Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Why is Trump not talking Syria with Erdoğan? - MURAT YETKİN

Why is Trump not talking Syria with Erdoğan?

According to a statement from the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Jan. 29 and convinced him on a project to establish safe zones in Syria and Yemen, two countries on Trump’s controversial recent ban list.

More:Why is Trump not talking Syria with Erdoğan? - MURAT YETKİN

Turkey’s population reaches almost 80 million - Daily Sabah

Turkey’s population reaches almost 80 million
DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL

Turkey’s population reached 79.8 million last year according to figures released yesterday, but the growth rate remains at 1 percent, a concerning figure for the aging country

More:Turkey’s population reaches almost 80 million - Daily Sabah

Monday, January 30, 2017

What Trump's immigration order means for three million refugees in Turkey

What Trump’s immigration order means for three million refugees in Turkey
January 31, 2017 4.28am AEDT

On Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 and amid the world’s greatest refugee crisis since World War II, Donald Trump imposed a four-month suspension of all refugee admissions into the US and indefinitely banned entry to all Syrian refugees.

More:What Trump's immigration order means for three million refugees in Turkey

In Turkey, US Loss Is China’s Gain | The Diplomat

In Turkey, US Loss Is China's Gain

With relations with the United States in tatters, the ‘Eurasianers’ in Turkey look to accelerate ties with China

More:In Turkey, US Loss Is China’s Gain | The Diplomat

Two pro-Kurdish lawmakers in Turkey arrested on terrorism charges - sources | Reuters

Two pro-Kurdish lawmakers in Turkey arrested on terrorism charges - sources

A Turkish court ordered the arrest of two lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) on Monday, security sources said, bringing the total of jailed deputies from the Turkish opposition group to 12.

More:Two pro-Kurdish lawmakers in Turkey arrested on terrorism charges - sources | Reuters

Turkey’s Gift From God - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Turkey’s Gift From God
Posted by: Marc Pierini
Monday, January 30, 2017

Speaking on July 16, 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the failed coup the previous night was a “gift from God” that would allow him to cleanse the army and the state of terrorists. Turkey’s post-coup purge had the most extensive scope imaginable. Not only rebellious officers were targeted but also scores of opponents—real or perceived—in local administration, the media, schools and universities, culture, and business. In addition, the government set in motion a massive crackdown on dissent and social media, and so-called enemies of the state from within and outside were routinely denounced.

More:Turkey’s Gift From God - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Trump’s Muslim ban causes confusion at Turkey’s main international air hub | Middle East Eye

Trump’s Muslim ban causes confusion at Turkey’s main international air hub

A ban on nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US was signed on Friday by US President Trump

More:Trump’s Muslim ban causes confusion at Turkey’s main international air hub | Middle East Eye

U.K.’s May Signs Fighter Jet Deal During Ankara Visit

U.K.’s May Signs Fighter Jet Deal During Ankara Visit
January 29, 2017

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May signed a $125 million fighter jet deal with Turkey during a visit to Ankara as she looked to boost trade between the two NATO countries.

More:U.K.’s May Signs Fighter Jet Deal During Ankara Visit

Friday, January 27, 2017

Turkey angered as Greece blocks extradition of soldiers over coup attempt | The Independent

Turkey angered as Greece blocks extradition of soldiers over coup attempt

Turkey says it will ‘use all avenues of law’ to ensure the soldiers’ extradition and prosecution

More:Turkey angered as Greece blocks extradition of soldiers over coup attempt | The Independent

Is Erdogan A Russian Ally Or Putin's Puppet?

Is Erdogan A Russian Ally Or Putin's Puppet?

Anna Borshchevskaya ,

Russian and Turkish strongmen Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan appear closer than ever. For years Erdogan opposed Putin’s position on Syria, and demanded that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad must go. No longer does Erdogan voice this demand. To the contrary, upon conclusion of the latest Syria talks in Astana on January 24, Putin and Erdogan only moved closer by agreeing, together with Iran, to jointly fight ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. Russian and Western press reports indicate Turkey and Russia already launched joint strikes in Syria.

More:Is Erdogan A Russian Ally Or Putin's Puppet?

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Analysis: Turkey hit hard by a terror boomerang - Opinion - Jerusalem Post

Analysis: Turkey hit hard by a terror boomerang
ByYossi Melman
02 January 2017 06:41
This most recent attack further proves that it is almost impossible to stop a determined murderer, however Erdogan's policies have brought this upon his country.

More:Analysis: Turkey hit hard by a terror boomerang - Opinion - Jerusalem Post

Theresa May heads to Turkey

Theresa May heads to Turkey
EPA/WILL OLIVER
Click for full view

British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street, Central London, Britain, 24 January 2017.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is scheduled to visit Turkey on January 28 for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, defence and security.

More:Theresa May heads to Turkey

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Dailytimes | CihanTugal’s The fall of the Turkish Model

CihanTugal’s The fall of the Turkish Model

When neoliberalisation and democratization work together harmoniously, religious forces remain subservient and supportive to them

More:Dailytimes | CihanTugal’s The fall of the Turkish Model

A Match Made in Hell: The Budding Bromance of Trump and Erdogan | The Nation

A Match Made in Hell: The Budding Bromance of Trump and Erdogan

Can two power-hungry egomaniacs forge a lasting alliance? Much depends on an extradition request, and whether Trump will continue the alliance with Syria’s Kurds.

More:A Match Made in Hell: The Budding Bromance of Trump and Erdogan | The Nation

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Turkish-German news website launched in Germany with Can Dündar | Culture | DW.COM | 24.01.2017

Turkish-German news website launched in Germany with Can Dündar

A new online portal for Turkish news has been launched - in Germany. "Özgürüz" aims to provide impartial coverage on issues that are censored in Turkey.

More:Turkish-German news website launched in Germany with Can Dündar | Culture | DW.COM | 24.01.2017

Turkey Expected to Raise Rates After ‘Backdoor’ Moves to Bolster Lira - Bloomberg

Turkey Expected to Raise Rates After ‘Backdoor’ Moves to Bolster Lira
by Onur Ant
and Constantine Courcoulas
January 23, 2017, 10:19 PM GMT+8 January 24, 2017, 3:14 PM GMT+8

Turkey’s central bank is likely to step up efforts to prop up the lira with higher interest rates, seeking to build momentum after a series of extraordinary measures to tighten liquidity.

More:Turkey Expected to Raise Rates After ‘Backdoor’ Moves to Bolster Lira - Bloomberg

Will presidential referendum save Turkey's democracy?

Will presidential referendum save Turkey's democracy?

A package of constitutional amendments that would dramatically expand the powers of Turkey’s president won the support of 339 deputies in the 550-member parliament Jan. 21, surpassing the 60% threshold (330 votes) required to submit the draft to a referendum. Backed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its de facto partner, the Nationalist Action Party (MHP), the bill is supposed to be put to a public vote within two months of the president’s approval, meaning Turkish voters will be going to the polls no later than the third week of April.

More:Will presidential referendum save Turkey's democracy?

Turkey’s military is contracting under Erdogan’s regime too « Hot Air

Turkey’s military is contracting under Erdogan’s regime too
posted at 12:31 pm on January 23, 2017 by Jazz Shaw

Just yesterday we looked at the fact that the Turkish lira has lost roughly one third of its value since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began consolidating his power into what amounts to a tyrannical regime. Their once thriving private sector economy is fading and many stores now sit empty, with foreign businesses being less willing to risk operating there. But it’s not just the economy which is suffering these effects. A new report from Der Spiegel reveals that Turkey’s once mighty military is also losing strength and the cause is almost entirely the fault of the president and his post-coup policies.

More:Turkey’s military is contracting under Erdogan’s regime too « Hot Air

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Turkey's New Constitution Would End Its Democracy - Bloomberg View

Turkey's New Constitution Would End Its Democracy
18
Jan 22, 2017 11:03 AM EST
By
Noah Feldman

With all eyes on the U.S. as it inaugurates a new leader, Turkey is preparing to amend its constitution to make its president even more powerful than the American executive.

More:Turkey's New Constitution Would End Its Democracy - Bloomberg View

Opinion: Turkey′s crucial referendum on the horizon | Europe | DW.COM | 22.01.2017

Opinion: Turkey's crucial referendum on the horizon

The Turkish parliament has approved constitutional amendments to strengthen President Erdogan. The next step is a referendum - and many factors will influence the outcome, writes DW's Seda Serdar.

More:Opinion: Turkey′s crucial referendum on the horizon | Europe | DW.COM | 22.01.2017

‘Conservative, religious, nationalist’ bloc to dominate Turkey’s future - POLITICS

‘Conservative, religious, nationalist’ bloc to dominate Turkey’s future

BARÇIN YİNANÇ

A recent poll conducted by Kadir Has University (KHAS) shows that there has been a huge consolidation on the right-wing of Turkish politics, with grassroots support for the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) leadership reaching very high levels, according to Hasan Bülent Kahraman.

