Oct 22, 2026, 03:00 AM UTC

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following a political transfer of executive authority in Istanbul's Üsküdar district to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Speaking at a public rally at Üsküdar Square, Özel addressed Erdoğan directly over the municipal council vote, asking: "Is this your democracy?" He argued that the vote disregarded the electorate's democratic choice, which had previously awarded the district to the Republican People's Party (CHP).

In a separate interview on Koza TV, Özel defended Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan, noting that routine dialogue between local executives and the Turkish presidency remains essential for effective governance.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

The United States has completed its military exit from Iraq, bringing an end to more than two decades of armed presence. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the departure as a "great day for America," confirming that the final troops have vacated their bases under an agreement established during the previous administration.

While military analysts observe that Iraq maintains greater political and operational stability than during the 2011 drawdown, concerns linger over potential power vacuums. Simultaneously, the Pentagon is evaluating its wider footprint in the Persian Gulf following repeated Iranian strikes against regional American infrastructure. Security experts warn that a reduced presence could allow Tehran to expand its local influence and facilitate a resurgence of militant factions across the region.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply diesel fuel to American and global markets, framing the arrangement as a necessary step to curb domestic energy costs ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Under terms announced by Trump, Moscow will initially deliver over 300,000 metric tons of diesel, with additional shipments planned subject to refinery capacity.

However, energy analysts maintain that the imported volumes are far too small to noticeably lower consumer prices at the pump. Observers also highlight that the deal marks a swift policy reversal following recent U.S. sanctions against buyers of Russian energy, warning that the move risks undermining international diplomatic strategy regarding the war in Ukraine.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, ERR, France24, Sweden Herald.

Uncertainty remains over Sweden's next government as vote counting continues following a tight parliamentary election. Projections currently give the left-leaning opposition a narrow 176 to 173 seat edge over the governing coalition, prompting the Social Democrats to demand Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson step down.

The right-wing Sweden Democrats experienced their first national parliamentary decline, falling to 17.5 percent from 20.5 percent in 2022 after losing support to the Moderates and younger demographics. SD official Tobias Andersson described the outcome as concerning. However, party leader Jimmie Åkesson rejected assertions of defeat, maintaining that "there is no obvious winner in this election" while reiterating demands for cabinet posts in any right-leaning government. Despite national losses, the party achieved a record 39 percent in Färgelanda following local municipal controversies.

Sources: Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, SVT, Sydsvenskan

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was hit by a second consecutive projectile strike, causing a terminal fire and keeping flight operations halted. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned airlines and passengers that Saudi airspace is a "theatre of operations," explicitly excepting only Mecca and Medina.

Casualty figures remain disputed. Local officials reported up to 13 fatalities and more than 300 injuries, while Saudi aviation authorities cited lower numbers. Separately, an attack on Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia reportedly left one person dead and eight injured, with the Saudi-backed coalition stating it intercepted four Houthi drones in the region.

US President Donald Trump called the strikes "not acceptable." In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi military positions across Yemen.

Sources: BBC News, France24, STV News, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.