The semantics of revanche

The "Astana Process," initiated in January 2017 by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to address the Syrian conflict, has held 21 summit meetings to date. The process, involving Turkey, Iran, and Russia, saw a significant change during its latest session held on November 11-12 in Astana, where representatives from the Damascus regime and the opposition were also invited. Ankara played a role in this unexpected move, as it has been attempting to normalize relations with the Damascus regime for nearly a year. Despite previous unsuccessful efforts, hopes have now turned to the "Astana Process."

As Donald Trump solidifies his comeback bid, having become only the second individual in U.S. history to mount a successful return after defeat, a notable shift ripples across Turkey’s political landscape.

In a dramatic political shift, Turkey has elevated the “Kurdish issue” to a top national priority, signaling renewed focus on unity and security amid escalating foreign pressures. Following Turkey’s recent pivot away from BRICS at a Shanghai summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his nationalist ally, Devlet Bahçeli, are calling for solidarity in the face of deepening regional tensions — with Bahçeli even inviting the imprisoned leader of a Kurdish militant group to address Parliament in an unexpected appeal for peace.

Israel’s strike on Iranian targets on October 26, described as a response to Iran's prior attack on October 1, has raised questions about the relationship between these two longstanding adversaries.