More:‘Conservative, religious, nationalist’ bloc to dominate Turkey’s future - POLITICS

Turkey President eager to hear Trump's Mideast policies | Business Standard News

Turkey President eager to hear Trump's Mideast policies

IANS | Istanbul January 22, 2017 Last Updated at 20:10 IST

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said he was eager to hear US President Donald Trump's Middle East policies.

More:Turkey President eager to hear Trump's Mideast policies | Business Standard News

Turkey’s Erdogan kicks-off referendum campaign to boost powers

Turkey’s Erdogan kicks-off referendum campaign to boost powers

Popular vote likely in April after parliament backs constitutional changes

More:Turkey’s Erdogan kicks-off referendum campaign to boost powers

Turkey constitutional changes: what are they, how did they come about and how are they different? | The Independent

Turkey constitutional changes: what are they, how did they come about and how are they different?

The model proposed by Turkey lacks the safety mechanisms of checks and balances present in other countries like the United States, observers say

More:Turkey constitutional changes: what are they, how did they come about and how are they different? | The Independent

Walking on Eggshells in Turkey – Handelsblatt Global

Walking on Eggshells in Turkey

Violent attacks are a part of everyday life in Turkey. Crackdowns on businesses and the recent arrest of 380 managers don’t alleviate concerns, leaving German companies on alert.

More:Walking on Eggshells in Turkey – Handelsblatt Global

Friday, January 20, 2017

Turkey Parliament Triggers Referendum on Presidential System - Bloomberg

Turkey Parliament Triggers Referendum on Presidential System
by Selcan Hacaoglu
and Firat Kozok
January 20, 2017, 8:35 PM EST

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s campaign to secure sweeping executive authority won approval of Turkey’s parliament early Saturday. Turks will have the final say in a referendum that could be held in early April.

More:Turkey Parliament Triggers Referendum on Presidential System - Bloomberg

After Turkey’s annus horribilis, tourism has slumped in the world’s oldest shopping mall

After Turkey’s annus horribilis, tourism has slumped in the world’s oldest shopping mall

Zia Weise, Istanbul

19 January 2017 • 1:14pm

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar has received a multitude of famous visitors since it opened half a millennium ago, and the Adnan and Hasan carpet shop is no exception. By the shop till, besides towers of hand-knotted rugs and Anatolian kilims, a strip of photographs show dignitaries and ambassadors posing with the vendors.

More:After Turkey’s annus horribilis, tourism has slumped in the world’s oldest shopping mall

Merkel plans to visit Turkey next month

Merkel plans to visit Turkey next month

German Chancellor’s talks in Ankara to focus on refugee crisis, terrorism

More:Merkel plans to visit Turkey next month

Turkey's Lobbyists Manipulate Media On Gulen Extradition | The Daily Caller

A Case Study In How Lobbyists For Turkish Government Manipulate The American Media
Photo of Chuck Ross
Chuck Ross

Turkish news outlets lit up this weekend after a former Republican lawmaker published an op-ed at The Hill calling on the U.S. government to extradite Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Muslim cleric whose return to Turkey is an obsession for the NATO nation’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey's Lobbyists Manipulate Media On Gulen Extradition | The Daily Caller

Turkey: between "traitors" and "heroes" / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso - Transeuropa

Turkey: between "traitors" and "heroes"

Post-coup Turkey is increasingly shaping up as a divided country, where everyone must side with the "heroes" to avoid being branded as a "traitor". An analysis

More:Turkey: between "traitors" and "heroes" / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso - Transeuropa

Thursday, January 19, 2017

28 percent of women who married in 2016 in Turkey were underage: Study - LOCAL

28 percent of women who married in 2016 in Turkey were underage: Study

ISTANBUL

Some 28.2 percent of women who got married in 2016 in Turkey were underage, while the ratio of men in the same category was 5.6 percent, according to figures released by the Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK) under the Family Structure Research category.

Based on statistics regarding first marriages, women and men mostly got married between the ages of 20 and 24 in Turkey, with the percentage of women who got married aged 20-24 being 34.3 percent. The ratio in the same category for men was 41.3 percent.

More:28 percent of women who married in 2016 in Turkey were underage: Study - LOCAL

Turkish lawmaker chains self to rostrum, sparks new brawl | Nation | timesdaily.com

Turkish lawmaker chains self to rostrum, sparks new brawl

By SUZAN FRASER Associated Press Jan 19, 2017 Updated 4 hrs ago 0

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A Turkish legislator handcuffed herself to parliament's rostrum on Thursday to protest against a reform package that would give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office executive powers. The move sparked fighting between female legislators that reportedly resulted in two of them being hospitalized.

More:Turkish lawmaker chains self to rostrum, sparks new brawl | Nation | timesdaily.com

Neo-Ottoman rumblings

Neo-Ottoman rumblings

In the past few months Turkish President Erdogan has repeatedly called the borders of Turkey into question and implicitly laid claim to neighbouring territories. While such statements are mainly aimed at his own citizens, the neighbouring states are getting nervous, particularly now that Erdogan has dispatched troops to Syria and Iraq. By Ulrich von Schwerin

More:Neo-Ottoman rumblings

Istanbul nightclub attacker reveals his initial target was Taksim Square | Al Bawaba

Istanbul nightclub attacker reveals his initial target was Taksim Square

Published January 19th, 2017 - 11:00 GMT via SyndiGate.info

The confessions of New Year’s Eve murderer, executor of Istanbul Reina nightclub attack, Abdulgadir Masharipov has revealed that he is a member of Daesh and was trained in al-Qaeda camps in Iraq.

Masharipov admitted that his main target was Taksim Square but plans changed due to intensive security measures and he chose Reina nightclub instead only two hours before the bloodbath, which killed 39 and injured 65.

More:Istanbul nightclub attacker reveals his initial target was Taksim Square | Al Bawaba

What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power

What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power bill'?
Opponents fear too much power for Erdogan

Published 01/18 2017 01:14AM

Turkish lawmakers begin a second round of voting Wednesday on controversial reforms that would hand sweeping powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Tornos News | Cyprus at same table with Turkey after 43 years

Cyprus at same table with Turkey after 43 years
TornosNews.gr 19.01.2017 | 01:55

Responsible decisions and initiatives have allowed Cyprus to be at the same table with Turkey for “the first time in 43 years,” President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday night, about the conference on Cyprus.

More:Tornos News | Cyprus at same table with Turkey after 43 years

Turkey: A Preview for 2017 - Fair Observer

Turkey: A Preview for 2017

By Nathaniel Handy • January 18, 2017

Turkey has moved from hero to zero. It is now in the eye of the storm.

The Middle East has no shortage of dysfunctional states. The fallout of the Arab Spring has left civil war in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. Beyond them, states such as Egypt and Jordan teeter on the edge of chaos, destabilized by their regimes’ own repressive tactics. Yet beyond the outright war zones, nowhere is more plagued by terrorist attacks than Turkey.

More:Turkey: A Preview for 2017 - Fair Observer

Turkey’s worst year was a success story for the AKP - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Turkey’s worst year was a success story for the AKP

There is no doubt that terrorism is Turkey’s most important problem. It does not therefore come as a surprise when it tops the “most important problem” list in public opinion polls, like the recent one conducted by Istanbul’s Kadir Has University in which 35 percent of respondents said it was the key problem facing Turkey.

More:Turkey’s worst year was a success story for the AKP - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power bill'? - CNN.com

What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power bill'?

By Kara Fox, CNN

Updated 12:47 AM ET, Wed January 18, 2017

Turkish lawmakers begin a second round of voting Wednesday on controversial reforms that would hand sweeping powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:What happens if Turkey passes Erdogan's 'power bill'? - CNN.com

New York Times says Turkey denies entry to its correspondent

New York Times says Turkey denies entry to its correspondent
by Reuters
Wednesday, 18 January 2017 20:01 GMT

ISTANBUL, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Authorities in Turkey denied entry to a veteran New York Times correspondent and forced him to take a flight back to London, the newspaper said on Wednesday, in what its executive editor denounced as "an affront to freedom of the press".

More:New York Times says Turkey denies entry to its correspondent

Turkey's regional cuisine makes vibrant scene in Istanbul - Daily Sabah

Turkey's regional cuisine makes vibrant scene in Istanbul

Turkey's regional cuisine makes vibrant scene in Istanbul
Many culinary experts agree that Turkish food is among the top cuisines in the world and regional varieties are what make cuisines more tempting. During your Istanbul trip, stop by any of the following eateries to learn regional specialities from Turkey's western and eastern parts

More:Turkey's regional cuisine makes vibrant scene in Istanbul - Daily Sabah

Reina attack highlights widening chasm in Turkish lifestyles - BBC News

Reina attack highlights widening chasm in Turkish lifestyles
By Mark Lowen BBC Turkey correspondent

Hours after the Reina nightclub attacker was caught in Istanbul this week, the Turkish government's press office sent out a tweet, quoting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Reina attack highlights widening chasm in Turkish lifestyles - BBC News

Turkey Adopts Conservative Curriculum for Schools

Turkey Adopts Conservative Curriculum for Schools

Gürkan Özturan Turkey, Analysis 18 January, 2017

Turkey has once again updated its national education curriculum, downgrading philosophy, cutting classes on single-party rule in the 1940s and adding the latest coup attempt under philosophy and the social sciences.

