Thursday, March 31, 2016

Turkey's Erdogan says Diyarbakir attack shows 'ugly face' of 'cornered' militants | Reuters

Turkey's Erdogan says Diyarbakir attack shows 'ugly face' of 'cornered' militants
WASHINGTON

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said an attack in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir on Thursday that killed seven people and wounded 27 showed the "ugly face" of militants "as they are cornered".

More:Turkey's Erdogan says Diyarbakir attack shows 'ugly face' of 'cornered' militants | Reuters

Protests erupt during Erdogan visit to Washington, D.C. - CBS News

Protests erupt during Erdogan visit to Washington, D.C.

Police clashed with protesters in Washington, D.C. Thursday after Kurdish American activists demonstrated against Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outside of the Brookings Institute, where the Turkish leader is giving a speech on challenges in the Middle East.

More:Protests erupt during Erdogan visit to Washington, D.C. - CBS News

Australians warned against travelling to Ankara and Istanbul after 80 deaths | World news | The Guardian

Australians warned against travelling to Ankara and Istanbul after 80 deaths

The foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, says terrorism threat has meant second-highest travel warnings for the two cities are now in place

More:Australians warned against travelling to Ankara and Istanbul after 80 deaths | World news | The Guardian

How Putin's Leverage Shaped the Syrian Ceasefire - The Globalist

How Putin’s Leverage Shaped the Syrian Ceasefire

On Syria, Russia’s President Putin is having his way not just vis-à-vis Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but also the United States.
By Gareth Porter, March 29, 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S Secretary of State John Kerry have clearly been the primary drivers of their respective governments’ policies toward Syria.

More:How Putin's Leverage Shaped the Syrian Ceasefire - The Globalist

Turkish army denies allegations of anti-Erdogan coup | Al Bawaba

Turkish army denies allegations of anti-Erdogan coup

Published March 31st, 2016 - 13:30 GMT via SyndiGate.info

The Turkish army has dismissed as “baseless” media reports that it was planning a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“News and commentaries in some media organs without any foundation naturally influence the morale and motivation of our heroic comrades-in-arms negatively and make all our members uncomfortable,” the Turkish Armed Forces said in statement on Thursday.

More:Turkish army denies allegations of anti-Erdogan coup | Al Bawaba

A confident Erdogan belies the danger that Turkey faces - FT.com

A confident Erdogan belies the danger that Turkey faces

David Gardner David Gardner

Boosted by the EU deal over migrants, Ankara is running risks with its policy on the Kurds

More:A confident Erdogan belies the danger that Turkey faces - FT.com

The Syrian Kurds: Whose Ally? - The Globalist

The Syrian Kurds: Whose Ally?

The United States should encourage rapprochement between Turkey and the PYD.
By Soner Cagaptay, March 30, 2016

The Kurdish political landscape is divided across countries and political lines. On the one hand, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) fall under the same Group of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK), an umbrella organization established by the PKK.

More:The Syrian Kurds: Whose Ally? - The Globalist

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Homeland chairman: 'Active plot underway in Turkey' | TheHill

Homeland chairman: 'Active plot underway in Turkey'

By Julian Hattem - 03/30/16 11:56 AM EDT

A “covert counterterrorism operation” is underway to halt an extremist plot in Turkey that earlier this week prompted the United States to urge the withdrawal of American families, the head of the House Homeland Security Committee said on Wednesday.

More:Homeland chairman: 'Active plot underway in Turkey' | TheHill

US lags behind goal to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees by Oct. - The Boston Globe

US lags behind goal to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees by Oct.

Bilal Hussein/AP

Women prepared food at a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon on Tuesday.
By Matt Rocheleau Globe Staff March 30, 2016

The head of the United Nations on Wednesday issued an impassioned plea for nations around the world to accept more Syrian refugees.

More:US lags behind goal to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees by Oct. - The Boston Globe

How this NGO is helping victims of Turkish mine disaster provide for their families - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

How this NGO is helping victims of Turkish mine disaster provide for their families

In May 2014, Turkey’s worst mining disaster killed 301 workers in a coal mine in the western town of Soma. Since then, time has largely effaced the tragedy from public memory, with the trial of those responsible moving at a snail’s pace. Left behind are hundreds of impoverished women and children, struggling to hold on to life. Hundreds of households have lost their breadwinners as many miners were left crippled and jobless, in addition to those who perished in the fire.

