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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New: A Tale of Two Nations

Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New: A Tale of Two Nations
By Benny Avni / December 31 2013 7:30 AM
Turkey
In 2014, expect two countries to head in different directions: Mexico up – and Turkey down. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Out with the old, in with the new. In 2014, Iran -- and the related cruel war in Syria -- will dominate Middle East headlines; tensions between China and Japan will top that region on America’s list of national security concerns; and the splintering of al Qaeda will force Washington to further rethink the war on terror.

More:Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New: A Tale of Two Nations

Passenger beating sparks demo in Istanbul metro | GlobalPost

Passenger beating sparks demo in Istanbul metro

Around 1,000 protesters flooded an Istanbul metro station on Tuesday after a young homeless man was reportedly beaten by a security guard when he tried to board without paying.

More:Passenger beating sparks demo in Istanbul metro | GlobalPost

Turkey city breaks: Istanbul is endlessly intriguing | Mail Online

Go cold Turkey: A winter's visit to Istanbul, the intriguing, iconic city on two continents

By Ian Birrell

As arrived at our flat in the heart of Istanbul, big fat flakes of snow fell around us.

The medieval landmark of the Galata Tower looked magical, looming through swirling white clouds. An elderly man dragged a wooden cart up the steep street. He shouted for customers seeking a slug of salep, the sweet Turkish drink originally made from ground orchid roots.

More:Turkey city breaks: Istanbul is endlessly intriguing | Mail Online

Federation of Kurdish Parliamentarians established in Turkey - FOCUS Information Agency

Federation of Kurdish Parliamentarians established in Turkey
31 December 2013 | 16:23 | FOCUS News Agency
Home / Southeast Europe and Balkans
Ankara. A new political formation has been established in Turkey called Federation of Turkish Parliamentarians which will unite several Kurdish MPs involved in political activities in the four countries parts of which geographically belong to the Kurdistan region – Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria as well as in European countries, Milliyet reported.

More:Federation of Kurdish Parliamentarians established in Turkey - FOCUS Information Agency

Game show vanishes amid scandal - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Game show vanishes amid scandal

31 December 2013
A popular game show that was punished for its subtle support of last summer's anti-government protests appears once again to have become the victim of Turkish media censorship as prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government scrambles to contain a corruption scandal.

More:Game show vanishes amid scandal - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Turkey markets rebound as cabinet meets amid crisis | GlobalPost

Turkey markets rebound as cabinet meets amid crisis

Turkey's battered financial markets bounced back on Monday as the cabinet met for the first time since a major reshuffle by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, battling a damaging political crisis over a high-profile graft probe.

More:Turkey markets rebound as cabinet meets amid crisis | GlobalPost

Turkish Minister: We Are Fending Off A 'Mini Coup' - Business Insider


Turkish Minister: We Are Fending Off A 'Mini Coup'
Reuters
DAREN BUTLER, Reuters
Dec. 31, 2013, 8:43 AM 605

REUTERS/Osman Orsal

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's government said on Tuesday it was fending off a "mini coup attempt" by elements in the police and judiciary who served the interests of foreign and domestic forces bent on humbling the country.

More:Turkish Minister: We Are Fending Off A 'Mini Coup' - Business Insider

Financial mayhem approaching Istanbul - Amotz Asa-El's View from Jerusalem - MarketWatch

Financial mayhem approaching Istanbul
Opinion: Turkey’s unfolding political drama will result in flight of hot money

JERUSALEM (MarketWatch) — It was a good ride.

For 11 years — an eon in Turkish politics — Prime Minister Recep Erdogan personified a brave new era of political stability, economic vigor, and religious restoration, all of which had been rare since modern Turkey’s establishment on the Ottoman Empire’s ruins.

More:Financial mayhem approaching Istanbul - Amotz Asa-El's View from Jerusalem - MarketWatch

Turkey's trade deficit narrows in November - MarketWatch

Turkey's trade deficit narrows in November

By Yeliz Candemir

ISTANBUL--Turkey's trade deficit narrowed slightly in November from the corresponding month a year earlier, as exports rose faster than imports, official figures showed Tuesday.

More:Turkey's trade deficit narrows in November - MarketWatch

Another MP quits over Turkey graft scandal | Oman Observer

Another MP quits over Turkey graft scandal
Tuesday 31st, December 2013 / 21:42 Written by Oman Observer
in International

ANKARA — Another lawmaker from Turkey’s ruling party resigned yesterday over a high-level corruption scandal, further shaking Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s grip on power.

More:Another MP quits over Turkey graft scandal | Oman Observer

Turkish opposition urges PM to allow son to give testimony in Prosecutor’s Office - FOCUS Information Agency

Turkish opposition urges PM to allow son to give testimony in Prosecutor’s Office
31 December 2013 | 14:58 | FOCUS News Agency

Ankara. Deputy Chairperson of the oppositional Republican People's Party Muharrem Ince urged PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to allow his son Bilal Erdogan to give testimony in the Prosecutor’s Office, NTV informed.

More:Turkish opposition urges PM to allow son to give testimony in Prosecutor’s Office - FOCUS Information Agency

Monday, December 30, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Rejects Calls For Resignation | Wyoming Public Media

Turkish Prime Minister Rejects Calls For Resignation

A corruption scandal has forced Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reshuffle his cabinet, but he is rejecting calls for his resignation.

More:Turkish Prime Minister Rejects Calls For Resignation | Wyoming Public Media

Five Reasons Tayyip Erdoğan May Not Survive Turkey's Corruption Scandal

Five Reasons Erdogan May Not Survive Turkey’s Corruption Scandal
Public anger is spreading

Turkey’s political earthquake began with a police raid on Dec. 17, and the aftershocks show no signs of letting up.

The country’s widespread corruption scandal has snared dozens of high-level citizens, including three government ministers’ sons, prominent businessmen, the head of a state bank and other national officials. Among the allegations police are investigating: bribery, gold smuggling to Iran and money laundering.

More:Five Reasons Tayyip Erdoğan May Not Survive Turkey's Corruption Scandal

Erdogan’s miserable year - DAWN.COM

Erdogan’s miserable year
Irfan Husain
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Published 2013-12-30 07:10:21

A year in politics can be a lifetime. At the start of 2013, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish Prime Minister who has led his Justice and Development (AK) Party to three electoral victories, was arguably the most powerful politician in Turkey since Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the father of the modern Turkish nation.

More:Erdogan’s miserable year - DAWN.COM

Report: Erdogan Supporters Shout 'Are You Jewish' While Attacking Istanbul Woman | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Report: Erdogan Supporters Shout ‘Are You Jewish’ While Attacking Istanbul Woman
December 30, 2013 6:29 pm 7 comments

Supporters of Turkey’s Islamist Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, shouted “are you Jewish” as they attacked a woman late last week as she was walking in the streets of Istanbul, Turkey’s center-left Cumhuriyet daily reported on Monday.

More:Report: Erdogan Supporters Shout 'Are You Jewish' While Attacking Istanbul Woman | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Istanbul residents recall former neighbor Angelo Roncalli, future saint. Published in the 12/30/2013 edition of The Pilot

Istanbul residents recall former neighbor Angelo Roncalli, future saint
By James Martone

Posted: 12/30/2013
ISTANBUL (CNS) -- A large, beige-colored building sits on a corner of a semi-quiet street in Istanbul's Sisli district.

The stone structure once housed Archbishop Angelo Roncalli, who lived in Istanbul from 1935 to 1944 as the Vatican's apostolic delegate to Turkey and Greece.

More:Istanbul residents recall former neighbor Angelo Roncalli, future saint. Published in the 12/30/2013 edition of The Pilot

Turkey: sea-turtle killed with stone tied to its fin - Environment - ANSAMed.it

Turkey: sea-turtle killed with stone tied to its fin
The caretta caretta found dead on Mediterranean coast

30 December, 19:37

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 30 - A caretta caretta sea-turtle has been found dead on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with a paving stone tied to its fin that caused the animal drown, as Dogan News Agency reports.

More:Turkey: sea-turtle killed with stone tied to its fin - Environment - ANSAMed.it

Istanbul Ranks Among the Top 10 Most Searched Destinations 2013

Istanbul Ranks Among the Top 10 Most Searched Destinations Worldwide in 2013
Published on Dec 30, 2013 by Cristina Drafta

Istanbul is the only European destination in the Eastern part of the continent to rank among the top 10 most searched worldwide, according to recent search trends released by Bing. London is still the most searched European destination, holding on to its #1 spot for the second year in a row.

More:Argophilia Travel News Istanbul Ranks Among the Top 10 Most Searched Destinations 2013

Ruling party calls on Fethullah Gulen to return to Turkey - Trend.Az

Ruling party calls on Fethullah Gulen to return to Turkey
inShare
Photo: Ruling party calls on Fethullah Gulen to return to Turkey / Politics
30 December 2013, 10:48 (GMT+04:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.30
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Deputy Chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey, Mehmet Ali Shahin has called on influential Muslim public figure Fethullah Gulen who currently resides in the United States, to return to the country, CNN Turk TV Channel reported on Dec.30.
Shahin went on to say that in order to clarify the events taking place in Turkey, namely corruption scandal, Gulen needs to return to the country.

