The Levant Files

The famed white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney today, March 15, 2025, signaling the election of a new leader for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-born Augustinian friar with extensive experience in Peru and the Roman Curia, has been chosen as the 267th Pope. He will take the pontifical name Pope Leo XIV. The Cardinal Protodeacon announced, "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a Pope!"), from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to tens of thousands of pilgrims and onlookers gathered in a rain-swept St. Peter's Square. Shortly thereafter, the 69-year-old Pope Leo XIV appeared, offering his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing, a moment met with jubilant cheers and applause. The election of Pope Leo XIIV follows a conclave convened after Pope Francis's death. His selection marks a significant moment, bringing to the papacy a figure with deep pastoral roots in Lati...

According to The Jerusalem Post , citing a Reuters report dated May 8, 2025, the United States under President Donald Trump has made a momentous decision. The requirement for Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel as a condition for advancing civil nuclear cooperation talks has been dropped. This marks a significant policy shift, a decision of great consequence, ahead of Trump's upcoming visit to the kingdom next week, where major economic and defense agreements are expected to be discussed. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed this development, highlighting a departure from previous US demands under the Biden administration, which tied nuclear discussions to a broader deal involving normalization and a US-Saudi defense treaty. During Biden's tenure, efforts to expand the Abraham Accords—initiated under Trump's first term with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco recognizing Israel—were stalled by Saudi Arabia's insistence on a Palestinian state b...

In a historic moment captured by the international media, white smoke billowed from the chimney above St Peter’s Square earlier today, signaling the election of a new pope. The sight triggered an outpouring of joy among the crowd gathered in the Vatican, who anxiously awaited this pivotal announcement. Cheers erupted, flags waved, and strangers embraced as the Catholic Church concluded its search for a new leader. Images on social media depict the electric atmosphere, with people jumping for joy, praying, and capturing the moment on their phones. Reuters photos show nuns in white headscarves beaming with delight and a couple from Greece describing the event as a “once in a lifetime experience,” as reported by Scarlett Barter from the Vatican (published at 19:17). The sound of ringing bells reverberated through the square, amplifying the crowd’s fervor as they surged forward to witness history. The process moves swiftly following the white smoke. The newly elected pontiff is fitted with...

Η τουρκοκυπριακή πλευρά φέρεται να σχεδιάζει το πλήρες άνοιγμα της περίκλειστης πόλης της Αμμοχώστου (Βαρώσια), ως απάντηση σε συλλήψεις που, σύμφωνα με τον Τουρκοκύπριο δημοσιογράφο Χασάν Χαστουρέρ, πραγματοποιήθηκαν στις ελεγχόμενες από την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία περιοχές και στοχεύουν την οικονομία των κατεχομένων. Σε σημερινό του άρθρο , με ημερομηνία 8 Μαΐου 2025, ο Χαστουρέρ, επικαλούμενος «αξιόπιστη πηγή», αναφέρει χαρακτηριστικά: «Να χαίρεται ο Χριστοδουλίδης! Τα Κλειστά Βαρώσια ανοίγουν πλήρως». Σύμφωνα με τον αρθρογράφο, η κίνηση αυτή αποτελεί «αντεπίθεση» της τουρκικής πλευράς έναντι των συλλήψεων που αφορούν τον τομέα των ακινήτων. Το σχέδιο, όπως περιγράφεται, περιλαμβάνει την άρση των συρματοπλεγμάτων που περιβάλλουν τα Βαρώσια, καθιστώντας τα ισότιμα με άλλες περιοχές στα κατεχόμενα όσον αφορά τις ακίνητες περιουσίες. Ο Χαστουρέρ προσθέτει ότι οι Ελληνοκύπριοι ιδιοκτήτες θα έχουν τη δυνατότητα να προσφεύγουν στην «Επιτροπή Ακίνητης Ιδιοκτησίας» για τις περιουσίες τους στα Β...

The recent escalation in tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, reportedly following an Indian military operation, has drawn sharply contrasting responses from two key regional players, Turkey and Greece. While Ankara issued a strong condemnation of India's actions and voiced solidarity with Pakistan, Athens expressed deep concern and called for immediate dialogue to de-escalate the situation. Turkey unequivocally denounced India's reported cross-border military engagement on May 7. According to DW , the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement criticizing the Indian operation as a serious breach of international norms and a significant threat to regional peace and security. The ministry's communiqué emphasized Turkey's unwavering support for Pakistan, urging the international community to take note of the developments and work towards preventing further instability. This strong stance from Ankara underscores its deepening alignmen...