More:How this NGO is helping victims of Turkish mine disaster provide for their families - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

The Peninsula Qatar - Biden to host Turkey’s Erdogan as ties with US show strains

Biden to host Turkey’s Erdogan as ties with US show strains
March 30, 2016 - 12:00:00 am

By Can Sezer and Roberta Rampton

ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will have a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during a visit to Washington this week, but a senior U.S. official declined to say whether formal talks with President Barack Obama were planned.

More:The Peninsula Qatar - Biden to host Turkey’s Erdogan as ties with US show strains

Turkey: Tourists heading elsewhere | DW Travel | DW.COM | 30.03.2016

Turkey: Tourists heading elsewhere

The tense security situation is hurting one of Turkey’s key industries, tourism. 10.32 % fewer vacationers than in January represents the biggest single drop in tourist business in ten years.

More:Turkey: Tourists heading elsewhere | DW Travel | DW.COM | 30.03.2016

Erdogan's security team makes bizarre attempt to drown out protesters in DC (VIDEOS) — RT USA

Erdogan's security team makes bizarre attempt to drown out protesters in DC (VIDEOS)

Security staff carried out a bizarre offensive against protesters calling president Recep Tayyip Erdogan a terrorist by trying to shout down their chants and destroying their placards.

More:Erdogan's security team makes bizarre attempt to drown out protesters in DC (VIDEOS) — RT USA

Opinion: The laughing stock of Ankara | Opinion | DW.COM | 30.03.2016

Opinion: The laughing stock of Ankara

President Erdogan made a fool of himself by summoning the German ambassador over a satirical video. Now, German diplomats are doing all they can to protect him from further embarrassment, says Matthias Bölinger. .

More:Opinion: The laughing stock of Ankara | Opinion | DW.COM | 30.03.2016

Juncker says Erdogan can't silence EU media

Juncker says Erdogan can't silence EU media

By Andrew Rettman
BRUSSELS, Today, 17:24

The European Comission joined Berlin on Wednesday (30 March) in rejecting Turkey’s appeal to quash a song which makes fun of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Juncker says Erdogan can't silence EU media

Lessons Uganda Can Learn From Turkey’s Growth Strategy

Lessons Uganda can learn from Turkey’s growth strategy

By Edmond Kizito

Uganda has just come out the national elections that highlighted some gaps in some sectors of the economy. However, as the Government continues to plug these loopholes, it would be better to pick some lessons from some countries that have tried to better their systems. One of such countries is Turkey.

More:Lessons Uganda Can Learn From Turkey’s Growth Strategy

Turkish Foreign Policy is Waking Up from the Liberal Dream

Turkish Foreign Policy is Waking Up from the Liberal Dream
Selim Koru
March 29, 2016

In the first of a two-part series, a Turkish analyst describes his country’s strategic character, and how it is changing through its contact with the Syrian Civil War.

More:Turkish Foreign Policy is Waking Up from the Liberal Dream

Turkey to Host UN’s First Global Humanitarian Summit | Frontpage Mag

Turkey to Host UN’s First Global Humanitarian Summit
Why a terror-supporting country with an atrocious human rights record is not the best host.
March 30, 2016
Joseph Klein

The first-ever United Nations-sponsored World Humanitarian Summit is scheduled to take place May 23-24, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised Turkey’s “compassionate leadership” in hosting the summit and its “admirable commitment to humanitarian action.”

More:Turkey to Host UN’s First Global Humanitarian Summit | Frontpage Mag

Why US support for a Kurdish region in Syria would be a mistake - Affairs Today

Why US support for a Kurdish region in Syria would be a mistake

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Editor
US support of PYD could lead to further de-stabilization of the region
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US support for a federal Kurdish region in Syria would be a mistake, a blunder that could lead directly to a protracted Arab-Kurdish-Turkish conflict.

More:Why US support for a Kurdish region in Syria would be a mistake - Affairs Today

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Turkey descends into autocracy

Turkey descends into autocracy
Turkey is said to be the country with one of the highest number of journalists behind bars
S P Seth

Early in this century, Turkey looked like making a healthy transition to democracy. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, now Turkey’s president, became the country’s prime minister after his party won a landslide victory in the 2002 parliamentary elections. The economy started to pick up and Turkey was held as a model for other Muslim countries. For once, it seemed that elected democracy in a Muslim country was not antithetical. But events in the last few years have created serious doubts about the health of Turkish democracy, as President Erdogan appears to increasingly believe that democracy in Turkey is essentially synonymous with him and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). This is because his opponents of all shades of opinion are branded either terrorists or supporters of terrorism, as well as plotting a coup against his government, and that with such ‘diabolical’ designs against the country, they don’t deserve any mercy.