More:Ruling party calls on Fethullah Gulen to return to Turkey - Trend.Az

Turkish cinema: The year of illusions and hope in theaters

Turkish cinema: The year of illusions and hope in theaters

EMRAH GÜLER
Last year in Turkish cinema made one thing very clear, box office success and awards don’t go hand in hand. A record 47 million tickets were sold

More:CINEMA-TV - Turkish cinema: The year of illusions and hope in theaters

Turkey Stocks are Biggest Loser as Erdogan Crisis Persists (3) - Businessweek

Turkey Stocks are Biggest Loser as Erdogan Crisis Persists (3)
By Ye Xie and Katia Porzecanski December 30, 2013

The mounting power struggle between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the judiciary is turning the country’s stock market into the world’s worst performer and driving the currency to unprecedented lows.

More:Turkey Stocks are Biggest Loser as Erdogan Crisis Persists (3) - Businessweek

Erdogan vows graft scandal in Turkey won’t topple him - The Washington Post

Erdogan vows graft scandal in Turkey won’t topple him

Murad Sezer/Reuters - Supporters of the Freedom and Solidarity Party shout slogans against Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at an anti-government protest in Istanbul.

By Seda Sezer and Dan Williams, Published: December 29

ISTANBUL — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Sunday that he would survive a corruption crisis surrounding his cabinet, saying those seeking his overthrow would fail just as mass anti-government protests did last summer.

More:Erdogan vows graft scandal in Turkey won’t topple him - The Washington Post

Tension between the EU and Turkey increased - FOCUS Information Agency

Tension between the EU and Turkey increased
30 December 2013 | 03:46 | FOCUS News Agency

Ankara. The newly appointed Turkish Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mevlut Cavusoglu criticised the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule and warned him to be more careful with his statements about Turkey, Monitor daily reports.

More:Tension between the EU and Turkey increased - FOCUS Information Agency

Q&A: political fallout in Turkey - FT.com

Q&A: political fallout in Turkey

By Daniel Dombey in Istanbul

Turkey’s prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing his biggest political crisis for years amid a corruption probe that has shaken his government.

More:Q&A: political fallout in Turkey - FT.com

Turkish FM calls on Gülen Movement for dialogue to find way out of political crisis

Turkish FM calls on Gülen Movement for dialogue to find way out of political crisis

ANKARA

Delivering constructive messages to move away from political crisis over the graft probe, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has invited the Fetullah Gülen movement to engage in “dialogue and a strategic look toward the horizon.”

More:POLITICS - Turkish FM calls on Gülen Movement for dialogue to find way out of political crisis

Barça wants all-female Turkish Airlines cabin crew

Barça wants all-female Turkish Airlines cabin crew

ISTANBUL

Catalan football giant Barcelona has requested all-female cabin crews during flights with official sponsor Turkish Airlines due to the extreme interest male attendants usually show in the players, Airporthaber has reported.

More:EUROPE - Barça wants all-female Turkish Airlines cabin crew

Istanbul mayor rejects fraud claims on two municipality tenders

Istanbul mayor rejects fraud claims on two municipality tenders

ISTANBUL

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş has rejected claims of fraud involving two separate tenders from the metropolitan municipality.

More:LOCAL - Istanbul mayor rejects fraud claims on two municipality tenders

Wiesenthal releases 'Top Ten 2013 anti-Semitic, anti-Israel slurs' list | JPost | Israel News

Wiesenthal releases 'Top Ten 2013 anti-Semitic, anti-Israel slurs' list
By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL, JERUSALEM POST CORRESPONDENT
12/30/2013 16:15

Iran and Turkey's leaders take top spots, American Jewish anti-Semites also make the list.

More:Wiesenthal releases 'Top Ten 2013 anti-Semitic, anti-Israel slurs' list | JPost | Israel News

Turkey Lira Gains With Stocks as Investors See Tension Easing - Businessweek

Turkey Lira Gains With Stocks as Investors See Tension Easing
By Taylan Bilgic December 30, 2013

The lira rose and Turkish stocks jumped the most in more than three months on bets tensions between the government and the judiciary are easing and as the central bank sold $600 million for lira.

More:Turkey Lira Gains With Stocks as Investors See Tension Easing - Businessweek

Why Turkey's Bribery Probe Stopped Short Of Erdogan's Son - All News Is Global

Why Turkey's Bribery Probe Stopped Short Of Erdogan's Son

The unfolding scandal of alleged bribery by people close to the ruling AKP party looked set to reach Bilal Erdogan, but the investigating magistrate was removed from the case.

More:Why Turkey's Bribery Probe Stopped Short Of Erdogan's Son - All News Is Global

Turkey on an upward trajectory | Financial Reporter

Turkey on an upward trajectory
Monday, December 30, 2013
Published by CLARE NESSLING
Clare Nessling Blog

France and Spain may dominate the headlines when it comes to overseas property investment, but the one to watch in 2014 may well be Turkey.

Often referred to as the ‘new Spain’, it boasts a healthy tourism industry, cheaper house prices and rising demand for rental properties, all of which have contributed to its popularity.

More:Turkey on an upward trajectory | Financial Reporter

Graft scandal exposes Turkish economic vulnerability | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT

Graft scandal exposes Turkish economic vulnerability
An over-reliance on now dwindling foreign cash inflows to plug a widening current account deficit has

Ankara, AP— For the last decade, an idea has prevailed that Turkey might provide a model for modernizing Muslim countries, combining Islam, democracy and market economics.

More:Graft scandal exposes Turkish economic vulnerability | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT

Turkey: woman detained for protesting Erdogan with shoebox - General news - ANSAMed.it

Turkey: woman detained for protesting Erdogan with shoebox

30 December, 13:03

(ANSAmed) – ANKARA, DECEMBER 30 - Turkish police detained a woman in the western province of Manisa yesterday after she protested against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with a shoebox, in a reference to money found in shoeboxes during a major corruption operation, as Cihan News Agency reported.

More:Turkey: woman detained for protesting Erdogan with shoebox - General news - ANSAMed.it

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Why Erdogan Will Survive The Corruption Scandal Rocking Turkey's Government | Business Insider

Why Erdogan Will Survive The Corruption Scandal Rocking Turkey's Government
Humeyra Pamuk, Orhan Coskun, Reuters Tomorrow at 12:21 AM 2

ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan still enjoys the fierce loyalty of pious voters and wealthy elites, which should be enough to keep him in power in the face of a corruption scandal that has rocked his government and reached his family.

More:Why Erdogan Will Survive The Corruption Scandal Rocking Turkey's Government | Business Insider

Turkey lashes out at EU 'interference' in corruption scandal - Telegraph

Turkey lashes out at EU 'interference' in corruption scandal
Recip Tayyep Erdogan's embattled government rejects EU criticism of its handling of investigation

Turkey’s government, engulfed by a corruption scandal, hit out at the European Union on Sunday for “interfering”, as the crisis widened the fault lines between the country and its neighbours and former allies.

More:Turkey lashes out at EU 'interference' in corruption scandal - Telegraph

Turkish society deeply polarized over corruption case

Turkish society deeply polarized over corruption case
Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:5AM
Verenia Keet, Press TV, Istanbul

The ongoing corruption probe engulfing the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey continues to unravel. The second round of arrests came on Friday when police detained prominent businessmen. They are charged with tender fraud, bribery and forging official documents.

At the time when supporters of Justice and Development Party were greeting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport on Friday night, police were firing teargas at anti-government protesters in Taksim Square. In the wake of the ongoing corruption probe that broke last week and the arrest of 24 people, Turkish society has become deeply polarized. The sons of two former ministers, who recently resigned along a third minister, were among the detainees.

More:PressTV - Turkish society deeply polarized over corruption case

Erdogan Says Corruption Allegations Undermine Turkey’s Economy - Businessweek

Erdogan Says Corruption Allegations Undermine Turkey’s Economy
By Selcan Hacaoglu and Benjamin Harvey December 29, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said graft allegations against government officials and businessmen are hurting the economy, escalating a counterattack on what he described as a “gang” within the state bureaucracy.

More:Erdogan Says Corruption Allegations Undermine Turkey’s Economy - Businessweek

Turkish Prime Minister rejects calls for resignation because he doesn't want to resign, simple / Scrape TV - The World on your side

TURKISH PRIME MINISTER REJECTS CALLS FOR RESIGNATION BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WANT TO RESIGN, SIMPLE
December 29 2013

Ankara, Turkey – It’s fair to say that the leadership of Turkey has not had the greatest of years. Earlier in it the country was racked with violent protests and riots, which was dealt with by violent means, something which likely helped to lose them their shot at hosting the Olympics.

More:Turkish Prime Minister rejects calls for resignation because he doesn't want to resign, simple / Scrape TV - The World on your side

Turkish corruption probe could pave way for retrial of military officers - The Globe and Mail

Turkish corruption probe could pave way for retrial of military officers

ANKARA, Turkey — The Associated Press

Published Sunday, Dec. 29 2013, 11:58 AM EST

Turkey could change laws to allow the re-trial of hundreds of military officers who were convicted of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, a senior party official was quoted as saying Sunday.

More:Turkish corruption probe could pave way for retrial of military officers - The Globe and Mail

‘How can a prime minister shield thieves?’ CHP leader asks

‘How can a prime minister shield thieves?’ CHP leader asks

ISTANBUL

Main opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has asked how a prime minister could defend “thieves,” vowing that his Republican People’s Party (CHP) would bring clean politics to Turkey.

