Ankara municipality registers 136 million-lira budget surplus under opposition mayor
The municipality of Turkish capital Ankara has registered a budget surplus of 136 million liras ($ 24.6 million) in its first 100 days under the leadership of a mayor from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), left-wing news site Birgün reported on Wednesday.
The Ankara municipality was 8.4 billion liras in debt when opposition mayor Mansur Yavaş took office in April, Birgün said, citing a newly published booklet documenting the new mayor’s first 100 days on the job.
More:Ankara municipality registers 136 million-lira budget surplus under opposition mayor | Ahval
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Turkey breaks record on refugees attending universities – Middle East Monitor
Turkey breaks record on refugees attending universities
July 30, 2019 at 8:52 pm | Published in: Europe & Russia, International Organisations, News, Turkey, UN
Diploma [File photo]
July 30, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Turkey has broken a record on higher education for students under international protection, the head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) said on Tuesday, says Anadolu Agency.
Abdullah Eren said that YTB provides “Turkey scholarships” to students from different parts of the world since 2011.
More:Turkey breaks record on refugees attending universities – Middle East Monitor
July 30, 2019 at 8:52 pm | Published in: Europe & Russia, International Organisations, News, Turkey, UN
Diploma [File photo]
July 30, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Turkey has broken a record on higher education for students under international protection, the head of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) said on Tuesday, says Anadolu Agency.
Abdullah Eren said that YTB provides “Turkey scholarships” to students from different parts of the world since 2011.
More:Turkey breaks record on refugees attending universities – Middle East Monitor
Turkish Tweaks Set Stage for Rate Cuts in New Governor's Debut - Bloomberg
Turkish Tweaks Set Stage for Rate Cuts in New Governor's Debut
By Cagan Koc and Onur Ant
July 30, 2019, 6:23 PM GMT+2 Updated on July 31, 2019, 10:32 AM GMT+2
Turkey’s central bank lowered its inflation forecast for this year, opening the door for what may be the biggest easing push in emerging markets even as new Governor Murat Uysal struck a note of caution.
More:Turkish Tweaks Set Stage for Rate Cuts in New Governor's Debut - Bloomberg
By Cagan Koc and Onur Ant
July 30, 2019, 6:23 PM GMT+2 Updated on July 31, 2019, 10:32 AM GMT+2
Turkey’s central bank lowered its inflation forecast for this year, opening the door for what may be the biggest easing push in emerging markets even as new Governor Murat Uysal struck a note of caution.
More:Turkish Tweaks Set Stage for Rate Cuts in New Governor's Debut - Bloomberg
Monday, July 29, 2019
Turkey reverses course, releases some academics imprisoned on dubious charges
Turkey reverses course, releases some academics imprisoned on dubious charges
by Eugene Chudnovsky
| July 29, 2019 10:02 AM
The pendulum of Turkish justice that has been crashing academics for their real and invented political dissent since 2016 has swung back. On July 26, the Turkish Constitutional Court, in a stunning reversal, ruled that sentences given to ten Academics for Peace who protested a massacre of Kurdish civilians by the Turkish army violated their freedom of expression.
More:Turkey reverses course, releases some academics imprisoned on dubious charges
by Eugene Chudnovsky
| July 29, 2019 10:02 AM
The pendulum of Turkish justice that has been crashing academics for their real and invented political dissent since 2016 has swung back. On July 26, the Turkish Constitutional Court, in a stunning reversal, ruled that sentences given to ten Academics for Peace who protested a massacre of Kurdish civilians by the Turkish army violated their freedom of expression.
More:Turkey reverses course, releases some academics imprisoned on dubious charges
İmamoğlu expresses support for former Erdoğan ally's party | Ahval
İmamoğlu expresses support for former Erdoğan ally's party
Istanbul’s newly elected opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has stated his approval of a measure by the interior ministry to move Syrian refugees not registered in the megacity to their original province of registration.
More:İmamoğlu expresses support for former Erdoğan ally's party | Ahval
Istanbul’s newly elected opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has stated his approval of a measure by the interior ministry to move Syrian refugees not registered in the megacity to their original province of registration.
More:İmamoğlu expresses support for former Erdoğan ally's party | Ahval
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Turkish TV show about urban poor hits a raw nerve | Constanze Letsch | AW
Turkish TV show about urban poor hits a raw nerve
TV shows such as “Cukur” depict the lives of unemployed young men who live in poor urban districts and who try to survive in an unjust, brutal world by means of petty crime.
Saturday 27/07/2019
Tough scenes. A poster of the television show “Cukur.” (Facebook)
ISTANBUL - Scores of tourists strike various poses in front of a run-down cafe. Camera phones flash. Graffiti decorates the walls. Violent Turkish rap music blasts from nearby speakers. “It’s Cukur!” a young woman says happily to her friend and lifts her arm for another selfie.
More:Turkish TV show about urban poor hits a raw nerve | Constanze Letsch | AW
TV shows such as “Cukur” depict the lives of unemployed young men who live in poor urban districts and who try to survive in an unjust, brutal world by means of petty crime.
Saturday 27/07/2019
Tough scenes. A poster of the television show “Cukur.” (Facebook)
ISTANBUL - Scores of tourists strike various poses in front of a run-down cafe. Camera phones flash. Graffiti decorates the walls. Violent Turkish rap music blasts from nearby speakers. “It’s Cukur!” a young woman says happily to her friend and lifts her arm for another selfie.
More:Turkish TV show about urban poor hits a raw nerve | Constanze Letsch | AW
Turkey’s Digitürk cries foul over TV deal as lira slides - Financial Times | Ahval
Turkey’s Digitürk cries foul over TV deal as lira slides - Financial Times
Turkish TV network Digitürk’s struggle with a $125 million payment on a broadcasting deal, citing a plunge in the lira since it was signed in November 2016, is a reflection of the predicament before many Turkish companies as they face falling lira revenues while confronting dollar-denominated liabilities, wrote Financial Times Turkey correspondent Laura Pitel.
More:Turkey’s Digitürk cries foul over TV deal as lira slides - Financial Times | Ahval
Turkish TV network Digitürk’s struggle with a $125 million payment on a broadcasting deal, citing a plunge in the lira since it was signed in November 2016, is a reflection of the predicament before many Turkish companies as they face falling lira revenues while confronting dollar-denominated liabilities, wrote Financial Times Turkey correspondent Laura Pitel.
More:Turkey’s Digitürk cries foul over TV deal as lira slides - Financial Times | Ahval
Russia and Turkey are becoming allies, overshadowing Israel - analysis - Middle East - Jerusalem Post
RUSSIA AND TURKEY ARE BECOMING ALLIES, OVERSHADOWING ISRAEL - ANALYSIS
As Turkey and Russia grow closer they inevitably also grow closer in their work on ending the Syrian conflict and also on other regional and international issues.
More:Russia and Turkey are becoming allies, overshadowing Israel - analysis - Middle East - Jerusalem Post
As Turkey and Russia grow closer they inevitably also grow closer in their work on ending the Syrian conflict and also on other regional and international issues.
More:Russia and Turkey are becoming allies, overshadowing Israel - analysis - Middle East - Jerusalem Post
Friday, July 26, 2019
As Opposition Builds, Turkey's Erdogan Grasps at Straws
As Opposition Builds, Turkey's Erdogan Grasps at Straws
The threat of defections by prominent, former members of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will present a real threat to the viability of the party's national governance, possibly leading to elections much earlier than the next scheduled polls in June 2023.
To combat this threat and buy time until conditions are more favorable, the AKP will use its ideological, economic and institutional resources to maintain power and stymie defections from its ranks.
But because the AKP has lost strength, it might not be able to prevent a rebellion within its ranks from seriously challenging the long rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AKP loyalists.
More:As Opposition Builds, Turkey's Erdogan Grasps at Straws
The threat of defections by prominent, former members of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will present a real threat to the viability of the party's national governance, possibly leading to elections much earlier than the next scheduled polls in June 2023.
To combat this threat and buy time until conditions are more favorable, the AKP will use its ideological, economic and institutional resources to maintain power and stymie defections from its ranks.