More:Turkey descends into autocracy

Why $31 Luxury Hotel Rooms Aren't Good News for Anyone in Turkey – Skift

Why $31 Luxury Hotel Rooms Aren’t Good News for Anyone in Turkey

Isobel Finkel, Bloomberg - Mar 29, 2016 6:30 pm

Last month Israelis were up, Russians down, and the Dutch seemed unfazed. Yet total tourist arrivals to Turkey fell 10 percent compared with February 2015, a blow to an industry that owes $17 billion to the country’s banks.

More:Why $31 Luxury Hotel Rooms Aren't Good News for Anyone in Turkey – Skift

A Tale of Two Terrorist Attacks in Brussels and Ankara

A Tale of Two Terrorist Attacks in Brussels and Ankara
Joshua Walker
March 28, 2016

In the span of less than two weeks, two European capitals were struck by horrendous acts of terrorism. Two European capitals lost dozens of innocent civilians to cowardly bombings. Two European capitals had their public transportation systems targeted and hospitals inundated with the injured and scared. One of these European capitals received significant media coverage in the United States and one did not. One of these European capitals was supported by Facebook profile filters and world monuments displaying colors in its honor, while the other has been met largely with indifference and silence.

More:A Tale of Two Terrorist Attacks in Brussels and Ankara

Turkey: Backward or Forward? | World Policy Institute

Turkey: Backward or Forward?
March 29, 2016 - 12:48pm | admin

By Jonathan Power

In 1978, a young Oliver Stone directed Midnight Express, a film based on the story of an American sentenced to 30 years in a Turkish prison for drug smuggling. It portrayed in stark detail a total lack of respect for human rights or normal human behavior on the part of Turkish authorities. Many Westerners held this impression of Turkey, even as Turkey was in fact profoundly changing.

More:Turkey: Backward or Forward? | World Policy Institute

Pentagon removes military families from Turkey due to ISIS - CNNPolitics.com

Pentagon orders military families out of Turkey due to ISIS threat

By Barbara Starr, Ryan Browne and Elise Labott, CNN

Washington (CNN)The U.S. military has ordered military family members to evacuate southern Turkey, primarily from Incirlik Air Base, due to security concerns, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

More:Pentagon removes military families from Turkey due to ISIS - CNNPolitics.com

Turkish Jews call for tightened state security against ISIS threat - Diaspora - Jerusalem Post

Turkish Jews call for tightened state security against ISIS threat

The Turkish Jewish community has reportedly contacted government

More:Turkish Jews call for tightened state security against ISIS threat - Diaspora - Jerusalem Post

Four Things to Watch During Turkish President Erdogan’s Visit to Washington - Washington Wire - WSJ

Four Things to Watch During Turkish President Erdogan’s Visit to Washington
By Soner Cagaptay
Mar 29, 2016 12:27 pm ET

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Washington this week for a nuclear security summit. Here are four key issues to watch:

More:Four Things to Watch During Turkish President Erdogan’s Visit to Washington - Washington Wire - WSJ

US orders diplomatic, military families out of south Turkey | Election 2016 Live | pantagraph.com

US orders diplomatic, military families out of south Turkey

By MATTHEW LEE and LOLITA C. BALDOR Updated 28 min ago 0

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department and Pentagon ordered the families of U.S. diplomats and military personnel Tuesday to leave posts in southern Turkey due to "increased threats from terrorist groups" in the country.

More:US orders diplomatic, military families out of south Turkey | Election 2016 Live | pantagraph.com

Interview: Istanbul Rises as a Global Convention City Amidst Turkey's Problems – Skift

Interview: Istanbul Rises as a Global Convention City Amidst Turkey’s Problems

Greg Oates, Skift - Mar 29, 2016 5:30 am

According to the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), Istanbul was the eighth busiest convention city in the world last year, up from 46th place at the beginning of the century.