More:POLITICS - ‘How can a prime minister shield thieves?’ CHP leader asks

Girlfriend will stay at man’s house despite having been thrown out, Turkish court rules

Girlfriend will stay at man’s house despite having been thrown out, Turkish court rules

ANKARA - Hürriyet

A family court in Ankara has ruled that a woman who moved to her boyfriend’s house two years ago and was subsequently thrown out onto the street by him should stay at the house while the man should stay away from her for six months.

More:LOCAL - Girlfriend will stay at man’s house despite having been thrown out, Turkish court rules

Erdogan defends record saying graft allegations hurt Turkey - Livemint

Erdogan defends record saying graft allegations hurt Turkey

Erdogan has lashed out at what he said was a campaign to destabilize Turkey in order to benefit financial speculators

More:Erdogan defends record saying graft allegations hurt Turkey - Livemint

Turkey's politicians, gold dealer and the pop star - Telegraph

Turkey's politicians, gold dealer and the pop star

Recip Tayyip Erdogan's formula for success has returned to haunt him as a corruption probe threatens to bring his empire down

More:Turkey's politicians, gold dealer and the pop star - Telegraph

The globalization of corruption

The globalization of corruption

The clash between the sons of light and the sons of darkness is not just a local matter. It is a globalization issue. There is no better proof of this than the coping mechanisms employed by both sides of the conflict, the government and its rivals, during the ongoing corruption scandal threatening to topple the regime in Ankara.

More:Israel Hayom | The globalization of corruption

Rubber bullets fly as Turkey faces meltdown | World | News | Daily Express

Rubber bullets fly as Turkey faces meltdown

PROTESTERS stormed the streets of Turkey’s biggest cities yesterday as a deepening corruption scandal threatened to bring down the government and sparked fears of a military coup.

More:Rubber bullets fly as Turkey faces meltdown | World | News | Daily Express

Turkey's Erdogan faces growing European criticism over corruption scandal | News | DW.DE | 28.12.2013

Turkey's Erdogan faces growing European criticism over corruption scandal

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing growing pressure over a corruption scandal surrounding his government. Several foreign politicians have expressed concerns about recent developments in the country.

More:Turkey's Erdogan faces growing European criticism over corruption scandal | News | DW.DE | 28.12.2013

Erdogan reaches for the cudgel | The Sunday Times

Erdogan reaches for the cudgel
A crackdown looms as Turkey’s leader tries to halt a corruption crisis now ensnaring his son
Gareth Jenkins, Istanbul Published: 29 December 2013

TURKISH protesters braving plastic bullets and water cannon in Istanbul have adopted a new refrain to signal their discontent with the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister: “Catch the thief!”

More:Erdogan reaches for the cudgel | The Sunday Times

In sign of wide rift, Turkish PM says Islamic cleric's followers infiltrated police, judiciary (12/28/13 6:04 pm)

In sign of wide rift, Turkish PM says Islamic cleric's followers infiltrated police, judiciary

By SUZAN FRASER Associated Press
December 28, 2013 - 6:04 pm EST

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's embattled prime minister on Saturday ratcheted up the rhetoric against a U.S.-based Muslim cleric seen as a threat to his government, for the first time directly suggesting followers have infiltrated the police and judiciary and are pushing a corruption probe against his allies.

More:In sign of wide rift, Turkish PM says Islamic cleric's followers infiltrated police, judiciary (12/28/13 6:04 pm)

Erdogan Defends Record Saying ‘Gang’ Within State Hurting Turkey - Businessweek

Erdogan Defends Record Saying ‘Gang’ Within State Hurting Turkey
By Selcan Hacaoglu and Onur Ant December 28, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended his government from allegations of corruption and said he would fight back against a “gang” within his own state bureaucracy.

More:Erdogan Defends Record Saying ‘Gang’ Within State Hurting Turkey - Businessweek

German minister urges Turkey to "clear up" corruption claims | EUROPE ONLINE

German minister urges Turkey to "clear up" corruption claims
28.12.2013
By our dpa-correspondent and Europe Online auf Facebook posten Auf Twitter posten
Berlin/Istanbul (dpa) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on Turkey to shed light on a corruption scandal that has been rocking the country, as international criticism of Ankara grows.

More:German minister urges Turkey to "clear up" corruption claims | EUROPE ONLINE

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Turkey: Rift with US-based cleric widens - The Washington Post

Turkey: Rift with US-based cleric widens

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s embattled prime minister on Saturday ratcheted up the rhetoric against a U.S.-based Muslim cleric seen as a threat to his government, for the first time directly suggesting followers have infiltrated the police and judiciary and are pushing a corruption probe against his allies.

More:Turkey: Rift with US-based cleric widens - The Washington Post

Magnitude-6 earthquake shakes Turkey's Mediterranean coast; no damage reported

Magnitude-6 earthquake shakes Turkey's Mediterranean coast; no damage reported
December 28, 2013 16:25 GMT

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- A magnitude-6 earthquake has struck in the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Turkish province of Antalya. No damage or casualties have been reported.

More:International News - LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV Cincinnati

Turkish court blocks Erdogan’s efforts to contain corruption scandal fallout - Livemint

Turkish court blocks Erdogan’s efforts to contain corruption scandal fallout

The graft crisis has triggered ministers’ resignations and then a reshuffle, as well as destabilization of Turkish economy

More:Turkish court blocks Erdogan’s efforts to contain corruption scandal fallout - Livemint

Turkey: new anti-government protests to challenge Erdogan | GlobalPost

Turkey: new anti-government protests to challenge Erdogan

Protesters calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan were due out in force again Friday as a mounting political crisis forced the Turkish lira down to record lows.

More:Turkey: new anti-government protests to challenge Erdogan | GlobalPost

Prime Minister's Grip on Turkey Is Tested - WSJ.com

Prime Minister's Grip on Turkey Is Tested
Corruption Probe, Approaching Election Expose Rifts in Erdogan's Fractious Coalition
By
Emre Peker
connect
Updated Dec. 27, 2013 7:16 p.m. ET

ISTANBUL—The broad coalition of former underdogs that swept Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to victory in three successive elections is cracking, threatening to undermine not only his party but also the economic progress built on a decade of political stability in Turkey.

More:Prime Minister's Grip on Turkey Is Tested - WSJ.com

KUNA : Corruption scandal threatens Erdogan''s political future - Politics - 28/12/2013

Corruption scandal threatens Erdogan''s political future
28/12/2013 | 09:54 AM |

By Taha Oudeh

ISTANBUL, Dec 28 (KUNA) -- Despite a major cabinet reshuffle recently conducted by Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan against backdrop of a major corruption scandal, the political crisis persists and is feared to turn into serious threat to his political future.

More:KUNA : Corruption scandal threatens Erdogan''s political future - Politics - 28/12/2013

Friday, December 27, 2013

In Turkey, What Do Kurds Really Want? | Vocativ

In Turkey, What Do Kurds Really Want?
After decades of fighting, Turkey's Kurds may be willing to give up their dreams of independence for the compromise of self-rule—for now

Over the past three decades, 40,000 people have died in the violent conflict between the Turkish government and Kurdistan’s Workers Party (PKK). But earlier this year, the peace process seemed to gain momentum, as the PKK announced a ceasefire, and the Turkish government said it was willing to negotiate with the banned group over the rights of the country’s roughly 15 million Kurds.

More:In Turkey, What Do Kurds Really Want? | Vocativ

Where will it kick off next? | Paul Mason

Where will it kick off next?
In the networked age, country-specific predictions of political unrest like poverty or inequality are pointless
Paul Mason

Friday 27 December 2013 14.31 EST

It was like a CD track skipping, or a video suddenly jerking to the next scene. I was filming on a barricade in Istanbul, carefully resetting my shot to be out of range of police firing CS gas canisters when one hit me in the forehead. The dent it made in my helmet now forms part of a cautionary PowerPoint presentation on journalists' safety training courses.

More:Where will it kick off next? | Paul Mason

Turkey military says will not get involved in political crisis - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkey military says will not get involved in political crisis

ANKARA: The Turkish military said on Friday it would not get involved in the political turmoil sparked by a high-level corruption probe targeting the very core of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.

More:Turkey military says will not get involved in political crisis - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkey's Erdoğan Will Probably Hang in There. The Economy May Not - Businessweek

Turkey's Erdoğan Will Probably Hang in There. The Economy May Not
By Carol Matlack December 27, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses members of his Justice and Development Party during a meeting in Ankara on Dec. 25

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may soon be forced to call early elections, as Turkey’s currency and stock market are tanking and foreign investors are unloading its sovereign debt in the wake of a widening corruption scandal.

More:Turkey's Erdoğan Will Probably Hang in There. The Economy May Not - Businessweek

Turkey PM Erdogan's party turn on him as corruption probe deepens - Telegraph

Turkey PM Erdogan's party turn on him as corruption probe deepens
More ministers resign as army says it will 'not be dragged into politics'

By Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent

10:37AM GMT 27 Dec 2013

The Turkish prime minister’s own ruling party began to turn on him on Friday as he tried to ward off a corruption investigation that threatens his political survival.

More:Turkey PM Erdogan's party turn on him as corruption probe deepens - Telegraph

Turkish Airlines employee stabbed in Libya - The Washington Post

Turkish Airlines employee stabbed in Libya

By Associated Press, Updated: Friday, December 27, 3:52 PM

TRIPOLI, Libya — A Libyan security official and the Turkish media say a Turk has been stabbed to death in the Turkish Airlines office in Tripoli.

