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Lucullus knew the war with Pontus would grind on as long as Mithridates lived, and he demanded Tigranes hand over his fugitive father-in-law. Thus, while Lucullus marched to war at the head of five legions and various auxiliary units (some 30,000 soldiers and 1,600 horse), scarcely half his force was reliable, and Mithridates' army outnumbered the Romans upward of 4-to-1. Before he could take on Mithridates' larger army, Lucullus had to whip his legionaries into shape after their years of dull occupation duty. Regardless of exact numbers, however, Mithridates doubtless fielded a far larger army than the forces Lucullus was able to muster. [Extracted from the article]

Turkey has suspended its obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, joining other NATO allies who have done the same after Russia's withdrawal from the agreement. This move aligns Turkey with the US, UK, and Germany, who suspended the treaty in response to Russia's withdrawal. The decision also indicates improving ties between Turkey and the US ahead of a planned meeting between President Erdogan and President Biden. However, there are still divisions between the two countries, including Turkey's purchase of Russian missile defense systems and the US support for a Syrian-Kurdish force that Turkey considers a terrorist organization. [Extracted from the article]

Iran is wary of Israel's links to Azerbaijan, which is a major exporter of oil to the Jewish state. (Bloomberg) -- Turkey plans to hold joint military exercises with Azerbaijan this week in a region bordering Iran after the government in Baku criticized Tehran for staging army drills near its border. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on the plans of the United States to use Turkey as a base of operations for an imminent invasion of Iraq. Hesitation of Turkey in allowing this; Concessions made by the U.S. in order to allow survey teams to commence work; Plans of the Turkish Parliament to consider U.S. troop deployments.

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army has united its forces to increase effectiveness of an estimated 60,000 fighters who until now had a loose coordination, state-run TRT television said on Friday. The move came as Turkey threatened an incursion into northeast Syria to take areas from American-backed Kurdish forces, who are regarded by Turkey as a threat to its territorial integrity. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey's Odd U.S.-Pastor Case Is Far From Over: Balance of Power UN chuckles | Trump's campaign-style speech at the UN yesterday reasserting his "America First" doctrine and touting his administration's achievements elicited an unusual response from the gathering of world leaders: laughter. Over in Liverpool, in the north of England, her political rival Jeremy Corbyn will close the Labour Party conference with a speech calling for curbs to capitalism and egging on an early election. [Extracted from the article]

Discusses a rift among North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members over protecting Turkey in the event of a United States-led war against Iraq. Ever since the Cold War ended, critics have demanded to know what the NATO is really for. At a summit in November, 2002, the "most successful alliance in history" anticipated a global role to help face threats from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction; the capabilities such a get-up-and-go outfit might need; and new recruits from eastern Europe as well as a partnership with Russia. Now NATO has stumbled badly, not over these fresh and difficult responsibilities, but over a core treaty commitment: to offer help to an ally, Turkey, that feels under threat. The row, at the start, was about when NATO should start organising defensive measures--sending Patriot air-defence missiles, AWACS surveillance aircraft and anti-chemical and biological protection units--to protect Turkey in the event of a war in Iraq. Planning had been held up for weeks as France, backed by Germany and Belgium, argued that this would lock NATO into a "logic of war". Then on February 12th, the three objectors turned down a compromise. When formal objections were raised, Turkey, which will be on the front line should hostilities break out, had little choice but to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, obliging all allies to consult if any one of them feels threatened. Germany, France and Belgium have all expressed solidarity with Turkey; they just refuse to do anything about it yet.

Reports the government of Turkey's second thoughts on aiding U.S. President George W. Bush in a war on Iraq. Effect Turkey's withdrawal will have on U.S. war strategy; Use of certain air bases in Turkey; Declaration from Turkey that it will only allow U.S. ground forces on its soil with a United Nations resolution authorizing war; Opinion that the U.S. will be able to bully its ally into agreeing.

Focuses on war preparations of the United States at Incirlik air base in Turkey. Preparations of businesses and the Red Cross for an imminent attack on Iraq; Strategic importance of Incirlik; Use of Incirlik as a base of operations for air missions over Iraq by U.S. and British pilots.

Reports on the decision of the Turkish Defense Industry Executive Committee to push through with its defense procurement program. Military equipment considered for procurement; Selection of Alenia Aeronautica ATR 72 for the MELTEM-3 program; Decision to launch proposals for the acquisition of the Heavy transport aircraft, C-17.

Reports on the announcement of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan regarding the cancellation of three important defense procurement programs. Amount involve in the program; Reasons that prompted Erdogan to cancel the program; Award presented to BAE Systems PLC for the provision of self-protection systems for the Turkish Air Force.