More:Interview: Istanbul Rises as a Global Convention City Amidst Turkey's Problems – Skift

Erdogan’s Tactics in Turkey–and Challenges in Washington - Washington Wire - WSJ

Erdogan’s Tactics in Turkey–and Challenges in Washington
By Aykan Erdemir and Merve Tahiroglu
Mar 29, 2016 6:59 am ET

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is coming to Washington this week officially to attend a nuclear summit, but his larger agenda involves repairing Turkey’s international image and improving relations with the West. These will be difficult tasks amid his government’s crackdown on media outlets, academics, and Kurds.

More:Erdogan’s Tactics in Turkey–and Challenges in Washington - Washington Wire - WSJ

Kurdish PKK Confront Pro-Turkey Protesters in Germany | News | teleSUR English

Kurdish PKK Confront Pro-Turkey Protesters in Germany

After clashes between a group of Kurds and Turkish protesters in the German city of Aschaffenburg Sunday, the police have arrested 36 people.

Both groups have told media sources a different version of the story that led to the incident.

More:Kurdish PKK Confront Pro-Turkey Protesters in Germany | News | teleSUR English

Thousands Of Syrian Kids To Learn Turkish In Istanbul | Fulton News

Thousands of Syrian kids to learn Turkish in Istanbul

By Kristoff Saunders on March 29, 2016No Comment

-An Istanbul-based private university launches program to teach Turkish to more than 300,000 Syrian children

More:Thousands Of Syrian Kids To Learn Turkish In Istanbul | Fulton News

Syrian Refugees In Turkey Saw The Doctor 15.3 Mln Times | Fulton News

Syrian refugees in Turkey saw the doctor 15.3 mln times

By Kristoff Saunders on March 29, 2016No Comment

- Nearly 128,000 Syrian babies have been delivered in Turkey's public, university, and private hospitals, says Health Ministry

More:Syrian Refugees In Turkey Saw The Doctor 15.3 Mln Times | Fulton News

UPDATE 2-Security concerns send Turkish foreign visitor arrivals tumbling | Reuters

UPDATE 2-Security concerns send Turkish foreign visitor arrivals tumbling

By Nevzat Devranoglu and Can Sezer

ANKARA/ISTANBUL, March 29 The number of foreign visitors going to Turkey fell 10 percent in February, the biggest drop in a decade, amid security concerns for a country feeling the spillover effects from the war in Syria.

More:UPDATE 2-Security concerns send Turkish foreign visitor arrivals tumbling | Reuters

Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds | MENAFN.COM

Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds Join our daily free Newsletter

(MENAFN - The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) Interesting days have begun for Turkey and the like “emerging countries.” The central countries have loosened their monetary policies and money is again pouring into emerging countries… This creates the effect of a hot wind… However cold winds are blowing in the domestic climates of emerging countries primarily Turkey. This situation decreases the effect of the hot wind. Nevertheless those emerging countries with a warmer domestic climate have an opportunity to breathe even if it is for only a couple of months. What about Turkey? What do Turkey’s tense political climate increasing terror barometer and associated non-decreasing risks cause the country to lose? Everybody is curious and debating.

More:Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds | MENAFN.COM

Jobs Seen at Risk as Erdogan Legacy Morphs to Middle-Income Trap - Bloomberg Business

Jobs Seen at Risk as Erdogan Legacy Morphs to Middle-Income Trap
Onur Ant

Turkey’s decision to raise the minimum wage risks becoming a hollow victory for millions of workers, as more businesses warn of hiring freezes and layoffs to keep their labor bills down.

More:Jobs Seen at Risk as Erdogan Legacy Morphs to Middle-Income Trap - Bloomberg Business

NATO Can Be a Force for Democracy in Turkey - NYTimes.com

NATO Can Be a Force for Democracy in Turkey
Gonul Tol

Updated March 29, 2016, 3:20 AM

Continued membership in NATO can help keep Turkey from losing its increasingly tenuous ties to democracy.

More:NATO Can Be a Force for Democracy in Turkey - NYTimes.com

Turkey has blocked potential attacks in recent weeks: presidential spokesman | Reuters

Turkey has blocked potential attacks in recent weeks: presidential spokesman
ANKARA

Turkey has prevented potential attacks in recent weeks including planned suicide bombings, President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said on Monday, following a spate of attacks blamed on Islamic State and Kurdish militants.

