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Friday, July 31, 2015

These 5 Stats Explain Turkey’s War on ISIS—and the Kurds | TIME

World Turkey
These 5 Stats Explain Turkey’s War on ISIS—and the Kurds

Ian Bremmer @ianbremmer

On the heels of a major suicide bombing in the border town of Suruç a couple weeks ago, Turkey has officially joined the war against ISIS—though it’s not clear what it actually aims to achieve. Turkey and its leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan were riding high just a few years ago, with a strong economy and a growing international profile. Now the country’s economy is tumbling, and its politics are fragmenting. These 5 facts explain Turkey’s various motivations for going to war. Be warned—they’re complicated.

More:These 5 Stats Explain Turkey’s War on ISIS—and the Kurds | TIME

Turkey: HDP files legal complaints against president, PM Anadolu Agency

Turkey: HDP files legal complaints against president, PM

31 July 2015 18:51
Pro-Kurdish party says president and prime minister influenced judiciary with their remarks

More:Turkey: HDP files legal complaints against president, PM Anadolu Agency

Erdogan: Daesh actions bear no relation to Turkey Anadolu Agency


Erdogan: Daesh actions bear no relation to Turkey

31 July 2015 11:07 (Last updated 31 July 2015 18:09)
Turkish leader says Daesh is product of 'dirty war' in Syria

JAKARTA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Daesh’s actions bear no relation to Turkey's "religion, morality, conscience or culture".
More:Erdogan: Daesh actions bear no relation to Turkey Anadolu Agency

Turkey shifts from Europe to Asia

Turkey shifts from Europe to Asia
31 July 2015, 23:00 (GMT+05:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, July 31

By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:

Turkey no longer dreams today of joining the European Union, a dream that they cherished for many years.

The Turkish government in recent years has repeatedly stated that the EU carries out the policy of double standards against Ankara. These statements are becoming justified.

More:Turkey shifts from Europe to Asia

Turkey Goes to War | Foreign Policy

Turkey Goes to War

Ankara is organizing Syrian rebels for an assault on the Islamic State’s last stronghold along the Turkish border and could even use its warplanes to support their advance.

More:Turkey Goes to War | Foreign Policy

JOOST LAGENDIJK - Casualties of war

Casualties of war

We all know the famous phrase: "In war, truth is the first casualty." Since Turkey decided to open war on two fronts against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), we can find examples of that mechanism in the Turkish press every day. Turkish heroism is beautified, all state violence sanctified, acts of horror against the country magnified, and domestic and international criticism vilified or nullified.

More:JOOST LAGENDIJK - Casualties of war

The worst-case scenario for Erdoğan - MURAT YETKİN

The worst-case scenario for Erdoğan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan could not separate himself from domestic politics even during his China-Indonesia trip, rocking coalition talks between the delegations of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu’s Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) with his words.

More:The worst-case scenario for Erdoğan - MURAT YETKİN

Early poll prospects grow in Turkey | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Early poll prospects grow in Turkey

ANKARA: Turkey looks increasingly likely to face an early election as its airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and ISIS in Syria stir nationalist sentiment and coalition talks make little apparent progress.

More:Early poll prospects grow in Turkey | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Cyprus still divided, but maybe not for long | The London Free Press

Dyer: Cyprus still divided, but maybe not for long

By Gwynne Dyer, Special to Postmedia Network

Friday, July 31, 2015 5:31:36 EDT PM

It was not so much a straw in the wind as a cheese in the wind. It’s a chewy, salty cheese that is delicious grilled: halloumi, as they call it in the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus, or hellim, as it is known in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.

More:Cyprus still divided, but maybe not for long | The London Free Press

Turkey’s mega projects: Pipe dreams or game-changers? | Middle East Eye

Turkey’s mega projects: Pipe dreams or game-changers?
#Business

'What tourist is going to come if the threat of suicide bombings exists or if a place lacks proper water supply?'

More:Turkey’s mega projects: Pipe dreams or game-changers? | Middle East Eye

Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn

Turkey’s economy has entered a critical period. The prospect of snap elections remains alive despite six possible ways to form a coalition or minority government from the hung parliament the June 7 polls produced. The political impasse is already having a negative impact on economic indicators, atop the bruising effects of Russia’s economic crisis, civil strife in neighboring countries, the blockage of Turkey’s export routes to the Middle East and Africa, the prospect of the Fed hiking interest rates and the falling euro-dollar parity.

More:Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish media digs deeper into gold mogul corruption scandal - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkish media digs deeper into gold mogul corruption scandal

Al-Monitor readers may recall the June controversy in Turkey over a pro-government business lobby awarding a “top exporter” prize to Iranian-born Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab. Since then, opposition media outlets in Turkey have intensified their coverage of the allegations against Zarrab, a suspect in the infamous December 2013 corruption probe. The rumors about Zarrab could have serious repercussions for Turkey and Iran.

More:Turkish media digs deeper into gold mogul corruption scandal - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Migrants 'attacked' at sea between Greece and Turkey - Yahoo News

Migrants 'attacked' at sea between Greece and Turkey
AFP

Athens (AFP) - Migrants trying to sail from Turkey to Greece are increasingly reporting being attacked by gunmen trying to prevent them from reaching Europe, according to multiple sources.

More:Migrants 'attacked' at sea between Greece and Turkey - Yahoo News

Attacks see spike in Turkish military conscription Anadolu Agency

Attacks see spike in Turkish military conscription

31 July 2015 17:16 (Last updated 31 July 2015 17:17)
Turkish General Staff reports rise in rate of conscripts coming forward as armed forces take on Daesh, PKK

More:Attacks see spike in Turkish military conscription Anadolu Agency

Second passenger train attacked in eastern Turkey Anadolu Agency

Second passenger train attacked in eastern Turkey

31 July 2015 14:27 (Last updated 31 July 2015 14:28)
Driver slightly injured in second landmine blast in less than 24 hours

VAN, Turkey

A second passenger train was attacked in the early hours of Friday morning following a similar attack a day earlier, police said.

More:Second passenger train attacked in eastern Turkey Anadolu Agency

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: 5 killed in clashes between authorities and PKK | World | Columbus Ledger Enquirer

Turkey: 5 killed in clashes between authorities and PKK

By SUZAN FRASER

ANKARA, Turkey — Kurdish rebels raided a Turkish police station and fired on railway workers in two separate attacks that left five dead, officials said Friday, amid renewed conflict between the security forces and insurgents that has wrecked a fragile peace process.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: 5 killed in clashes between authorities and PKK | World | Columbus Ledger Enquirer

Tourists visiting Istanbul despite security warnings | Fulton News

Tourists visiting Istanbul despite security warnings

By Drew Parker on July 31, 2015No Comment

– As some countries urge their citizens to avoid public transport and crowds, thousands still flock to Turkey’s largest city

ISTANBUL – Despite some countries issuing warnings about security in Turkey’s largest city, Anadolu Agency has met just some of the thousands of tourists who are still arriving in Istanbul.

More:Tourists visiting Istanbul despite security warnings | Fulton News

Turkey's tourism revenue slips in second quarter | Fulton News

Turkey's tourism revenue slips in second quarter

By Tanisha Rowland on July 31, 2015No Comment

– Second quarter tourism revenue slipped to $7.7 billion, according to Turkish Statistical authority

ANKARA – Turkey’s revenue from tourism was at $7.7 billion in the second quarter of 2015, the Turkish Statistical Institute said in a report on its website on Friday.

More:Turkey's tourism revenue slips in second quarter | Fulton News

Erdogan: Europe responsible for refugees 'drowning in the sea' - Al Arabiya News

Erdogan: Europe responsible for refugees 'drowining in the sea'

By AFP, Jakarta
Friday, 31 July 2015

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Europe on Friday of not doing enough to help refugees fleeing conflict in Syria and Iraq, suggesting it was responsible for people "drowning in the sea".

More:Erdogan: Europe responsible for refugees 'drowning in the sea' - Al Arabiya News

Turkey: Kurdish rebels attack police station in the south; 2 policemen, 2 militants killed | Fox News

Turkey: Kurdish rebels attack police station in the south; 2 policemen, 2 militants killed
Published July 31, 2015Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkish officials say Kurdish rebels have attacked a police station in southern Turkey, killing two policemen amid renewed violence between the security forces and the Kurdish insurgents. Two rebels were also killed in a gunfight that ensued.

More:Turkey: Kurdish rebels attack police station in the south; 2 policemen, 2 militants killed | Fox News

Early election needed if coalition talks fail: Erdoğan - POLITICS

Early election needed if coalition talks fail: Erdoğan

Verda Özer - BEIJING

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has signaled the possibility of a snap election, noting that the country will need to go to the polls once more if ongoing coalition talks do not bear fruit.

More:Early election needed if coalition talks fail: Erdoğan - POLITICS

Turkey: Kurdish leader faces probe over deadly protests | Fulton News

Turkey: Kurdish leader faces probe over deadly protests

By David Fisher on July 30, 2015No Comment

– If a criminal case is brought against him, Demirtas may face up to 24 years in jail for inciting violence

ANKARA – Diyarbakir Chief Public Prosecutor has launched an investigation on the co-chairman of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) regarding the deadly October protests across Turkey.

More:Turkey: Kurdish leader faces probe over deadly protests | Fulton News

Turkey joining war against IS raises questions | The Kingston Whig-Standard

Turkey's joining of war against IS raises questions

By Gwynne Dyer, Special to Postmedia Network

Last Friday, Turkey joined the war against Islamic State (IS), the terrorist-run entity that now controls eastern Syria and western Iraq. After four years of leaving the border open for supplies to reach IS, the Turkish government sent planes to bomb three IS targets in Syria.