Greek media reported Wednesday that "the 'gap' between Turkey and the European Union is widening. " A newly adopted European Parliament (EP) report delivered a stark assessment of Turkey's trajectory, citing 'democratic backsliding in the last year." The annual report on Turkey, authored by Spanish Socialist MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor, was approved with 367 votes in favour, 74 against, and 188 abstentions, underscoring a deepening concern within the EU regarding Ankara's commitment to the bloc's core values. The comprehensive document states unequivocally that Turkey has "distanced itself from the values espoused by the European Union." Consequently, the EP report highlights that accession negotiations, which have been "stalled since 2018," cannot be restarted under the current circumstances due to the significant deterioration of the country's rule of law and fundamental rights. Despite the grim outlook on membership, the Euro...

Yemen's Houthi movement has unequivocally stated its military operations targeting Israel are entirely separate from, and will not be influenced by, any US-brokered ceasefire agreement concerning Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. This defiant stance, threatening continued regional volatility, is directly mirrored by pronouncements from the Houthi leadership, with their President emphatically affirming, via SabaNet , an unwavering commitment to supporting Gaza, "no matter the cost." This explicit decoupling underscores the Houthis' independent strategic calculus, effectively separating their disruptive Red Sea maritime attacks and missile launches towards southern Israel from the intricate, often fraught, negotiations surrounding a potential Gaza truce. According to their leadership's pronouncements, any such ceasefire would not, in their assessment, compel them to halt what they consistently frame as "support operations" for the Palestinian people. This assert...

Despite numerous challenges, Syria's post-Assad government is showing resilience as it navigates the complex political landscape five months after the regime's collapse, according to new analysis from the Syrian Observer .  Ahmad al-Sharaa's transitional administration faces a critical legitimacy test following the breakdown of the Sharaa-Mazloum Abdi agreement. This agreement, which sought to integrate Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national framework, was a significant step towards national unity. However, Kurdish factions withdrew from the deal, citing constitutional concerns, stalling negotiations, and highlighting the deep divisions that persist across Syria's political landscape. "This episode reinforced the enormous political weight of Assad's legacy—a legacy of division, mistrust, and competing authorities," notes the Observer report, underscoring how decades of authoritarian rule continue to complicate reconciliation efforts. Securi...

As reported by SABA and the Yemen Press Agency, the Coordination Center in Yemen has issued a formal notification to civil aviation authorities, highlighting high risks to air navigation at Israeli airports. This significant advisory emerges against a backdrop of escalating hostilities and increasingly stark rhetoric from Sana'a. The notification to international aviation bodies underscores a new dimension in the regional conflict, suggesting a potential expansion of Yemeni operations or, at minimum, a heightened perception of threat capabilities. This directive from the Sana'a-based authorities aims to alert global air traffic management to what they describe as serious dangers associated with operations in and around Israeli airspace. The potential disruption of air traffic in this region could lead to significant economic and humanitarian consequences, further escalating the conflict and destabilizing the region. This development does not occur in a vacuum. The Houthi-suppor...

Israel appears poised for significant military action, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issuing an urgent call for the evacuation of Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, fueling concerns of an imminent strike. This critical development unfolded concurrently with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival at the IDF's Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, clearly indicating high-level security deliberations underway. The stark warning regarding Sanaa airport, the primary international gateway to the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, strongly suggests that Israeli military planners may be targeting assets within or near the facility. Such a move would represent a significant escalation in Israel's efforts to counter threats emanating from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have repeatedly launched drones and missiles toward Israel and targeted international shipping in the Red Sea in declared solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The...

The Levant Files podcast has released a compelling new episode examining the complex evolution of Yemen's Houthi movement. Prompted by recent headlines surrounding alleged Houthi attacks extending as far as Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, the episode offers a deep dive into the group's transformation from a locally focused Zaydi Shia revivalist movement into a formidable regional force. The podcast unpacks the Houthis' origins in northern Yemen, tracing their roots back to the early 1990s and Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi's leadership. It explores the initial grievances driving the movement, including feelings of political and economic marginalization under the central government, resistance to perceived external influences like Salafism, and the legacy of Yemen's complex political history. Listeners gain insight into key stages of the Houthis' development, particularly the hardening experience of the Sa'ada wars (2004-2010) against the Yemeni government, wh...