More:Turkey has blocked potential attacks in recent weeks: presidential spokesman | Reuters

Migrants coming to Europe via Mediterranean HALVES in March | World | News | Daily Express

Migrants coming to Europe via Mediterranean HALVES in March, shock figures reveal

THE number of migrants coming into Europe via the Mediterranean Sea has more than halved this month, shock figures have revealed.

More:Migrants coming to Europe via Mediterranean HALVES in March | World | News | Daily Express

Monday, March 28, 2016

How Turkey's Syrian refugees are getting by - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

How Turkey's Syrian refugees are getting by

On Jan. 15, the Turkish government’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in neighboring Syria took a major turn when officials introduced regulations to grant many of the 2.5 million Syrian refugees work permits. While international human rights organizations welcomed Turkey’s decision, the action has yet to improve the lives and working conditions of many Syrian refugees in Turkey’s workforce.

More:How Turkey's Syrian refugees are getting by - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

US, Turkey Look to Expand Fight Against IS

US, Turkey Look to Expand Fight Against IS
Pamela Dockins

March 28, 2016 4:12 PM
STATE DEPARTMENT—

The U.S. and Turkey are discussing plans to expand cooperation in order to put greater pressure on Islamic State (IS) militants, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

More:US, Turkey Look to Expand Fight Against IS

Ambiguity in women’s policies - GİLA BENMAYOR

Ambiguity in women’s policies

It was on my return flight from the Paris meeting of the world’s cosmetic giant L’Oreal held their “For Women in Science” program organized together with UNESCO for 18 years that I read a piece written by Family Minister Sema Ramazanoğlu in Turkish Airlines (THY) inflight magazine, Skylife.

More:Ambiguity in women’s policies - GİLA BENMAYOR

Why Turkey's high unemployment rate may mean more terror attacks - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Why Turkey's high unemployment rate may mean more terror attacks

ANKARA, Turkey — The rising wave of terrorism in Turkey’s big cities has sparked debates on the various aspects of the attacks, committed on what appears to be on a rotating basis by the Islamic State (IS) and the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a radical offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The discussion has focused on the reasons that made Turkey a playing field for terrorists and the security and intelligence failures behind the attacks. Another crucial topic, however, is the recruitment methods of terrorist groups and how young people are cajoled into becoming suicide bombers.

More:Why Turkey's high unemployment rate may mean more terror attacks - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Opinion: Is Turkey coming in from the cold? - CNN.com

Opinion: Is Turkey coming in from the cold in Europe?

Soner Cagaptay, Special to CNN

(CNN)Turkey is facing the largest wave of terror attacks in its history -- in the past six months alone, the country has been hit by five deadly attacks.

More:Opinion: Is Turkey coming in from the cold? - CNN.com

Turkish security forces kill more than 5,300 militants since July - Erdogan | Daily Mail Online

Turkish security forces kill more than 5,300 militants since July - Erdogan

By Reuters

Published: 06:34 EST, 28 March 2016 | Updated: 06:34 EST, 28 March 2016

ISTANBUL, March 28 (Reuters) - Turkish security forces have killed 5,359 Kurdish militants since the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) abandoned a two-year ceasefire in July, the state-run Anadolu news agency cited President Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Monday.

More:Turkish security forces kill more than 5,300 militants since July - Erdogan | Daily Mail Online

Turkey significantly changes rules for unlicensed energy generation - Lexology

Turkey significantly changes rules for unlicensed energy generation

Turkey March 28 2016

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority ("EMRA") issued an amendment to the Regulation on Unlicensed Energy Generation (the "Regulation") and the Communiqué on Implementation of Unlicensed Energy Generation (the "Communiqué") (together, the "Amendment") on March 23, 2016. The long awaited draft Amendment was first published on EMRA's website in December 2015, and included restrictions on the total installed capacity of adjacent unlicensed plants controlled by the same person or entity as well as share transfer restrictions. The published Amendment, in addition to the restrictions outlined in the draft, introduces a maximum limit for the amount of "excess energy" to be fed into the grid, and includes rules and procedures for situations where there are multiple applications for licensed and unlicensed generation in the same area, as well as other major changes regarding grid connections.

More:Turkey significantly changes rules for unlicensed energy generation - Lexology

Turkey holds EU-bound Myanmar refugees caught at sea - Daily Sabah

Turkey holds EU-bound Myanmar refugees caught at sea
ANADOLU AGENCY

A Turkish official has confirmed that a group of refugees from Myanmar were among more than 350 people picked up at sea by the coastguard over the weekend as they attempted to travel to Europe.