But because the AKP has lost strength, it might not be able to prevent a rebellion within its ranks from seriously challenging the long rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AKP loyalists.
More:As Opposition Builds, Turkey's Erdogan Grasps at Straws
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Key US Base at Risk as Turkish-US Tensions Escalate | Voice of America - English
Key US Base at Risk as Turkish-US Tensions Escalate
By Dorian Jones
July 25, 2019 02:15 PM
ISTANBUL - With the United States mulling sanctions over Turkey's recent procurement of Russian missiles, Ankara is warning that America's use of a critical military air base could be at risk.
The U.S.'s decades-long use of Incirlik Air Base is seen as not only of vital military importance, but underscores the strategic relationship between the two NATO allies.
More:Key US Base at Risk as Turkish-US Tensions Escalate | Voice of America - English
By Dorian Jones
July 25, 2019 02:15 PM
ISTANBUL - With the United States mulling sanctions over Turkey's recent procurement of Russian missiles, Ankara is warning that America's use of a critical military air base could be at risk.
The U.S.'s decades-long use of Incirlik Air Base is seen as not only of vital military importance, but underscores the strategic relationship between the two NATO allies.
More:Key US Base at Risk as Turkish-US Tensions Escalate | Voice of America - English
The EU’s relationship with Turkey is failing - Charlemagne
The EU’s relationship with Turkey is failing
What Europe does now will be a test of its foreign-policy seriousness
Print edition | Europe
Jul 27th 2019
Mustafa kemal ataturk anchored Turkey in Europe and the wider West after the collapse of the Ottoman empire. About a century on Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reversing that process. The Turkish president’s successive power grabs have edged the country closer to its eastern neighbours and rendered its application for eu membership a joke. Two recent incidents have made matters worse. On July 12th the Turkish air force acquired a Russian s-400 surface-to-air missile system, prompting its exclusion from nato’s f-35 stealth-fighter-jet programme. Then on July 15th the eu imposed sanctions over Turkey’s drilling for gas in waters around Cyprus, a member of the union whose northern third remains controlled by Turkey.
More:The EU’s relationship with Turkey is failing - Charlemagne
What Europe does now will be a test of its foreign-policy seriousness
Print edition | Europe
Jul 27th 2019
Mustafa kemal ataturk anchored Turkey in Europe and the wider West after the collapse of the Ottoman empire. About a century on Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reversing that process. The Turkish president’s successive power grabs have edged the country closer to its eastern neighbours and rendered its application for eu membership a joke. Two recent incidents have made matters worse. On July 12th the Turkish air force acquired a Russian s-400 surface-to-air missile system, prompting its exclusion from nato’s f-35 stealth-fighter-jet programme. Then on July 15th the eu imposed sanctions over Turkey’s drilling for gas in waters around Cyprus, a member of the union whose northern third remains controlled by Turkey.
More:The EU’s relationship with Turkey is failing - Charlemagne
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Where is Erdoğan? Turks wonder | Ahval
here is Erdoğan? Turks wonder
Turkey’s social media is abuzz with speculation over the whereabouts of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as the president, normally ever-present on television screens making speeches and meeting dignitaries, has not been seen in public for a week.
The rumours spiked after Arab and Israeli news outlets, each citing the other, reported that Erdoğan had died of a heart attack and his death had been kept secret. The reports originated from Alraees News, an Arabic web site, the Greek City Times said.
More:Where is Erdoğan? Turks wonder | Ahval
Turkey’s social media is abuzz with speculation over the whereabouts of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as the president, normally ever-present on television screens making speeches and meeting dignitaries, has not been seen in public for a week.
The rumours spiked after Arab and Israeli news outlets, each citing the other, reported that Erdoğan had died of a heart attack and his death had been kept secret. The reports originated from Alraees News, an Arabic web site, the Greek City Times said.
More:Where is Erdoğan? Turks wonder | Ahval
Turkey Is a Bad Place to Be an Influencer – Foreign Policy
Turkey Is a Bad Place to Be an Influencer
Anxious about its failure to establish cultural hegemony, the Erdogan government is going after internet stars.
More:Turkey Is a Bad Place to Be an Influencer – Foreign Policy
Anxious about its failure to establish cultural hegemony, the Erdogan government is going after internet stars.
More:Turkey Is a Bad Place to Be an Influencer – Foreign Policy
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Associate of Michael Flynn Is Found Guilty of Secretly Lobbying for Turkey - The New York Times
Associate of Michael Flynn Is Found Guilty of Secretly Lobbying for Turkey
Image
Bijan Kian, a former business associate of Michael T. Flynn, was accused of secretly lobbying for Turkey.CreditCreditJacquelyn Martin/Associated Press
By Adam Goldman
July 23, 2019
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A business associate of the former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn was convicted on Tuesday in Northern Virginia of secretly lobbying for Turkey, a victory for the government after the judge considered dismissing the case because prosecutors lacked evidence.
More:Associate of Michael Flynn Is Found Guilty of Secretly Lobbying for Turkey - The New York Times
Image
Bijan Kian, a former business associate of Michael T. Flynn, was accused of secretly lobbying for Turkey.CreditCreditJacquelyn Martin/Associated Press
By Adam Goldman
July 23, 2019
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A business associate of the former national security adviser Michael T. Flynn was convicted on Tuesday in Northern Virginia of secretly lobbying for Turkey, a victory for the government after the judge considered dismissing the case because prosecutors lacked evidence.
More:Associate of Michael Flynn Is Found Guilty of Secretly Lobbying for Turkey - The New York Times
Europe Must Re-engage With Turkey Now - Bloomberg
Europe Must Re-Engage With Turkey Now
Ursula Von Der Leyen has the opportunity to reset badly strained relations between the EU and Turkey.
more;Europe Must Re-engage With Turkey Now - Bloomberg
Ursula Von Der Leyen has the opportunity to reset badly strained relations between the EU and Turkey.
more;Europe Must Re-engage With Turkey Now - Bloomberg
Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu appoints pro-Gezi city planner as new zoning official | Ahval
Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu appoints pro-Gezi city planner as new zoning official
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has rolled up his sleeves to appoint new directors to several municipal departments, including a new director for the megacity’s zoning and urban development unit.
Gürkan Akgün, a Chamber of City Planners board member who is known for his support of the environmental concerns voiced during Turkey’s 2013 Gezi protests, will head İstanbul’s municipal zoning, Turkish alternative media outlet Medyascope reported.
More:Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu appoints pro-Gezi city planner as new zoning official | Ahval
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has rolled up his sleeves to appoint new directors to several municipal departments, including a new director for the megacity’s zoning and urban development unit.
Gürkan Akgün, a Chamber of City Planners board member who is known for his support of the environmental concerns voiced during Turkey’s 2013 Gezi protests, will head İstanbul’s municipal zoning, Turkish alternative media outlet Medyascope reported.
More:Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu appoints pro-Gezi city planner as new zoning official | Ahval
Monday, July 22, 2019
US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria
US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria
Ayla Jean Yackley July 22, 2019
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ARTICLE SUMMARY
James Jeffrey, the special representative on Syria, met with senior Turkish officials amid renewed threats Ankara could send forces to a region controlled by a US-allied militia.
ISTANBUL — The United States dispatched a senior diplomat to Turkey on Monday for talks aimed at averting a unilateral invasion by the Turkish military into northern Syria as tensions near a boiling point following Ankara’s acquisition of a Russian-made missile system that its NATO partners fear foreshadows a split with the West.
More:US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria
Ayla Jean Yackley July 22, 2019
0 1 3 5 6
ARTICLE SUMMARY
James Jeffrey, the special representative on Syria, met with senior Turkish officials amid renewed threats Ankara could send forces to a region controlled by a US-allied militia.
ISTANBUL — The United States dispatched a senior diplomat to Turkey on Monday for talks aimed at averting a unilateral invasion by the Turkish military into northern Syria as tensions near a boiling point following Ankara’s acquisition of a Russian-made missile system that its NATO partners fear foreshadows a split with the West.