More:Turkey Adopts Conservative Curriculum for Schools

US backs Turkish offensive with airstrikes around al-Bab

US backs Turkish offensive with airstrikes around al-Bab

The United States has resumed airstrikes in support of Turkey’s ongoing campaign against the Islamic State in Syria, a spokesman for the US-led coalition based in Baghdad told reporters Jan. 17. The move could help diffuse growing tensions between the NATO allies.

More:US backs Turkish offensive with airstrikes around al-Bab

How women pried open the doors to Turkish military schools again

How women pried open the doors to Turkish military schools again

Just two years ago, Al-Monitor reported on a rise in the number of female soldiers in the Turkish Armed Forces. Then the Ministry of Defense picked a fight by deciding women were no longer needed in the navy and air force.

More:How women pried open the doors to Turkish military schools again

At Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, empty shops echo a country's deepening strains

At Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, empty shops echo a country's deepening strains

Scott Peterson

Inside the tight warrens of Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, an edge of desperation has crept into the voices of touts trying to sell their wares.

More:At Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, empty shops echo a country's deepening strains

Purges Have Weakened Once Mighty Turkish Military - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Purges Have Weakened Once Mighty Turkish Military

Mass firings after last summer's failed coup attempt have created widespread anxiety inside the Turkish military. A weakened army and the loss of high-ranking officers is becoming a problem for NATO.

More:Purges Have Weakened Once Mighty Turkish Military - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution, Gentlemen

Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution, Gentlemen

Tim Worstall ,

This is not an unusual occurrence, something appears to go wrong with an economy and the government then insists that it's all the speculators' fault. Thus the solution is to root out the speculators and everything will be fine. Except, of course, this is not entirely nor absolutely what is happening. Speculation does indeed of course exist, as do speculators. But speculators who manage to make money (and the other kind, those who lose it, rapidly leave the market through being bankrupt) act upon some underlying thing which is going wrong with an economy. They are a symptom, not a cause.

And so it is with the recent complaints in Turkey:

Everyone already sees and knows the attacks that Turkey has been subjected to also have an economic aspect. There is no difference between a terrorist who has a weapon or bomb in his hand and a terrorist who has dollars, euros and interest in terms of aim. The aim is to bring Turkey to its knees, to take over Turkey and to distance Turkey from its goals. They are using the foreign exchange rate as a weapon,” Erdoğan said at his 34th meeting with village chiefs at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.

More:Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution, Gentlemen

Istanbul nightclub shooting suspect trained in Afghanistan, official says | Fox News

Istanbul nightclub shooting suspect trained in Afghanistan, official says
Published January 17, 2017 FoxNews.com

The terror suspect accused in the shooting rampage at a nightclub in Istanbul early on New Year's Day trained in Afghanistan before traveling to Turkey and launching his attack, a Turkish official announced Tuesday, hours after police finally pulled the bloodied man from the home where he'd been hiding.

More:Istanbul nightclub shooting suspect trained in Afghanistan, official says | Fox News

Monday, January 16, 2017

Istanbul Reina nightclub attack suspect captured - BBC News

Istanbul Reina nightclub attack suspect captured

Turkish police have arrested the main suspect in the New Year's Eve attack on an exclusive nightclub in Istanbul after a huge manhunt.

More:Istanbul Reina nightclub attack suspect captured - BBC News

Is Turkey still pursuing an Islamist foreign policy? - SEMİH İDİZ

Is Turkey still pursuing an Islamist foreign policy?

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) remain Islamist at heart. This is more apparent today in Turkey’s domestic rather than its foreign policy though. In its foreign policy, there is a clear shift toward pragmatism.

More:Is Turkey still pursuing an Islamist foreign policy? - SEMİH İDİZ

Istanbul Nightclub Attack Involved Intelligence Organization: Turkey - NBC News

Istanbul Nightclub Attack Involved Intelligence Organization: Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey — The mass shooting at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Eve was carried out professionally with the involvement of an intelligence organization, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

More:Istanbul Nightclub Attack Involved Intelligence Organization: Turkey - NBC News

Review: ‘The New Turkey and its Discontents’

Review: ‘The New Turkey and its Discontents’

by: Review by Siona Jenkins

In the heady days of 2012, when Egypt’s revolution had yet to turn sour, a member of the former royal family surprised me by saying that a Muslim Brotherhood government would be a good thing. “Look at Turkey,” he said, describing how the moderately Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) had grown the economy and improved living standards without destroying secular culture. This, he said, was the new model for the region.

More:Review: ‘The New Turkey and its Discontents’

These three charts will help you understand Turkey's recent terrorist attacks | 90.5 WESA

These three charts will help you understand Turkey's recent terrorist attacks
By Kuang Keng Kuek Ser

The attack inside an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Day is the latest episode in a string of brutal terrorist attacks in Turkey, where terrorism has spiked since 2012. In 2016, 484 died in attacks, making it Turkey's deadliest year in this century for such violence, according to data compiled by media reports.

More:These three charts will help you understand Turkey's recent terrorist attacks | 90.5 WESA

Turkey's sweeping presidential reforms clear first parliament vote | EUROPE ONLINE

Turkey's sweeping presidential reforms clear first parliament vote
Europe

Istanbul (dpa) - The Turkish parliament on Sunday gave its first approval to 18 constitutional amendments that grant expansive powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The lawmakers must wait at least 48-hours before voting a second and final time on the legislation, which would change Turkey from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.

More:Turkey's sweeping presidential reforms clear first parliament vote | EUROPE ONLINE

Kyrgyzstan plane crash: Dozens die as Turkish cargo jet hits homes - BBC News

Kyrgyzstan plane crash: Dozens die as Turkish cargo jet hits homes

A Turkish cargo plane flying from Hong Kong has crashed into a village in Kyrgyzstan, killing all four crew and at least 33 people on the ground.

More:Kyrgyzstan plane crash: Dozens die as Turkish cargo jet hits homes - BBC News

The Economist explains: Will Cyprus be reunified? | The Economist

Will Cyprus be reunified?
Jan 15th 2017, 23:56 by T.N.

THE formal split of Cyprus dates to Turkey’s invasion of the island in 1974, which followed a Greece-inspired coup aimed at enosis (union with Greece). Since then Cyprus has been divided between the Greek-Cypriot republic in the south, a full member of the UN and the European Union; and the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey. Periodic attempts to reunify Cyprus have floundered, most recently in 2004 when the so-called Annan plan was backed by Turkish-Cypriot voters but rejected by three-quarters of the Greek-Cypriot majority. But since 2015 the leaders of the two communities have stepped up efforts to produce a fresh agreement they can sell to their voters. UN-brokered talks in Geneva broke up last week without a deal, but hopes remain high that the two sides will resolve their outstanding disagreements in time to hold dual referendums in the summer. Will Cyprus be reunified?

More:The Economist explains: Will Cyprus be reunified? | The Economist

Turkey's last elections?

Turkey's last elections?

The parliament in Ankara is manoeuvring itself into checkmate as it prepares to grant the president unlimited power. Erdogan is thus going forward with his plan to rebuild the state – in a spine-chilling manner. Commentary by Bulent Mumay

More:Turkey's last elections?

Istanbul nightclub attack said to involve intelligence organisation - Culture & Society - ArabianBusiness.com

Istanbul nightclub attack said to involve intelligence organisation

Seven Saudi citizens, three Lebanese and a Kuwaiti citizen were among the 39 killed in the attack.

More:Istanbul nightclub attack said to involve intelligence organisation - Culture & Society - ArabianBusiness.com

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Turkish MPs back new constitution boosting Erdogan's powers - BBC News

Turkish MPs back new constitution boosting Erdogan's powers

Turkey's parliament has given preliminary approval to a new constitution which will increase the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkish MPs back new constitution boosting Erdogan's powers - BBC News

Is this the end of the republic and Islamism? - NURAY MERT

Is this the end of the republic and Islamism?

Paradoxically, the end of the secular republic in Turkey also marks the end of Islamism or Islamist politics in Turkey and elsewhere. The Turkish Parliament is currently voting on a constitutional change that will usher in a so-called Turkish type of presidential system, or “President of the Republic System” as the governing party dubs it. This system is nothing but an authoritarian executive regime that not only promises less democracy, but also hints at the end of the secular regime once established. The supporters of the Islamist ruling party have already started to question the legitimacy of the secular political system, suggesting “a native sort of alternative democracy” more openly than before.