More:Turkey holds EU-bound Myanmar refugees caught at sea - Daily Sabah

Turkey, world condemn deadly attack in Pakistan, death toll exceeds 70 - ASIA

Turkey, world condemn deadly attack in Pakistan, death toll exceeds 70

Turkey and political figures across the globe have strongly condemned the deadly attack in Pakistan’s Lahore, which targeted Christians celebrating Easter, killed more than 70 people and was claimed by a fraction of the Taliban, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar

More:Turkey, world condemn deadly attack in Pakistan, death toll exceeds 70 - ASIA

Opinion: Should Europe abandon Turkey? | National News - WPTZ Home

Opinion: Should Europe abandon Turkey?
Published 11:46 PM EDT Mar 27, 2016

(CNN) —Turkey is facing the largest wave of terror attacks in its history -- in the past six months alone, the country has been hit by five deadly attacks.

Islamic State (IS) has targeted Istanbul twice and Ankara once since October 2015, killing at least 120 people, and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has hit the Turkish capital Ankara twice, killing at least 65 people.

More:Opinion: Should Europe abandon Turkey? | National News - WPTZ Home

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Turkish President Faces a Cool Reception in U.S. Visit - WSJ

Turkish President Faces a Cool Reception in U.S. Visit

Obama turns down one-on-one meeting with Erdogan at nuclear summit, reflecting concerns about key ally’s crackdowns on dissent, Kurdish insurgents

More:Turkish President Faces a Cool Reception in U.S. Visit - WSJ

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: A Fable -- Aesop and the Presidential Candidates | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: A Fable — Aesop and the Presidential Candidates

James Tressler / Today @ 8:35 a.m. / Letter From Istanbul

My student Ender and I have continued following the U.S. Primary elections. This past Friday we listened to the candidates’ rally speeches in Arizona and Washington.

More:LETTER FROM ISTANBUL: A Fable -- Aesop and the Presidential Candidates | Lost Coast Outpost | Humboldt County

Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds - ECONOMICS

Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds

Mustafa Sönmez - mustafasnmz@hotmail.com

Interesting days have begun for Turkey and the like “emerging countries.” The central countries have loosened their monetary policies and money is again pouring into emerging countries… This creates the effect of a hot wind…

More:Turkey under the influence of hot international winds and cold domestic winds - ECONOMICS

Five Things About Obama and Erdogan’s Meeting – At A Glance - WSJ

Five Things About Obama and Erdogan’s Meeting
4:14 pm EST Mar 27, 2016
By Dion Nissenbaum

ISTANBUL–President Barack Obama and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once had a close working relationship as the two leaders found a unique rapport while working on major issues confronting both countries. But relations between the two have become more strained because of simmering disagreements over how to solve major problems they are working together to confront. Here’s a look at the key issues:

More:Five Things About Obama and Erdogan’s Meeting – At A Glance - WSJ

Government-linked Foundation Caught Up in Turkish Child Sex Scandal - The Media Line

Government-linked Foundation Caught Up in Turkish Child Sex Scandal
By Nick Ashdown | The Media Line

March 27, 2016

ISTANBUL — A child sex abuse scandal allegedly involving a foundation with close links to the government has made national headlines in Turkey.

More:Government-linked Foundation Caught Up in Turkish Child Sex Scandal - The Media Line

Istanbul Photo Awards Puts Spotlight On Region | Fulton News

Istanbul Photo Awards puts spotlight on region

By Tanisha Rowland on March 27, 2016No Comment

- Executive for Getty Images and jury member of Anadolu Agency's Istanbul Photo Awards says event succeeded in drawing global attention to recent developments in Middle East

More:Istanbul Photo Awards Puts Spotlight On Region | Fulton News

Bombs in Turkey are part of this same sad tale | Media | The Guardian

Bombs in Turkey are part of this same sad tale
Peter Preston

Sunday 27 March 2016 05.00 EDT
Last modified on Sunday 27 March 2016 05.17 EDT

Brussels, in its miserable way, was part of an emerging media routine. Get your TV news anchors there on the shattered streets. Sweep other stories aside for the duration. (I particularly like the C4 reporter who told Matt Frei, just a few kilometres away, that nothing much was happening in Molenbeek except for rather a lot of policemen and journalists walking up and down.)