More:Turkey joining war against IS raises questions | The Kingston Whig-Standard

What Turkey Wants in Syria

What Turkey Wants in Syria

by Burak Bekdil
July 31, 2015 at 5:00 am

After several months of reluctant negotiations, Turkey has anxiously decided to join the allied battle against the radical Islamists who fight under the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (or Islamic State, ISIS, IS). Turkish jets bombed IS strongholds inside Syria, and police detained hundreds of IS supporters operating in Turkey, including two leaders. Moreover, Turkish ministers hastily signed a decree that would allow the U.S. military to use the critical Incirlik air base for strikes against IS targets. Incirlik, in southern Turkey near the Syrian border, is close to many IS strongholds and will cut response times for U.S. aircraft, increasing the efficiency of anti-militant operations.

More:What Turkey Wants in Syria

Turkey fighting on two fronts

Turkey fighting on two fronts

After a decade of relative calm, terror has returned to Turkey. The country has now decided to fight this terror on two flanks simultaneously. According to Rainer Hermann, this escalation could have been avoided

More:Turkey fighting on two fronts

Thursday, July 30, 2015

france 24 - Turkey prosecutors open probe into Kurdish leader - France 24

Turkey prosecutors open probe into Kurdish leader

Turkish prosecutors on Thursday opened a probe into the leader of Turkey's main Kurdish party over accusations that he “provoked and armed” protesters during demonstrations in the country’s southeast last year, local media reported.

More:france 24 - Turkey prosecutors open probe into Kurdish leader - France 24

Turkey's Dark Future | David L. Phillips

Turkey's Dark Future
Posted: 07/30/2015 4:09 pm EDT Updated: 07/30/2015 4:59 pm EDT

Storm clouds are gathering. Turkey has a dark future. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan bears responsibility. His policies have made Turkey less secure, stable, and solvent. Erdogan is digging a hole for Turkey. Instead of getting out of the ditch, he keeps digging, casting aspersions and blaming others for Turkey's problems.

More:Turkey's Dark Future | David L. Phillips

Erdogan’s dangerous gambit | The Economist

Erdogan’s dangerous gambit

By bombing the Kurds, as well as Islamic State, Turkey is adding to the chaos in the Middle East

More:Erdogan’s dangerous gambit | The Economist

Prolific Turkish screenwriter, winner of Guinness Record, still at work

Prolific Turkish screenwriter, winner of Guinness Record, still at work

It would not come as a shock if one of the world’s most prolific screenwriters was found to be working for Hollywood or India’s gargantuan ‘Bollywood’ film industry.

More:Prolific Turkish screenwriter, winner of Guinness Record, still at work

Erdogan taking Turkey to war to avenge Kurdish gains - opposition | Reuters - Firstpost

Erdogan taking Turkey to war to avenge Kurdish gains - opposition | Reuters
Jul 31, 2015 04:15 IST

ANKARA The leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition accused President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday of launching air strikes in Syria and Iraq to prevent Kurdish territorial and political gains, and of using the war against Islamic State as a cover.

More:Erdogan taking Turkey to war to avenge Kurdish gains - opposition | Reuters - Firstpost

Striking Pipeline, Kurdish Militants Deal Blow to Fellow Kurds | Foreign Policy

Striking Pipeline, Kurdish Militants Deal Blow to Fellow Kurds

The PKK’s attacks on energy infrastructure in Turkey aren’t just directed at their longtime enemy in Ankara — they're also aimed at Iraqi Kurds they see as sellouts.

More:Striking Pipeline, Kurdish Militants Deal Blow to Fellow Kurds | Foreign Policy

Awkward allies | The Economist

Awkward allies

Turkey may have joined the American-led coalition against Islamic State, but there are plenty of strings attached

More:Awkward allies | The Economist

Five dead in attacks as Turkey battles PKK | Arab News

Five dead in attacks as Turkey battles PKK

AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

Published — Friday 31 July 2015

ISTANBUL: Five people died Thursday in new attacks on the Turkish security forces blamed on Kurdish militants, as Ankara stepped up its controversial campaign against the separatist rebels.

More:Five dead in attacks as Turkey battles PKK | Arab News

Distribusion launches first GDS for intercity buses in Turkey

Distribusion launches first GDS for intercity buses in Turkey

Distribusion Technologies marks the launch of the first global distribution system (GDS) for intercity bus rides. The company successfully started in Germany and will now be available in Turkey. Distribusion aims to simplify the international sale of bus tickets, which will benefit bus operators and travel resellers alike.

More:Distribusion launches first GDS for intercity buses in Turkey

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Erdogan's Wars - Bloomberg View

Erdogan's Wars
Jul 29, 2015 12:01 AM EDT
By The Editors

Above all else, collective security requires solidarity. So NATO ambassadors were correct to keep the focus of Tuesday's extraordinary meeting about Turkey squarely on the need to fight terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations." It's doubtful, however, that prosecuting members of Turkey's parliament is what they had in mind.

More:Erdogan's Wars - Bloomberg View

Turkey and Syria: From Bluff to Buffer - Austin Bay - Page 1

Turkey and Syria: From Bluff to Buffer
Austin Bay | Jul 29, 2015

After suffering two recent attacks by terrorists based in Syria, Turkey has ordered its military forces to prepare to enter Syria en masse and establish a "buffer zone." Turkey, seeking NATO-wide diplomatic affirmation for this risk-ridden decision, then demanded a NATO Article 4 consultation.

More:Turkey and Syria: From Bluff to Buffer - Austin Bay - Page 1

Turkey into the Abyss | Frontpage Mag

Turkey into the Abyss
Turkey is at war with its own Kurds and ISIL.
July 29, 2015
Robert Ellis

The bomb attack on the Turkish border town of Suruc in southeastern Turkey, targeting a group of activists planning to help rebuild Kobane across the border in Syria, came at an opportune moment for Turkey’s interim AKP (Justice and Development Party) government.

More:Turkey into the Abyss | Frontpage Mag

Q&A: Turkey’s complex battle against Isis - FT.com

Q&A: Turkey’s complex battle against Isis

Daniel Dombey and Siona Jenkins in London and Erika Solomon in Istanbul

Turkey has joined the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or Isis, stepping up its involvement after the group last week carried out a suicide bombing near the Syrian border, killing 32 people and injuring many more.

More:Q&A: Turkey’s complex battle against Isis - FT.com

Turkey before the same nightmare after 20 years - MURAT YETKİN

Turkey before the same nightmare after 20 years

President Tayyip Erdoğan bombed Turkish politics as he departed for China on July 28 with his words about the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in the Turkish Parliament.

More:Turkey before the same nightmare after 20 years - MURAT YETKİN

Turkey's Erdoğan demands lifting of HDP deputies’ immunity - POLITICS

Turkey's Erdoğan demands lifting of HDP deputies’ immunity

ANKARA

Parliament must strip the immunity from prosecution of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmakers and make them “pay the price” for links to “terrorist groups,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said as the government increases its attacks on the Kurdish movement.

More:Turkey's Erdoğan demands lifting of HDP deputies’ immunity - POLITICS

Here's What's Behind Erdoğan's New Airstrikes -- And Why They Could Backfire | Graham E. Fuller

Here's What's Behind Erdoğan's New Airstrikes -- And Why They Could Backfire
Posted: 07/28/2015 7:24 pm EDT Updated: 4 hours ago

Turkish policies towards the Middle East have been in wild oscillation over the past many weeks, even months. Ankara has now finally and begrudgingly initiated military action against ISIS in cooperation with the U.S. But it has also initiated air attacks against its former Kurdish negotiating partners. Just what is going on? There may not be any coherent strategy, but the following seem to me to represent the key issues driving policy.

More:Here's What's Behind Erdoğan's New Airstrikes -- And Why They Could Backfire | Graham E. Fuller

Who will provide the muscle for a Syrian 'Islamic State-free zone'? - LA Times

Who will provide the muscle for a Syrian 'Islamic State-free zone'?

By Patrick J. McDonnell and Carol J. Williams contact the reporters

As the U.S. and Turkey begin clearing Islamic State fighters from Syria’s northwestern border, their ambitious mission raises a new set of troubling questions, chief among them: Who will provide the military muscle to oust the extremists and protect civilians sheltering in the new buffer zone?

More:Who will provide the muscle for a Syrian 'Islamic State-free zone'? - LA Times

Why is Turkey taking on Kurdish and Islamic State militants? | euronews, world news

Why is Turkey taking on Kurdish and Islamic State militants?

Produced by Beatriz Beiras

28/07 16:27 CET

It was an attack last week that seemingly triggered Turkey’s unprecedented double battle against Kurdish and Islamic State militants.

32 people were killed in a suicide bombing in the mainly Turkish Kurd town of Suruç, an attack Turkey deemed to be a threat to its very integrity.

More:Why is Turkey taking on Kurdish and Islamic State militants? | euronews, world news

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Will Turkey’s Arda Turan be a success at Barcelona? - Al Arabiya News

Will Turkey’s Arda Turan be a success at Barcelona?

By Graham Ruthven | Special to Al Arabiya News
Tuesday, 28 July 2015

It’s fair to say that Turkish Footballer Arda Turan had a vested interest in the outcome of Barcelona Football Club presidential election this summer. The Camp Nou club paid €34 million to sign the Turkish midfielder from Atletico Madrid, and yet in the event of a certain election outcome, Artan would have been sold straight back less than two weeks later.