More:Is this the end of the republic and Islamism? - NURAY MERT

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Terror, Trump and nationalism complicating Turkey's economic recovery - World - CBC News

Terror, Trump and nationalism complicating Turkey's economic recovery

Bomb attacks, July coup attempt among factors hurting Turkish economy

More:Terror, Trump and nationalism complicating Turkey's economic recovery - World - CBC News

Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution Gentlemen

Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution Gentlemen

Tim Worstall ,

This is not an unusual occurrence, something appears to go wrong with an economy and the government then insists that it's all the speculators' fault. Thus the solution is to root out the speculators and everything will be fine. Except, of course, this is not entirely nor absolutely what is happening. Speculation does indeed of course exist, as do speculators. But speculators who manage to make money (and the other kind, those who lose it, rapidly leave the market through being bankrupt) act upon some underlying thing which is going wrong with an economy. They are a symptom, not a cause.

More:Turkey's Lira Decline - Rooting Out The Speculators Isn't The Solution Gentlemen

Friday, January 13, 2017

The Cyprus Spring - VERDA ÖZER

The Cyprus Spring

“Conflicts can only be solved when they are still hot,” Henry Kissinger once famously said. But Cyprus seems to overrule this quote since the 50-years old question seems to be defrosting at last.

More:The Cyprus Spring - VERDA ÖZER

EU unlocks 200 million euros for Syrian refugees in Turkey - EUROPE

EU unlocks 200 million euros for Syrian refugees in Turkey

BRUSSELS – Anadolu Agency

The European Union on Jan. 12 unlocked another 200 million euros ($213 million) as part of the multi-billion aid package to meet the needs of Syrian refugees being sheltered in Turkey.

More:EU unlocks 200 million euros for Syrian refugees in Turkey - EUROPE

Resetting Turkey-US relations | TheHill

Resetting Turkey-US relations

As the United States prepares for the incoming administration and President Donald Trump, there stands an opportunity for a reset of an important relationship – that of the United States and Turkey. The hope is that President Trump and his officials will cultivate more closely a diplomatic relationship with Turkish President Erdogan than President Obama had left fallow over the past eight years.

More:Resetting Turkey-US relations | TheHill

How Erdogan is redefining who is a Turk

How Erdogan is redefining who is a Turk

In the midst of a controversial constitutional amendment process and the possibility of another election or referendum approaching, Turkey is making drastic changes to its citizenship laws without any public debate or parliamentary oversight.

More:How Erdogan is redefining who is a Turk

Turkey offers citizenship to foreign property buyers | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Turkey offers citizenship to foreign property buyers

People who invest in Turkey, including buying properties worth $1m or creating 100 jobs, will be offered citizenship.

More:Turkey offers citizenship to foreign property buyers | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Lower lira can help Turkish exports, experts say

Lower lira can help Turkish exports, experts say

Education, infrastructure spending can help in current environment, observer tells Anadolu Agency

More:Lower lira can help Turkish exports, experts say

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Turkey’s top bosses warn of serious economic risks, urge maintenance of key institutions - BUSINESS

Turkey’s top bosses warn of serious economic risks, urge maintenance of key institutions

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s top bosses have warned of the serious economic risks facing the country, noting the urgent need for Turkey to strengthen key institutions and decrease political uncertainties.

More:Turkey’s top bosses warn of serious economic risks, urge maintenance of key institutions - BUSINESS

Lira’s fall imperils Erdogan’s grand designs in Turkey

Lira’s fall imperils Erdogan’s grand designs in Turkey

Purge and terrorism rattle investors and leave business paralysed by uncertainty

More:Lira’s fall imperils Erdogan’s grand designs in Turkey

Turkish Islamic organization DITIB admits preachers spied in Germany | News | DW.COM | 12.01.2017

Turkish Islamic organization DITIB admits preachers spied in Germany

Germany's largest Islamic organization has admitted some of its preachers acted as informants for the Turkish government. The statement is likely to further strain German-Turkish relations.

More:Turkish Islamic organization DITIB admits preachers spied in Germany | News | DW.COM | 12.01.2017

Turkish ruling party warns of elections if constitution bill not passed | Reuters

Turkish ruling party warns of elections if constitution bill not passed

By Gulsen Solaker | ANKARA

Turkey will hold elections if parliament fails to approve a constitutional reform package expanding President Tayyip Erdogan's powers, a ruling AK Party lawmaker was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu agency on Thursday.

More:Turkish ruling party warns of elections if constitution bill not passed | Reuters

3 Key Foreign Ministers Join Talks Aiming to Reunify Cyprus - ABC News

3 Key Foreign Ministers Join Talks Aiming to Reunify Cyprus

By jamey keaten and menelaos hadjicostis, associated press

GENEVA — Jan 12, 2017, 8:44 AM ET

The top diplomats from Britain, Greece and Turkey on Thursday joined U.N.-hosted talks aiming to reunify long-divided Cyprus, as the negotiators tackle crucial security issues for the east Mediterranean island where tens of thousands of Turkish troops are stationed in the breakaway north.

More:3 Key Foreign Ministers Join Talks Aiming to Reunify Cyprus - ABC News

Turkey spars with US military over Syrian Kurds | News | DW.COM | 12.01.2017

Turkey spars with US military over Syrian Kurds

Turkey has againd lashed out at the US military for allegedly supporting "terrorist" Syrian Kurdish fighters. The Syrian Kurds meanwhile continue to advance on the "Islamic State" capital of Raqqa.

More:Turkey spars with US military over Syrian Kurds | News | DW.COM | 12.01.2017

Under A Blanket Of Snow, Terror-Stricken Istanbul Finally Breathes | The Huffington Post

Under A Blanket Of Snow, Terror-Stricken Istanbul Finally Breathes

“There was something rebellious and sublime about it — the storm was more powerful than any political organization.”

More:Under A Blanket Of Snow, Terror-Stricken Istanbul Finally Breathes | The Huffington Post

Recep Tayyip Erdogan spokesman slams US military for backing Syrian Kurdish militia | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Recep Tayyip Erdogan spokesman slams US military for backing Syrian Kurdish militia

Thu, 12 Jan 2017-01:01pm , Istanbul , Reuters

Turkey is hoping that the incoming US administration under Donald Trump will stop providing support to Kurdish militia fighters

More:Recep Tayyip Erdogan spokesman slams US military for backing Syrian Kurdish militia | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Fists fly as Turkey moves to bolster Erdogan powers | The Times of Israel

Fists fly as Turkey moves to bolster Erdogan powers

Bill to cement rule of Turkish president leads to violent clashes in parliament between opposition and government MPs

More:Fists fly as Turkey moves to bolster Erdogan powers | The Times of Israel

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Turkey: Where Economics Will Meet Politics | Stratfor

Turkey: Where Economics Will Meet Politics
January 11, 2017 | 21:51 GMT Print

Efforts by Turkey's ruling party to replace the country's parliamentary system with an executive presidency are quickly progressing. Earlier this week, Turkish Parliament began debating the constitutional amendments that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) presented in December. Late Jan. 10, it passed two of the 18 articles in the amendment package — one that deals with the courts and another that increases the size of the parliament from 550 members to 600 members. To pass the remaining articles through parliament, the AKP will need support from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Once they have passed in the legislature, the amendments will then have to be approved in a public referendum to be implemented. The AKP's goal is to pass the amendments through parliament by the end of January so they can be put to the public vote in April. But when Turkish voters head to the polls, politics will not be the only thing on their minds.

More:Turkey: Where Economics Will Meet Politics | Stratfor

Turkish, Greek Cypriots Exchange Maps in Symbolic Breakthrough

Turkish, Greek Cypriots Exchange Maps in Symbolic Breakthrough
January 11, 2017 6:09 PM

GENEVA —

Leaders of Cyprus's ethnic Greek and Turkish communities exchanged maps outlining rival proposals for territorial boundaries on Wednesday in a groundbreaking move diplomats hope could form part of a deal ending decades of division.

More:Turkish, Greek Cypriots Exchange Maps in Symbolic Breakthrough

Fears of a currency crisis in Turkey as lira dips | Middle East | DW.COM | 11.01.2017

Fears of a currency crisis in Turkey as lira dips

The Turkish lira tanked in the past few days, unnerving investors about a possibility of a currency crisis. Turkish businessmen said weaker lira could hamper investments and hurts Turkish firms.

More:Fears of a currency crisis in Turkey as lira dips | Middle East | DW.COM | 11.01.2017

Turkish Lira in Biggest Daily Drop Since Coup Attempt - WSJ

Turkish Lira in Biggest Daily Drop Since Coup Attempt
Investors’ concerns rise over Turkey’s economy and security
By Mike Bird and
Carolyn Cui
Updated Jan. 11, 2017 6:51 p.m. ET

The Turkish lira fell as much as 3.5% against the U.S. dollar Wednesday on escalating concerns over Turkey’s economy and security.