More:Bombs in Turkey are part of this same sad tale | Media | The Guardian

Russia signals interest to defrost ties with Turkey | MENAFN.COM

Russia signals interest to defrost ties with Turkey Join our daily free Newsletter

(MENAFN - Asia Times) In an abrupt turnaround Moscow has put out feelers to Turkey signalling interest in calming tensions in the bilateral relations and opening a new page. The Russian civil aviation authorities have lifted the ban on flights to Antalya on the Mediterranean which is known as the Turkish Riviera and a popular destination for Russian tourists.

No explanation has been given for the decision in terms of which Ural Airlines will fly seven times a week from the Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan to Antalya.

More:Russia signals interest to defrost ties with Turkey | MENAFN.COM

Terror wave adds to fears for fragile Turkish economy - The Express Tribune

Terror wave adds to fears for fragile Turkish economy
By AFP

ISTANBUL:
Six suicide attacks in eight months and a spat with Russia have added to concerns for the Turkish economy as tourists flee, taking billions of dollars in spending elsewhere, and foreign investors skirt the troubled country.

More:Terror wave adds to fears for fragile Turkish economy - The Express Tribune

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Kurds in Turkey: Crushed hopes after conflict in Diyarbakir - BBC News

Kurds in Turkey: Crushed hopes after conflict in Diyarbakir
By Pinar Sevinclidir BBC Monitoring, Diyarbakir

The mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, in southeast Turkey, appears shell-shocked after three months of fighting between the security forces and the militant Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK).

More:Kurds in Turkey: Crushed hopes after conflict in Diyarbakir - BBC News

In Cesme, good Samaritans help refugees stuck in Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 26.03.2016

In Cesme, good Samaritans help refugees stuck in Turkey

Despite the country's recent deal with the EU - and the promise of billions from Brussels - refugees often receive no government support in Turkey. Volunteers try to fill the gaps, DW's Daniel Heinrich reports.

More:In Cesme, good Samaritans help refugees stuck in Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 26.03.2016

Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report - Yahoo News

Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report

Ankara (AFP) - Police in Turkey have warned of possible Islamic State attacks against Christians and Jews over the Easter weekend, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported on Saturday.

More:Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report - Yahoo News

Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report - IBNLive

Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report
Posted on: 08:03 PM IST Mar 26, 2016

Ankara: Police in Turkey have warned of possible Islamic State attacks against Christians and Jews over the Easter weekend, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported on Saturday.

More:Turkish police warn of possible Easter attacks: report - IBNLive

Anti-Daesh Strategy Failing, Senior Turkish Aide Says | Fulton News

Anti-Daesh strategy failing, senior Turkish aide says

By Selim ALTIN on March 26, 2016No Comment

ANKARA – Turkey’s presidential spokesman on Saturday called for a review of the anti-Daesh strategy in Syria and Iraq to prevent the spread of terrorism.

More:Anti-Daesh Strategy Failing, Senior Turkish Aide Says | Fulton News

Erdogan slams diplomats for attending journalists’ trial - Salon.com

Erdogan slams diplomats for attending journalists’ trial

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s president has criticized foreign diplomats who attended the trial of two prominent journalists in a show of support for media freedoms in Turkey.

More:Erdogan slams diplomats for attending journalists’ trial - Salon.com

Turkey, Criticized For Not Stopping Jihadists, Urges Europe To Step Up : Parallels : NPR

Turkey, Criticized For Not Stopping Jihadists, Urges Europe To Step Up
March 26, 20165:40 AM ET

In recent years, Turkey has been criticized for doing too little to stop jihadist fighters from moving between the Mideast and Europe. Its more than 500-mile border with Syria has come in for particular scrutiny throughout the five-year Syrian conflict.

More:Turkey, Criticized For Not Stopping Jihadists, Urges Europe To Step Up : Parallels : NPR

Belgium terror incompetence laid bare: How all THREE Brussels suicide bombers were flagged up by Turkish authorities and left to commit mass murder in Europe | Daily Mail Online

Belgium terror incompetence laid bare: How all THREE Brussels suicide bombers were flagged up by Turkish authorities and left to commit mass murder in Europe

New reports have revealed astonishing lapses in security and intelligence after it emerged all three Brussels bombers had visited Turkey in the past two years, raising suspicion with local authorities looking to deport them.