More:US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria
The Tale of Turkey and the Patriots - War on the Rocks
THE TALE OF TURKEY AND THE PATRIOTS
JIM TOWNSEND AND RACHEL ELLEHUUS JULY 22, 2019
COMMENTARY
Watching the current trajectory of the U.S.-Turkish relationship is like witnessing two locomotives hurtling towards one another head-on. It’s a terrifying sight. As both capitals struggle to pull the brake, it’s important to understand the backstory about one issue caught up in the impending train wreck: the long-suffering Patriot air and missile defense deal. This is a tale less about the security and economic benefits of the sale and more about a time of intense geopolitics, bilateral policy fights, and growing mistrust between two close NATO allies. As two senior Defense officials who helped manage the U.S.-Turkish defense relationship from 2009 through 2018, we feel it important to give our view on how the United States got to this low point not only in the Patriot sale, but also in this important relationship.
More:The Tale of Turkey and the Patriots - War on the Rocks
JIM TOWNSEND AND RACHEL ELLEHUUS JULY 22, 2019
COMMENTARY
Watching the current trajectory of the U.S.-Turkish relationship is like witnessing two locomotives hurtling towards one another head-on. It’s a terrifying sight. As both capitals struggle to pull the brake, it’s important to understand the backstory about one issue caught up in the impending train wreck: the long-suffering Patriot air and missile defense deal. This is a tale less about the security and economic benefits of the sale and more about a time of intense geopolitics, bilateral policy fights, and growing mistrust between two close NATO allies. As two senior Defense officials who helped manage the U.S.-Turkish defense relationship from 2009 through 2018, we feel it important to give our view on how the United States got to this low point not only in the Patriot sale, but also in this important relationship.
More:The Tale of Turkey and the Patriots - War on the Rocks
No, Turkey Has Not Abandoned the West - Bloomberg
No, Turkey Has Not Abandoned the West
President Erdogan’s spokesperson argues that the U.S. and EU are to blame for the state of relations with Turkey.
More:No, Turkey Has Not Abandoned the West - Bloomberg
President Erdogan’s spokesperson argues that the U.S. and EU are to blame for the state of relations with Turkey.
More:No, Turkey Has Not Abandoned the West - Bloomberg
Syrian Refugees Ordered to Leave Istanbul - Bloomberg
Turkey Orders Thousands of Syrian Refugees to Leave Istanbul
By Selcan Hacaoglu
July 22, 2019, 2:41 PM GMT+2
People stand outside at a tent camp of families, who fled from the Jinderes district in Syria, in Reyhanli, Turkey on on Feb. 18, 2018. Photographer: Cem Genco/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Turkey, home to the largest refugee population in the world, announced measures on Monday to limit the number of Syrian migrants in its largest city, Istanbul.
More:Syrian Refugees Ordered to Leave Istanbul - Bloomberg
By Selcan Hacaoglu
July 22, 2019, 2:41 PM GMT+2
People stand outside at a tent camp of families, who fled from the Jinderes district in Syria, in Reyhanli, Turkey on on Feb. 18, 2018. Photographer: Cem Genco/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Turkey, home to the largest refugee population in the world, announced measures on Monday to limit the number of Syrian migrants in its largest city, Istanbul.
More:Syrian Refugees Ordered to Leave Istanbul - Bloomberg
What Does a New Mayor in Istanbul Mean for Erdogan? | The National Interest
What Does a New Mayor in Istanbul Mean for Erdogan?
It is too early to tell whether the mayoral elections mark a turning point for Erdoğan within the Justice and Development party and within the larger Turkish political system.
More:What Does a New Mayor in Istanbul Mean for Erdogan? | The National Interest
It is too early to tell whether the mayoral elections mark a turning point for Erdoğan within the Justice and Development party and within the larger Turkish political system.
More:What Does a New Mayor in Istanbul Mean for Erdogan? | The National Interest
Turkish centre-right: soon over-crowded? | openDemocracy
Turkish centre-right: soon over-crowded?
Throughout the early 2019 election process, İmamoğlu pushed the boundaries of the secularist main opposition CHP, marching to the centre via a reconciliatory populism.
More:Turkish centre-right: soon over-crowded? | openDemocracy
Throughout the early 2019 election process, İmamoğlu pushed the boundaries of the secularist main opposition CHP, marching to the centre via a reconciliatory populism.
More:Turkish centre-right: soon over-crowded? | openDemocracy
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Erdogan's rivals won Istanbul. Now they have to stem its runaway debt. - Alton Telegraph
Erdogan's rivals won Istanbul. Now they have to stem its runaway debt.
Ercan Ersoy, Bloomberg Published 6:06 am CDT, Sunday, July 21, 2019
Turkey's opposition twice took on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political machine in Istanbul and won.
Dismantling what it calls a legacy of waste and runaway debt in the country's biggest city might prove a bigger challenge.
An internal audit found that the municipality's unconsolidated debt more than tripled since 2014, with new Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu expecting its outstanding liabilities to grow another 30% this year to as much as 35 billion liras ($6.1 billion). Given the wild swings in the lira, another vulnerability is the city's unhedged foreign debt, which accounts for 84% of the total, according to Fitch Ratings.
More:Erdogan's rivals won Istanbul. Now they have to stem its runaway debt. - Alton Telegraph
Ercan Ersoy, Bloomberg Published 6:06 am CDT, Sunday, July 21, 2019
Turkey's opposition twice took on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political machine in Istanbul and won.
Dismantling what it calls a legacy of waste and runaway debt in the country's biggest city might prove a bigger challenge.
An internal audit found that the municipality's unconsolidated debt more than tripled since 2014, with new Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu expecting its outstanding liabilities to grow another 30% this year to as much as 35 billion liras ($6.1 billion). Given the wild swings in the lira, another vulnerability is the city's unhedged foreign debt, which accounts for 84% of the total, according to Fitch Ratings.
More:Erdogan's rivals won Istanbul. Now they have to stem its runaway debt. - Alton Telegraph
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Is Ali Babacan the man to finally take on Erdogan? | | AW
Is Ali Babacan the man to finally take on Erdogan?
Babacan commands much respect in Turkey as the architect of the economic and financial restructuring that pulled Turkey from a deep inflation crisis in the early 2000s.
More:Is Ali Babacan the man to finally take on Erdogan? | | AW
Babacan commands much respect in Turkey as the architect of the economic and financial restructuring that pulled Turkey from a deep inflation crisis in the early 2000s.
More:Is Ali Babacan the man to finally take on Erdogan? | | AW
Voters have had enough hate-filled tribalism | Comment | The Times
Voters have had enough hate-filled tribalism
janice turner
Britain and the US could learn a lot from Istanbul’s mayor, who triumphed with a message of loving your political rivals
more;Voters have had enough hate-filled tribalism | Comment | The Times
janice turner
Britain and the US could learn a lot from Istanbul’s mayor, who triumphed with a message of loving your political rivals
more;Voters have had enough hate-filled tribalism | Comment | The Times
Interview with Exiled Turkish Journalist Can Dündar and His Wife - SPIEGEL ONLINE
'I Didn't Want To Be in the Hands of Erdogan Anymore'
Turkish government critic Can Dündar spent three years in exile separated from his wife Dilek. They recently reunited in Berlin, where they discussed their hopes for the end of the Erdogan era and how FaceTime helped keep them together as a family.
More:Interview with Exiled Turkish Journalist Can Dündar and His Wife - SPIEGEL ONLINE
Turkish government critic Can Dündar spent three years in exile separated from his wife Dilek. They recently reunited in Berlin, where they discussed their hopes for the end of the Erdogan era and how FaceTime helped keep them together as a family.
More:Interview with Exiled Turkish Journalist Can Dündar and His Wife - SPIEGEL ONLINE
Opposition in Turkey
Opposition in Turkey
The municipal elections on March 31st at the national level and the re-run elections on June 23rd in Istanbul showed that there is a strong and vibrant opposition in Turkey. The opposition wins in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, among others, was a surprising development for many observers and even to some in Turkey. Although there were educated guesses that Erdogan may lose Ankara, the loss of Istanbul by 800,000 votes became a significant failure in the city, where Erdogan started his rise in Turkish politics as mayor in 1994. Which parties constitute this new opposition wave in Turkey? How did they increase their vote in the municipal elections? Will they pose a real political and electoral challenge to Erdogan’s ruling coalition in Turkey?
