After the Turkish Super Cup in Riyadh is abandoned over a row about political slogans and images, confusion and double standards across the sport are brought clearly into focus.
A deal to enlarge the West's main defence pact and another to sell F-16s to Turkey are blocking each other. Meanwhile, Israel's war on Gaza further complicates diplomacy.
The leader of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus tells Al Majalla what is in the way of negotiations resuming over the island's future, blaming the "mindset" of Greek Cypriots and a lack of equality
Founded in secularism, this strong republic faces further change. Religious groups are rising, it has joined NATO but not the EU, and has yet to resolve the Kurdish question. This is its story so far.
Erdoğan must carefully weigh his supporters' deep emotions toward the Palestinian cause with the realpolitik benefits of improved relations with Israel.
As tensions boil over after a YPG-linked terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey ramps up attacks on the PKK. The US has stood by its YPG allies, coming close to direct confrontation with its NATO ally.
Increased cross-border operations have followed an attack claimed by the PKK in Ankara as frustration grows over the seeming unwillingness of allies to admit links and act accordingly
The world's inability to solve the island's complex problems means there are two names for its main metropolis. On the Turkish side, Lefkoşa blends heritage with modern development.
Disruption in the Hormuz can have major implications for global trade, but it also creates opportunities for smaller nations like Iran to become global political players
The Iraq war was viewed as disastrous in retrospect, while the Iran war was unpopular from the get-go. Al Majalla highlights the similarities and differences between the two.
Pipelines have a chequered history in the Middle East, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led US Tom Barrack to conclude that a new route through Syria could solve some problems.