The official said the victim of Friday’s attack was an employee killed in an argument over lost luggage.

More:Turkish Airlines employee stabbed in Libya - The Washington Post

Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ

Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet

By Ayla Albayrak

ISTANBUL–While Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s cabinet reshuffle this week was seen by many as an attempt to tighten his iron grip on the government with a hand-picked group of loyalists, the one face that drew most attention was that of the new interior minister, Efkan Ala.

More:Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ

Istanbul: the Middle East’s Unlikely Refuge for Exiled Media Moguls - David Lepeska - The Atlantic

Istanbul: the Middle East’s Unlikely Refuge for Exiled Media Moguls

Turkey, one of the most repressive countries in the world for journalists, is welcoming outcasts from Egypt and Syria.

More:Istanbul: the Middle East’s Unlikely Refuge for Exiled Media Moguls - David Lepeska - The Atlantic

Unrest in Turkey: On Istanbul streets, rage at the government | KXLH.com

Unrest in Turkey: On Istanbul streets, rage at the government

ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) -- Police in the Turkish city of Istanbul are dispersing crowds demonstrating against government corruption amid a growing political scandal in the nation.

Police fired plastic bullets with white powder that makes people cough and used water cannon to disperse small groups of demonstrators trying to reach the city's Taksim Square.

More:Unrest in Turkey: On Istanbul streets, rage at the government | KXLH.com

Guzeldere: 'Turkey has no independent judiciary' | World | DW.DE | 27.12.2013

Guzeldere: 'Turkey has no independent judiciary'

Turkey expert Ekrem Eddy Guzeldere discusses the forces that may be able to sway the Turkish judiciary as well as how the corruption scandal may influence the country's 2014 elections.

More:Guzeldere: 'Turkey has no independent judiciary' | World | DW.DE | 27.12.2013

Turkish corruption probe hurts foreign relations - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish corruption probe hurts foreign relations

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is faced with a crisis that could scuttle his political career at the very moment he felt himself to be politically invincible. He has been left now with little choice but to concentrate all of his energies on trying to bolster his government’s credibility at home at a time when critical local elections are around the corner. Diplomats in Ankara are also wondering how all this will affect Ankara’s foreign policy goals.

More:Turkish corruption probe hurts foreign relations - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey And Iran Accused Of Oil-For-Cash Sanctions Scheme - The Daily Beast

Turkey And Iran Accused Of Oil-For-Cash Sanctions Scheme
Jamie Dettmer
By Jamie Dettmer
December 28th 20135:45 am

An unfolding corruption scandal in Turkey has uncovered transactions that may have allowed Tehran to circumvent harsh U.S. and E.U. sanctions—a revelation that could destabilize Obama’s nuclear deal and threaten the government of Prime Minister Erdogan.

More:Turkey And Iran Accused Of Oil-For-Cash Sanctions Scheme - The Daily Beast

Turkish court blocks prime minister’s attempt to rein in police amid corruption probe - The Washington Post

Turkish court blocks prime minister’s attempt to rein in police amid corruption probe

By Orhan Coskun and Ece Toksabay, Updated: Friday, December 27, 6:56 PM

ANKARA, Turkey — A Turkish court on Friday blocked a government attempt to force police to disclose investigations to their superiors, setting back Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to contain the fallout from a high-level corruption scandal.

More:Turkish court blocks prime minister’s attempt to rein in police amid corruption probe - The Washington Post

Watershed moment arrives for AK party in Turkey | euronews, news +

Watershed moment arrives for AK party in Turkey

27/12 21:32 CET

For the outside world the recent events in Turkey are hard to understand, so euronews talked to Professor Talip Kucukcan from Marmara University. How does he interpret the crisis that has shaken the Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his government, and his ruling AK party?

The corruption scandal comes hard on the heels of a year which saw popular protests against the Erdogan style of leading, which after 10 years in power some say has become autocratic and repressive.

More:Watershed moment arrives for AK party in Turkey | euronews, news +

The Filth in Erdogan's Closet - NYTimes.com

The Filth in Erdogan's Closet
By ANDREW FINKEL
Published: December 27, 2013

ISTANBUL — A wave of early morning police raids in Turkey on Dec. 17 gave the world a sudden glimpse into the murky inner workings of the country’s ruling elite, pulling back the curtain on astonishing scenes of bribery and graft.

More:The Filth in Erdogan's Closet - NYTimes.com

Turkey's Corruption Scandal Exposes 'Gas-For-Gold' Scheme With Iran

Turkey's Corruption Scandal Exposes 'Gas-For-Gold' Scheme With Iran
By David Kashi
on December 27 2013 12:16 PM

Turkey has some major explaining to do in the wake of the recent corruption scandal that exposed the country's continued financial and energy ties with Iran. The arrests last week of the head of a Turkish state-owned bank and a well-known Iranian gold trader for money laundering and gold smuggling raise questions about U.S.-Turkish relations going forward.

More:Turkey's Corruption Scandal Exposes 'Gas-For-Gold' Scheme With Iran

Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ

Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet

By Ayla Albayrak

ISTANBUL–While Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s cabinet reshuffle this week was seen by many as an attempt to tighten his iron grip on the government with a hand-picked group of loyalists, the one face that drew most attention was that of the new interior minister, Efkan Ala.

More:Turkey’s Newly Minted Interior Minister Stands Out in Cabinet - Emerging Europe Real Time - WSJ

EU Urges Turkey to Address Graft Probe in 'Impartial Manner' — Naharnet

EU Urges Turkey to Address Graft Probe in 'Impartial Manner"
by Naharnet Newsdesk 57 minutes ago

The European Union urged Turkey on Friday to address corruption allegations involving close government allies in a "transparent and impartial manner".

"I urge Turkey, as a candidate country committed to the political criteria of (EU) accession... to take all the necessary measures to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are addressed without discrimination or preference in a transparent and impartial manner," EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said in a statement.

More:EU Urges Turkey to Address Graft Probe in 'Impartial Manner' — Naharnet

Turkish former minister of culture quits ruling party - Trend.Az

Turkish former minister of culture quits ruling party
inShare

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.27

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

MP from the ruling party, former Minister of Culture Ertugrul Gunay has resigned, Turkish Milliyet newspaper reported on Dec.27.

It is expected that another two MPs from the ruling party - Erdal Kalkan from Izmir and Haluk Ozdalga from Ankara - will resign today, according to the newspaper.

More:Turkish former minister of culture quits ruling party - Trend.Az

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: court overturns move blocking probe | Business | FresnoBee.com

Turkey: court overturns move blocking probe

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish prime minister on Friday faced mounting accusations of trying to cover up a corruption scandal that has implicated his allies after a prosecutor said he was being prevented from expanding a corruption probe.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: court overturns move blocking probe | Business | FresnoBee.com

Turkish court delivers rebuff to embattled Erdogan | Reuters

Turkish court delivers rebuff to embattled Erdogan

By Orhan Coskun and Ece Toksabay

ANKARA/ISTANBUL Fri Dec 27, 2013 11:21am EST

(Reuters) - A Turkish court on Friday blocked a government attempt to force police to disclose investigations to their superiors, setting back Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's efforts to contain the fallout from a high-level corruption scandal.

More:Turkish court delivers rebuff to embattled Erdogan | Reuters

The Peninsula Qatar - Erdogan unlikely to quit

Erdogan unlikely to quit
December 27, 2013 - 8:13:06 am

Turkish President Abdullah Gul (centre) heading the National Security Council meeting with some of the new cabinet ministers and top generals in Ankara yesterday.

ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan replaced nearly half of his cabinet in a dramatic reshuffle late on Wednesday after a spreading graft scandal forced the resignation of three top ministers and threatened the premier’s own hold on power.

More:The Peninsula Qatar - Erdogan unlikely to quit

BBC News - Turkey's Erdogan and year of 'foreign plot'

Turkey's Erdogan and year of 'foreign plot'
James Reynolds By James Reynolds BBC News, Istanbul
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 10 Dec 13 Mr Erdogan faces local and presidential elections next year

"Since 2003, we've been trying to get Turkey into the top 10 countries in the world," declared Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 18 December.

More:BBC News - Turkey's Erdogan and year of 'foreign plot'

Turkish video art displayed at museum - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

Turkish video art displayed at museum
2013-12-27 14:08 Shanghai Daily Web Editor: Si Huan

As one of the big events of the "Turkish Cultural Year in China" in Shanghai, "A Selection from the Video Collection of the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art" is showcased at Minsheng Art Museum.

More:Turkish video art displayed at museum - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

Turkish government accused of cover-up in corruption probe - The Globe and Mail

Turkish government accused of cover-up in corruption probe

TIM ARANGO

ISTANBUL — The New York Times News Service

An Istanbul prosecutor who had been overseeing a sprawling corruption investigation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inner circle was removed from the case Thursday, in a new sign of a profound power struggle within Turkey’s judiciary and police forces.
More:Turkish government accused of cover-up in corruption probe - The Globe and Mail

Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe | GlobalPost

Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe

The son of Turkey's prime minister will likely be the next target of a widening graft probe that led to a major cabinet reshuffle after three ministers resigned, Turkish media said Thursday.

More:Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe | GlobalPost

Erdogan struggles to contain corruption probe | The Times of Israel

Erdogan struggles to contain corruption probe

Quickly moving scandal has claimed three ministers, one of whom has implicated Turkish PM

More:Erdogan struggles to contain corruption probe | The Times of Israel

Turkey's Erdogan says attempts to link him to corruption scandal will fail - 12/26/2013 4:22:02 AM | Newser

Turkey's Erdogan says attempts to link him to corruption scandal will fail
Turkish PM says he is target of graft probe
Associated Press | Dec 26, 2013 4:22 AM CST in Politics

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish prime minister says he believes he is the ultimate target of a corruption and bribery probe of his allies that has shaken the government.

More:Turkey's Erdogan says attempts to link him to corruption scandal will fail - 12/26/2013 4:22:02 AM | Newser

El-Erian On Turkey's Political Crisis - Business Insider

EL-ERIAN: Does Turkey's Political Crisis Matter For Global Markets?
Mohamed El-Erian, Contributor Dec. 26, 2013, 7:11 PM 4,534 6

REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Slowly but surely, the political crisis in Turkey has made it to the front pages of newspapers around the world. Yet financial markets have limited the selloff just to Turkish assets, showing little concern about potential systemic influences.

More:El-Erian On Turkey's Political Crisis - Business Insider

Turkish lira hits new low after reshuffle | Business , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Turkish lira hits new low after reshuffle
December 27, 2013 12:43 AM
Reuters

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s lira fell to an all-time low against the dollar Thursday as a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan failed to calm investor nerves set on edge by a deepening corruption scandal.

More:Turkish lira hits new low after reshuffle | Business , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Struggling against the "Soldiers of Light"

Struggling against the "Soldiers of Light"

For a long while, the movement led by preacher Fethullah Gülen was aligned with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. But the old marriage of convenience has turned sour – with both sides stopping at nothing to cast the other in the bad light. By Michael Martens in Istanbul

More:Struggling against the "Soldiers of Light"

"Power Struggle Weakens Erdogan"

"Power Struggle Weakens Erdogan"
Supporters of the Gulen movement and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan are now at odds with each other. Turkey expert Günter Seufert explains what this power struggle means for Erdogan

Fethullah Gulen's Hizmet movement has been labelled an NGO, a political network, a religious community and an Islamic sect. How would you describe the movement founded by the Muslim cleric?

More:"Power Struggle Weakens Erdogan"

Turkish prosecutor decries his removal from corruption investigation - latimes.com

Turkish prosecutor decries his removal from corruption investigation

Muammar Akkas accuses the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan of obstructing justice in the graft probe.
More:Turkish prosecutor decries his removal from corruption investigation - latimes.com

Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation

One of Turkey’s largest-ever corruption investigations is underway. A public bank CEO, an Iranian businessman and the sons of the freshly resigned interior and economy ministers are among the 24 suspects arrested so far, pending trial. The Iranian businessman allegedly circumvented sanctions against Iran and sent millions of dollars to the country via Halkbank by bribing the CEO as well as the ministers through their sons. The alleged bribes the ministers received through their sons are said to amount to 133 million Turkish lira (about $64.5 million).

More:Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Thursday, December 26, 2013

‘Calling 1915 inhumane helps Turkey, Armenia’

‘Calling 1915 inhumane helps Turkey, Armenia’

Cansu Çamlıbel NİCE / Hürriyet
A key figure behind the reconciliation efforts between Turkey and Armenia says Foreign Minister Davutoğlu’s statement calling 1915 deportation of Armenians inhumane was very important

More:POLITICS - ‘Calling 1915 inhumane helps Turkey, Armenia’

MURAT YETKİN - A new corruption row before the first one is over

A new corruption row before the first one is over

A cabinet reshuffle of 10 ministers was already traumatic for the political timeline of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, but it seems it is not the end of problems started with the big corruption probe in which the names of four of his former ministers were involved.

More:MURAT YETKİN - A new corruption row before the first one is over

Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation

One of Turkey’s largest-ever corruption investigations is underway. A public bank CEO, an Iranian businessman and the sons of the freshly resigned interior and economy ministers are among the 24 suspects arrested so far, pending trial. The Iranian businessman allegedly circumvented sanctions against Iran and sent millions of dollars to the country via Halkbank by bribing the CEO as well as the ministers through their sons. The alleged bribes the ministers received through their sons are said to amount to 133 million Turkish lira (about $64.5 million).

More:Erdogan criticizes, undermines huge corruption investigation - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Foreigners Unload Turkey Bonds as Probe Tarnishes Erdogan Growth - Bloomberg

Foreigners Unload Turkey Bonds as Probe Tarnishes Erdogan Growth
By Selcuk Gokoluk and Ksenia Galouchko Dec 26, 2013 5:00 PM ET

Foreigners are dumping Turkish bonds at the fastest pace in two years, deepening a selloff that’s putting a blot on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s image as the architect of the country’s economic turnaround.

More:Foreigners Unload Turkey Bonds as Probe Tarnishes Erdogan Growth - Bloomberg

Turkish prime minister loses aura of invincibility - FT.com

Turkish prime minister loses aura of invincibility

By Andrew Finkel in Istanbul

Just two weeks ago – before the emergence of a bribery and corruption scandal that has rocked his government – Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared as he has for much of his last decade in power: invincible.

More:Turkish prime minister loses aura of invincibility - FT.com

Iran's Turkish Gold Rush

Iran's Turkish Gold Rush

At the center of Turkey's corruption scandal is a "gas for gold" scheme that the Obama administration dragged its feet on stopping.

More:Iran's Turkish Gold Rush

Turkey's Byzantine Scandal - WSJ.com

Turkey's Byzantine Scandal
Corruption charges threaten the country's Islamist leader.

Dec. 26, 2013 3:07 p.m. ET

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spent the past week blaming a burgeoning corruption scandal on foreign plotters. But Wednesday's trio of resignations from his cabinet, which were intended to insulate Turkey's Islamist Prime Minister, had the effect of bringing the scandal to his doorstep.

More:Review & Outlook: Turkey's Byzantine Scandal - WSJ.com

Turkey Graft Probe: Is This the Beginning of the End for Premier Erdogan? [BLOG]

Turkey Graft Probe: Is This the Beginning of the End for Premier Erdogan? [BLOG]

By Emanuela Pergolizzi | December 23, 2013 09:05 AM GMT

Since 17 December, a political tsunami has shattered Turkey's Pandora's box into pieces, with seemingly little or no chance of repair. The sons of three ministers, an Azeri businessman, the CEO of a national bank, a mayor and a prominent housing contractor are the main actors involved in Ankara's largest bribery investigation since the 1990s.

More:Turkey Graft Probe: Is This the Beginning of the End for Premier Erdogan? [BLOG]

Corruption Scandal Is Edging Near Turkish Premier - NYTimes.com

Corruption Scandal Is Edging Near Turkish Premier
Sedat Suna/European Pressphoto Agency

By TIM ARANGO
Published: December 25, 2013

ISTANBUL — A corruption investigation that has encircled the Turkish government moved an ominous step closer to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, as three top ministers whose sons have been implicated abruptly resigned — and one of them, on his way out the door, said Mr. Erdogan should step down as well.

More:Corruption Scandal Is Edging Near Turkish Premier - NYTimes.com

Turkey prosecutor says corruption probe blocked - Channel NewsAsia

Turkey prosecutor says corruption probe blocked

A graft probe that has shaken Turkey's government to its core and threatened Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule has been blocked, a prosecutor alleged Thursday.

More:Turkey prosecutor says corruption probe blocked - Channel NewsAsia

Development cooperation in 2013: A year in review - Development Buzz - by Rolf Rosenkranz

For the international development community, 2013 was a year to restructure, diversify funding streams, “go local.” Everyone seemed to pursue local solutions, strengthen country systems and improve governance.

There was promising news on a variety of global health indicators — on malaria-related deaths among children or the availability of antiretrovirals. But maternal health gains remain slow, polio is making a resurgence and the nexus of animal and human health remains underfunded, despite a few promising pilot projects.

The global response to climate change has been a mixed bag: A high-level panel appointed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recommended inclusive, sustainable development goals to succeed the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals, which expire in two years. The U.N. Environmental Program is consolidating power, but the outcome is uncertain. Climate negotiations fizzled.

The aid community is rushing to engage the private sector now — a trend that would have seemed unthinkable ten, perhaps even five years ago. The U.S. Agency for International Development — which survived bruising budget battles and a government shutdown largely unscathed — led the way, and Administrator Rajiv Shah is getting ready to enshrine the agency’s renewed spirit in a merged “institute” for science, technology and innovation.

Throughout the year, Devex has covered these developments and many others — from marbled board rooms to dusty African villages. We’ve reported from Tacloban, in the Philippine province of Leyte, where relief efforts continue after typhoon Haiyan. We chatted with movers and shakers at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York and the European Development Days in Brussels, where Devex served as the official media partner. We traveled to Panama City for the annual meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank, and convened our own first-ever Devex International Development Partnerships Forum & Career Fair in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Read more: Development cooperation in 2013: A year in review - Development Buzz | Devex

Opposition warns of 'deep state' in Turkish cabinet - The China Post

Opposition warns of 'deep state' in Turkish cabinet
By Dan Williams, Reuters
December 27, 2013, 12:09 am TWN

ISTANBUL -- Turkey's opposition accused scandal-hit Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday of trying to rule via a secretive “deep state,” after a cabinet reshuffle that would tighten controls on police already beleaguered by government-ordered purges.