More:Opposition in Turkey
The municipal elections on March 31st at the national level and the re-run elections on June 23rd in Istanbul showed that there is a strong and vibrant opposition in Turkey. The opposition wins in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, among others, was a surprising development for many observers and even to some in Turkey. Although there were educated guesses that Erdogan may lose Ankara, the loss of Istanbul by 800,000 votes became a significant failure in the city, where Erdogan started his rise in Turkish politics as mayor in 1994. Which parties constitute this new opposition wave in Turkey? How did they increase their vote in the municipal elections? Will they pose a real political and electoral challenge to Erdogan’s ruling coalition in Turkey?
More:Opposition in Turkey
Erdoğan is on a lonely path to ruin. Will he take Turkey down with him? | Simon Tisdall | World news | The Guardian
Erdoğan is on a lonely path to ruin. Will he take Turkey down with him?
Simon Tisdall
At odds with the US, Europe, his Arab neighbours and potentially Russia, too, the president is also increasingly unpopular at home
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses his supporters at a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attempted coup. Photograph: Murad Sezer/Reuters
For a reputed “strongman”, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seems unusually nervous these days. A bombastic speech last week marking the third anniversary of a failed military putsch could not conceal his insecurity. He says he is using his sweeping powers as executive president to build a “new Turkey”. But it appears the old one is tiring of him fast.
More:Erdoğan is on a lonely path to ruin. Will he take Turkey down with him? | Simon Tisdall | World news | The Guardian
Simon Tisdall
At odds with the US, Europe, his Arab neighbours and potentially Russia, too, the president is also increasingly unpopular at home
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addresses his supporters at a ceremony marking the third anniversary of the attempted coup. Photograph: Murad Sezer/Reuters
For a reputed “strongman”, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seems unusually nervous these days. A bombastic speech last week marking the third anniversary of a failed military putsch could not conceal his insecurity. He says he is using his sweeping powers as executive president to build a “new Turkey”. But it appears the old one is tiring of him fast.
More:Erdoğan is on a lonely path to ruin. Will he take Turkey down with him? | Simon Tisdall | World news | The Guardian
Who Lost Turkey? – Foreign Policy
Who Lost Turkey?
The blame for Ankara’s antagonistic stance to Washington lies with both sides, a product of decades of misunderstandings.
More:Who Lost Turkey? – Foreign Policy
The blame for Ankara’s antagonistic stance to Washington lies with both sides, a product of decades of misunderstandings.
More:Who Lost Turkey? – Foreign Policy
Thursday, July 18, 2019
TURKEY Financial volatility and political uncertainty crush the Turkish economy
Financial volatility and political uncertainty crush the Turkish economy
For the first time in a decade experts suggest a contraction of 1.5%. For the following year, a slight trend reversal, with growth of just over 2%. Analysts highlight the risk of "recession with double relapse". Fears for the central bank's independence.
More:TURKEY Financial volatility and political uncertainty crush the Turkish economy
For the first time in a decade experts suggest a contraction of 1.5%. For the following year, a slight trend reversal, with growth of just over 2%. Analysts highlight the risk of "recession with double relapse". Fears for the central bank's independence.
More:TURKEY Financial volatility and political uncertainty crush the Turkish economy
Trump boots Turkey from F-35 program after its purchase of Russian-made missile system
Trump boots Turkey from F-35 program after its purchase of Russian-made missile system
Deirdre Shesgreen and Donovan Slack
,USA TODAY•July 17, 2019
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration said Wednesday it would cancel Turkey's participation in the Pentagon's elite Joint Strike Fighter program amid a growing rift over Ankara's decision to purchase a Russian missile defense system.
More:Trump boots Turkey from F-35 program after its purchase of Russian-made missile system
Deirdre Shesgreen and Donovan Slack
,USA TODAY•July 17, 2019
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration said Wednesday it would cancel Turkey's participation in the Pentagon's elite Joint Strike Fighter program amid a growing rift over Ankara's decision to purchase a Russian missile defense system.
More:Trump boots Turkey from F-35 program after its purchase of Russian-made missile system
Europe Misses a Chance by Freezing Out Turkey
Europe Misses a Chance by Freezing Out Turkey
Leonid Bershidsky
Bloomberg July 18, 2019
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Relations between the European Union and Turkey – officially still a EU accession candidate – have grown so chilly that the word “sanctions” has been applied to the EU’s latest punitive moves against its Mediterranean neighbor. But in this particular case, Europe would do well to apply some transactional wisdom rather than more confrontation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
More:Europe Misses a Chance by Freezing Out Turkey
Leonid Bershidsky
Bloomberg July 18, 2019
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Relations between the European Union and Turkey – officially still a EU accession candidate – have grown so chilly that the word “sanctions” has been applied to the EU’s latest punitive moves against its Mediterranean neighbor. But in this particular case, Europe would do well to apply some transactional wisdom rather than more confrontation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
More:Europe Misses a Chance by Freezing Out Turkey
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
New Istanbul mayor appoints city’s first ever woman deputy general secretary | Ahval
New Istanbul mayor appoints city’s first ever woman deputy general secretary
Ekrem İmamoğlu, the newly-elected mayor of Istanbul, announced on Wednesday the appointment of a woman as deputy general secretary, a first in the municipality’s history.
İmamoğlu became the mayor of Turkey’s financial hub after declaring victory in the June 23 mayoral rerun with more than 800,000 votes compared to his rival candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
More:New Istanbul mayor appoints city’s first ever woman deputy general secretary | Ahval
Ekrem İmamoğlu, the newly-elected mayor of Istanbul, announced on Wednesday the appointment of a woman as deputy general secretary, a first in the municipality’s history.
İmamoğlu became the mayor of Turkey’s financial hub after declaring victory in the June 23 mayoral rerun with more than 800,000 votes compared to his rival candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
More:New Istanbul mayor appoints city’s first ever woman deputy general secretary | Ahval
Why Turkey Doesn’t Trust the United States – Foreign Policy
Why Turkey Doesn’t Trust the United States
The decline and fall of an alliance.
BY NICK DANFORTH | JULY 15, 2019, 11:21 AM
With an economy already under severe strain, Turkey is now facing U.S. sanctions over its purchase of Russian air defense missiles and European Union sanctions over continued energy exploration off the coast of Cyprus. For a country that once believed that its path to strength and prosperity ran through NATO and the EU, this represents a dramatic shift. The country’s leaders now appear to believe that directly confronting the United States and Europe is the best way to advance their interests.
More:Why Turkey Doesn’t Trust the United States – Foreign Policy
The decline and fall of an alliance.
BY NICK DANFORTH | JULY 15, 2019, 11:21 AM
With an economy already under severe strain, Turkey is now facing U.S. sanctions over its purchase of Russian air defense missiles and European Union sanctions over continued energy exploration off the coast of Cyprus. For a country that once believed that its path to strength and prosperity ran through NATO and the EU, this represents a dramatic shift. The country’s leaders now appear to believe that directly confronting the United States and Europe is the best way to advance their interests.
More:Why Turkey Doesn’t Trust the United States – Foreign Policy
Greek Cyprus rejects Turkey cooperation proposal » Kallanish Energy News
Greek Cyprus rejects Turkey cooperation proposal
July 17, 2019
The Greek side of Cyprus Tuesday rejected a proposal put forward by the Turkish side of the island to cooperate on oil and gas activities on its continental shelf, Kallanish Energy learns.
More:Greek Cyprus rejects Turkey cooperation proposal » Kallanish Energy News
July 17, 2019
The Greek side of Cyprus Tuesday rejected a proposal put forward by the Turkish side of the island to cooperate on oil and gas activities on its continental shelf, Kallanish Energy learns.