More:Turkish Lira in Biggest Daily Drop Since Coup Attempt - WSJ

Volunteering in Istanbul: Ways to do good by helping refugees - Daily Sabah

Volunteering in Istanbul: Ways to do good by helping refugees
LEYLA YVONNE ERGIL
ISTANBUL
Published January 9, 2017

Volunteering in Istanbul: Ways to do good by helping refugees
Hosting the largest number of refugees within its borders, Turkey houses many volunteer groups that are helping refugees in a number of ways. Several of them are run by expats or welcome them to distribute more help

More:Volunteering in Istanbul: Ways to do good by helping refugees - Daily Sabah

With The Far-Right Rising, Dutch Create Their Own Parties For Immigrants | Maine Public

With The Far-Right Rising, Dutch Create Their Own Parties For Immigrants
By Lauren Frayer

Sylvana Simons got her start as a soul music VJ on the Dutch version of MTV. She went on to anchor the evening news in the Netherlands, and performed on the local version of Dancing with the Stars.

More:With The Far-Right Rising, Dutch Create Their Own Parties For Immigrants | Maine Public

Turkey vote brings President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a step closer to increased executive power | The Independent

Turkey vote brings President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a step closer to increased executive power

Proposed constitutional reform would allow sitting president to appoint and dismiss ministers and stay in office until 2029

More:Turkey vote brings President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a step closer to increased executive power | The Independent

Turkey renames street after slain Russian ambassador

Turkey renames street after slain Russian ambassador
By AP |
Posted: Tue 6:57 AM, Jan 10, 2017

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey has renamed the street that serves the Russian Embassy after the ambassador who was killed in an attack in the Turkish capital.

More:Turkey renames street after slain Russian ambassador

Public gatherings banned in Ankara amid debate over constitution

Public gatherings banned in Ankara amid debate over constitution
11.01.2017

Authorities in the Turkish capital Ankara have banned demonstrations and public gatherings for the next 30 days, as parliament debates a controversial overhaul of the country's leadership structure.

A warning from the intelligence services over a planned terrorist attack on such gatherings was the reason for the measure, which covers the whole province of Ankara, the provincial governor said.

More:Public gatherings banned in Ankara amid debate over constitution

Why did Turkey's regime turn to the iron fist? | SocialistWorker.org

Why did Turkey's regime turn to the iron fist?

To understand the sources of state repression and violence being inflicted in Turkey, John Monroe looks at the history of the ruling party and the deepening crisis it faces.
January 11, 2017

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attends meetings in Istanbul after the unsuccessful coupTurkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attends meetings in Istanbul after the unsuccessful coup

"A GIFT from God." That's what Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said of the failed coup against his government last July.

More:Why did Turkey's regime turn to the iron fist? | SocialistWorker.org

Turkey's allies arming Kurdish militia, no room for it at Syria talks: deputy PM | Reuters

Turkey's allies arming Kurdish militia, no room for it at Syria talks: deputy PM

Turkey's allies are still providing weapons to the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak said on Wednesday, asking "what business does a terror group have at the peace table?".

More:Turkey's allies arming Kurdish militia, no room for it at Syria talks: deputy PM | Reuters

Kurdish militants claim responsibility for Izmir attack that killed two | Reuters

Kurdish militants claim responsibility for Izmir attack that killed two

An offshoot of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has claimed responsibility for last week's car bomb attack on a checkpoint in western Turkey, a news agency which regularly releases news from the PKK said on Wednesday.

More:Kurdish militants claim responsibility for Izmir attack that killed two | Reuters

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Toward a regime change in Turkey - MEHMET Y. YILMAZ

Toward a regime change in Turkey

Debates on the constitutional amendments have started in parliament. Surveys have shown that 36 percent of citizens who will vote in a possible referendum have “no information” about the constitutional change. The rate of those who say they have “very little” knowledge is 28 percent and those who say they have “a little” knowledge total 14 percent.

More:Toward a regime change in Turkey - MEHMET Y. YILMAZ

Towards a more unstable Turkey - SERKAN DEMİRTAŞ

Towards a more unstable Turkey

Jan. 9 marked yet another historic day in Turkey’s political history, as parliament began debating a controversial constitutional amendment package that shifts the country’s governance system to an executive presidency.

More:Towards a more unstable Turkey - SERKAN DEMİRTAŞ

Monday, January 09, 2017

The Battle for al-Bab Is Bringing U.S.-Turkish Tensions to a Head - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The Battle for al-Bab Is Bringing U.S.-Turkish Tensions to a Head

Fabrice Balanche

January 9, 2017

Helping Erdogan take the city could greatly decrease the civilian death toll and preserve U.S.-Turkish cooperation in Syria, but Washington will still need to decide what to do with the Kurds, its other key ally against the Islamic State.

On January 5, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to close Incirlik Air Base to the international coalition against the Islamic State, citing the lack of U.S. support for his efforts to take the IS-held Syrian city of al-Bab. That battle will likely force Washington to make some hard choices about which ally is most important in the anti-IS campaign -- Turkey or the Kurds.

More:The Battle for al-Bab Is Bringing U.S.-Turkish Tensions to a Head - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The Islamic State is pulling Turkey into a vortex - The Washington Post

The Islamic State is pulling Turkey into a vortex
By Asli Aydintasbas January 9 at 12:40 PM

Sometimes a tragedy can unite a family — or a nation. Across Europe, the citizens of various countries that have been hit by Islamic State terrorism displayed a heartfelt solidarity in their moment of national grief. There were candlelight vigils, outpourings of sorrow on social media, a general sense of “We are in this together” across the political spectrum.

More:The Islamic State is pulling Turkey into a vortex - The Washington Post

Decree law enables Turkish citizens abroad to vote without address registration - POLITICS

Decree law enables Turkish citizens abroad to vote without address registration

Around a million Turkish citizens who live abroad but who do not have a registered address will be eligible to vote in a potential referendum on changes to Turkey’s constitution, according to a newly introduced decree law.

More:Decree law enables Turkish citizens abroad to vote without address registration - POLITICS

Cyprus reunification: Greek and Turkish leaders of divided island enter final stages of peace talks | The Independent

Cyprus reunification: Greek and Turkish leaders of divided island enter final stages of peace talks

Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will meet at the United Nations in Geneva this week

More:Cyprus reunification: Greek and Turkish leaders of divided island enter final stages of peace talks | The Independent

Turkish President sees better ties with U.S. under Trump | Reuters

Turkish President sees better ties with U.S. under Trump
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan addresses Turkish ambassadors at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, January 9, 2017. Kayhan Ozer/Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS

By Tulay Karadeniz and Daren Butler | ANKARA/ISTANBUL

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he believed relations with Washington would improve under President-elect Donald Trump and that the two NATO allies would reach an easier consensus on regional issues.

More:Turkish President sees better ties with U.S. under Trump | Reuters

Turks will vote in referendum to give Erdogan greater powers

Turks will vote in referendum to give Erdogan greater powers
EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Turkey will hold a referendum in April on a new constitution which would create an executive presidential system, handing incumbent President Tayyip Erdogan greater powers, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli said on Monday.

More:Turks will vote in referendum to give Erdogan greater powers

Will the MHP back Erdoğan’s executive presidency? - James in Turkey

Will the MHP back Erdoğan’s executive presidency?
Monday 9 January 2017 0

The resignation this week of Atila Kaya, one of the MHP’s deputy leaders, has triggered a flurry of speculation over whether there is enough support in Turkey’s nationalist party to get the government’s proposed executive presidency reforms through parliament.

More:Will the MHP back Erdoğan’s executive presidency? - James in Turkey

Turkey: hundreds protest plans to expand President Erdogan's powers

Turkey: hundreds protest plans to expand President Erdogan's powers

Proposed changes to the Turkish constitution, which would expand the president’s powers, have drawn hundreds of people to the streets of Ankara in protest.

More:Turkey: hundreds protest plans to expand President Erdogan's powers

2017 Preview: The lira and Turkey’s risky debt | Global Risk Insights

2017 Preview: The lira and Turkey’s risky debt

by Robert Veldhuizen , January 9, 2017

The economic and political problems that Turkey faced over the past year are unlikely to disappear, and may become more acute.

2016 was a difficult year for Turkey. The country faced multiple political and economic problems, ranging from a failed coup in June to long-standing structural economic problems. In the coming year, Turkey is likely to face problems in the same areas it did in 2016 – volitile growth rates, high-levels of international debt, and political fights over monetary policy.

More:2017 Preview: The lira and Turkey’s risky debt | Global Risk Insights

Turkey's Lost Year of Tourism Shows No Sign of Ending – Skift

Turkey’s Lost Year of Tourism Shows No Sign of Ending

Cinar Kiper and Dusan Stojanovic, Associated Press - Jan 08, 2017 11:00 am

As in Egypt, Turkey’s tourism problem is also a crisis in leadership, not just a security issue.

— Jason Clampet

The once bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is astonishingly quiet. The shops and restaurants in the city’s trendy Istiklal Street are all but empty of foreign customers and the hotels in the upscale Nisantasi district are nearly deserted.

More:Turkey's Lost Year of Tourism Shows No Sign of Ending – Skift

Does New Year's nightclub attack signal tough year ahead for Turkey?

Does New Year's nightclub attack signal tough year ahead for Turkey?

As 2016 was ending, millions of Turks were hoping that the struggles against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the Islamic State (IS) and armed leftist organizations would be over and 2017 would be less violent. But an attack by an IS militant in the first two hours of the new year at Reina, a popular, highbrow nightclub on the Bosporus, ruined those hopes.