More:Will Turkey’s Arda Turan be a success at Barcelona? - Al Arabiya News

Istanbul Issues Bomb Warning For Public Transportation After Suspected ISIS Bombing

Istanbul Issues Bomb Warning For Public Transportation After Suspected ISIS Bombing
By Eben Blake @ebenblake on July 28 2015 9:10 AM EDT

Istanbul police issued a bomb attack warning for crowded places Monday after the July 20 bombing in Suruç, in southeastern Turkey, that killed 32 people and left hundreds wounded. In an alert sent to all its units, the department warned of possible attacks on public transportation in the city after Turkey began bombing the Islamic State group and Kurdistan's Worker's Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and Syria.

More:Istanbul Issues Bomb Warning For Public Transportation After Suspected ISIS Bombing

Times Of Oman :: NATO supports Turkey in fight against militants in Syria, Iraq

NATO supports Turkey in fight against militants in Syria, Iraq
July 28, 2015 | 7:43 PM
by Agencies

Brussels/Istanbul: NATO gave Turkey its full political support in fighting militants in Syria and Iraq at an emergency meeting on Tuesday but several nations urged Ankara not to undermine the Kurdish peace process by using excessive military force.

More:Times Of Oman :: NATO supports Turkey in fight against militants in Syria, Iraq

Istanbul sweats in Turkish heatwave

Istanbul sweats in Turkish heatwave
By Enver Faruk GÜNEY -
Jul 28, 2015

Experts issue health warning as millions swelter in felt temperatures of 40C

ISTANBUL – Istanbul’s 14 million residents are sweltering in the hottest week of this summer, with felt temperatures hitting around 40C (104 Fahrenheit), according to meteorology officials.

More:Istanbul sweats in Turkish heatwave

Peace process with Kurdish militants impossible - Turkey's Erdogan | Reuters

Peace process with Kurdish militants impossible - Turkey's Erdogan
ANKARA | By Tulay Karadeniz

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday it was impossible to continue a peace process with Kurdish militants and urged parliament to strip politicians with links to them of immunity from prosecution.

More:Peace process with Kurdish militants impossible - Turkey's Erdogan | Reuters

A Witch Hunt For Kurdish Politicians Is Brewing In Turkey

A Witch Hunt For Kurdish Politicians Is Brewing In Turkey
Hostile rhetoric from President Erdogan suggests a clash is coming.
Headshot of Sophia Jones
Sophia Jones
Middle East Correspondent, The WorldPost

Posted: 07/28/2015

A witch hunt is brewing in Turkey, one that could result in the leading politicians within the country's pro-Kurdish party being sent to jail as terrorists.

“Executives of this party should pay,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a fiery press conference Tuesday, referring to the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). “The Turkish state has the power to make so-called politicians [and] so-called intellectuals pay for the blood of its martyrs.”

More:A Witch Hunt For Kurdish Politicians Is Brewing In Turkey

United Nations warns Turkey against calling buffer a 'safe zone' | Reuters

United Nations warns Turkey against calling buffer a 'safe zone'
UNITED NATIONS, July 28 | By Michelle Nichols

United Nations aid chief Stephen O'Brien warned Turkey on Tuesday against calling its planned buffer in northern Syria "a safe zone" unless there is a guarantee of protection for civilians who are likely to flood the area for help.

More:United Nations warns Turkey against calling buffer a 'safe zone' | Reuters

A Big Deal For Ankara | The Indian Express

A Big Deal For Ankara
Will Turkey-US cooperation against IS bring more stability to the region or less?

Written by Kemal Kirisci | Published:July 29, 2015 12:00 am

Turkey’s decision to cooperate with the US against the Islamic State (IS) has come as a surprise. The Turkish government’s position was that Bashar al-Assad and his regime were the primary threat and also the cause behind the IS’s rise in Syria. Efforts had to be focused on getting rid of Assad. This had led to considerable friction between the two Nato allies, especially over growing allegations, vehemently denied by Ankara, about the flow of foreign fighters, if not also military equipment, to the IS via Turkey. What has provoked Turkey’s “game-changer” decision?

More:A Big Deal For Ankara | The Indian Express

What the West is forgetting: Turkey matters - The Globe and Mail

What the West is forgetting: Turkey matters

PAUL HEINBECKER

The situation in the Middle East is never so bad that it can’t get worse. Turkey, an island of comparative stability in a sea of unrest, is at risk from a rising tide of insecurity on its borders and instability inside them. Others, including Canada, can and should relieve Turkey’s burden and resettle more of the two million refugees that Turkey is sheltering who can never go home again. Supportive diplomacy at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization would also help.

More:What the West is forgetting: Turkey matters - The Globe and Mail

Turkey's bombing campaign in Syria and Iraq is the last thing we need in the fight against Isis - Comment - Voices - The Independent

Turkey's bombing campaign in Syria and Iraq is the last thing we need in the fight against Isis

Turkey’s president, Recep Tayip Erdogan, is playing a dangerous game of divide and conquer, both at home and in the region. Having spent the best part of the conflict in Syria acquiescing to Isis – which has been using Turkish territory as a transit point into Syria, and using it to build a lucrative commercial hub – Turkey has started targeting the jihadis in Syria.

More:Turkey's bombing campaign in Syria and Iraq is the last thing we need in the fight against Isis - Comment - Voices - The Independent

Fighting Between Turkey and Kurds Escalate Amid NATO Unease - ABC News

Fighting Between Turkey and Kurds Escalate Amid NATO Unease
ISTANBUL — Jul 28, 2015, 3:27 PM ET
By DESMOND BUTLER and JOHN-THOR DAHLBURG Associated Press

Fighting between the Turkish military and Kurdish rebels escalated Tuesday amid signs of unease from NATO allies attending an emergency meeting about Turkey's conflicts with the Islamic State group and the Kurds.

More:Fighting Between Turkey and Kurds Escalate Amid NATO Unease - ABC News

Should we be retracing the Caucasian (chalk) circle anew? - CONTRIBUTOR

Should we be retracing the Caucasian (chalk) circle anew?

Ünal Çeviköz*

It was December 21, 1991. In Moscow, eleven former members of the Soviet Union declared the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were among them. Suddenly, the USSR was no more and Turkey had three new neighbors in the South Caucasus. Physical geography was still the same but the political geography had altered. The new game in the South Caucasus started overnight.

More:Should we be retracing the Caucasian (chalk) circle anew? - CONTRIBUTOR

A new initiative launches for 365 Days of Tourism in Istanbul

A new initiative launches for 365 Days of Tourism in Istanbul

Monday, 27 July 2015 23:44
Published by Ozgur Tore

A new initiative was launched to gain new destinations for tourism in Istanbul and promote the city internationally. The Istanbul Governor's office, City Hall, TUROB, TURSAB and THY (Turkish Airlines) will all participate "Istanbul Tourism Summit" which will convene in certain periods of year under the chairmanship of Mr. Kadir Topbaş, the mayor of Istanbul.

More:A new initiative launches for 365 Days of Tourism in Istanbul

Erdogan lines up fight on three fronts - FT.com

Erdogan lines up fight on three fronts

David Gardner in Istanbul

Politics and geopolitics are colliding in Turkey, which has deployed its air force in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) during a political interregnum in which the future of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in the balance.

More:Erdogan lines up fight on three fronts - FT.com

Monday, July 27, 2015

Instead Of Fighting ISIS, Erdogan Pushes Turkey Toward Chaos And Despotism - Forbes

Instead Of Fighting ISIS, Erdogan Pushes Turkey Toward Chaos And Despotism

Melik Kaylan

In Turkey, an ISIS suicide bomb kills 30 and wounds many more in the Kurdish area town of Suruc. The Kurdish insurgent terrorists, the PKK, then start killing Turkish policemen and soldiers while ISIS attacks a Turkish military border post. Peace demonstrations ensue in some cities which police put down with the, by now, familiar methods of severity against civilians. Ankara and Washington reach an agreement allowing the US to use its bases inside Turkey against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Erdogan’s spokesmen announce that Turkey’s air force has conducted raids against both PKK and ISIS targets across the border. Turkish authorities arrest some 900 people nationwide, mostly Kurds, for allegedly belonging to terror networks. Turkish tanks shell Kurdish villages in Syrian borderlands near Kobani. Meanwhile, news leaks that the US has solid evidence of Turkish collusion with ISIS in months past. Let us pause here and dispel some of the fog.

More:Instead Of Fighting ISIS, Erdogan Pushes Turkey Toward Chaos And Despotism - Forbes

NATO concern over Turkey's attacks on PKK | SBS News

NATO concern over Turkey's attacks on PKK

Turkey has called an extraordinary meeting of NATO ambassadors in Brussels to discuss military operations against the self-proclaimed Islamic State group and Kurdish separatists.

More:NATO concern over Turkey's attacks on PKK | SBS News

Rumors Dispelled -- Beijing Review

Rumors Dispelled
Riots in Istanbul have little influence on relations between China and Turkey
By Bai Shi

For Chinese citizens, Turkey is a popular destination. According to statistics from Go Turkey, the official tourism portal of Turkey, Chinese tourists visiting Turkey in the first quarter of the year has increased by 43.7 percent from 2014. Meanwhile, the total number of Chinese visitors in Turkey in the first six months this year has reached nearly 140,000.

More:Rumors Dispelled -- Beijing Review

How the Turkish elections changed the foreign policy of Turkey | openDemocracy

How the Turkish elections changed the foreign policy of Turkey
Evren Balta 27 July 2015

Governments with declining electoral success may use adventurous foreign policy choices or make radical shifts in their foreign policies to gain re-election.