More:Greek Cyprus rejects Turkey cooperation proposal » Kallanish Energy News
Turkey says ship attacked off Nigeria, 10 crew kidnapped - StarTribune.com
Turkey says ship attacked off Nigeria, 10 crew kidnapped
Associated Press JULY 16, 2019 — 7:20AM
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's state-run news agency says an armed gang has attacked a Turkish cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria and kidnapped 10 of vessel's crew members.
More:Turkey says ship attacked off Nigeria, 10 crew kidnapped - StarTribune.com
Associated Press JULY 16, 2019 — 7:20AM
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's state-run news agency says an armed gang has attacked a Turkish cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria and kidnapped 10 of vessel's crew members.
More:Turkey says ship attacked off Nigeria, 10 crew kidnapped - StarTribune.com
Turkey’s turn against the West — and how to reverse it
Turkey’s turn against the West — and how to reverse it
By Blaise Misztal July 16, 2019 | 7:33pm
Erdogan’s Istanbul defeat is a chance to rebuild bridges with the West
Istanbul to re-do mayoral election after victory tossed out for Erdogan opponents
No, Trump won't refuse to leave if he loses and other commentary
Erdogan's deathblow to Turkish democracy
Three years ago this week, an attempted coup sought to oust Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reverse his efforts to transform Turkey. Instead, it gave Erdogan a chance to accelerate his changes.
More:Turkey’s turn against the West — and how to reverse it
By Blaise Misztal July 16, 2019 | 7:33pm
Erdogan’s Istanbul defeat is a chance to rebuild bridges with the West
Istanbul to re-do mayoral election after victory tossed out for Erdogan opponents
No, Trump won't refuse to leave if he loses and other commentary
Erdogan's deathblow to Turkish democracy
Three years ago this week, an attempted coup sought to oust Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reverse his efforts to transform Turkey. Instead, it gave Erdogan a chance to accelerate his changes.
More:Turkey’s turn against the West — and how to reverse it
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu: Turkey badly managed refugees - BBC News
Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu: Turkey badly managed refugees
The new Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, has said the country's policy towards refugees has been mishandled.
More than 3.5 million Syrian refugees are now living in Turkey and hundreds of thousands are living in Istanbul, putting a strain on infrastructure and community relations.
More:Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu: Turkey badly managed refugees - BBC News
The new Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, has said the country's policy towards refugees has been mishandled.
More than 3.5 million Syrian refugees are now living in Turkey and hundreds of thousands are living in Istanbul, putting a strain on infrastructure and community relations.
More:Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu: Turkey badly managed refugees - BBC News
Turkey’s Erdogan Goes His Own Way as Distrust With U.S. Grows - The New York Times
Turkey’s Erdogan Goes His Own Way as Distrust With U.S. Grows
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a rally on Monday to honor the victims of the 2016 failed coup. Mr. Erdogan has tried to recast Turkey as a more independent actor on the international stage.
Credit
Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press
By Carlotta Gall
July 16, 2019
ISTANBUL — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has marked the anniversary of a failed coup against him every passing year — this week was the third — with a national holiday that has turned the traumatic event into a celebration of Turkish nationalism.
More:Turkey’s Erdogan Goes His Own Way as Distrust With U.S. Grows - The New York Times
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a rally on Monday to honor the victims of the 2016 failed coup. Mr. Erdogan has tried to recast Turkey as a more independent actor on the international stage.
Credit
Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press
By Carlotta Gall
July 16, 2019
ISTANBUL — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has marked the anniversary of a failed coup against him every passing year — this week was the third — with a national holiday that has turned the traumatic event into a celebration of Turkish nationalism.
More:Turkey’s Erdogan Goes His Own Way as Distrust With U.S. Grows - The New York Times
What Lies Ahead for Turkish Politics?
Is Istanbul’s Vote the Start of a New Consensus Politics in Turkey?
Persistent polarization within Turkish politics remains the opposition’s biggest obstacle to electoral success.
More:What Lies Ahead for Turkish Politics?
Persistent polarization within Turkish politics remains the opposition’s biggest obstacle to electoral success.
More:What Lies Ahead for Turkish Politics?
Monday, July 15, 2019
Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu to file criminal complaint against AKP’s municipal subsidiaries | Ahval
Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu to file criminal complaint against AKP’s municipal subsidiaries
Istanbul’s newly elected opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is preparing to file a criminal complaint against the heads of municipality subsidiaries appointed by the former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) mayor, who have not resigned from their posts after he took office.
More:Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu to file criminal complaint against AKP’s municipal subsidiaries | Ahval
Istanbul’s newly elected opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is preparing to file a criminal complaint against the heads of municipality subsidiaries appointed by the former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) mayor, who have not resigned from their posts after he took office.
More:Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu to file criminal complaint against AKP’s municipal subsidiaries | Ahval
Turkey Marks Three Years since Failed Coup Attempt - The Media Line
Turkey Marks Three Years since Failed Coup Attempt
KRISTINA JOVANOVSKI
07/15/2019
Government crackdown on opponents continues, with journalists, academics being targeted
A stage and streams of flags have been put up in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, in the heart of Istanbul, in advance of Monday evening’s marking of the third anniversary of Turkey’s 2016 coup attempt.
More:Turkey Marks Three Years since Failed Coup Attempt - The Media Line
KRISTINA JOVANOVSKI
07/15/2019
Government crackdown on opponents continues, with journalists, academics being targeted
A stage and streams of flags have been put up in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, in the heart of Istanbul, in advance of Monday evening’s marking of the third anniversary of Turkey’s 2016 coup attempt.
More:Turkey Marks Three Years since Failed Coup Attempt - The Media Line
Turkey's coup three years on; inside the country's clamp down on journalism | Euronews
Turkey's coup three years on; inside the country's clamp down on journalism
Three years on from Turkey’s failed coup, the country faces an ever tightening clampdown on civil rights. More than 250 journalists have been arrested since that long summer’s night in 2016. Mahir Zeynalov is one of the lucky ones.
More:Turkey's coup three years on; inside the country's clamp down on journalism | Euronews
Three years on from Turkey’s failed coup, the country faces an ever tightening clampdown on civil rights. More than 250 journalists have been arrested since that long summer’s night in 2016. Mahir Zeynalov is one of the lucky ones.
More:Turkey's coup three years on; inside the country's clamp down on journalism | Euronews
Turkey coup: why President Erdogan is still trying to convince the West - The National
Turkey coup: why President Erdogan is still trying to convince the West
Three years on, the Turkish government is still struggling to sell its take on what happened, with alleged human rights abuses and large-scale arrests contining to cause concern overseas
More:Turkey coup: why President Erdogan is still trying to convince the West - The National
Three years on, the Turkish government is still struggling to sell its take on what happened, with alleged human rights abuses and large-scale arrests contining to cause concern overseas
More:Turkey coup: why President Erdogan is still trying to convince the West - The National
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Turkish Cypriots propose offshore gas cooperation after tensions increase | Middle East Eye
Turkish Cypriots propose offshore gas cooperation after tensions increase
Turkey and internationally recognised government of Cyprus have overlapping claims linked to 45-year-old split of island
More:Turkish Cypriots propose offshore gas cooperation after tensions increase | Middle East Eye
Turkey and internationally recognised government of Cyprus have overlapping claims linked to 45-year-old split of island
More:Turkish Cypriots propose offshore gas cooperation after tensions increase | Middle East Eye
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Istanbul's new mayor faces stiff road ahead after landslide win
Istanbul's new mayor faces stiff road ahead after landslide win
Fulya OZERKAN
,AFP•July 13, 2019
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey's main opposition scored a major blow against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month when it won control of Istanbul, but now faces a wounded government reluctant to relinquish power.
More:Istanbul's new mayor faces stiff road ahead after landslide win
Fulya OZERKAN
,AFP•July 13, 2019
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey's main opposition scored a major blow against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month when it won control of Istanbul, but now faces a wounded government reluctant to relinquish power.
More:Istanbul's new mayor faces stiff road ahead after landslide win
Erdoğan's control over Turkey is ending – what comes next? - Westport News
Erdoğan's control over Turkey is ending – what comes next?
