International report
RFI goes behind-the-scenes of one of the week's major stories.
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Deepfake videos used in local elections in Turkey as Erdogan battles for Istanbul
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leading a battle to regain control of Istanbul in hotly contested local elections this month. However, opposition media is warning about deepfake videos in campaign ads, while international rights groups are voicing alarm over social media companies' willingness to comply with Turkish censorship ahead of the critical polls.16/03/202406:23 -
Turkey and Italy consider teaming up to seek new influence in Africa
Turkey and Italy are finding common ground as they seek to expand their economic and diplomatic influence in Africa. The two nations are eyeing opportunities to cooperate on security, energy and migration as France's traditional influence on the continent wanes.09/03/202405:42 -
Islamic State attack on Istanbul church raises fear of further terror
Heavily armed police are protecting churches across Istanbul day and night after an Islamic State attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul. The terrorist group has warned of further attacks against Christians and Jews.03/03/202404:35 -
Will Turkey ditch Russian missiles for US military jets?
As Turkey's rapprochement with the United States gathers pace, the future of Turkish-purchased Russian S-400 missiles is increasingly in question. The missile deal is a potent symbol of Ankara's close ties with Moscow, but Washington is offering to sell Turkey its advanced F35 military jet for the removal of the Russian weapons.25/02/202404:51 -
Turkey and Egypt turn page on decade of friction with show of friendship
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Cairo this week formally ended more than a decade of animosity with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with the two leaders committing their countries to a new era of cooperation.17/02/202404:53 -
As Turkey bombards Kurdish forces in Syria, is the US preparing to pull out?
Turkish military forces are carrying out an air assault on US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria, and Ankara has warned that a land operation may follow. The crackdown comes amid reports that Washington may pull its forces out of Syria and Iraq.10/02/202405:57 -
Sweden deal unlikely to resolve bitter dispute between NATO and Turkey
Ankara's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership after a 10-month delay has spurred hopes of a reset in relations between Turkey and the alliance, but tensions still run deep.03/02/202405:13 -
Even with Turkish approval, Sweden's wait to join NATO may not be over yet
Sweden's bid to join NATO got a major boost when the Turkish parliament finally ratified its membership application this week. Yet with the Turkish president's signature still needed, Sweden's wait to join the military alliance may not be over.28/01/202405:06 -
Turkey agrees deal to clear Black Sea of mines that threaten Ukrainian exports
Turkey is joining forces with Bulgaria and Romania to clear mines from the Black Sea, which have posed a danger to cargo ships since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine. But Ankara, the gatekeeper to the crucial waterway, insists that it won't allow any other Nato countries to send warships to assist.20/01/202404:42 -
With spy raids, Turkey warns Israel not to seek Hamas revenge on Turkish soil
Turkish security forces this month detained dozens of people across the country accused of spying for Israel. The highly publicised raids are seen as a warning to Israel not to target Palestinians on Turkish soil, after Ankara insisted it would itself reign in anyone suspected of involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks.13/01/202405:40 -
Attack on football referee exposes anti-elite resentment in divided Turkey
The assault of a referee at a Turkish professional football match has drawn international condemnation and the unprecedented suspension of all league games. But it's also brought into focus the wider spectre of violence against public officials in Turkish society, which some blame on the polarising politics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.24/12/202304:59 -
Sweden's Nato bid languishes as Turkey holds out in standoff with US
Swedish hopes of early Nato membership are fading as Turkey continues to hold up Sweden's bid as part of a standoff with the United States.17/12/202305:07 -
Turkey's bid to join EU back on the table at upcoming summit
Turkey's decades-long bid to join the European Union will be back on the agenda as EU leaders meet at a summit later this month. They are also expected to focus on Ukrainian membership as part of an eastward drive.10/12/202305:03 -
Turkey's embattled civil society fears worst as foreign funding dries up
Civil society groups in Turkey say their future hangs in the balance as more and more international donors pull out or cut back their support. Overseas funding is drying up as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan steps up his crackdown against critical voices.02/12/202305:57 -
Iran leader to visit Turkey as rapprochement continues over Gaza war
The Iranian president's visit to Turkey this week comes amid deeply strained bilateral tensions as a result of regional rivalries. However, Israel's assault on Gaza stands to alleviate those problems as Tehran and Ankara find common ground in condemning Israel, with Turkey also seeking to position itself as a mediator in the conflict.27/11/202304:52
International report
RFI goes behind-the-scenes of one of the week's major stories.