EU Considers Turkey Ties Amidst Istanbul Mayor's Arrest; Houthis' Attacks Intensify Yemen Crisis

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has prompted scrutiny within the European Union regarding the ongoing rapprochement process with Turkey. An EU Commission spokesperson indicated that high-level talks aimed at enhancing cooperation with Turkey are now uncertain. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously described İmamoğlu's arrest as "very worrying," referencing decisions made at the EU leaders' summit on April 17-18, 2024, where discussions on economic, migration, and security matters with Turkey were planned. Meanwhile, the Houthis have intensified attacks, prompting Washington to reassess its stance towards the Yemeni group. The United States has condemned the Houthi militia for its continued strikes against Israel and attacks on American ships in the Red Sea. These actions followed the U.S.'s designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, a move that has been criticized for potentially worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Increased Houthi attacks have resulted in over 50 casualties in Yemen's Sa'dah province, including civilians and Houthi sources. The United Nations has identified Yemen as one of the most severely affected countries globally by humanitarian needs.