Gary M. Grossman, Arizona State University
(THE CONVERSATION) Mayoral elections in Turkish cities do not usually grab the world’s attention.
But the defeat of the ruling party’s candidate for Istanbul mayor – once during its March election and then again, even more definitively in a June rematch – is a sign that Turkey’s most powerful political party is losing its influence after nearly two decades of control.
More:Erdoğan's control over Turkey is ending – what comes next? - Westport News
Gary M. Grossman, Arizona State University
(THE CONVERSATION) Mayoral elections in Turkish cities do not usually grab the world’s attention.
But the defeat of the ruling party’s candidate for Istanbul mayor – once during its March election and then again, even more definitively in a June rematch – is a sign that Turkey’s most powerful political party is losing its influence after nearly two decades of control.
More:Erdoğan's control over Turkey is ending – what comes next? - Westport News
Friday, July 12, 2019
Turkey Gets First Shipment of Russian Missile System, Defying U.S. - The New York Times
Turkey Gets First Shipment of Russian Missile System, Defying U.S.
ISTANBUL — The first shipment of a sophisticated Russian surface-to-air missile system arrived in Turkey on Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced, a process that is expected to incur United States sanctions and will test the NATO alliance.
More:Turkey Gets First Shipment of Russian Missile System, Defying U.S. - The New York Times
ISTANBUL — The first shipment of a sophisticated Russian surface-to-air missile system arrived in Turkey on Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced, a process that is expected to incur United States sanctions and will test the NATO alliance.
More:Turkey Gets First Shipment of Russian Missile System, Defying U.S. - The New York Times
Erdogan and the Wisdom of Timely Exit | Asharq AL-awsat
Erdogan and the Wisdom of Timely Exit
Friday, 12 July, 2019 - 05:30
If we regard history as a stage, on which the drama of human existence is played, we may pay heed to a piece of advice to actors by Max Reinhardt, the legendary German theater director: How and when you leave the stage is as important as when and how you enter it!
More:Erdogan and the Wisdom of Timely Exit | Asharq AL-awsat
Friday, 12 July, 2019 - 05:30
If we regard history as a stage, on which the drama of human existence is played, we may pay heed to a piece of advice to actors by Max Reinhardt, the legendary German theater director: How and when you leave the stage is as important as when and how you enter it!
More:Erdogan and the Wisdom of Timely Exit | Asharq AL-awsat
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Opinion: What′s next for journalism in the Erdogan era? | DW Freedom | Speech. Expression. Media. | DW | 11.07.2019
Opinion: What's next for journalism in the Erdogan era?
Journalists have had a hard time in Erdogan's Turkey: initially dismissed from their jobs, hundreds went on to be arrested. Now, they're grappling with the publication of a blacklist. Bülent Mumay asks what's next.
more:Opinion: What′s next for journalism in the Erdogan era? | DW Freedom | Speech. Expression. Media. | DW | 11.07.2019
Journalists have had a hard time in Erdogan's Turkey: initially dismissed from their jobs, hundreds went on to be arrested. Now, they're grappling with the publication of a blacklist. Bülent Mumay asks what's next.
more:Opinion: What′s next for journalism in the Erdogan era? | DW Freedom | Speech. Expression. Media. | DW | 11.07.2019
Turkey: A crescent of contradictions
Turkey is intriguing and fascinating, beautiful and squalid; it straddles the modern and the archaic, bridges two continents and never ceases to surprise.
Istanbul’s Metro makes the London Tube feel like a dirty, hot penance. It is clean! Surgically clean, beautifully air-conditioned and cool, the stations are immaculate and artistic, it is efficient and unbelievably cheap. And via this state-of-the-art transport system you arrive at the historical crossroads of the world – into a rubbish tip. There is litter everywhere. Everywhere.
more:Turkey: A crescent of contradictions
Istanbul’s Metro makes the London Tube feel like a dirty, hot penance. It is clean! Surgically clean, beautifully air-conditioned and cool, the stations are immaculate and artistic, it is efficient and unbelievably cheap. And via this state-of-the-art transport system you arrive at the historical crossroads of the world – into a rubbish tip. There is litter everywhere. Everywhere.
more:Turkey: A crescent of contradictions
Turkey rejects claims it is drilling illegally for gas off Cyprus | World news | The Guardian
Turkey rejects claims it is drilling illegally for gas off Cyprus
Ankara hits back at Greek and EU officials and vows to press ahead with offshore operations
More:Turkey rejects claims it is drilling illegally for gas off Cyprus | World news | The Guardian
Ankara hits back at Greek and EU officials and vows to press ahead with offshore operations
More:Turkey rejects claims it is drilling illegally for gas off Cyprus | World news | The Guardian
Turkey’s President Doubles Down After Defeat - Bloomberg
Turkey’s President Doubles Down After Defeat
Notwithstanding an economic crisis and an election loss, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decided that voters want more of the same.
More:Turkey’s President Doubles Down After Defeat - Bloomberg
Notwithstanding an economic crisis and an election loss, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has decided that voters want more of the same.
More:Turkey’s President Doubles Down After Defeat - Bloomberg
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Financial Mirror dot com - ENERGY: Brussels mulls cutting finance to Turkey over Cyprus dispute
ENERGY: Brussels mulls cutting finance to Turkey over Cyprus dispute
10 July, 2019
Suspending €145.8 mln in enlargement funds and "reassessing" the European Investment Bank’s investing in Turkey, are among measures Brussels could impose in response to Ankara’s illegal drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ.
More:Financial Mirror dot com - ENERGY: Brussels mulls cutting finance to Turkey over Cyprus dispute
10 July, 2019
Suspending €145.8 mln in enlargement funds and "reassessing" the European Investment Bank’s investing in Turkey, are among measures Brussels could impose in response to Ankara’s illegal drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ.
More:Financial Mirror dot com - ENERGY: Brussels mulls cutting finance to Turkey over Cyprus dispute
Turkey’s Erdogan Says Complete Revision Needed at Central Bank - Bloomberg
Turkey’s Erdogan Says Complete Revision Needed at Central Bank
By Onur Ant
July 10, 2019, 12:05 AM GMT+2
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said there is need for a “complete revision” at the country’s central bank, where he unexpectedly removed Murat Cetinkaya as governor last week, appointing a deputy as his replacement.
More:Turkey’s Erdogan Says Complete Revision Needed at Central Bank - Bloomberg
By Onur Ant
July 10, 2019, 12:05 AM GMT+2
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said there is need for a “complete revision” at the country’s central bank, where he unexpectedly removed Murat Cetinkaya as governor last week, appointing a deputy as his replacement.
More:Turkey’s Erdogan Says Complete Revision Needed at Central Bank - Bloomberg
Turkey Is Heading for Economic Collapse, Ashmore Says
Turkey Is Heading for Economic Collapse, Ashmore Says
Selcuk Gokoluk
,Bloomberg•July 10, 2019
(Bloomberg) -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan risks pushing Turkey’s economy into an economic collapse similar to those seen in Latin America under populist regimes, according to Ashmore Group Plc.While more diversified than Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy, Turkey is currently on a very similar path of policy missteps that are likely to lead to ruin, the $85 billion emerging-market asset manager said.Capital controls, nationalization and other policies designed to prevent the private sector from protecting its property as the macroeconomic environment deteriorates are the next “logical policy steps” that will follow in Turkey, Jan Dehn, the London-based head of research at Ashmore, said by email.
More:Turkey Is Heading for Economic Collapse, Ashmore Says
Selcuk Gokoluk
,Bloomberg•July 10, 2019
(Bloomberg) -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan risks pushing Turkey’s economy into an economic collapse similar to those seen in Latin America under populist regimes, according to Ashmore Group Plc.While more diversified than Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy, Turkey is currently on a very similar path of policy missteps that are likely to lead to ruin, the $85 billion emerging-market asset manager said.Capital controls, nationalization and other policies designed to prevent the private sector from protecting its property as the macroeconomic environment deteriorates are the next “logical policy steps” that will follow in Turkey, Jan Dehn, the London-based head of research at Ashmore, said by email.