More:How the Turkish elections changed the foreign policy of Turkey | openDemocracy

Ankara’s risky offensive | European Council on Foreign Relations

Ankara’s risky offensive
Commentary

Cale Salih
27th July, 2015

Over the past several days Turkey has taken unprecedented steps in support of the anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition. After years of being hesitant to confront IS, Turkey has now bombed the group in Syria for the first time, arrested suspected IS members in Turkey, and conceded to a longstanding US request – the use of the Incirlik airbase to launch attacks against IS.

More:Ankara’s risky offensive | European Council on Foreign Relations

Construction of controversial prayer room in Istanbul’s Rumeli Fortress completed - LOCAL

Construction of controversial prayer room in Istanbul’s Rumeli Fortress completed

ISTANBUL – Cihan News Agency

The construction of a controversial prayer room inside Istanbul’s Rumeli Fortress has been completed amid a long-running dispute between Turkish architects and art historians.

More:Construction of controversial prayer room in Istanbul’s Rumeli Fortress completed - LOCAL

France, Sweden back Turkey's 'fight against terrorism' Anadolu Agency

France, Sweden back Turkey's 'fight against terrorism'

27 July 2015 22:12 (Last updated 27 July 2015 22:20)
The statements of support come as Turkish jets bomb outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) camps in northern Iraq and Daesh in Syria

More:France, Sweden back Turkey's 'fight against terrorism' Anadolu Agency

Turkish help for Uighur refugees looms over Erdogan visit to Beijing - Al Arabiya News

Turkish help for Uighur refugees looms over Erdogan visit to Beijing

By Humeyra Pamuk | Reuters, Istanbul
Monday, 27 July 2015

The folded piece of paper with a photo of a four-month-old baby tells a story that will loom over Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his Chinese hosts when he visits Beijing this week.

More:Turkish help for Uighur refugees looms over Erdogan visit to Beijing - Al Arabiya News

Turkey: Film & TV industry on the incline | KFTV News

Turkey: Film & TV industry on the incline

27/07/2015
by Andy Fry

Turkey’s domestic TV business has been booming in recent years, with all of the major broadcast networks spending substantial amounts of Turkish Lira on primetime drama series, and there are now signs that the country is starting to catch the attention of international producers.

More:Turkey: Film & TV industry on the incline | KFTV News

Rubber bullets branded by Turkey’s AKP? No, just toys…

Rubber bullets branded by Turkey’s AKP? No, just toys…

These photos have been widely circulated among Kurdish Twitter users in Turkey in the past days, with many describing the white spheres as rubber bullets decorated with the logo of the country’s ruling party, the AKP. The Twittersphere was furious that the party would be so brazen as to provide decorated bullets to the police to quell street protests over the weekend.

More:Rubber bullets branded by Turkey’s AKP? No, just toys…

Why Turkey and the PKK are resuming a deadly conflict | euronews, world news

Why Turkey and the PKK are resuming a deadly conflict

27/07 15:18 CET

The Turkish military has begun a major campaign against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after a series of incidents apparently brought to an end a period of relative calm between the two sides.

More:Why Turkey and the PKK are resuming a deadly conflict | euronews, world news

Senior ISIL leader arrested along with three others in Istanbul - CRIME

Senior ISIL leader arrested along with three others in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

A senior Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) leader based in Istanbul, along with three other suspected ISIL members, were arrested on July 27.

Halis Bayancuk, a senior ISIL leader based in Istanbul, also known by his jihadi nickname “Abu Hanzala,” was arrested on July 27 after being detained on July 24 along with his wife in an anti-terror police operation against ISIL-linked suspects in Istanbul, after a suspected ISIL suicide bomber killed 31 mostly young people in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Suruç district on July 20.

More:Senior ISIL leader arrested along with three others in Istanbul - CRIME

Turkish technology firm boss distributes $27 million to employees after sale - BUSINESS

Turkish technology firm boss distributes $27 million to employees after sale

Ayşe Arman - ISTANBUL

The sale of a company is usually bad news for its employees, but that wasn’t the case for Yemeksepeti.com, the leading Turkish firm in online food ordering, as more than 100 of its employees were given bonuses totaling $27 million following the company’s sale last May for $589 million, the firm’s CEO, Nevzat Aydın, has said.

More:Turkish technology firm boss distributes $27 million to employees after sale - BUSINESS

China sees potential in Turkey but lack of trust still a problem - DIPLOMACY

China sees potential in Turkey but lack of trust still a problem

Barçın Yinanç - barcin.yinanc@hdn.com.tr
Turkey’s importance has increased in the eyes of China but a lack of trust as a result of a large information deficit continues to be the main problem obstructing the full potential of bilateral ties, according to Umut Ergunsü, a young academic living in China

More:China sees potential in Turkey but lack of trust still a problem - DIPLOMACY

Bomb warning issued for Istanbul, media reports claim - LOCAL

Bomb warning issued for Istanbul, media reports claim

ISTANBUL

The Istanbul Police Department has issued of bomb attack warnings on crowded places in central Istanbul, such as metro stations and bus stops, several media reports said, in an unclear, controversial move in the wake of the Suruç bombing that left dozens dead and more than a hundred others injured near Turkey’s southeastern border early last week.

More:Bomb warning issued for Istanbul, media reports claim - LOCAL

PKK 'never respected' peace process: Turkey | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

PKK 'never respected' peace process: Turkey

Agence France Presse

LISBON: Turkey's foreign minister said Monday that Kurdish rebels "never respected" the peace process with Ankara, with a cease-fire now in tatters after a series of attacks and cross-border offensives.

More:PKK 'never respected' peace process: Turkey | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Turkey: Kurdish Forces Not Targeted in Syria | Al Jazeera America

Turkey: Kurdish forces not targeted in anti-ISIL offensive in Syria
Kurdish force and monitoring group accuse Turkish military of shelling Kurdish stronghold in Syria
July 27, 2015 8:36AM ET

Turkey said Monday that its military is not targeting Syrian Kurds, after Kurdish forces and a monitoring group accused Ankara of shelling Kurdish-held villages in northern Syria overnight.

More:Turkey: Kurdish Forces Not Targeted in Syria | Al Jazeera America

Police issue memo warning officers of terrorist attacks in Taksim, Istanbul

Police issue memo warning officers of terrorist attacks in Taksim, Istanbul

An internal police memo making the rounds on social media warning personnel of possible terrorist attacks at crowded locations in Istanbul, particularly at the metro station in Istanbul’s central Taksim district on the European side, has been revealed to be true.

More:Police issue memo warning officers of terrorist attacks in Taksim, Istanbul

Istanbul rocked by violent protests - Newspaper - DAWN.COM

Istanbul rocked by violent protests
AFP — Published about 19 hours ago

ISTANBUL: Turkish protesters battled security forces on Sunday in intense clashes in a flashpoint Istanbul district where a leftist activist was killed during police raids earlier this week, a photographer said.

More:Istanbul rocked by violent protests - Newspaper - DAWN.COM

EC Report: Lifting Turkish Truck Quotas By Europeans Would Boost Trade, Jobs | Global Trade Magazine

EC Report: Lifting Turkish Truck Quotas By Europeans Would Boost Trade, Jobs

A recent report prepared by the European Commission revealed that trade volume between member states of the European Union and Turkey would increase by $3.84 billion a year if quotas imposed on EU-bound Turkish cargo trucks were lifted.

More:EC Report: Lifting Turkish Truck Quotas By Europeans Would Boost Trade, Jobs | Global Trade Magazine

ISIS exists because world ignored al-Assad, Turkey says - CNN.com

ISIS exists because world ignored al-Assad in Syria, Turkish leader says

By Mick Krever, CNN

Updated 2101 GMT (0401 HKT) July 27, 2015

London (CNN)ISIS' existence is the result of international inaction against the Bahsar al-Assad regime, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu told CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Monday.

ISIS "is a product of a crisis, not only a cause of a problem," he said.

More:ISIS exists because world ignored al-Assad, Turkey says - CNN.com

Europe and US divided on Turkish airstrikes – POLITICO

Europe and US divided on Turkish airstrikes

Differences over mission likely to dominate NATO meeting set for Tuesday.

By Antoine Sander

27/7/15, 7:03 PM CET

Updated 27/7/15, 7:30 PM CET

Europe and the United States have staked out different positions on Turkey’s airstrikes on ISIL in Syria and Kurdish forces in Iraq, setting the stage for tense divisions at an emergency NATO meeting Tuesday.

More:Europe and US divided on Turkish airstrikes – POLITICO

Opinion: Erdogan on the warpath | Opinion | DW.COM | 27.07.2015

Opinion: Erdogan on the warpath

Turkey is bombarding "IS" strongholds - but also those of the Kurdish PKK. That fact is endangering the peace process between Ankara and the Kurds, says Turkey correspondent Reinhard Baumgarten.

More:Opinion: Erdogan on the warpath | Opinion | DW.COM | 27.07.2015

Waste disposal project in Turkey’s Aegean district delayed as EU withdraws grant - GREEN

Waste disposal project in Turkey’s Aegean district delayed as EU withdraws grant

BODRUM – Doğan News Agency

The European Union (EU) has pulled its grant, worth 30 million Euros, for a solid waste disposal plant project, which was to be constructed in Turkey’s Aegean resort town of Bodrum, due to complications about on land allocation.

More:Waste disposal project in Turkey’s Aegean district delayed as EU withdraws grant - GREEN

Roundup: Cyprus leaders announce breakthrough in reunification talks | GlobalPost

Roundup: Cyprus leaders announce breakthrough in reunification talks

NICOSIA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of the estranged Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus announced an important breakthrough Monday on one of the thorniest chapters of their negotiations for the reunification of the eastern Mediterranean island.