του Δρ. Νικόλαου Στέλγια* Η πρόσφατη απογοήτευση του Προέδρου της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας μετά τη συνάντησή του με τον Τουρκοκύπριο ηγέτη, παρά τις προηγούμενες προσδοκίες για «σημαντικές εξελίξεις» και μια «νέα σελίδα» στο Κυπριακό με ορίζοντα την άτυπη συνάντηση της Γενεύης, φέρνει στο προσκήνιο ένα γνώριμο μοτίβο. Παράλληλα, και στην Αθήνα, αξιωματούχοι εκφράζουν «συγκρατημένη αισιοδοξία» τόσο για τα ελληνοτουρκικά όσο και για το Κυπριακό. Όμως, όταν η πραγματικότητα των εξελίξεων διαψεύδει συστηματικά τις προσδοκίες που καλλιεργούνται, το ερώτημα γίνεται πιεστικό: Πού βασίζουν τελικά Αθήνα και Λευκωσία αυτή την αισιοδοξία για την πορεία των πραγμάτων στο Αιγαίο και την Ανατολική Μεσόγειο; Η Στρατηγική της Εξωτερικής Πίεσης Μια ανώνυμη τουρκική διπλωματική πηγή προσφέρει μια φαινομενικά απλή εξήγηση: Η Ελλάδα και η Κύπρος επενδύουν για άλλη μια φορά στην άσκηση πίεσης προς την Τουρκία μέσω τρίτων, κυρίως της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και της νέας κυβέρνησης των ΗΠΑ. Η λογική πίσω από αυτή τη ...

Israel's security cabinet has unanimously greenlit a plan to significantly expand military operations within the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential strategic shift towards prolonged control, according to a report published Monday by Haaretz . The decision, made overnight, comes alongside an agreement in principle to manage humanitarian aid distribution through foreign private companies. Significantly, an Israeli official cited by Haaretz indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized this new phase as moving beyond temporary raids towards "the occupation of territory and a sustained Israeli presence in Gaza." The phased plan, presented to ministers, aims to initially capture additional areas across the Strip and enlarge the existing buffer zone controlled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This first stage is intended to increase pressure on Hamas, compelling the group towards greater flexibility in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages. IDF Chi...

In a concerning revelation, Cyprus has experienced a significant drop in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Cypriot journalist and media specialist Larkos Larkou emphasized this decline. Dropping 12 positions from 65th in 2024 to 77th among 180 countries, this downturn reflects a troubling erosion of media independence and journalistic integrity. The measurable indicators, widely discussed in local media, paint a grim picture of the state of press freedom in Cyprus, raising urgent questions about the forces behind this decline. A key factor contributing to this decline is the strong influence of powerful entities over the media landscape, explains Larkou. Research from the Cyprus Investigative Reporting Network (CIReN) highlights how the government, the Church, and business interests exert significant control over media outlets, stifling pluralism and pushing journalists toward self-censorship. This trio of powers often operates tightly, w...

Following a direct Houthi missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport, Israeli leaders are vowing a significant military response, with increasing calls to target Iran directly for orchestrating the attack, according to reports in The Jerusalem Post . Citing an Israeli official, the Post revealed that the United States now understands Israel cannot remain passive in the face of attacks from Yemen, marking a notable shift in Washington's stance, which previously expressed reluctance towards Israeli strikes on the Houthis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly blamed Tehran, stating the airport attack "originated from Iran." The decision to retaliate was confirmed following a Sunday security meeting. "We will respond at a time and place of our choosing," Netanyahu declared, emphasizing Iran's role as the Houthi's "patron" and promising to send Tehran a "clear warning." Defense Minister Katz reinforced this, warning, "Those who harm...

On Saturday, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognized internationally, officially launched its new "Republican Campus." The first construction phase features the new Presidential Building and Parliament Building, inaugurated during a grand ceremony attended by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Dubbed by critics as a "show of sovereignty," the event, alongside the concurrent Teknofest technology festival, has drawn criticism from Turkish Cypriot researcher-writer Mete Hatay for its political undertones and symbolic messaging. Hatay, a noted peace researcher affiliated with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), argues that the openings were not merely about inaugurating buildings but about constructing symbols of dominance under the guise of sovereignty. Hatay describes the events as meticulously staged platforms for political agendas. "Today in Northern Cyprus, it wasn't just buildings that were opened; symbols w...