More:Turkey Is Heading for Economic Collapse, Ashmore Says
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
An Underdog Challenges Erdogan - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
An Underdog Challenges Erdogan
Soner Cagaptay
Wall Street Journal
June 30, 2019
The president, a former Istanbul mayor, has a rival in the current one.
Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his rise to the presidency as a political underdog with support from Turks who felt marginalized by the country’s secular establishment. He is now the most powerful Turkish leader in recent memory. But a new underdog is rising. On March 31, Ekrem Imamoglu won election as Istanbul mayor, beating Binali Yildirim, Mr. Erdogan’s preferred candidate, by 0.16%. At the Turkish president’s request, the Supreme Electoral Council annulled the result and called a new election, which was held last week. This time Mr. Imamoglu won decisively, 54% to 44%...
More:An Underdog Challenges Erdogan - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Soner Cagaptay
Wall Street Journal
June 30, 2019
The president, a former Istanbul mayor, has a rival in the current one.
Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his rise to the presidency as a political underdog with support from Turks who felt marginalized by the country’s secular establishment. He is now the most powerful Turkish leader in recent memory. But a new underdog is rising. On March 31, Ekrem Imamoglu won election as Istanbul mayor, beating Binali Yildirim, Mr. Erdogan’s preferred candidate, by 0.16%. At the Turkish president’s request, the Supreme Electoral Council annulled the result and called a new election, which was held last week. This time Mr. Imamoglu won decisively, 54% to 44%...
More:An Underdog Challenges Erdogan - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
In battle for Tripoli, Turkey has billions at stake | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
In battle for Tripoli, Turkey has billions at stake
Selcan Hacaoglu| Bloomberg
Turkey’s support for Libya’s internationally backed government aims to salvage billions of dollars of business contracts thrown into limbo by the conflict and secure more leverage in the scramble for oil and gas in the Mediterranean, according to two Turkish officials. Turkey evacuated 25,000 workers during the NATO-backed uprising that ended Moammar Gadhafi’s four-decade rule in 2011. Libya has been in turmoil ever since, with rival governments in the east and west and dozens of militias vying for control of a country that’s home to Africa’s largest proven oil reserves.
More:In battle for Tripoli, Turkey has billions at stake | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
Selcan Hacaoglu| Bloomberg
Turkey’s support for Libya’s internationally backed government aims to salvage billions of dollars of business contracts thrown into limbo by the conflict and secure more leverage in the scramble for oil and gas in the Mediterranean, according to two Turkish officials. Turkey evacuated 25,000 workers during the NATO-backed uprising that ended Moammar Gadhafi’s four-decade rule in 2011. Libya has been in turmoil ever since, with rival governments in the east and west and dozens of militias vying for control of a country that’s home to Africa’s largest proven oil reserves.
More:In battle for Tripoli, Turkey has billions at stake | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR
Monday, July 08, 2019
Former Erdogan ally resigns from AK Party, hints at rival party | News | The Mighty 790 KFGO
Former Erdogan ally resigns from AK Party, hints at rival party
Monday, July 08, 2019 5:44 a.m. CDT
ANKARA (Reuters) - Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan said on Monday he was resigning from President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party over "deep differences" with the party's direction and said that Turkey needed a new vision.
More:Former Erdogan ally resigns from AK Party, hints at rival party | News | The Mighty 790 KFGO
Monday, July 08, 2019 5:44 a.m. CDT
ANKARA (Reuters) - Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan said on Monday he was resigning from President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party over "deep differences" with the party's direction and said that Turkey needed a new vision.
More:Former Erdogan ally resigns from AK Party, hints at rival party | News | The Mighty 790 KFGO
Global central bank assault claims Turkish victim - Nasdaq.com
Global central bank assault claims Turkish victim
July 07, 2019, 12:17:00 PM EDT By Reuters
Reuters
By Dasha Afanasieva
LONDON, July 7 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Independent central bankers are under attack around the world. Turkey'sMurat Cetinkaya has become the latest casualty. President Tayyip Erdogan, who wants lower interest rates to boost growth, on Saturday fired the governor who had maintained some credibility by keeping benchmark borrowing costs on hold since September. His replacement, Murat Uysal, will find it even harder to give the president what he wants.
More:Global central bank assault claims Turkish victim - Nasdaq.com
July 07, 2019, 12:17:00 PM EDT By Reuters
Reuters
By Dasha Afanasieva
LONDON, July 7 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Independent central bankers are under attack around the world. Turkey'sMurat Cetinkaya has become the latest casualty. President Tayyip Erdogan, who wants lower interest rates to boost growth, on Saturday fired the governor who had maintained some credibility by keeping benchmark borrowing costs on hold since September. His replacement, Murat Uysal, will find it even harder to give the president what he wants.
More:Global central bank assault claims Turkish victim - Nasdaq.com
Sunday, July 07, 2019
Erdogan fires Turkey's central bank chief, eroding independence — Quartz
Turkey’s president is testing his ability to bend the economy to his will
By Jason Karaian
“Of course our central bank is independent,” Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last year. “But the central bank can’t take this independence and set aside the signals given by the president.”
More:Erdogan fires Turkey's central bank chief, eroding independence — Quartz
By Jason Karaian
“Of course our central bank is independent,” Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last year. “But the central bank can’t take this independence and set aside the signals given by the president.”
More:Erdogan fires Turkey's central bank chief, eroding independence — Quartz
Age standard to start primary school revised - Turkey News
Age standard to start primary school revised
ANKARA- Anadolu Agency
Turkey revised the age standard for children to start the primary school with a circular published in the Official Gazette on July 5.
Under the new regulation, it is compulsory for children to be 69-months-old by September to start the primary education, raised from 66 months.
More:Age standard to start primary school revised - Turkey News
ANKARA- Anadolu Agency
Turkey revised the age standard for children to start the primary school with a circular published in the Official Gazette on July 5.
Under the new regulation, it is compulsory for children to be 69-months-old by September to start the primary education, raised from 66 months.
More:Age standard to start primary school revised - Turkey News
Saturday, July 06, 2019
Ankara municipality issues warning to ex-mayor over access to city’s security system | Ahval
Ankara municipality issues warning to ex-mayor over access to city’s security system
The municipality of the Turkish capital of Ankara has issued a warning to the city’s long-time former mayor Melih Gökçek, after discovering the ex-mayor had access to the municipal security system in his home.
The municipality’s inventory records showed that the recording and control systems of security cameras in Ankara’s Dikmen valley were installed in the home of the former Justice and Development Party (AKP) mayor Gökçek, left-wing newspaper Birgün reported on Saturday.
Gökçek, who served as mayor of the Turkish capital from 1994 to 2017, was given three days to return the security cameras system, which is part of the Ankara municipality’s inventory, it said.
More:Ankara municipality issues warning to ex-mayor over access to city’s security system | Ahval
The municipality of the Turkish capital of Ankara has issued a warning to the city’s long-time former mayor Melih Gökçek, after discovering the ex-mayor had access to the municipal security system in his home.
The municipality’s inventory records showed that the recording and control systems of security cameras in Ankara’s Dikmen valley were installed in the home of the former Justice and Development Party (AKP) mayor Gökçek, left-wing newspaper Birgün reported on Saturday.
Gökçek, who served as mayor of the Turkish capital from 1994 to 2017, was given three days to return the security cameras system, which is part of the Ankara municipality’s inventory, it said.
More:Ankara municipality issues warning to ex-mayor over access to city’s security system | Ahval
After Losing Istanbul, Erdogan's Grip on Turkey Will Never Be the Same | The National Interest
After Losing Istanbul, Erdogan's Grip on Turkey Will Never Be the Same
Erdogan’s days may not be numbered already but his grip on power will never be the same again.
More:After Losing Istanbul, Erdogan's Grip on Turkey Will Never Be the Same | The National Interest
Erdogan’s days may not be numbered already but his grip on power will never be the same again.
More:After Losing Istanbul, Erdogan's Grip on Turkey Will Never Be the Same | The National Interest
Turkey removes central bank governor, appoints deputy - Latest News
Turkey removes central bank governor, appoints deputy
ANKARA- Anadolu Agency
Turkey removed Murat Çetinkaya as central bank governor early July 6 and replaced him with the bank’s deputy governor, Murat Uysal, according to a presidential decree published in the official gazette.