More:Roundup: Cyprus leaders announce breakthrough in reunification talks | GlobalPost

NATO holding rare emergency meeting at Turkey's request - US News

NATO holding rare emergency meeting to review Islamic State threat, Turkey's reaction
The Associated Press

Associated Press
July 27, 2015 | 1:44 p.m. EDT
+ More

JOHN-THOR DAHLBURG, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — For just the fifth time in its 66-year history, NATO ambassadors will meet in emergency session Tuesday to gauge the threat the Islamic State extremist group poses to Turkey, and the debated actions Turkish authorities are taking in response.

More:NATO holding rare emergency meeting at Turkey's request - US News

Turkish bombing of Kurds carries risk of instability - US News

Turkish bombing of Kurds carries risk of instability

Associated Press
July 27, 2015 | 2:37 p.m. EDT
+ More

By DESMOND BUTLER, Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey's unexpected move to launch raids against Kurdish rebels at the same time it is cracking down on the Islamic State group risks ending a period of relative calm that has been a boon for Turkey's democracy and economy.

More:Turkish bombing of Kurds carries risk of instability - US News

Turkey Policeman Killed in Istanbul Clashes

Turkey Policeman Killed in Istanbul Clashes
World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: July 27, 2015 02:22 IST

Istanbul: A Turkish policeman was killed on Sunday during clashes with protesters in the flashpoint Istanbul district of Gazi which have raged for the last three days following the death of a leftist activist during raids by the security forces.

More:Turkey Policeman Killed in Istanbul Clashes

Turkish Bombing of Kurds Carries Risk of Instability - The New York Times

Turkish Bombing of Kurds Carries Risk of Instability

Turkey's unexpected move to launch raids against Kurdish rebels at the same time it is cracking down on the Islamic State group risks ending a period of relative calm that has been a boon for Turkey's democracy and economy.

More:Turkish Bombing of Kurds Carries Risk of Instability - The New York Times

How Turkey Fights the Islamic State

How Turkey Fights the Islamic State

by Burak Bekdil
July 27, 2015 at 4:00 am

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (the Islamic State, or IS) has been the number one target for the world's democratic nations, since it captured large swaths of land in Syria and Iraq last summer and declared caliphate under sharia law in the lands it controls. The United States and its allies have been waging a war against IS at a distance. So is NATO ally Turkey, at least theoretically, and not at a distance.

More:How Turkey Fights the Islamic State

Sunday, July 26, 2015

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: Lamplight | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: Lamplight

James Tressler / Today @ 7:46 a.m. / Letter From Istanbul

It’s not every day someone offers to buy you something for your home – especially your boss – and as newlyweds, we really didn’t want to miss the opportunity. My director, wanting to get us a wedding gift, had insisted Özge and I could pick out something we wanted, and let her know so that she would go and buy it. We decided on a lamp for the flat.

More:LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: Lamplight | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

CHP ready to take on burden of coalition for Turkey’s interest - POLITICS

CHP ready to take on burden of coalition for Turkey’s interest

Şükrü Küçükşahin / Deniz Zeyrek – ANKARA

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) is prepared to assume the responsibility of forming a coalition for the sake of Turkey, despite being well-aware of the consequences, CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has said, just days after “exploratory talks” on a deal between the CHP and the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

More:CHP ready to take on burden of coalition for Turkey’s interest - POLITICS

EU urges Turkey to preserve PKK 'solution process'

EU urges Turkey to preserve PKK 'solution process'
By Mustafa Pazarlı -
Jul 26, 2015

‘Terrorist groups must not spoil the process and the ceasefire must be preserved,’ says EU foreign policy chief

More:EU urges Turkey to preserve PKK 'solution process'

Two Turkish soldiers killed, four injured in southeast blast -army - Cyprus Mail Cyprus Mail

Two Turkish soldiers killed, four injured in southeast blast -army

July 26th, 2015 International 0 Comments

Two Turkish soldiers were killed and four were in injured by a car bomb and homemade explosives near the southeastern city of Diyarbakir overnight, the military said on Sunday.

More:Two Turkish soldiers killed, four injured in southeast blast -army - Cyprus Mail Cyprus Mail

White House says Turkey has right to defend against Kurds

White House says Turkey has right to defend against Kurds

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says Turkey has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks by Kurdish rebels.

More:White House says Turkey has right to defend against Kurds

European Union - EEAS (European External Action Service) | High Representative Federica Mogherini speaks to Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

High Representative Federica Mogherini speaks to Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu
25/07/2015

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, had this afternoon a phone call with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

More:European Union - EEAS (European External Action Service) | High Representative Federica Mogherini speaks to Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Confusion In Turkey As Government Wages Different Offensives on ISIS, Kurds In Iraq And Syria

Confusion In Turkey As Government Wages Different Offensives on ISIS, Kurds In Iraq And Syria
By Erin Banco @ErinBanco e.banco@ibtimes.com on July 25 2015 3:35 PM EDT

Dozens of young men and women, many of whom are Kurdish, lined the streets in neighborhoods throughout Istanbul Saturday to rally against what they say is a deepening relationship between their government and the Islamic State group. The demonstrators shouted at police officers that had set up barricades in the streets -- some throwing bottles and litter at the officers. The police responded with tear gas and handcuffs, sources said.

More:Confusion In Turkey As Government Wages Different Offensives on ISIS, Kurds In Iraq And Syria

Is the peace talks over between Kurds and Turkey? | euronews, world news

Is the peace talks over between Kurds and Turkey?

By Bayraktar Bora

25/07 17:10 CET

Turkish Air forces expanded its cross border operations to Iraq and hit several PKK bases. The Kurdistan Workers Party said “the truce with Turkey has ‘no meaning anymore’ after the overnight attacks” in a statement on their website. But from Turkish point of view th etruce had already violated by PKK earlier. Now many people in Turkey ask if the peace process is over.

More:Is the peace talks over between Kurds and Turkey? | euronews, world news

Turkey - from reluctant observer to full player in IS fight - BBC News

Turkey - from reluctant observer to full player in IS fight
By Mark Lowen BBC Turkey correspondent

What is Turkey's game?
Within a week, it has gone from a reluctant observer, abstaining from military action against so-called Islamic State, to full-blown military strikes against the group, opening up its bases to coalition attacks and, simultaneously, the first aerial bombing of PKK Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq in four years.

More:Turkey - from reluctant observer to full player in IS fight - BBC News

Turkish warplanes pound Islamic State in Syria as Ankara steps up to frontline

Turkish warplanes pound Islamic State in Syria as Ankara steps up to frontline

ANKARA/ELBEYLI: Turkish warplanes pounded Islamic State targets in Syria and police detained hundreds of suspected militants across Turkey on Friday, a sign that Ankara may have shed its hesitancy in taking a front-line role against jihadist fighters.

More:Turkish warplanes pound Islamic State in Syria as Ankara steps up to frontline

Turkey moves closer to the coalition | The National

Turkey moves closer to the coalition

National Editorial

July 25, 2015 Updated: July 25, 2015 04:39 PM

After months of negotiations, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to open the Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey to coalition fighter jets attacking ISIL positions in Syria and Iraq. The airbase opening along with Turkish air strikes on ISIL positions mark a turning point for the coalition partly due to Incirlik’s proximity to ISIL’s unofficial capital of Raqqa in northern Syria.

More:Turkey moves closer to the coalition | The National

Istanbul bans planned anti-ISIS 'peace march': official | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Istanbul bans planned anti-ISIS 'peace march': official

ISTANBUL: Istanbul authorities on Saturday banned a planned anti-ISIS "peace march" scheduled to take place in the Turkish metropolis this weekend, citing security and traffic congestion.

More:Istanbul bans planned anti-ISIS 'peace march': official | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Is Turkey in war? - VERDA ÖZER

Is Turkey in war?

For the first time, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) opened fire on Turkish territory. For the first time, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) attacked ISIL within Turkey.

More:Is Turkey in war? - VERDA ÖZER

Turkey, US to create ‘ISIL-free zone’ inside Syria - DIPLOMACY

Turkey, US to create ‘ISIL-free zone’ inside Syria

Serkan Demirtaş - ANKARA

Turkey and the United States have agreed on a military action plan with the objective of clearing the Turkish-Syrian border of jihadist terrorists in what the two countries have called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)-free zone.

More:Turkey, US to create ‘ISIL-free zone’ inside Syria - DIPLOMACY

The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory | Editorial | Comment is free | The Guardian

The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory
Editorial

A potentially momentous shift in the Middle East was signalled this week as Turkish warplanes attacked Islamic State positions in Syria and the Ankara government finally agreed that the US can use Turkish bases for its missions against Isis. A big security sweep, detaining people suspected of being Isis agents and Kurdish militants, accompanied these military moves. If Turkey continues in this new direction, the air campaign against Isis will be strengthened and the flow of people, money and arms through Turkey to Isis in Syria will be curtailed. But the way in which both Isis and the Kurdistan Workers’ party, or PKK, have both been targeted suggests the outcome may also be complicated and dangerous on the ground in Turkey itself.

More:The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory | Editorial | Comment is free | The Guardian

One coastal town's groundbreaking approach to local governance in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

One coastal town's groundbreaking approach to local governance in Turkey

Over the past several years, Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has often come under fire for stirring social fault lines and polarizing society. To give only a few examples, the AKP government has stubbornly maintained compulsory religious classes in schools despite a judgment by the European Court of Human Rights that they are discriminatory for teaching exclusively Sunni Islam and refused to formally recognize the Alevis’ cemevis (houses of prayer) as houses of worship. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), for its part, has long been criticized for disregarding the religious sensitivities of Sunni Muslims, who make up the overwhelming majority of Turkey’s population.