More:Does New Year's nightclub attack signal tough year ahead for Turkey?

Turkey's bloody 2016 puts West's portal to Middle East in jeopardy | Fox News

Turkey's bloody 2016 puts West's portal to Middle East in jeopardy

Once the West’s safe, stable and fiercely secular portal into the Middle East, Turkey’s bloody 2016 showed the perils of its position between two worlds.

A dramatic coup attempt, 100 terror attacks that killed more than 500 people, the brazen assassination of a Russian diplomat and a shocking nightclub attack that left 39 dead in Istanbul on the final day of the year underscored the precarious status of the key Muslim nation and NATO member. Turkey’s descent into violence was driven by jihadists and refugees passing each other on their way to and from the killing fields of Syria and Iraq, an increasingly Islamist and authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and terrorists domestic and foreign.

More:Turkey's bloody 2016 puts West's portal to Middle East in jeopardy | Fox News

Sunday, January 08, 2017

From ally to scapegoat: Fethullah Gülen, the man behind the myth | News | DW.COM | 08.01.2017

From ally to scapegoat: Fethullah Gülen, the man behind the myth

Turkey's purge against dissidents continues and its state of emergency is extended - all allegedly because of one man: Fethullah Gülen. Who is Turkey's public enemy number one, and what do we know about his organization?

More:From ally to scapegoat: Fethullah Gülen, the man behind the myth | News | DW.COM | 08.01.2017

Opening Borders to Extremists Comes Back to Haunt Turkey

Opening Borders to Extremists Comes Back to Haunt Turkey

For Turkey, the difference between 2016 and 2017 might be very little, says Vijay Prashad

Following the Reina nightclub shooting in Istanbul, Turkey, Turkish officials are saying they have killed at least 18 ISIS militants in Syria. ISIS did claim responsibility for the attack, but the actual identity of the attacker and his affiliations are still unknown. Chief of the Turkish General Staff said to its state news agency Anadolu, that they attacked a hundred jihadist targets in Syria immediately after the nightclub attack.

More:Opening Borders to Extremists Comes Back to Haunt Turkey

Istanbul’s biggest threat doesn’t come from terrorists - The Washington Post

Istanbul’s biggest threat doesn’t come from terrorists
By Nick Danforth January 8 at 6:00 AM

In Istanbul, you’re still more likely to die in an earthquake than in a terrorist attack.

It’s a sobering thought for visitors and residents alike given all that has recently happened in the city. The Islamic State’s New Year’s Eve attack on an Istanbul nightclub came on the heels of a series of brutal bombings over the past year. The attacks have left Turkish citizens deeply shaken and tourists increasingly hesitant to visit one of the greatest cities on earth.

More:Istanbul’s biggest threat doesn’t come from terrorists - The Washington Post

Turkish police identify Reina attacker as Abdulkadir Masharipov - CRIME

Turkish police identify Reina attacker as Abdulkadir Masharipov

Turkish police have identified an alleged Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant who attacked a famous nightclub in Istanbul as Uzbek national Abdulkadir Masharipov.

More:Turkish police identify Reina attacker as Abdulkadir Masharipov - CRIME

Saturday, January 07, 2017

Baghdad 'reaches deal' on Turkish forces in northern Iraq | Middle East Eye

Baghdad 'reaches deal' on Turkish forces in northern Iraq
#IraqatWar

Iraq says Turkey has promised to 'respect sovereignty of Iraq' after months of rows over Turkish troops based in Bashiqa

More:Baghdad 'reaches deal' on Turkish forces in northern Iraq | Middle East Eye

Endgame looms in efforts to reunite Cyprus after 43 years - The Washington Post

Endgame looms in efforts to reunite Cyprus after 43 years

By Menelaos Hadjicostis | AP January 7 at 6:42 AM

NICOSIA, Cyprus — The division of Cyprus is now in its 43rd year. Next week may mark the decisive moment when the small eastern Mediterranean island nation starts to be stitched back together again.

More:Endgame looms in efforts to reunite Cyprus after 43 years - The Washington Post

Turkey's tourism takes big hit after extremist attacks | Daily Mail Online

Turkey's tourism takes big hit after extremist attacks

By Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — The once bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is astonishingly quiet. The shops and restaurants in the city's trendy Istiklal Street are all but empty of foreign customers and the hotels in the upscale Nisantasi district are nearly deserted.

More:Turkey's tourism takes big hit after extremist attacks | Daily Mail Online

Turkey begins stripping nationality of suspected supporters of the coup abroad | Al Bawaba

Turkey begins stripping nationality of suspected supporters of the coup abroad

Published January 7th, 2017 - 11:16 GMT via SyndiGate.info

Turks living abroad who are suspected of crimes against the state can have their citizenship revoked in some cases according to new procedures listed under the country's state of emergency.

More:Turkey begins stripping nationality of suspected supporters of the coup abroad | Al Bawaba

Friday, January 06, 2017

No one benefits if Turkey slides into chaos | South China Morning Post

No one benefits if Turkey slides into chaos

The country’s key position between Asia and Europe makes it vital that all nations work with it to preserve stability

More:No one benefits if Turkey slides into chaos | South China Morning Post

Turkey Denounces EU's Double Standards

Turkey Denounces EU's Double Standards

Ankara, Jan 5 (Prensa Latina) The Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu said today that his country did not want tense relations with any country or institution but that he believed that the EU was applying double standards and was arrogant.

More:Turkey Denounces EU's Double Standards

Turkey's collapse has been years in the making | Illawarra Mercury

Turkey's collapse has been years in the making
Paul McGeough

7 Jan 2017, 12:15 a.m.

Washington: An exotic country goes up in flames and the world turns elsewhere for an alternate holiday destination.

But in researching the chaos of our times, historians likely will keep coming back to Turkey, to pick apart an explosive collision of destructive forces, in which the more autocratic Turkish leader resident Recep Tayyip Erdogan figured he could do it all himself, the faster the country became ungovernable.

More:Turkey's collapse has been years in the making | Illawarra Mercury

Theresa May to make delicate diplomatic trip to Turkey | Politics | The Guardian

Theresa May to make delicate diplomatic trip to Turkey

British PM will attempt to calm Ankara’s anger at EU over refugees and bloc membership when she meets counterpart later this month

More:Theresa May to make delicate diplomatic trip to Turkey | Politics | The Guardian

Istanbul attack: Why China′s Uighurs are joining global jihadist groups | Asia | DW.COM | 06.01.2017

Istanbul attack: Why China's Uighurs are joining global jihadist groups

The Turkish government has arrested several Uighur Muslims in connection with Istanbul's nightclub attack. In a DW interview, analyst Siegfried O. Wolf explains why the Uighur issue has expanded beyond China's borders.

More:Istanbul attack: Why China′s Uighurs are joining global jihadist groups | Asia | DW.COM | 06.01.2017

Turkey´s Falling Currency Has a New Enemy

Turkey´s Falling Currency Has a New Enemy

This is post 2 of 2 in the series “Will Turkey’s Central Bank Raise Rates Again to Support the Lira?”

Inflation hurting the Turkish Lira

The Turkish lira has been on a noticeable decline since September 2016. We saw one of the reasons for its slide in the previous article of this series.

More:Turkey´s Falling Currency Has a New Enemy

Thursday, January 05, 2017

Turkey’s Coup and Europe’s Rule of Law - WSJ

Turkey’s Coup and Europe’s Rule of Law

Eight Turkish officers who fled to Greece deserve European protection from Erdogan’s crackdown.

More:Turkey’s Coup and Europe’s Rule of Law - WSJ

Car bomb and gun attack in Turkey lead to second terrorist manhunt in one week – VICE News

More terror in Turkey

By Tim Hume on Jan 5, 2017

A second terrorist manhunt is underway in Turkey following a deadly car bomb and gun attack on a courthouse in the western city of Izmir Thursday, Turkish officials said.

More:Car bomb and gun attack in Turkey lead to second terrorist manhunt in one week – VICE News

Istanbul massacre offers a glimpse into the rise of terrorists from Central Asia | The Independent

Istanbul massacre offers a glimpse into the rise of terrorists from Central Asia

The power and reach of fighters from the region has grown in the violent maelstrom of Syria’s civil war

More:Istanbul massacre offers a glimpse into the rise of terrorists from Central Asia | The Independent

The final nail in the coffin of Turkey’s soft power - CANSU ÇAMLIBEL

The final nail in the coffin of Turkey’s soft power

The monstrous attack on Istanbul’s iconic Reina club in the first hours of the new year has inevitably triggered a new wave in the lifestyle debate among secularists in Turkey. Most probably that was the leitmotiv of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which sent one of its exclusively trained assassins to kill 39 in a matter of minutes before vanishing into thin air despite the heavy police presence in the area.