More:Opposition warns of 'deep state' in Turkish cabinet - The China Post

US-Turkey Diplomatic Strains | Consortiumnews

US-Turkey Diplomatic Strains
December 25, 2013

Turkey’s moderate Islamist government has charted a foreign policy path that has both coincided with and diverged from the Obama administration’s strategies, especially on the Syrian conflict and the Egyptian military coup, as ex-CIA analyst Paul R. Pillar explains.

More:US-Turkey Diplomatic Strains | Consortiumnews

Turkish official says graft prosecutor removed for mishandling case - chicagotribune.com

Turkish official says graft prosecutor removed for mishandling case

Reuters

9:43 a.m. CST, December 26, 2013

ANKARA (Reuters) - A Turkish prosecutor who went public on Thursday with allegations of police obstruction in a high-level corruption case had himself mishandled the proceedings and was therefore removed, his superior said.

More:Turkish official says graft prosecutor removed for mishandling case - chicagotribune.com

Erdogan Taps Old Loyalists to Steel Cabinet Against Probe - Businessweek

Erdogan Taps Old Loyalists to Steel Cabinet Against Probe
By Selcan Hacaoglu, Onur Ant and Ali Berat Meric December 26, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan tapped loyalists to rebuild his cabinet and fight a deepening corruption scandal that claimed its first victims from his inner circle and sent markets plunging.

More:Erdogan Taps Old Loyalists to Steel Cabinet Against Probe - Businessweek

Turkey rocked by corruption scandal | Europe | DW.DE | 26.12.2013

Turkey rocked by corruption scandal

Turkey's government is in crisis: Within a few hours, three ministers resigned over a corruption scandal. Prime Minister Erdogan claims his government is victim of a plot.

More:Turkey rocked by corruption scandal | Europe | DW.DE | 26.12.2013

Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe

ANKARA: The son of Turkey’s prime minister will likely be the next target of a widening graft probe that led to a major cabinet reshuffle after three ministers resigned, Turkish media said Thursday.

More:Turkish PM's son next target of graft probe - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkey's Erdogan Threatened by Corruption Scandal | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Turkey’s Erdogan Threatened by Corruption Scandal
December 26, 2013 12:27 pm 0 comments

JNS.org – Turkey’s Islamist Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing an increasing pressure on his rule amid a corruption scandal that has already forced three of his top ministers to resign. The corruption probe, revealed by prosecutors on Dec. 17, targeted the resigned minister’s sons with allegations that they received bribes for constructions

More:Turkey's Erdogan Threatened by Corruption Scandal | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Turks dissatisfied with government reshuffle - Solar News

Turks dissatisfied with government reshuffle

Istanbul, Turkey (Reuters) - Turks on the streets of Istanbul on Thursday morning (December 26) were left dissatisfied with a government reshuffle that saw ten new ministers announced late on Wednesday (December 25).

More:Turks dissatisfied with government reshuffle - Solar News

Erdogan Resignation Call Chokes Lira Prop-Up Plan: Turkey Credit - Bloomberg

Erdogan Resignation Call Chokes Lira Prop-Up Plan: Turkey Credit
By Taylan Bilgic Dec 26, 2013 5:00 AM ET

Photographer: Michele Tantussi/Bloomberg

Turkish central bank Governor Erdem Basci’s attempt to buy himself time to boost the lira amid a corruption probe took a beating after a third minister resigned and urged Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to do the same.

More:Erdogan Resignation Call Chokes Lira Prop-Up Plan: Turkey Credit - Bloomberg

Hit by scandal and resignations, Turkish Prime Minister names new ministers | NDTV.com

Hit by scandal and resignations, Turkish Prime Minister names new ministers

World | Reuters | Updated: December 26, 2013 06:42 IST

Hit by scandal and resignations, Turkish Prime Minister names new ministers

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday.
Ankara/Istanbul: Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday after three members quit over a corruption scandal that has posed an unprecedented challenge to his 11-year rule.

More:Hit by scandal and resignations, Turkish Prime Minister names new ministers | NDTV.com

Anti-corruption demonstration turns violent in Istanbul | Watch the video - Yahoo News

Anti-corruption demonstration turns violent in Istanbul
11 hrs ago 0:55 Reuters Videos

An anti-corruption demonstration in Istanbul turns violent with riot police using smoke grenades and water cannon to disperse bottle hurling protesters. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

More:Anti-corruption demonstration turns violent in Istanbul | Watch the video - Yahoo News

Turkey: Thousands Urge PM’s Resignation As Graft Scandal Shakes Government Eurasia Review

Turkey: Thousands Urge PM’s Resignation As Graft Scandal Shakes Government

December 26, 2013

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Turkey demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid a widening corruption scandal rattling his government. There are reports of tear gas and clashes with police in Istanbul.

More:Turkey: Thousands Urge PM’s Resignation As Graft Scandal Shakes Government Eurasia Review

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Turkey´s ruling party shaken but to stay in power until elections: analysts CCTV News - CNTV English

Turkey's ruling party shaken but to stay in power until elections: analysts

12-25-2013 19:32 BJT

ANKARA, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), shaken by a corruption probe into a network involving senior officials, is expected to pull through the crisis and stay in power until the next local elections, analysts say.

More:Turkey´s ruling party shaken but to stay in power until elections: analysts CCTV News - CNTV English

Veteran singer Adnan Şenses succumbs to cancer at age 78

Veteran singer Adnan Şenses succumbs to cancer at age 78

ISTANBUL

Veteran singer Adnan Şenses passed away Dec. 25 at age 78, doctors at the Istanbul hospital where he was receiving treatment said.

More:MUSIC - Veteran singer Adnan Şenses succumbs to cancer at age 78

Turkey PM excludes EU minister under graft cloud from new cabinet | GlobalPost

Turkey PM excludes EU minister under graft cloud from new cabinet

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan removed EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis from his post in a major cabinet reshuffle late Wednesday as a huge anti-graft scandal ensnaring the premier's closest allies heated up.

More:Turkey PM excludes EU minister under graft cloud from new cabinet | GlobalPost

Ruffled Relations with Turkey | The National Interest Blog

Ruffled Relations with Turkey

Paul R. Pillar
|
December 24, 2013

The several reasons that Turkey has long been important for U.S. foreign policy, with a significant role in multiple issues, are still valid. It is one of the stronger states in its neighborhood, which is a tough neighborhood. It is a member of the North Atlantic alliance that sits astride the juncture of Europe and the Middle East—bordering, among others, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. It is the historical heir to an empire that once encompassed most of its surrounding region. It is a majority Muslim country, with what is usually described as a “mildly” Islamist government, that has been looked to as a worthy model of moderation and stability for nations to its south that have been beset with a shortage of both moderation and stability.

More:Ruffled Relations with Turkey | The National Interest Blog

Turkish markets hit after minister urges Erdogan to quit - chicagotribune.com

Turkish markets hit after minister urges Erdogan to quit

10:44 a.m. CST, December 25, 2013

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish financial markets slumped on Wednesday despite a promise from the central bank to support the lira, after one of three Turkish ministers resigning in a corruption scandal called for Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to follow suit.

More:Turkish markets hit after minister urges Erdogan to quit - chicagotribune.com

EU socialist group head suggests that Turkey ‘needs new prime minister’

EU socialist group head suggests that Turkey ‘needs new prime minister’

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

The head of the European Parliament’s Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Hannes Swoboda suggested that Turkey needs a new prime minister following the resignations of three Cabinet ministers Dec. 25.

More:EUROPE - EU socialist group head suggests that Turkey ‘needs new prime minister’

Wondering why there's Christmas in a Muslim country? It's just business, as usual | Public Radio International

Wondering why there's Christmas in a Muslim country? It's just business, as usual

PRI's The World
Reporter Dalia Mortada

December 25, 2013 · 12:15 PM EST

It’s that time of year again. The mall is festooned with lights, wreaths and ornaments. What looks like a giant evergreen tree towers over the atrium. In one store, there’s even Christmas music.

More:Wondering why there's Christmas in a Muslim country? It's just business, as usual | Public Radio International

Christmas nonfiction: 'Christmas in Turkey,' by Dena Minato

Christmas nonfiction: 'Christmas in Turkey,' by Dena Minato
Print Email
11 hours ago • By Dena Minato

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” – Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

More:Christmas nonfiction: 'Christmas in Turkey,' by Dena Minato

Turkey president seeks calm amid curbs on corruption cops

Turkey president seeks calm amid curbs on corruption cops
Source: Reuters - Tue, 24 Dec 2013 03:55 PM

By Orhan Coskun and Tulay Karadeniz

ANKARA, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Turkey's president pledged on Tuesday there would be no cover-up in a high-level corruption case, despite a government-ordered purge of police investigating it that drew protests at home and a caution from the European Union.

More:Turkey president seeks calm amid curbs on corruption cops

Santa Not Welcomed: Turkish Campaigns - Europe - News - OnIslam.net

Santa Not Welcomed: Turkish Campaigns

CAIRO – As the Christmas falls this year, Santa seemed less welcomed in Turkey after a youth group and an Istanbul neighborhood launched two separate campaigns against the famous Christmas figure.

More:Santa Not Welcomed: Turkish Campaigns - Europe - News - OnIslam.net

Ankara Prosecutors’ Office confirms ongoing probe against Turkish State Railways

Ankara Prosecutors’ Office confirms ongoing probe against Turkish State Railways

ISTANBUL

The Ankara Prosecutors’ Office today confirmed media reports that an investigation was ongoing on Turkish State Railways (TCDD) director Süleyman Karaman over corruption claims in the high-speed rail line tender.