More:One coastal town's groundbreaking approach to local governance in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

The Islamic State's secret recruiting ground in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

The Islamic State's secret recruiting ground in Turkey

All that was left at the site of the suicide bombing July 20 in Suruc, Turkey, were some personal belongings, partial human remains and one national identification card in the name of university student Seyh Abdurrahman Alagoz of Adiyaman.

More:The Islamic State's secret recruiting ground in Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn

Turkey’s economy has entered a critical period. The prospect of snap elections remains alive despite six possible ways to form a coalition or minority government from the hung parliament the June 7 polls produced. The political impasse is already having a negative impact on economic indicators, atop the bruising effects of Russia’s economic crisis, civil strife in neighboring countries, the blockage of Turkey’s export routes to the Middle East and Africa, the prospect of the Fed hiking interest rates and the falling euro-dollar parity.

More:Ankara turns blind eye to economic downturn - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Why are Turkey's televangelists talking about oral sex? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Why are Turkey's televangelists talking about oral sex?

On July 11, Ali Riza Demircan, a popular theologian, appeared on a TV show aired by the official outlet Turkish Radio and Television (TRT). Pelin Cift, a young blonde woman, is the host of the program, on which Demircan appears as a frequent guest. While talking about sexuality, Demircan asserted, “Advanced oral sex between a married couple is haram [forbidden by Islam].” Cift broke into nervous laughter.

More:Why are Turkey's televangelists talking about oral sex? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Cyprus settlement could open trade routes for Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Cyprus settlement could open trade routes for Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 20 expressed full support for the UN-sponsored peace talks in Cyprus, speaking at a ceremony in the Turkish Cypriot north of the long-divided island to mark the anniversary of Turkey’s 1974 intervention.

More:Cyprus settlement could open trade routes for Turkey - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Friday, July 24, 2015

Turkey of refugees, among the Yazidis in Diyarbakır

Turkey of refugees, among the Yazidis in Diyarbakır
ita eng

Dimitri Bettoni | Diyarbakır

24 July 2015

In Diyarbakır, southeastern Turkey, there are at least 20,000 refugees, including many Yazidis, who dream of reaching Europe. Second part of the report

More:Turkey of refugees, among the Yazidis in Diyarbakır

Turkey’s malls, metros allegedly to be targeted in terrorist attacks

Turkey’s malls, metros allegedly to be targeted in terrorist attacks

Online government whistleblower Fuat Avni reiterates his earlier claim that Turkish President Erdoğan and his inner circle are working hard to sow chaos to make way for snap elections, giving details about the plans being concocted behind closed doors, including ISIL bombings of civilian sites.

More:Turkey’s malls, metros allegedly to be targeted in terrorist attacks

Turkey Islamic State Attack Risks Retaliation

Turkey Islamic State Attack Risks Retaliation

President Erdogan's decision to bomb the group and let the US use a key air base inevitably risks more revenge attacks.

More:Turkey Islamic State Attack Risks Retaliation

Senior ISIL leader detained in Istanbul operations - CRIME

Senior ISIL leader detained in Istanbul operations

ISTANBUL

A senior Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) leader based in Istanbul was among those detained in a series of sweeping police operations, according to Anadolu Agency.

More:Senior ISIL leader detained in Istanbul operations - CRIME

Islamic State Forbids Turkish Meat Products As Turkey Escalates Involvement In Conflict

Islamic State Forbids Turkish Meat Products As Turkey Escalates Involvement In Conflict
By Eben Blake @ebenblake on July 24 2015 9:31 AM EDT

The Islamic State group declared that meat products from Turkey are "haram" in the first issue of an online magazine published by the jihadist group Thursday. The militants' declaration that Islamic law forbids Turkish meat products came as Turkey has escalated its involvement in the fight against the miltant group, bombing strategic positions in Syria for the first time early Friday morning.

More:Islamic State Forbids Turkish Meat Products As Turkey Escalates Involvement In Conflict

Bomb in Turkish newspaper’s courtyard defused in Istanbul | Fulton News

Bomb in Turkish newspaper’s courtyard defused in Istanbul

By Kristoff Saunders on July 24, 2015No Comment
– Bomb was wrapped in banner with the initials of illegal left-wing organization

ISTANBUL – Turkish police have defused a cluster time bomb situated at a daily Turkish newspaper’s courtyard in Istanbul on Friday, security officials said.

More:Bomb in Turkish newspaper’s courtyard defused in Istanbul | Fulton News

A New Type of Turkish Foreign Policy | The National Interest

A New Type of Turkish Foreign Policy

July 24, 2015

Following the recent attack by the Islamic State (IS) in Suruç, there is now a growing understanding that Turkey needs strong political leadership. This is why efforts to form the next Turkish government, and draft a new foreign policy, has acquired additional urgency.

More:A New Type of Turkish Foreign Policy | The National Interest

Turkey: West must treat terror groups equally

Turkey: West must treat terror groups equally

Friday, 24 July 2015 16:41

Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir has lashed out what he perceives to be a difference of treatment by the Western community towards different terrorist groups.

More:Turkey: West must treat terror groups equally

The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory | Editorial | Comment is free | The Guardian

The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory

A potentially momentous shift in the Middle East was signalled this week as Turkish warplanes attacked Islamic State positions in Syria and the Ankara government finally agreed that the US can use Turkish bases for its missions against Isis. A big security sweep, detaining people suspected of being Isis agents and Kurdish militants, accompanied these military moves. If Turkey continues in this new direction, the air campaign against Isis will be strengthened and the flow of people, money and arms through Turkey to Isis in Syria will be curtailed. But the way in which both Isis and the Kurdistan Workers’ party, or PKK, have both been targeted suggests the outcome may also be complicated and dangerous on the ground in Turkey itself.

More:The Guardian view on Turkey’s air strikes against Isis: dangerous territory | Editorial | Comment is free | The Guardian

Turkish Bombing of Islamic State Marks End of Tacit Truce - The New York Times

Turkish Bombing of Islamic State Marks End of Tacit Truce

ISTANBUL- Last month the first edition of the Islamic State group's Turkish-language magazine contained not a word of criticism of the Turkish government. This week, the second edition calls Istanbul occupied territory and blasts President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a tyrant.

More:Turkish Bombing of Islamic State Marks End of Tacit Truce - The New York Times

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Calgary artists use 14,000 eyeglass lenses to build Istanbul installation - Calgary - CBC News

Calgary artists use 14,000 eyeglass lenses to build Istanbul installation

If you want to know if your friends are really your friends, grab 7,000 pairs of eyeglasses and invite people over to help you pop out all the lenses.

That's what Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett had to do before shipping 14,000 lenses to Istanbul for their latest installation entitled sea/see/saw.

More:Calgary artists use 14,000 eyeglass lenses to build Istanbul installation - Calgary - CBC News

Violence heating up along Turkey-Syria border - LA Times

Violence heating up along Turkey-Syria border

Clashes between Islamic State militants and Turkish forces on Thursday resulted in the deaths of a Turkish soldier and a Syrian militant, Turkish officials said, in the latest outbreak of violence along the volatile border between Syria and Turkey.

More:Violence heating up along Turkey-Syria border - LA Times

A popular salt lake in Turkey turns reddish orange in color - Al Arabiya News

A popular salt lake in Turkey turns reddish orange in color

Staff writer, Al Arabiya News
Thursday, 23 July 2015

Due to an enormous bloom of Dunaliella salinas algae, a popular salt lake in Turkey has turned an orangey red color instead of the conventional blue, green or muddy brown.

More:A popular salt lake in Turkey turns reddish orange in color - Al Arabiya News

Lira drops as Turkey security concerns mount | Business , Regional | THE DAILY STAR

Lira drops as Turkey security concerns mount

Constantine Courcoulas| Bloomberg

ISTANBUL: The lira fell the most in emerging markets and bonds slid after a second possible terrorist incident in three days added to a list of reasons to sell the Turkish currency.

More:Lira drops as Turkey security concerns mount | Business , Regional | THE DAILY STAR

White House: no comment on reported air base deal with Turkey - Reuters News 7/23/2015 1:41 PM

White House: no comment on reported air base deal with Turkey
Reuters News | Jul 23, 2015

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday said U.S. President Barack Obama and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed joint efforts to fight Islamic State militants, but a spokesman declined to say whether they reached a new agreement over the use of an air base in Incirlik.

More:White House: no comment on reported air base deal with Turkey - Reuters News 7/23/2015 1:41 PM

So why are Turkey’s Sunnis angry? - ÖZGÜR KORKMAZ

So why are Turkey’s Sunnis angry?

The latest attack by the barbaric jihadists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on July 20 in Suruç is the latest proof of the imminent danger Turkey is facing, especially from its own citizens trying to be a part of the “global jihad.”

More:So why are Turkey’s Sunnis angry? - ÖZGÜR KORKMAZ

Data recorders to increase quality of bus rides in Istanbul - LOCAL

Data recorders to increase quality of bus rides in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Istanbul’s public transportation company has said it will start using data recorders, which are common in airplanes, in their buses to collect more than 80 different data sets to improve driving quality, hopefully avoid accidents and determine the cause of accidents.

More:Data recorders to increase quality of bus rides in Istanbul - LOCAL

As it happened: Turkish army engages in first gunfight with ISIL after soldier killed on border - INTERNATIONAL

As it happened: Turkish army engages in first gunfight with ISIL after soldier killed on border

A Turkish soldier has been killed by gunfire from across the Syrian border, triggering what was described as the first gunfight between Turkey's army and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.