More:The final nail in the coffin of Turkey’s soft power - CANSU ÇAMLIBEL

Anxiety in Ankara: Assassination, Geopolitics, and Democracy in Turkey

Anxiety in Ankara: Assassination, Geopolitics, and Democracy in Turkey

In December 19, 2016, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, was assassinated by Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş, an off-duty police officer, in Ankara during an art exhibit. The assassination took place at a critical junction, as Turkey and Russia have just started to repair their broken relationship due to the earlier downing of a Russian jet fighter. Furthermore, it also coincided with historic meetings between Turkey, Russia, and Iran to create a Syrian peace treaty, where Turkey gave up almost all political and military positions regarding the Syrian crisis.

More:Anxiety in Ankara: Assassination, Geopolitics, and Democracy in Turkey

In its every recent crisis, Turkey sees hand of U.S. | The Seattle Times

In its every recent crisis, Turkey sees hand of U.S.
Originally published January 4, 2017 at 7:55 pm

Like the failed coup in July and the assassination of Russia’s ambassador in December, the New Year’s Day nightclub massacre is suspected of being a CIA plot.

More:In its every recent crisis, Turkey sees hand of U.S. | The Seattle Times

Turkey Says Istanbul Nightclub Attacker Probably Uighur | The Huffington Post

Turkey Says Istanbul Nightclub Attacker Probably Uighur

Security services now know where he might be hiding, the deputy prime minister said.

More:Turkey Says Istanbul Nightclub Attacker Probably Uighur | The Huffington Post

Piccoli: Turkey's Economy at Crossroads in 2017 - Bloomberg

Piccoli: Turkey's Economy at Crossroads in 2017
6:36 AM EST
January 5, 2017

Wolfango Piccoli, co-president at Teneo Intelligence, and Jane Foley, senior FX strategist at Rabobank, examine the state of Turkey and the nation's economy. They speak with Bloomberg's Tom Keene on "Bloomberg Surveillance."

More:Piccoli: Turkey's Economy at Crossroads in 2017 - Bloomberg

A Return to Normal for Turkey and Iraq | Stratfor

A Return to Normal for Turkey and Iraq
Geopolitical Diary
January 6, 2017 | 01:22 GMT Text Size

After a period of heightened tensions, Turkey and Iraq have a chance to smooth things over. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will visit Iraq this weekend to meet with his counterparts in Baghdad and in Arbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government. During Yildirim's visit, all parties involved are expected to paper over their differences by playing up the areas where they agree. The Iraqi Parliament's Committee on Iraqi-Turkish Friendship has hailed the trip as an opportunity for relations between the two countries to "return to normal." But for Iraq and Turkey, "normal" is a pragmatic cooperation punctuated by episodes of strife between decidedly fair-weather friends.

More:A Return to Normal for Turkey and Iraq | Stratfor

Istanbul Nightclub Jihad Hits Erdogan Where It Hurts Most: The Economy - Breitbart

Istanbul Nightclub Jihad Hits Erdogan Where It Hurts
by Frances Martel5 Jan 20171

Turkey ended a turbulent 2016 with a terrorist attack targeting the heart of Istanbul’s tourist industry, leaving the neighborhood with closed businesses and empty streets.

More:Istanbul Nightclub Jihad Hits Erdogan Where It Hurts Most: The Economy - Breitbart

Editorial: Turkey goes ‘dark’ | Boston Herald

Editorial: Turkey goes ‘dark’
Herald Staff Thursday, January 05, 2017

The Turkish government seems intent on taking a tragic situation and making it worse.

The New Year’s terror attack that claimed at least 39 lives at an Istanbul nightclub has now given the government a rationale for extending state-of-emergency powers and further restricting press freedoms.

More:Editorial: Turkey goes ‘dark’ | Boston Herald

Centralization and authoritarianism: ‘Erdoganized’ Turkey | Asia Times

Centralization and authoritarianism: ‘Erdoganized’ Turkey
Salman Rafi

Almost 200 people have died in recent months in Turkey, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul, as a result of terrorist attacks including blasts, suicide bombings and shootings.

More:Centralization and authoritarianism: ‘Erdoganized’ Turkey | Asia Times

Opinion: Turkey′s history is one of division | Opinion | DW.COM | 05.01.2017

Opinion: Turkey's history is one of division

Following the New Year's Eve attack on an Istanbul nightclub, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Turks to unite. But it's far too late for that, write's DW's Daniel Heinrich.

More:Opinion: Turkey′s history is one of division | Opinion | DW.COM | 05.01.2017

Turkey Increases Internet Restrictions

Turkey Increases Internet Restrictions

The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has often had a difficult relationship with the Internet.

More:Turkey Increases Internet Restrictions

Postcard from Istanbul: how can a terrorist travel so freely across a city? | The National

Postcard from Istanbul: how can a terrorist travel so freely across a city?

Stephen Starr

January 5, 2017 Updated: January 5, 2017 10:15 PM

Across Istanbul in the early hours of 2017, a freezing, sleety rain pummelled anyone brave enough to venture out into the streets. Inside and sheltered from the weather that has lashed the city for weeks, thousands of people packed into restaurants and clubs to welcome in the new year, a year they hoped would be better than the previous.

More:Postcard from Istanbul: how can a terrorist travel so freely across a city? | The National

Car bomb strikes Turkey's Izmir

Car bomb strikes Turkey's Izmir

Turkey continues to be the target of terrorist violence. Today its third-largest city, Izmir, was rocked by the crackle of gunfire and explosions in the late afternoon. Early reports suggest that the blast was caused by a car bomb that was detonated outside a courthouse in the port city’s Bayrakli area.

More:Car bomb strikes Turkey's Izmir

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Turkish firm builds recycling facility in Holland | Science&Technology | Worldbulletin News

Turkish firm builds recycling facility in Holland

A Turkish company, Turmaks established a facility to produce silicopolymer recycling technology in the Netherlands, the company said Wednesday.

More:Turkish firm builds recycling facility in Holland | Science&Technology | Worldbulletin News

Turkey’s Government Shows Little Concern for Growing Income Inequality

Turkey’s Government Shows Little Concern for Growing Income Inequality
The Editors Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017

Editor’s note: This article is the first in an ongoing WPR series on income inequality and poverty reduction in various countries around the world.

In 2000, the wealthiest 1 percent of Turks owned 38 percent of Turkey’s total wealth. Today, despite a decade and a half of solid economic growth, the top 1 percent controls around 55 percent of total wealth. In an email interview, Aysen Candas, an associate professor at Bogazici University, discusses income inequality in Turkey.

More:Turkey’s Government Shows Little Concern for Growing Income Inequality

Was the Reina attack due to a clash of lifestyles?

Was the Reina attack due to a clash of lifestyles?

In Turkey, lifestyle differences are being touted as a potential motive for Saturday’s massacre in a nightclub in Istanbul.

More:Was the Reina attack due to a clash of lifestyles?

Steep drop in Middle Eastern tourists to Turkey – Middle East Monitor

Steep drop in Middle Eastern tourists to Turkey

There has been a sharp decline in the number of Arab tourists visiting Turkey, with flight reservations down an estimated 16 per cent in early 2017.

The nightclub shooting in which 39 people were killed, the latest of several Daesh-linked attacks on the country, has prompted a number of countries to issue travelling warnings to their citizens.

More:Steep drop in Middle Eastern tourists to Turkey – Middle East Monitor

Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Istanbul nightclub attack: Kemalism is under attack from jihadists and Erdogan’s Islamisation

Istanbul nightclub attack: Kemalism is under attack from jihadists and Erdogan’s Islamisation

Terrorist attacks like the one in Reina nightclub have widened the gaps in increasingly polarized Turkish society

More:Istanbul nightclub attack: Kemalism is under attack from jihadists and Erdogan’s Islamisation

Turkey's Parliament Extends State of Emergency

Turkey's Parliament Extends State of Emergency
January 03, 2017 6:38 PM

Turkey's parliament has extended the country's state of emergency for three more months as authorities continue to crack down on suspected followers of exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

More:Turkey's Parliament Extends State of Emergency

Secular citizens of Turkey have never felt so alone - The Washington Post

Secular citizens of Turkey have never felt so alone
The country's social fabric is torn apart.
By Ezgi Basaran January 3 at 1:21 PM

Hours after celebrating the new year, Turkey witnessed its 15th attack claimed by the Islamic State since 2014. This time, the target was Reina, a famous upscale nightclub on the shores of the Bosporus. The militant group has been targeting Turkey ever since a shift in policy in 2015 made it harder for Islamic State fighters to travel between Turkey and Syria.

More:Secular citizens of Turkey have never felt so alone - The Washington Post

Food, drinks push Turkish inflation up in December, lira tumbles | GulfNews.com

Food, drinks push Turkish inflation up in December, lira tumbles

Growing worries on inflation have exacerbated worsening investor sentiment due to security concerns

More:Food, drinks push Turkish inflation up in December, lira tumbles | GulfNews.com

Turkey urges Trump administration to turn back on Syrian Kurdish forces | World news | The Guardian

Turkey urges Trump administration to turn back on Syrian Kurdish forces

Turkish government says it expects new US administration to halt supply of weapons to YPG, which Washington has denied doing

More:Turkey urges Trump administration to turn back on Syrian Kurdish forces | World news | The Guardian

Editorial: Taking care of Turkey - The Malta Independent

Editorial: Taking care of Turkey
Tuesday, 3 January 2017, 10:50 Last update: about 4 hours ago

The strategy at the back of the terror attack in the Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Day is quite easy to understand.