More:Turkey removes central bank governor, appoints deputy - Latest News
ANKARA- Anadolu Agency
Turkey removed Murat Çetinkaya as central bank governor early July 6 and replaced him with the bank’s deputy governor, Murat Uysal, according to a presidential decree published in the official gazette.
More:Turkey removes central bank governor, appoints deputy - Latest News
Friday, July 05, 2019
Turkish court overrules life sentences against three journalists: state media - The Globe and Mail
Turkish court overrules life sentences against three journalists: state media
ISTANBUL
Turkey’s high court overruled life sentences against three journalists, who were sentenced over alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Friday.
More:Turkish court overrules life sentences against three journalists: state media - The Globe and Mail
ISTANBUL
Turkey’s high court overruled life sentences against three journalists, who were sentenced over alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Friday.
More:Turkish court overrules life sentences against three journalists: state media - The Globe and Mail
Thursday, July 04, 2019
Can Turkish politics be depolarised? · Global Voices
Can Turkish politics be depolarised?
The ruling party is no longer in charge of the largest municipality
Posted 4 July 2019 20:25 GMT
Imamoglu clebrates victory in Istanbul. Campaign photo posted by Imamoglu's Twitter on June 24.
In the end it was easy. Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition candidate in Istanbul's municipal election, swept to victory on June 23 with 54% of the votes, after a rerun ordered by the country's main electoral authority.
More:Can Turkish politics be depolarised? · Global Voices
The ruling party is no longer in charge of the largest municipality
Posted 4 July 2019 20:25 GMT
Imamoglu clebrates victory in Istanbul. Campaign photo posted by Imamoglu's Twitter on June 24.
In the end it was easy. Ekrem Imamoglu, the opposition candidate in Istanbul's municipal election, swept to victory on June 23 with 54% of the votes, after a rerun ordered by the country's main electoral authority.
More:Can Turkish politics be depolarised? · Global Voices
Turkey’s Opposition, Buoyed by Its Win in Istanbul, Faces a Long Road Ahead
Turkey’s Opposition, Buoyed by Its Win in Istanbul, Faces a Long Road Ahead
David O’Byrne Wednesday, July 3, 2019
The resounding victory by opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu in last week’s mayoral election in Istanbul delivered a sharp blow to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, whose 17-year grip on power suddenly looks a little less tight. In addition to a resurgent opposition, Erdogan now also faces rumbles of discontent from within the AKP and a looming challenge from several of his own former allies who are planning to launch a new center-right party. But both the opposition and Erdogan’s erstwhile AKP partners face an uphill task taking on the man who has dominated Turkish politics for so long.
More:Turkey’s Opposition, Buoyed by Its Win in Istanbul, Faces a Long Road Ahead
David O’Byrne Wednesday, July 3, 2019
The resounding victory by opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu in last week’s mayoral election in Istanbul delivered a sharp blow to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, whose 17-year grip on power suddenly looks a little less tight. In addition to a resurgent opposition, Erdogan now also faces rumbles of discontent from within the AKP and a looming challenge from several of his own former allies who are planning to launch a new center-right party. But both the opposition and Erdogan’s erstwhile AKP partners face an uphill task taking on the man who has dominated Turkish politics for so long.
More:Turkey’s Opposition, Buoyed by Its Win in Istanbul, Faces a Long Road Ahead
Tuesday, July 02, 2019
EU - Turkey: Friends at a distance - Modern Diplomacy
EU – Turkey: Friends at a distance
The recent conflict over Turkish drilling vessels exploring for oil in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus has triggered another wave of debates between Turkey and the European Union. For Turkey, membership or non-membership in the EU has long passed the political and economic format, having developed into a nationwide dilemma.
More:EU - Turkey: Friends at a distance - Modern Diplomacy
The recent conflict over Turkish drilling vessels exploring for oil in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus has triggered another wave of debates between Turkey and the European Union. For Turkey, membership or non-membership in the EU has long passed the political and economic format, having developed into a nationwide dilemma.
More:EU - Turkey: Friends at a distance - Modern Diplomacy
Monday, July 01, 2019
Former Turkish PM Davutoglu slams Erdogan's AKP after Istanbul defeat - Reuters
Former Turkish PM Davutoglu slams Erdogan's AKP after Istanbul defeat
ANKARA (Reuters) - A former Turkish prime minister and close ally of President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday harshly criticized the ruling AK Party after a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul last week that was widely seen as ominous for Erdogan at national level.
More:Former Turkish PM Davutoglu slams Erdogan's AKP after Istanbul defeat - Reuters
ANKARA (Reuters) - A former Turkish prime minister and close ally of President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday harshly criticized the ruling AK Party after a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul last week that was widely seen as ominous for Erdogan at national level.
More:Former Turkish PM Davutoglu slams Erdogan's AKP after Istanbul defeat - Reuters
Turkish and Chinese leaders discuss foreign investment and Xinjiang controversies | Foreign Brief
Turkish and Chinese leaders discuss foreign investment and Xinjiang controversies
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Beijing today to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Ankara slammed Beijing on February 9 with a strong statement condemning China for its treatment of ethnic Uighur Muslims in the country. The statement was issued in response to the alleged death of jailed Uighur poet Abdurehim Heyit.
More:Turkish and Chinese leaders discuss foreign investment and Xinjiang controversies | Foreign Brief
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Beijing today to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Ankara slammed Beijing on February 9 with a strong statement condemning China for its treatment of ethnic Uighur Muslims in the country. The statement was issued in response to the alleged death of jailed Uighur poet Abdurehim Heyit.
More:Turkish and Chinese leaders discuss foreign investment and Xinjiang controversies | Foreign Brief
Love Will Set You Free From Populism – Foreign Policy
Love Will Set You Free From Populism
The mayoral election in Istanbul offers the emotional template for defeating authoritarian leaders elsewhere in the world.
More:Love Will Set You Free From Populism – Foreign Policy
The mayoral election in Istanbul offers the emotional template for defeating authoritarian leaders elsewhere in the world.
More:Love Will Set You Free From Populism – Foreign Policy
Will Istanbul results finally see Turkey’s CHP get it together? | Stephen Starr | AW
Will Istanbul results finally see Turkey’s CHP get it together?
Ekrem Imamoglu and the head of the CHP, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, would do well to remember that their victory in Istanbul amounts to little more than a protest vote against Erdogan – not an unconditional approval of their own policies and personalities.
More:Will Istanbul results finally see Turkey’s CHP get it together? | Stephen Starr | AW
Ekrem Imamoglu and the head of the CHP, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, would do well to remember that their victory in Istanbul amounts to little more than a protest vote against Erdogan – not an unconditional approval of their own policies and personalities.
More:Will Istanbul results finally see Turkey’s CHP get it together? | Stephen Starr | AW
In Turkey, demography is a brake on Islamisation - Erasmus
In Turkey, demography is a brake on Islamisation
Why the government’s effort to create a more devout society has failed
More:In Turkey, demography is a brake on Islamisation - Erasmus
Why the government’s effort to create a more devout society has failed
More:In Turkey, demography is a brake on Islamisation - Erasmus
Opposition aims to curb Erdogan’s powers after election rout
Opposition aims to curb Erdogan’s powers after election rout
Orhan Kemal Cengiz July 1, 2019
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The government’s debacle in local polls in Istanbul and most of Turkey’s other big cities has set the stage for a new power struggle in which the opposition appears bent on trimming Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. The president, in turn, seeks to debilitate the newly elected opposition mayors.
More:Opposition aims to curb Erdogan’s powers after election rout
Orhan Kemal Cengiz July 1, 2019
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The government’s debacle in local polls in Istanbul and most of Turkey’s other big cities has set the stage for a new power struggle in which the opposition appears bent on trimming Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. The president, in turn, seeks to debilitate the newly elected opposition mayors.
More:Opposition aims to curb Erdogan’s powers after election rout
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