More:As it happened: Turkish army engages in first gunfight with ISIL after soldier killed on border - INTERNATIONAL

10 issues Turkish media is banned from reporting on - RIGHTS

10 issues Turkish media is banned from reporting on

ISTANBUL
Turkish media have faced over 150 gag orders in the last four years, according to Hürriyet reporter Zeynep Gürcanlı. Here are 10 of them.

More:10 issues Turkish media is banned from reporting on - RIGHTS

Turkey sees highest decrease in hotel occupancy rates in Europe - TOURISM

Turkey sees highest decrease in hotel occupancy rates in Europe

ISTANBUL

Turkey has seen the steepest decrease in hotel occupancy rates in Europe, excluding Russia, according to STR Global’s June figures.

More:Turkey sees highest decrease in hotel occupancy rates in Europe - TOURISM

Waste recycling projects in Turkey to get $125M boost | Fulton News

Waste recycling projects in Turkey to get $125M boost

By Kristoff Saunders on July 23, 2015No Comment

– According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the new project involves financing of various waste recycling investments

More:Waste recycling projects in Turkey to get $125M boost | Fulton News

Turkey's key air base poised to host anti-ISIL coalition aircraft - DIPLOMACY

Turkey's key air base poised to host anti-ISIL coalition aircraft

Tolga Tanış - WASHINGTON

Turkey to fly surveillance balloons, build new fence and moat for border security
Turkey to fly surveillance balloons, build new fence and moat for border security
A key military air base in southern Turkey is expected to be opened to aircraft of the coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) after the Turkish and U.S. presidents conducted a phone call to finalize the deal.

More:Turkey's key air base poised to host anti-ISIL coalition aircraft - DIPLOMACY

Art project aims to illuminate Istanbul

Art project aims to illuminate Istanbul
By Enver Faruk GÜNEY -
Jul 23, 2015

ISTANBUL – A major new art installation project in Turkey’s largest city will “draw attention to Istanbul from all around the world”, organizers claim.

More:Art project aims to illuminate Istanbul

As Kurds fight Daesh across the border, what is Turkey’s plan to help? | Al Bawaba

As Kurds fight Daesh across the border, what is Turkey’s plan to help?

Published July 23rd, 2015 - 08:50 GMT via SyndiGate.info

A suspected ISIS (Daesh) suicide bombing on Turkish soil has plunged the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan into fresh crisis, triggering rioting, mass arrests and the execution of two police officers.

More:As Kurds fight Daesh across the border, what is Turkey’s plan to help? | Al Bawaba

Terror Takes Toll on Turkey’s Economy

Terror Takes Toll on Turkey’s Economy
Onur Ant | 23-07-2015, 06:53 AM | Turkey |
Terror Takes Toll on Turkey’s Economy

The attack in Suruc has turned Turkey from the best to the worst-performing emerging market

Attacks close to the Syrian border have turned Turkey from the best to the worst-performing emerging market.

More:Terror Takes Toll on Turkey’s Economy

Will This Cop-Killing Spark Turkish Civil War? - The Daily Beast

Will This Cop-Killing Spark Turkish Civil War?

Two police officers were just murdered in revenge for a suicide bombing. Between ISIS and the Kurds, President Erdogan is up his ears in terrorism—and political uncertainty.

More:Will This Cop-Killing Spark Turkish Civil War? - The Daily Beast

Turkey buzzes weakened Greece – POLITICO

Turkey buzzes weakened Greece

In growing numbers Ankara’s fighter jets test Greek territorial claims.

By Elisabeth Braw

23/7/15, 5:30 AM CET

Turkish fighter jets and military helicopters have dramatically increased their incursions into Greek airspace, according to a study based on data from the Greek military, forcing the cash-strapped Greek air force to respond.

More:Turkey buzzes weakened Greece – POLITICO

Istanbul's Haydarpasa train station - time capsule to a borderless Middle East | Al Bawaba

Istanbul's Haydarpasa train station - time capsule to a borderless Middle East

Published July 23rd, 2015 - 04:05 GMT

Dozens of train cars - white with blue trim and deep red doors - sit proud yet lonely in Haydarpaşa Terminal, unsure of when they'll depart again from one of Istanbul's most emblematic landmarks.

More:Istanbul's Haydarpasa train station - time capsule to a borderless Middle East | Al Bawaba

Obama, Turkey's Erdogan agree to stem the flow of foreign fighters - White House - Yahoo News UK

Obama, Turkey's Erdogan agree to stem the flow of foreign fighters - White House

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan agreed in a telephone call on Wednesday to work together to "stem the flow of foreign fighters and secure Turkey's border with Syria," the White House said in a statement.

More:Obama, Turkey's Erdogan agree to stem the flow of foreign fighters - White House - Yahoo News UK

Turkey, US to share data on foreign account holders Anadolu Agency

Turkey, US to share data on foreign account holders

22 July 2015 15:15
Deal aims to bolster fight against tax fraud through exchange of financial information on Turks holding accounts in US and vice versa

More:Turkey, US to share data on foreign account holders Anadolu Agency

Kurdish militants claim killing of two Turkish police officers to avenge 'Islamic State bombing' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Kurdish militants claim killing of two Turkish police officers to avenge 'Islamic State bombing'

Posted yesterday at 11:57pm

Kurdish militants have claimed the murder of two Turkish police officers as revenge for a deadly suicide bombing near the Syrian border blamed on Islamic State (IS) jihadists that killed 32 activists.

More:Kurdish militants claim killing of two Turkish police officers to avenge 'Islamic State bombing' - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

WASHINGTON: Obama condemns pair of deadly attacks in Turkey | Presidential Election | The Sun Herald

Obama condemns pair of deadly attacks in Turkey

The Associated PressJuly 22, 2015 Updated 18 hours ago

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is condemning a pair of deadly attacks this week in Turkey.

Obama spoke on Wednesday to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (REH'-jehp TY'-ihp UR'-doh-wahn). The White House says Obama offered condolences to the families of victims killed Monday in the southeastern border city of Suruc and Wednesday in the border town of Ceylanpinar.

More:WASHINGTON: Obama condemns pair of deadly attacks in Turkey | Presidential Election | The Sun Herald

The photos that came to symbolise a deadly attack in Turkey - BBC News

The photos that came to symbolise a deadly attack in Turkey
BBC Trending What's popular and why

23 July 2015
Images of the victims of a suicide bomb blast which killed more than 30 people in the Turkish town of Suruc on Monday have been shared widely on social media. But not all the stories behind them are exactly what they seem.

More:The photos that came to symbolise a deadly attack in Turkey - BBC News

Deciphering IS' strategy in latest Turkey attack - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Deciphering IS' strategy in latest Turkey attack

While money, weapons, people and all sorts of contraband freely flow across the border from Suruc, Turkey, to Syria, toys could not make it across. More than 30 young people who had launched a campaign to take humanitarian relief supplies to Kobani lost their lives July 20 in an apparent suicide attack just as they were briefing the media on their project. About 100 of the activist leftist young people also were wounded.

More:Deciphering IS' strategy in latest Turkey attack - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

ING to acquire HSBC’s Turkey unit for USD 750 million

ING to acquire HSBC’s Turkey unit for USD 750 million

HSBC is set to agree to sell its Turkish business to Dutch lender ING Group for around USD 700 million-USD 750 million in the next few days, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

More:ING to acquire HSBC’s Turkey unit for USD 750 million

Turkey's central bank keeps all rates on hold in post-election uncertainty | Reuters

Turkey's central bank keeps all rates on hold in post-election uncertainty
ISTANBUL, July 23

Turkey's central bank kept interest rates unchanged on Thursday as a recent drop in food prices eased pressure on inflation and the bank took a cautious tack while efforts to form a coalition government continue after June's elections.

More:Turkey's central bank keeps all rates on hold in post-election uncertainty | Reuters

Drones and ditches as Turkey tightens border after Islamic State bombing | Reuters

Drones and ditches as Turkey tightens border after Islamic State bombing
ANKARA | By Orhan Coskun

Turkey is erecting a modular wall along part of its border with Syria as well as reinforcing wire fencing and digging extra ditches after a suspected Islamic State suicide bombing killed 32 mostly young students in a border town this week.

More:Drones and ditches as Turkey tightens border after Islamic State bombing | Reuters

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The fondness of Erdoğan and Davutoğlu - MEHMET Y. YILMAZ

The fondness of Erdoğan and Davutoğlu

It was in the papers yesterday on July 22 that the suicide bomber of Suruç was from the southeastern city Adıyaman, that he was tipped off to the police by his father for joining the Islamic State of Iraq and Levent (ISIL), that he was wanted by police as a terror-related suspect and that he had met the HDP rally bomber of Diyarbakır at a tea shop in Adıyaman.

More:The fondness of Erdoğan and Davutoğlu - MEHMET Y. YILMAZ

Kurdish insurgents and the Turkish state - FOLDED CORNER

Kurdish insurgents and the Turkish state

William Armstrong - william.armstrong@hdn.com.tr

Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi always rejected the separation of means and ends. He said it was means, rather than ends, that provide the standard of morality. Although we can choose our ends, the only thing that is completely within our control is the means with which we approach those ends. What’s more, exclusive focus on the purity of ends is delusional because the means adopted inevitably vary and shape the ends.

More:Kurdish insurgents and the Turkish state - FOLDED CORNER

American BASE jumper Ian Flanders dies filming documentary about deaths in wing-suit, BASE jump world - CBS News

American BASE jumper dies in fatal plunge in Turkey

In the world of death-defying leaps, sometimes death wins. As CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports, it seems to be winning a lot lately.

