The Monocle Daily Live from Paris: Why Turkey is breathing a sigh of relief over the tentative Israel-Iran ceasefire
Jun 25, 2025
Frances Collings, a Paris-based correspondent and former Istanbul correspondent for TRT World, shares insights on Turkey's relieved stance regarding the Israel-Iran ceasefire. She discusses Turkey's evolving diplomatic ties and its role as a mediator in complex geopolitics involving major powers like the U.S. and Russia. The conversation also touches on the implications of overtourism in quaint villages and highlights the impact of social media on travel expectations. With a sprinkle of Parisian charm, Collings blends light-hearted commentary with serious dialogue on international relations.
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Turkey's Mediator Role
- Turkey uses its geographic and political position to act as a mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts.
- Erdogan's complex relations with Iran and Israel make Turkey a unique but not fully trusted mediator.
Erdogan's Diplomatic Strategy
- Erdogan skillfully balances relations with Russia, NATO, Iran, and Israel for diplomatic advantage.
- He uses hosting talks in Turkey to boost national and personal international stature.
Flag Disputes in France
- Displaying flags on French municipal buildings is legally restricted to neutral symbols.
- Political flags like Israeli or Palestinian stir controversy due to their symbolic implications.