Κριτική στις πρόσφατες δηλώσεις του Τούρκου Προέδρου Ρετζέπ Ταγγίπ Ερντογάν κατά την επίσκεψή του στο βόρειο κομμάτι του νησιού άσκησε ο ηγέτης του Ρεπουμπλικανικού Τουρκικού Κόμματος (ΡΤΚ), Τουφάν Έρχιουρμαν. Εστίασε στην πρόταση για λύση δύο κυρίαρχων ίσων κρατών, τονίζοντας ότι αυτή βρίσκεται εκτός του πλαισίου των Ηνωμένων Εθνών εφόσον δεν αλλάξουν οι σχετικές αποφάσεις του Συμβουλίου Ασφαλείας, ενώ παράλληλα καυτηρίασε την έλλειψη ουσιαστικού διαλόγου μεταξύ Άγκυρας και τουρκοκυπριακής κοινότητας και καταδίκασε την αστυνομική βία κατά διαδηλωτών. Ο κ. Έρχιουρμαν ξεκίνησε την παρέμβαση του στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, υπογραμμίζοντας ότι η ελευθερία της έκφρασης αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι του τρόπου ζωής των Τουρκοκυπρίων, χαρακτηρίζοντας στο πλαίσιο αυτό «μη νόμιμη, μη νόμιμη και λανθασμένη» την αστυνομική επέμβαση εναντίον ειρηνικής διαδήλωσης κατά την επίσκεψη Ερντογάν. Επανέλαβε εμφατικά τη θέση του ότι οι σχέσεις μεταξύ Τουρκίας και της τουρκοκυπριακής κοινότητας πρέπει να...

Το Ρεπουμπλικανικό Τουρκικό Κόμμα (ΡΤΚ), ένα από τα μεγαλύτερα κόμματα της τουρκοκυπριακής κοινότητας, εξέδωσε ανακοίνωση με την οποία αντιδρά έντονα στις δηλώσεις του Τούρκου Προέδρου, Ρετζέπ Ταγγίπ Ερντογάν, σχετικά με τη χρήση μαντίλας από μαθήτριες στα τ/κ σχολεία. Η ανακοίνωση του ΡΤΚ τονίζει με έμφαση: «Το πλαίσιο των λόγων του φιλοξενούμενου Προέδρου μπορεί να είναι μόνο και αποκλειστικά η δική του χώρα». Το κόμμα σχολιάζει τη δήλωση Ερντογάν («Αν προσπαθήσετε να ασχοληθείτε με τη μαντίλα των κοριτσιών μας στη 'Βόρεια Κύπρο' [όπως ανέφερε], θα μας βρείτε απέναντί σας. Διότι δώσαμε πολλές μάχες γι' αυτό και φτάσαμε κάπου δίνοντας αυτές τις μάχες»), διευκρινίζοντας πως αντιλαμβάνεται ότι ο Τούρκος Πρόεδρος αναφέρεται στις εμπειρίες και τις πολιτικές διαμάχες εντός της Τουρκίας. Ωστόσο, το ΡΤΚ υπογραμμίζει ότι οι δηλώσεις αυτές «δεν έχουν καμία σχέση ή πραγματική βάση με τις εμπειρίες μας στην Κύπρο». Επισημαίνει ότι η τουρκοκυπριακή κοινότητα δεν βίωσε ποτέ τις κρίσεις...

According to a new analysis by The Economist , a significant strategic shift seems to be occurring within the Islamic Republic. Facing intense internal pressures, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reportedly moving towards direct engagement with the United States—long referred to as the 'Great Satan.' This shift, which may be seen as necessary for his regime's survival, also holds the potential for a more stable and peaceful future for Iran and its relations with the US. The analysis posits that this change stems from desperation. Iran's economy is severely weakened, lagging significantly behind regional powers, while frequent, widespread protests indicate deep public discontent. Militarily, the regime feels increasingly vulnerable, particularly following Israeli actions and the erosion of its regional influence. This confluence of political, economic, and military frailty leaves Khamenei with limited options, pushing him towards a more practical approach that pr...

In a demonstration of defiance, the leader of Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, addressed a recent attack that occurred during the funeral of the late MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder at the AKM. In a social media post, he urged resilience, stating, "Don't be afraid. No matter what you face, those who walk with love will pass through every storm unharmed." This powerful statement reflects Özel's unyielding spirit. It sets the tone for his anticipated return to Ankara, where thousands of supporters eagerly await him, ready to stand in solidarity after the unsettling incident. The attack on Özel, a prominent opposition figure, has sparked widespread concern, yet his response highlights a commitment to unity and perseverance. As news of the assault spread, it galvanized his base, turning his homecoming into a significant moment of collective strength. In Ankara, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as tens of thousands ...

Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi Başkanvekili, İmralı heyeti üyesi ve DEM Parti İstanbul Milletvekili Sırrı Süreyya Önder tedavi gördüğü hastanede vefat etti. Önder'in tedavi gördüğü Florence Nightingale Hastanesi'nden yapılan açıklamada, "Sırrı Süreyya Önder çoklu organ yetmezliğinden saat 16.10'da hayatını kaybetmiştir" denildi. 62 yaşındaki Önder, 15 Nisan Salı akşamı geçirdiği kalp rahatsızlığının ardından hastaneye kaldırılmıştı ve o tarihten beri yoğun bakımdaydı. Önder için pazar sabahı Taksim'de bulunan Atatürk Kültür Merkezi’nde (AKM) anma töreni gerçekleştirildi. Sanat ve siyaset camiası başta olmak üzere toplumun her kesiminden binlerce kişi anma için AKM önünde toplandı. CHP Genel Başkanı Özgür Özel ve MHP Genel Başkanı Devlet Bahçeli başta olmak üzere çok sayıda siyasi parti başkanı adına çelenk getirildi. Video Haber: Artı Gerçek - Youtube

In a recent analysis by Foreign Policy , Anna Ohanyan, the Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College and a nonresident senior scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warns that unless Ankara reclaims its strategic autonomy, it risks losing a critical opportunity to lead in Eurasia. Ohanyan's piece delves into the complex dynamics among Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, highlighting how Azerbaijan's outsized influence over Turkish policy in the South Caucasus could undermine Ankara's broader geopolitical ambitions. The analysis points to a significant recent event: the temporary opening of the Turkey-Armenia border on March 21, 2025, to allow Armenian humanitarian aid trucks to pass through to Syria. This marked only the second opening since the border's closure in 1993, following a similar gesture in 2023 after a devastating earthquake in southern Turkey. However, the move provoked...

The leader of Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, was assaulted on Sunday as he was leaving the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM). This incident occurred during a ceremony held in honor of the late MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder, according to reports from Halk TV and other local sources. The attacker, who reportedly shouted, "I am a descendant of the Ottomans," struck Özel at close range before being removed from the scene in an ambulance and subsequently detained. Istanbul's Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. According to Halk TV reporter Dilan Alp, the attack occurred just before the funeral vehicle departed from AKM. A man, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, attempted to punch Özel as he was leaving the venue. Security personnel quickly surrounded Özel, who assured them he was fine and swiftly moved to his vehicle with accompanying MPs. Witnesses reported no visible injuries...

In a statement dated May 4, 2025, disseminated through their controlled media channels, the Yemeni Armed Forces, aligned with the Houthi movement, have claimed a significant missile attack targeting Israel's main international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv. The announcement, framed as support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, lacks independent verification and relies solely on assertions made by the group known for previous, often contested, claims of long-range attacks. According to the Houthi statement, their missile force launched a "hypersonic ballistic missile" at the airport, which they refer to as being in the "occupied region of Yaffa." The group alleges the missile successfully struck its target, boasting that both American and Israeli air defense systems failed to intercept it. Furthermore, the statement makes the extraordinary and uncorroborated claim that the purported attack caused "more than three million Z...

Türk ile Kürt arasında tercüman oldu, birbirimizi anlama yetimizi kaybettik. Halk bilgeliğiyle dolu nüktedanlığın zevkini tattırdı bize, neşemizi kaybettik. En has yoldaşımızı kaybettik . Ali Duran Topuz Öyle söz mü olur Baboş, öyle söz mü olur? Diyorlar ki Sırrı Süreyya hayatını kaybetti. Öyle söz mü olur? Sırrı Süreyya hayatını kaybetmedi. Sırrı Süreyya hiçbir şey kaybetmedi. Biz kaybettik. Kürtlerin Kürdistanlı vekilini kaybettik. Türklerin Türkiyeli vekilini kaybettik. Ağaçların vekilini kaybettik. Fotoğrafçı çırağının vesikalık çeken köylünün yüzündeki korkuyu okuyan gözü kaybettik. Mevsimlik işçiler için çalışan işçi çocuğun yüreğinde biriken sabrı kaybettik. Maraşlı Kızılbaşlara kıyıldığında isyan etti diye hapse atılan gencin yiğitliğini kaybettik. Faşist generallerin kurduğu 12 Eylül düzeninde 105 gün işkencede yatan bir yiğit sosyalisti kaybettik. O işkenceden gülüşünü, direnişini kaybetmeden çıkmayı bildi, bu bilmeyi kaybettik. Yedi yıl hapis yatırıldı, umudunu kaybetmeden ç...