More:Editorial: Taking care of Turkey - The Malta Independent

Turkey Says Depreciating Lire Cause of Further PMI Slump | Financial Tribune

Turkey Says Depreciating Lire Cause of Further PMI Slump

Turkey’s manufacturing, which represents around a third of the country’s economy, slipped further into contraction in December, falling to its lowest level in four months, a survey showed on Monday.

More:Turkey Says Depreciating Lire Cause of Further PMI Slump | Financial Tribune

Istanbul was our past, Istanbul is our future | Turkey | Al Jazeera

Istanbul was our past, Istanbul is our future

This attack is on the culture of tolerance, on the pluralism of Muslim countries that is represented in Istanbul.

More:Istanbul was our past, Istanbul is our future | Turkey | Al Jazeera

Monday, January 02, 2017

The Turmoil in Turkey - WSJ

The Turmoil in Turkey
The terror threat is real and is made worse by Erdogan’s paranoia.

Islamic State claimed responsibility Monday for a New Year’s terrorist attack at an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people, and the Turks deserve Western support as they fight on the front lines against jihadists. The tragedy is that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems intent on alienating so many of his friends and antiterror allies, including anyone who supports democratic values.

More:The Turmoil in Turkey - WSJ

ISIL attacks trigger secular reaction in Turkey - MURAT YETKİN

ISIL attacks trigger secular reaction in Turkey

On the afternoon of Jan. 1 a group of young men and women staged a brief public demonstration in a teahouse in Okmeydanı, a working-class neighborhood of Istanbul, declaring that they would struggle to keep Turkey’s secular system alive and not let the propagandists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or similar jihadist organizations recruit people in their area.

More:ISIL attacks trigger secular reaction in Turkey - MURAT YETKİN

Secular Critics: Erdogan Bears Responsibility for Nightclub Terror Attack

Secular Critics: Erdogan Bears Responsibility for Nightclub Terror Attack
January 02, 2017 4:26 PM

Jamie Dettmer

Turkey's prime minister vowed Monday to punish social media users who praise the terrorism of Islamic militants; but secular critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan say he and his government bear some responsibility for the New Year's Eve terror attack that left 39 people dead at an Istanbul nightclub.

More:Secular Critics: Erdogan Bears Responsibility for Nightclub Terror Attack

While journeys of Turkish brands accelerate abroad - GİLA BENMAYOR

While journeys of Turkish brands accelerate abroad

Is there any other country in the world other than Turkey where people’s hopes for 2017 were shattered?

More:While journeys of Turkish brands accelerate abroad - GİLA BENMAYOR

Turkey’s tectonic shift | TheHill

Turkey’s tectonic shift
By Robert Ellis - 01/02/17 12:25 PM EST

Since coming to power in 2002, Turkey’s governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) has under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan undergone a gradual but perceptible change in its domestic and foreign policy, so that it is now pointing in the opposite direction to where it started. As Naz Masraff from Eurasia Group has explained, the AKP made strategic use of the prospect of EU membership to present itself as a Western, reformist, neo-liberal and secular party until it became clear that there was a contradiction between the AKP’s discourse and its policies. But by that time it was too late.

More:Turkey’s tectonic shift | TheHill

Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

US: Erdogan's claims are “ludicrous”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s frustration over his failed and costly Syria policies ventured into the bizarre when he claimed he had “confirmed evidence, with pictures, photos and videos” of the US providing support for the Islamic State (IS), the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the PYD’s armed wing, the People’s Protection Unit (YPG).

More:Is Erdogan trying to wreck US-Turkey relations?

EUROPP – Contemporary Turkey in conflict: How ethnic, political and religious conflicts will define Turkey’s future

Contemporary Turkey in conflict: How ethnic, political and religious conflicts will define Turkey’s future

Since 2015, Turkey has experienced a wave of terrorist attacks, political unrest, and a failed coup attempt. Drawing on research in a new book, Tahir Abbas writes on the radical changes that have occurred in Turkey during the 21st century and the conflicts that are now shaping the country’s future.

More:EUROPP – Contemporary Turkey in conflict: How ethnic, political and religious conflicts will define Turkey’s future

New Year's massacre exposes Turkey's deepening fault lines | afr.com

New Year's massacre exposes Turkey's deepening fault lines

by Tim Arango

When a lone gunman murdered dozens of New Year's revellers early on Sunday (local time), he targeted a symbol of a cosmopolitan Istanbul that is increasingly under threat: a dazzling nightclub where people from around the world could party together, free from the mayhem and violence gripping the region.

More:New Year's massacre exposes Turkey's deepening fault lines | afr.com

Criminal Complaint Filed over Social Media Praise for Turkey New Year Terror Attack - Breitbart

Criminal Complaint Filed over Social Media Praise for Turkey New Year Terror Attack

The Associated Press

by Breitbart Tech2 Jan 20172

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s state-run news agency says a criminal complaint has been filed against people who used social media to praise the deadly New Year’s attack at a nightclub in Istanbul, as well as against several people who demonized the New Year celebration or threatened attacks.

More:Criminal Complaint Filed over Social Media Praise for Turkey New Year Terror Attack - Breitbart

Another crackdown on civil liberties won't steer Erdogan's troubled Turkey towards peace | The Independent

Another crackdown on civil liberties won't steer Erdogan's troubled Turkey towards peace

Not since the fall of the Ottomans a century ago has the very unity and future of the nation been so precarious, and its power so obviously waning. That is bad news for the region, for Europe, and for the world

More:Another crackdown on civil liberties won't steer Erdogan's troubled Turkey towards peace | The Independent

The Latest: Turkish bar urges prosecution of attack backers | Metro News

The Latest: Turkish bar urges prosecution of attack backers

Turkey's state-run news agency says a criminal complaint has been filed against people who used social media to praise the deadly New Year's attack at a nightclub in Istanbul, as well as against several people who demonized the New Year celebration or threatened attacks.

More:The Latest: Turkish bar urges prosecution of attack backers | Metro News

Turkey launches manhunt for gunman who killed dozens in Istanbul nightclub.

Turkey Launches Manhunt for Gunman Who Killed Dozens in Istanbul Nightclub

By Daniel Politi

A celebration in Istanbul to welcome the new year turned deadly when a gunman—reportedly dressed as Santa Claus—opened fire indiscriminately at a popular Istanbul nightclub, killing at least 39. The death toll is expected to increase as almost 70 others were injured, and four in critical condition. Many of those killed at the Reina club were foreigners, including an 18-year-old Israeli, a Belgian, three Jordanians, two Indians, and a Tunisian couple.

More:Turkey launches manhunt for gunman who killed dozens in Istanbul nightclub.

The end of a ‘terrible year’ - NURAY MERT

The end of a ‘terrible year’

Global opinion leaders and observers of politics all agree that 2016 was a “terrible year.” All have good reasons to complain: American liberals suffered from their grave presidential election defeat, British liberals suffered from the Brexit vote, and European liberals worry about the rise of the far right. They are also concerned about the turmoil in the Middle East and the rise of terrorism.

More:The end of a ‘terrible year’ - NURAY MERT

Sunday, January 01, 2017

Turkey faces a double terrorist threat

Turkey faces a double terrorist threat

Both jihadist and Kurdish groups target the country’s big cities

More:Turkey faces a double terrorist threat

Where are the ‘martyrs’ of the Istanbul nightclub attack? - The Globe and Mail

Where are the ‘martyrs’ of the Istanbul nightclub attack?

Simon Waldman

Special to The Globe and Mail

Simon Waldman is a visiting fellow at King’s College London and the co-author of The New Turkey and Its Discontents.

Turkey’s latest terrorist outrage was an attack against the country’s delicate fault line between secular, religious and nationalist identities.

More:Where are the ‘martyrs’ of the Istanbul nightclub attack? - The Globe and Mail

Istanbul attack: Turkey must end blame game and look for solutions - CNN.com

Istanbul attack: Turkey must end blame game and look for solutions

By Soner Cagaptay

Turkey is so deeply polarized around the powerful persona of its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan that instead of asking why terror attacks are happening and how they can be stopped, the country's pro- and anti-Erdogan blocks are blaming each other.

More:Istanbul attack: Turkey must end blame game and look for solutions - CNN.com

Manhunt underway for Turkey nightclub attacker - 9news.com.au

Manhunt underway for Turkey nightclub attacker

Turkish police are hunting for a man reportedly dressed as Santa Claus who opened fire at a crowded Istanbul nightclub during New Year's celebrations, killing at least 39 people and wounding close to 70 others in what authorities said was a terror attack.

More:Manhunt underway for Turkey nightclub attacker - 9news.com.au