The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports of women and children among the 19 killed due to Israeli bombings. The attacks have targeted areas previously considered safe, leading to widespread anger and concern over the humanitarian impact.

Recent anti-Syrian attacks in Turkey, sparked by an incident in Kayseri, have heightened fears among Syrian refugees amid Turkey's normalization efforts with Syria. The violence, fueled by economic hardships and anti-refugee rhetoric, has spread to multiple Turkish cities. Turkey's diplomatic overtures towards Assad, supported by Russia, are causing concern among Syrians in Turkish-controlled areas. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by regional tensions involving Hezbollah and Iran. Despite Turkey's past support for Syrian opposition, its current focus is on addressing Kurdish issues and managing refugee dynamics, with potential rapprochement with Assad on the horizon.

Turkey and Iraq have signed over 20 agreements, with a focus on the Development Road project, a $17 billion highway and railway corridor linking Basra to Mersin. This project aims to enhance trade between Asia and Europe, potentially rivaling China's Belt and Road Initiative. Despite historical tensions, Turkey remains a key trade partner for Iraq. The project faces challenges, including security concerns and regional geopolitical dynamics, particularly involving the PKK and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The initiative could reduce Iraq's dependency on Iran and integrate it into the Gulf-Europe trade system, but its success depends on overcoming political and security obstacles.

Turkey and Iraq have signed over 20 agreements, with a focus on the Development Road project, a $17 billion highway and railway corridor linking Basra to Mersin. This project aims to enhance trade between Asia and Europe, potentially rivaling China's Belt and Road Initiative. Despite historical tensions, Turkey remains a key trade partner for Iraq. The project faces challenges, including security concerns and regional political dynamics, particularly involving the Kurdistan Workers Party and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The initiative could reduce Iraq's dependency on Iran and integrate it into the Gulf-Europe trade system, but its success depends on overcoming geopolitical and infrastructural hurdles.

Turkey has imposed trade restrictions on Israel, halting exports of 54 products, including cement and steel, in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. This move follows Turkey's diplomatic restoration with Israel in 2022 but comes amid renewed tensions due to the Gaza conflict. Turkish President Erdogan faces domestic criticism for maintaining trade ties despite his vocal opposition to Israel's actions. The trade restrictions have economic implications for Israel, which relies heavily on Turkish imports for construction materials. Israel has accused Turkey of violating trade agreements and threatened retaliatory measures. Despite the diplomatic strain, trade between the two countries has historically flourished, and Turkey continues to facilitate oil exports to Israel through the BTC pipeline.

Turkey has imposed trade restrictions on Israel, halting exports of 54 products, including key construction materials, in response to Israel's actions in Gaza and its refusal to allow Turkey to join humanitarian aid efforts. This move has strained diplomatic relations, which had been restored in 2022, and has led to criticism of Turkish President Erdogan for not aligning his actions with his rhetoric. The trade measures have economic implications for both countries, with Israel seeking alternative suppliers and Turkey facing potential retaliatory actions. The political landscape in Turkey is also affected, with Erdogan's party losing support to the more hardline New Welfare Party in recent elections.

Turkey and Iraq are strengthening ties amid regional tensions, with Turkey's President Erdogan planning a visit to Baghdad. The visit follows Iraq's symbolic ban on the PKK, a group Turkey views as a security threat. Both countries share interests in water resources and oil exports, with the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and a new trade route being key discussion points. The visit is seen as more crucial for Iraq, which faces challenges like water scarcity and economic pressures. The outcome may lead to enhanced cooperation, providing Turkey with a legal basis for its operations in the region.

Turkey and Iraq are strengthening ties amid regional tensions, with Turkey's President Erdogan planning a visit to Baghdad. The visit follows Iraq's symbolic ban on the PKK, a group Turkey considers a security threat. Both nations share interests in water resources and oil exports, with the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and a new trade route being key discussion points. The visit is seen as more crucial for Iraq, which faces economic and environmental challenges. The outcome may lead to enhanced cooperation, providing Turkey a legal basis for its operations in the region.

In a surprising turn of events, Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), achieved significant victories in local elections, winning in 36 of Turkey's 81 provinces, including major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. This marks a pivotal moment in Turkish politics, challenging President Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The elections highlighted the importance of candidates, with figures like Ekrem Imamoglu and Mansur Yavas playing crucial roles. The results signal voter dissatisfaction with the current government, driven by economic concerns and other issues, and suggest potential shifts in national politics and prospects for re-democratization.

Locals in southern Syria's Sweida governate have been engaging in peaceful protests for months despite facing a brutal crackdown by the government. The situation escalated in late February when a demonstrator was killed for the first time, raising concerns about a potential violent crackdown.