More:LOCAL - Ankara Prosecutors’ Office confirms ongoing probe against Turkish State Railways

3 Turkish Cabinet ministers resign over probe | Boston Herald

3 Turkish Cabinet ministers resign over probe

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

ANKARA, Turkey — Three Cabinet ministers resigned in Turkey on Wednesday, days after their sons were taken into custody in a sweeping corruption and bribery scandal that has targeted Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's allies and rattled the government.

More:3 Turkish Cabinet ministers resign over probe | Boston Herald

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

A bizarre yet alarming lawsuit

A bizarre yet alarming lawsuit

ESRA E. KARAOSMANOĞLU BAYAR

Perhaps, Turkey is the only country in which you would see the famous French poet and writer Guillaume Apollinaire’s work of literature being put behind bars. The lawsuit started in 2009 and on Dec. 17, 2013, a verdict was pronounced by the 2nd Criminal Court of Istanbul.

More:CONTRIBUTOR - A bizarre yet alarming lawsuit

Erdogan's troubles grow

Erdogan's troubles grow

Istanbul is once again seeing street protests against the government, although the demonstrations have not yet been of the anger and scale that prompted tens of thousands to take to the streets over the proposed destruction of a park at the heart of the country’s commercial capital.

More:Saudi Gazette - Erdogan's troubles grow

US-Turkey crisis averted over corruption probe - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

US-Turkey crisis averted over corruption probe

The massive corruption probe that has left Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the most damaging crisis of his political career has started to spill over into Ankara’s relations with Washington. A crisis between the two countries has been averted for now, following intense diplomatic contacts, but Western diplomats have confirmed to Al-Monitor that patience with Erdogan is running thin on the American side, where officials are threatening dire consequences to relations should he continue in this vein.

More:US-Turkey crisis averted over corruption probe - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish markets firm after central bank vows to defend lira | Reuters

Turkish markets firm after central bank vows to defend lira

ISTANBUL Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:33pm IST

Dec 24 (Reuters) - Turkish markets were buoyed on Tuesday as the lira ended a week of losses after the central bank said it would continue to defend the currency through forex-selling auctions and the reserve option mechanism.

More:Turkish markets firm after central bank vows to defend lira | Reuters

Turkey graft scandal threatens AKP domination - DAWN.COM

Turkey graft scandal threatens AKP domination
Fulya Ozerkan

Published 2013-12-25 07:12:44

ANKARA: A high-profile graft scandal is hitting Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the biggest challenge yet to his 11 years in power and raises the stakes for elections set for next year.

More:Turkey graft scandal threatens AKP domination - DAWN.COM

Sculptor Kapoor brings new stone works to old Istanbul | Reuters


Sculptor Kapoor brings new stone works to old Istanbul

By Ayla Jean Yackley

ISTANBUL Tue Dec 24, 2013 9:15am EST

(Reuters) - For his first major show in Turkey, famed Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor brought huge works that have never before been exhibited to a gallery that ripped down walls to accommodate him.
More:Sculptor Kapoor brings new stone works to old Istanbul | Reuters

Turkey Increases Defense Spending in 2014 Budget | Defense News | defensenews.com


Turkey Increases Defense Spending in 2014 Budget
Dec. 24, 2013 - 10:56AM |
By BURAK EGE BEKDI

ANKARA — Turkey’s parliament has approved a 6.71 percent increase in the country’s defense budget, according to budget figures released after a debate.

More:Turkey Increases Defense Spending in 2014 Budget | Defense News | defensenews.com

Anti-Santa campaigns heat up in Turkey as Christmas arrives

Anti-Santa campaigns heat up in Turkey as Christmas arrives

ISTANBUL

A Muslim youth group and a neighborhood authority led two separate anti-Santa campaigns on the eve of Christmas in Turkey.

More:LOCAL - Anti-Santa campaigns heat up in Turkey as Christmas arrives

SEMİH İDİZ - Turkey will pay for Erdoğan’s ambitions

Turkey will pay for Erdoğan’s ambitions

Blinded with rage over the investigation that implicates key ministers in a massive corruption scandal, Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is on the warpath. Rather than act the way a normal politician in the West would in the face of such a scandal, he has remained true to his nature and is claiming that he is faced with a conspiracy by domestic and international forces.

More:SEMİH İDİZ - Turkey will pay for Erdoğan’s ambitions

Corruption case is not judicial but political, Turkish minister says

Corruption case is not judicial but political, Turkish minister says

ANKARA / ISTANBUL

The ongoing corruption probe is not judicial but political, Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Güler said today after attending a ceremony at Çanakaya Köşk in Ankara.

More:POLITICS - Corruption case is not judicial but political, Turkish minister says

Any corruption in Turkey will not be covered up: President Gul | Reuters

Any corruption in Turkey will not be covered up: President Gul

ANKARA Tue Dec 24, 2013 7:11am EST

Credit: Reuters/Andrew Burton/Pool

(Reuters) - Any corruption in Turkey will not be covered up and will be subject to independent court adjudication, President Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday in his first comments about a week-long graft scandal that has shaken the government.

More:Any corruption in Turkey will not be covered up: President Gul | Reuters

Finance: EBRD to give 50 mln euro loan to Turkey's Isbank - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Finance: EBRD to give 50 mln euro loan to Turkey's Isbank

24 December, 13:47

(ANSAmed) – ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 24 - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is continuing to support the efforts of Turkish businesses to become more energy efficient, through a new 50 million euros financing package to Turkey’s Isbank.

More:Finance: EBRD to give 50 mln euro loan to Turkey's Isbank - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Turkish Lira Gains Against the Dollar After Governor Comments - WSJ.com

Turkish Lira Gains Against the Dollar After Governor Comments

ISTANBUL--The Turkish lira gained against the dollar Tuesday after central bank Governor Erdem Basci pledged to support the currency with higher foreign currency sales.

"We will sell at least $450 million in daily forex auctions until the end of December," Mr. Basci told reporters at its annual monetary and exchange rate policy conference in Ankara. The national lender will sell a minimum of $3 billion by the end of this year, Mr. Basci said. The central bank plans to sell at least $100 million in daily foreign currency auctions in January, he said.

More:Turkish Lira Gains Against the Dollar After Governor Comments - WSJ.com

Europe holds a key to Turkey’s crisis

Europe holds a key to Turkey’s crisis

24 December 2013 | By Pierre Briançon

Prime Minister Erdogan has upped the conspiracy rhetoric to criticise a corruption probe engulfing government officials. Investors are edgy. The intra-government issues are domestic, but without a clear prospect of joining the EU, Turkey has less incentive to liberalise.

More(subscription rqd):Europe holds a key to Turkey’s crisis | Considered View | Breakingviews

APA - European Union warns Turkish government

European Union warns Turkish government

[ 24 December 2013 12:16 ]

Baku – APA. The European Union warned Mr Erdogan that he was in direct breach of EU rules safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, which is also a key condition for Turkey's EU membership bid, APA reports quoting The Telegraph.

More:APA - European Union warns Turkish government

Turkey’s Corruption Scandal Goes from Bad to Worse « Commentary Magazine

Turkey’s Corruption Scandal Goes from Bad to Worse
Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971 12.23.2013 - 7:00 AM

Sometimes, bad things happen to bad people. I wrote here last week regarding the political civil war in Turkey which has erupted between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and followers of Islamist leader Fethullah Gülen. Many trusted Turkish interlocutors have written to expand on the topic, which has manifested itself as a bribery scandal. Erdoğan, in true banana republic style, reacted initially by seeking to sack the police chiefs overseeing the investigation. His ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is now threatening to classify any information from the bribery scandal as a “state secret,” the publishing of which could be punishable as treason.

More:Turkey’s Corruption Scandal Goes from Bad to Worse « Commentary Magazine

Corruption scandal, police firings spark renewed unrest in Turkey - latimes.com

Corruption scandal, police firings spark renewed unrest in Turkey

By Carol J. Williams
December 23, 2013

A new wave of street protests has flared in Istanbul following the arrest on graft charges of two dozen banking figures with close ties to the Turkish government.

More:Corruption scandal, police firings spark renewed unrest in Turkey - latimes.com

Turkey’s business sector hit by scandal fallout - FT.com

Turkey’s business sector hit by scandal fallout

By Dan Dombey in Istanbul

A bank caught up in the widening corruption scandal in Turkey denied on Monday it had broken the law, as shares in companies linked to government opponents plummeted in a sign the political fallout was affecting the country’s divided business sector.

More:Turkey’s business sector hit by scandal fallout - FT.com

Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption - Telegraph

Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption

The European Union warns Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to cease interference in a high-level corruption probe

More:Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption - Telegraph

BBC News - Hard news for Turkey's journalists

Hard news for Turkey's journalists
By Selin Girit BBC Turkish

"The police were just behind us. The first tear gas they threw hit me. I clutched my head. Blood was pouring out."

Ahmet Sik is a widely respected, well-known investigative journalist in Turkey. He recalls the day he got injured while covering the protests in Istanbul's Gezi Park this summer. He is convinced that he was targeted by the police.