More:American BASE jumper Ian Flanders dies filming documentary about deaths in wing-suit, BASE jump world - CBS News

Ezgi Saadet's selfie moments before ISIS bomb in Suruc, Turkey killed her | Daily Mail Online

Minutes later she was dead: Tragic story of Turkish student who posted haunting selfie moments before ISIS bomb that killed her and 30 others

By Tim Macfarlan For Mailonline

Published: 14:09 GMT, 22 July 2015 | Updated: 15:41 GMT, 22 July 2015

The faces of these young activists are full of hope as they pose for a selfie on board a bus taking them to a rally in southern Turkey.

More:Ezgi Saadet's selfie moments before ISIS bomb in Suruc, Turkey killed her | Daily Mail Online

Isis bombing poses political dilemma for Turkey - FT.com

Isis bombing poses political dilemma for Turkey

By David Gardner in Istanbul

The bomb that ripped through a Kurdish cultural centre in Suruc near Turkey’s border with Syria on Monday was no random act of jihadi savagery. It killed at least 32 young left-wing activists and wounded scores of others, just as they prepared to cross the frontier to help with the reconstruction of the emblematic town of Kobani, where Syrian Kurdish fighters, aided by US air strikes, have been holding off the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis) since last autumn.

More:Isis bombing poses political dilemma for Turkey - FT.com

Ankara confirms Suruç suicide bomber a Turkish citizen who went to Syria

Ankara confirms Suruç suicide bomber a Turkish citizen who went to Syria

Turkish authorities have confirmed the identity of the suicide bomber who killed 32 people in the border town of Suruç on Monday, utilizing DNA tests to identify the suspect as a 20-year-old ethnic Kurd from Turkey’s southeastern province of Adıyaman who travelled illegally to Syria last year.

More:Ankara confirms Suruç suicide bomber a Turkish citizen who went to Syria

Two Crucial Tests for Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Two Crucial Tests for Turkey
Posted by: Marc Pierini Wednesday, July 22, 2015

In early July, Turkey—whose EU Minister Volkan Bozkır was recently in Brussels to reaffirm the country’s EU accession ambitions—made two moves of crucial importance in the eyes of the EU and the West: forming a new government and stepping up Ankara’s fight against the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

More:Two Crucial Tests for Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Kurd militants say kill two Turkish police to avenge Islamic State bombing | Reuters

Kurd militants say kill two Turkish police to avenge Islamic State bombing
ANKARA | By Orhan Coskun and Dasha Afanasieva

Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for the assassination on Wednesday of two Turkish police officers in what they said was retaliation for a suspected Islamic State suicide bombing which killed 32 mostly young students.

More:Kurd militants say kill two Turkish police to avenge Islamic State bombing | Reuters

Turkish Journalists: Guilty Without Trial

Turkish Journalists: Guilty Without Trial

by Burak Bekdil
July 22, 2015 at 4:00 am

The case is against Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Cetinkaya, columnists for Cumhuriyet daily.

In solidarity with the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, they displayed the cartoons in their columns. They now face up to four years and six months in jail on charges of "inciting public hatred" and "insulting religious values."

More:Turkish Journalists: Guilty Without Trial

Bombing in Turkey: Who were the victims? - CSMonitor.com

Bombing in Turkey: Who were the victims?

The youth activists, mainly university students, were gathered in a cultural center planning a trip to Syria when a suicide bomber attacked, killing 32 and injuring scores more.

More:Bombing in Turkey: Who were the victims? - CSMonitor.com

Is the war on ISIS coming home to Turkey?

Is the war on ISIS coming home to Turkey?
22 July 2015 10:42AM

Monday's suicide bombing in the Turkish town of Sucuc on the Syrian border, blamed on militants from ISIS, marks a significant deterioration in Turkey's national security.

More:Is the war on ISIS coming home to Turkey?

EU Condemns Killing Of 32 Youths In Turkish Border Town

EU Condemns Killing Of 32 Youths In Turkish Border Town
7/21/2015 8:14 PM ET

The European Union on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attack in Turkish town of Soruc yesterday that targeted young volunteers from the Federation of Socialist Youth Associations (SGDF).

More:EU Condemns Killing Of 32 Youths In Turkish Border Town

Ship crashing into mansion raises concerns of Bosphorus safety - Daily Sabah

Ship crashing into mansion raises concerns of Bosphorus safety

Ship crashing into mansion raises concerns of Bosphorus safety
A ship crashed into a waterfront mansion on the Bosporus on Tuesday, triggering safety fears about an international route filled with enormous vessels maneuvering in the narrow waterway. No casualties were reported in the incident that left the mansion damaged

More:Ship crashing into mansion raises concerns of Bosphorus safety - Daily Sabah

Turkish building group makes €30m offer for Ballast Nedam - DutchNews.nl

Turkish building group makes €30m offer for Ballast Nedam
Business
July 22, 2015

WADDINXVEEN-BALLAST NEDAM-LOGOInternational building group Renaissance Construction has made a €30m offer for troubled Dutch company Ballast Nedam.

More:Turkish building group makes €30m offer for Ballast Nedam - DutchNews.nl

Turkey needs to drop its dead-end foreign policy - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey needs to drop its dead-end foreign policy

With developments in neighboring Syria getting out of hand and momentous developments in the offing following Iran’s decision to make its peace with the West, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu are learning the hard way that international politics is a complicated affair requiring realistic appraisals as to what is possible and what is not.

More:Turkey needs to drop its dead-end foreign policy - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Top court to kick off appeals process in Ergenekon coup plot case in October - CRIME

Top court to kick off appeals process in Ergenekon coup plot case in October

ANKARA

Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals has set the date for the first appeals hearing in the Ergenekon coup plot case, months after the Chief Prosecutor’s Office asked for a reversal of the rulings in the case from a methodological perspective.

More:Top court to kick off appeals process in Ergenekon coup plot case in October - CRIME

Anguish and anger as families bid farewell to Turkey bombing victims | GlobalPost

Anguish and anger as families bid farewell to Turkey bombing victims

Crying and shouting slogans against jihadists, relatives of the victims of the suicide bombing on Turkey's border with Syria clutched their coffins in a desperate farewell Tuesday.

More:Anguish and anger as families bid farewell to Turkey bombing victims | GlobalPost

Turkey calls for Greece to make Aegean a ‘sea of happiness’ through closer economic ties - ECONOMICS

Turkey calls for Greece to make Aegean a ‘sea of happiness’ through closer economic ties

Erdinç Çelikkan - ANKARA

Turkish companies are planning to invest in struggling neighbor Greece in the agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, construction and transportation sectors, as part of a joint program between the two countries.

More:Turkey calls for Greece to make Aegean a ‘sea of happiness’ through closer economic ties - ECONOMICS

A turning point for Turkey | The National

A turning point for Turkey

National Editorial

July 21, 2015 Updated: July 21, 2015 04:40 PM

Turkey has been here before. In May 2013, two car bombs were detonated in the city of Reyhanli in the south, a stone’s throw from the Syrian border. Fifty-two civilians died. While ISIL militants claimed responsibility for the bombing, Turkey’s intelligence agencies never ruled out the possibility of Al Qaeda-linked Al Nusra Front’s involvement.

More:A turning point for Turkey | The National

Could change be on the horizon for Turkey? | Politics | The News Hub

Could change be on the horizon for Turkey?
Obtaining just 40.7 percent of votes, the ruling party has lost the majority.
elizabeth suggs in Politics
21 Jul 2015, 11:54 GMT | Comments (0) | Report

Whether Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s political ideas or his 1000-room palace is going to serve the country in anyway is uncertain. What does remain certain are the many opinions, both good and bad, of the president, and what those opinions could mean for the country.

More:Could change be on the horizon for Turkey? | Politics | The News Hub

Turkey paying the price of involvement in Syria: Ankara urges unity as people protest terror attack

Turkey paying the price of involvement in Syria: Ankara urges unity as people protest terror attack
21 Jul 2015 Cameroon Concord and Presstv Headlines

Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has called for unity as people stage a protest rally against the Turkish government after a terrorist attack in the country. “We are at a moment when everyone should stand shoulder to shoulder against this attack,” the Turkish prime minister said during a news conference in the capital Ankara on Monday after a deadly bombing in the town of Suruc near the border with Syria.

More:Turkey paying the price of involvement in Syria: Ankara urges unity as people protest terror attack

Suruc massacre: Turkey suicide bombing suspect identified - BBC News

Suruc massacre: Turkey suicide bombing suspect identified

A suspect has been identified in the suicide bomb attack that killed 32 young activists in Turkey, the country's prime minister has said.

More:Suruc massacre: Turkey suicide bombing suspect identified - BBC News

Lifting of Iran embargo both opportunity and threat for Turkey - GİLA BENMAYOR

Lifting of Iran embargo both opportunity and threat for Turkey

Germany has been the quickest to respond after the embargo was lifted for Iran. German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel has flown to Iran accompanied by a large group of industrialists and businesspeople. There he will meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

More:Lifting of Iran embargo both opportunity and threat for Turkey - GİLA BENMAYOR

Dutch-Turkish man appears in U.S. court on terrorism charges - Yahoo News

Dutch-Turkish man appears in U.S. court on terrorism charges
Reuters
July 20, 2015 5:32 PM

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Dutch-Turkish national accused of raising funds and recruiting in Europe for an Islamist militant group active in Afghanistan has been extradited to the United States and charged with terrorism offenses, the U.S. Justice Department said on Monday.

More:Dutch-Turkish man appears in U.S. court on terrorism charges - Yahoo News