Greece's often fragmented opposition. The statement directly challenges the government's approach to the conflict, stating that "the Greek government has no political, legal, or moral right to justify and ultimately support these cri...

  According to Al-Monitor, Turkey is on the verge of breaking into the European defense market with its first crewed, jet-powered aircraft export, marking a significant advancement in Ankara's growing ambitions to position itself as a global arms supplier. The recent agreement between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), European aviation giant Airbus, and approximately 15 Spanish defense firms represents a watershed moment for Turkey's defense industry. The deal, signed on May 14, involves the joint production of the Hurjet trainer and light attack aircraft for Spain's military. This marks Turkey's first jet aircraft sale to a NATO ally and is expected to serve as a springboard for deeper Turkish-European defense cooperation. According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, the initial plan outlines the provision of 30 Hurjets to Spain at a total cost of €275 million ($309.5 million). The Hurjet, meaning "free jet" in Turkish, is set to replace the aging N...

According to Oda TV , a new security operation has revealed concerning details about ongoing infiltration within the Turkish Armed Forces. In yesterday's operation targeting the military, arrest warrants were issued for 63 personnel, with 59 already detained. Notably, two of the suspects allegedly infiltrated the army after the July 15, 2016, coup attempt. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched the operation against suspected members of an outlawed organization within the Turkish Armed Forces. The 63 military personnel under investigation include eight from the Air Force Command, 13 from the Gendarmerie General Command, 36 from the Land Forces Command, and six from the Naval Forces Command. Among them are 4 Colonels, 8 Lieutenant Colonels, 12 Majors, 15 Captains, and 24 Non-commissioned Officers/Specialist Sergeants. During yesterday morning's operation, 59 military personnel were detained while efforts continued to apprehend the remaining four suspects. Int...

Turkish officials closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East as concerns grow over the future of US-Iran nuclear negotiations. Sources who shared their views with the Levant Files expressed deep apprehension about the trajectory of these talks and their potential regional implications. "We believe that we must try every available diplomatic channel to settle the nuclear issue peacefully," a Turkish source told the Levant Files. "As Turkey, we have no objection to the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. But, as our allies, we believe that we must set clear boundaries for the use of this dangerous technology. This precaution must concern the international community as a whole, including the Israeli regime that today blames our neighbor." As tensions rise and the possibility of escalation looms, Turkish sources have adopted a clear stance: "We are closely monitoring the ongoing USA-Iran negotiations. We still believe that there is a chance f...

Welcome to a new deep dive, our podcast service, powered by the Google's Gemini AI technology, from The Levant Files! Today, we're dissecting one of the most influential, enduring, and controversial socio-political movements in the modern Middle East: The Muslim Brotherhood. For nearly a century, its evolution has shaped events, challenged states, and sparked intense debate both within and outside its ranks. Join us as we journey through its complex history, from its humble beginnings in Egypt to its rise to power, devastating crackdowns, and its varied manifestations across the region, including Syria.  Listen to "Unpacking the Muslim Brotherhood – A Century of Evolution and Ordeal" now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts! We'll explore: The foundational ideas of Hassan al-Banna. The intricate internal structures and norms that build identity and ensure cohesion – concepts like Tarbiyya, the Usra system, Thiqah (trust), and Ta'a (obedience). The mov...

According to a recent analysis titled " Behind-the-scenes connections of the Syrian regime change are being revealed ," published by Mehmet Öğütçü on Yetkin Report, the dust is settling to reveal a complex network of international players who orchestrated last December's swift transfer of power in Damascus. A telling photograph shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shaking hands with Ahmed al-Shara. At the same time, former US President Trump looks on, with Turkish President Erdogan reportedly joining their May 14 Riyadh meeting by phone shortly after. Engineered Transition Rather Than Revolution The December 2024 regime change in Syria, which saw Bashar al-Assad flee to Russia and Ahmed al-Shara's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces take control, surprised many with its speed and relatively bloodless nature. What initially appeared as a sudden collapse now emerges as a meticulously planned and carefully orchestrated transition, years in the making. According to ...