More:BBC News - Hard news for Turkey's journalists

Tim Cook to Reportedly Visit Turkey in February for Opening of Istanbul Apple Store - Mac Rumors

Tim Cook to Reportedly Visit Turkey in February for Opening of Istanbul Apple Store

Monday December 23, 2013 6:27 pm PST by Richard Padilla
Tim Cook will reportedly travel to Turkey next year for the opening of Apple's first store in the country on February 4, reports emlakkulisi.com [Google Translate]. The store is located in the city of Istanbul at the new multi-use Zorlu Center and has undergone construction over the past few years, and was reported to open in the beginning of 2014.

More:Tim Cook to Reportedly Visit Turkey in February for Opening of Istanbul Apple Store - Mac Rumors

Consul says he was ousted for criticizing Turkish government | Local News | The Seattle Times

Consul says he was ousted for criticizing Turkish government

The Turkish honorary consul general in Seattle has been removed by the Turkish government after he criticized it over the handling of protests in Istanbul.

More:Consul says he was ousted for criticizing Turkish government | Local News | The Seattle Times

Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant - Stabroek News - Georgetown, Guyana

Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant
December 23, 2013 · By Staff Writer

ANKARA, (Reuters) – Thousands took to the streets of Istanbul yesterday to protest against the government over a corruption scandal that has led to multiple arrests and exposed a rift between Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and an influential U.S.-based Muslim cleric.

More:Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant - Stabroek News - Georgetown, Guyana

Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption - Telegraph

Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption

The European Union warns Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to cease interference in a high-level corruption probe

More:Turkey's leader accused of jeopardising EU bid after meddling in corruption - Telegraph

Monday, December 23, 2013

Turkish Discovery on the ROTTERDAM, Part Four

Turkish Discovery on the ROTTERDAM, Part Four

Posted on Monday, December 23, 2013 by Martin Cox
by Kalle Id

MaritimeMatters’ Kalle Id reports from the fourth and final leg of a ten-day cruise Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline onboard Holland America Line’s 1997-built ROTTERDAM. This time we explore Alanya in Turkey and Limassol in Cyprus, before a return to Piraeus for the end of the cruise.

More:Turkish Discovery on the ROTTERDAM, Part Four | MaritimeMatters | Cruise ship news and ocean liner history

Turkish PM, cleric in war of words over graft scandal

Turkish PM, cleric in war of words over graft scandal
Monday, December 23, 2013 1:21 p.m. EST

By Ayla Jean Yackley and Seda Sezer

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A war of words escalated on Monday between Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and a cleric with powerful influence in the police and judiciary, worsening political turmoil unleashed by a corruption scandal.

Turkey has been increasingly polarized since the arrest on graft charges last week of the head of state-run lender Halkbank and the sons of two government ministers.

More:Turkish PM, cleric in war of words over graft scandal - News - 1450 WHTC Holland's Hometown Station

Turkish navy tugboat capsizes, 10 killed - chicagotribune.com

Turkish navy tugboat capsizes, 10 killed

Reuters

11:07 a.m. CST, December 23, 2013

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A Turkish navy tugboat capsized while docked for repairs at a shipyard on the Aegean coast on Monday, killing 10 people, the military said.

More:Turkish navy tugboat capsizes, 10 killed - chicagotribune.com

Turkey PM plans major reshuffle after bribery probe – reports | News | GMA News Online

Turkey PM plans major reshuffle after bribery probe – reports
December 23, 2013 10:40pm

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is planning a major cabinet reshuffle amid mounting tensions over an anti-graft probe that has touched the heart of the government, local media reported.

More:Turkey PM plans major reshuffle after bribery probe – reports | News | GMA News Online

Heavy fog shuts Turkey's Bosphorus Strait | Reuters

Heavy fog shuts Turkey's Bosphorus Strait

ISTANBUL Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:05am EST

Dec 23 (Reuters) - Turkish maritime officials shut Turkey's Bosphorus Strait on Monday after heavy fog reduced visibility in the narrow waterway, shipping agent GAC said.

More:Heavy fog shuts Turkey's Bosphorus Strait | Reuters

Economy: World Bank revises Turkey's growth to 4.3% - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Economy: World Bank revises Turkey's growth to 4.3%

23 December, 12:39

(ANSAmed) - ANKARA, DECEMBER 23 - The World Bank upwardly revised its forecast for Turkish economic growth this year to 4.3% from a previous 3.6%, but cut its outlook for 2014 to 3.5% from 4.5%, as daily Hurriyet reported. The country director for Turkey of the World Bank, Martin Raiser, and World Bank economist Cagdas Unal said in a news conference in Ankara that that inflation this year was seen at 7.5%, and revised the bank's forecast for 2014 to 6.2%, up from 5.2%.

More:Economy: World Bank revises Turkey's growth to 4.3% - Economy - ANSAMed.it

Erdogan Retaliation Seen Hurting Gulen Companies: Istanbul Mover - Bloomberg

Erdogan Retaliation Seen Hurting Gulen Companies: Istanbul Mover
By Benjamin Harvey Dec 23, 2013 11:26 AM ET

Companies close to Fethullah Gulen’s religious movement plunged in Istanbul on speculation that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is regaining the upper hand in a power struggle with the Islamic cleric.

More:Erdogan Retaliation Seen Hurting Gulen Companies: Istanbul Mover - Bloomberg

Turkish lira hovers near record low on graft probe

Turkish lira hovers near record low on graft probe
Source: Reuters - Mon, 23 Dec 2013 04:07 PM
Author: Reuters

ISTANBUL, Dec 23 (Reuters) - Turkey's lira hovered near a record low on Monday, hammered by domestic political tensions and the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to start trimming its monetary stimulus programme.
More:Turkish lira hovers near record low on graft probe

Erdogan Vows to Fight Groups Undermining Turkish Government (2) - Businessweek

Erdogan Vows to Fight Groups Undermining Turkish Government (2)
By Selcuk Gokoluk December 23, 2013
Protest Against Corruption

Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, embattled by a corruption probe that has rocked his government, vowed to purge his administration of groups he said are plotting against it.

More:Erdogan Vows to Fight Groups Undermining Turkish Government (2) - Businessweek

Turkish protesters hold banners with a slogan meaning “Istanbul is being robbed"

Turkish protesters hold banners with a slogan meaning “Istanbul is being robbed"

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Irish Times - 23.12.2013

Thousands took to the streets of Istanbul yesterday to protest against the government over a corruption scandal that has led to multiple arrests and exposed a rift between prime minister Tayyip Erdogan and an influential US-based Muslim cleric.Twenty-four people, including the sons of two ministers and the head of state-owned Halkbank, have been formally charged in connection with the corruption inquiry that Erdogan has called a “dirty operation” to undermine his rule.In response, Mr Erdogan has sacked or moved to different posts about 70 police officers, including the powerful head of Istanbul’s force, in a widening crackdown on the force that launched the investigation.Mr Erdogan drew thousands of cheering supporters when he toured the north of the country yesterday. But in Istanbul, anti-government demonstrators flooded into Kadikoy Square, where a protest against government urbanisation plans had been due to take place, before they were largely dispersed

More:Turkish protesters hold banners with a slogan meaning “Istanbul is being robbed"

Iranian gold stars in Turkish corruption scandal - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Iranian gold stars in Turkish corruption scandal

It is difficult to predict how the bribery/corruption investigation into several Turkish ministers will end. Although there are those who frame the event as a power struggle between the Fethullah Gulen movement and the government, conspiracy theories expand its dimensions to include the United States and Iran. With the detentions of Suleyman Aslan, CEO of Halkbank, and Riza Sarraf, an Iranian businessman who deals with gold and was originally named Reza Zarrab, the focus is now on the Iran-Halkbank-gold triangle.

More:Iranian gold stars in Turkish corruption scandal - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan goes on offense against corruption charges - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan goes on offense against corruption charges

Since a secret two-year graft probe hit the surface on Dec.17 — bringing into the spotlight allegations that three sons of cabinet members in a close-knit network abused their fathers’ power and received bribes, tearing apart the government’s self-declared presumption of innocence in the fight against corruption since it came to power over a decade ago — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been on the offensive attempting to paint the scandal as a foreign plot against his government.

More:Erdogan goes on offense against corruption charges - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Sunday, December 22, 2013

YUSUF KANLI - Transparent Turkey

Transparent Turkey

Unable to save the sons of the ministers and scores of associates sent behind bars by a prosecutor not yet taken under control the government and the police, judiciary and other state establishments under its full and unconditional control started implementing some proactive measures. Throughout the country policemen, including provincial chiefs and the department chiefs at Ankara headquarters, will all be investigated and all those considered “close” or “feeling sympathy” for anyone but the prime minister will be banished. To start with some few hundred of policemen, including Istanbul’s top cop, all senior police chief of Istanbul, İzmir and a dozen of department chiefs serving at Ankara police headquarters were removed to less important if not trivial duties. This operation of course will be continued to put an end to early morning ambushes at residences or offices of the sons of ministers or their partners.

More:YUSUF KANLI - Transparent Turkey

UPDATE 1-Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant: Thomson Reuters Business News - MSN Money

UPDATE 1-Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant

December 22, 2013 12:27 PM ET

By Ece Toksabay and Humeyra Pamuk

ANKARA, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Thousands took to the streets of Istanbul on Sunday to protest against the government over a corruption scandal that has led to multiple arrests and exposed a rift between Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and an influential U.S.-based Muslim cleric.

More:UPDATE 1-Thousands in anti-corruption protests; Erdogan defiant: Thomson Reuters Business News - MSN Money