More:Belgium terror incompetence laid bare: How all THREE Brussels suicide bombers were flagged up by Turkish authorities and left to commit mass murder in Europe | Daily Mail Online

Erdogan 'Believes in Radical Islam' Says Jordan King | News | teleSUR English

Erdogan 'Believes in Radical Islam' Says Jordan King

In a secret meeting with U.S. lawmakers, the Jordanian King also accused Israel of turning a blind eye to al-Qaida in Syria along its borders.

More:Erdogan 'Believes in Radical Islam' Says Jordan King | News | teleSUR English

Friday, March 25, 2016

Turks 'will not get used to' terror attacks in their country | Public Radio International

Turks 'will not get used to' terror attacks in their country

PRI's The World

March 25, 2016 · 8:30 AM EDT
By Dalia Mortada (follow)

Dalia Mortada

Turkey has seen a wave of terror attacks like never before. On Saturday, four people were killed and dozens were injured when a suicide bomber detonated his vest in central Istanbul. Just six days before, a car bomb went off in one of the most trafficked areas of Turkey’s capital, Ankara, killing at least 37 people and injuring more than 70.

More:Turks 'will not get used to' terror attacks in their country | Public Radio International

Turkey migrant smuggling business 'finished' after EU deal

Turkey migrant smuggling business 'finished' after EU deal

Refugees now fearing they will be sent straight back, even if they succeed in making the dangerous crossing to Greece.

More:.:Middle East Online:::.

Turkey imports LNG from US for first time

Turkey imports LNG from US for first time
25 March 2016, 10:04 (GMT+04:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25

By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:

Turkey has for the first time imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US in 2016, said the message from Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA).

More:Turkey imports LNG from US for first time

Turkish journalists go on trial in landmark press freedom case - Firstpost

Turkish journalists go on trial in landmark press freedom case

Mar 25, 2016 10:28 IST

Istanbul: Two top Turkish journalists go on trial Friday accused of espionage and other serious crimes and facing possible life in prison over a story about Turkey's role in the Syrian conflict that infuriated strongman President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkish journalists go on trial in landmark press freedom case - Firstpost

Thursday, March 24, 2016

How does Trump’s case explain Erdoğan? - NEVŞİN MENGÜ

How does Trump’s case explain Erdoğan?

“How does Trump keep winning?” this is what political scientists are trying to understand. The answer to that question might explain the Turkish case as well.

While international relations enthusiasts were busy examining the article in the Atlantic “The Obama Doctrine,” vox.com featured “The rise of American authoritarianism.” The article explains that Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is not a cause but actually an effect.

More:How does Trump’s case explain Erdoğan? - NEVŞİN MENGÜ

Brussels, Istanbul, Ankara: Why Don't We Mourn Victims of Terrorism Equally?

Brussels, Istanbul, Ankara: Why Don’t We Mourn Victims of Terrorism Equally?

By now, you’ve probably heard about Brussels. The city of waffles, urinating statues, and moules frites was rocked early Tuesday morning by acts of terrorism.

More:Brussels, Istanbul, Ankara: Why Don't We Mourn Victims of Terrorism Equally?

Turkey Has Two-Headed Government, One Central Bank Chief to Pick - Bloomberg Business

Government, One Central Bank Chief to Pick

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at loggerheads with his premier over who should be the next central bank governor as the Turkish president pushes for a candidate amenable to cutting rates, according to people familiar with the matter.

More:Turkey Has Two-Headed Government, One Central Bank Chief to Pick - Bloomberg Business

Turkey's tourism industry on the brink

Turkey's tourism industry on the brink as bookings tumble

24 March 2016 • 11:10am

Last weekend saw the fourth terrorist attack in three months, a bomb in Istanbul’s main pedestrianised shopping avenue, Istiklal Street, which killed five. This year has already seen two attacks in the city, as well as in Ankara. These outrages have been variously blamed on Islamic State operatives from neighbouring Syria and on Kurdish dissidents currently embroiled in a vicious conflict with government forces in the southeast, a region Britain’s Foreign Office now advises against for all but essential travel.

More:Turkey's tourism industry on the brink

GAMADES: But will you be Ankara? - The Daily Free Press

GAMADES: But will you be Ankara?
March 24, 2016 4:12 am · Posted by Lucy Gamades

A terrorist attack shook Brussels early Tuesday, leaving at least 31 people dead and injuring hundreds more. The Islamic State group quickly took responsibility for the violence, adding yet another major metropolitan center to the targets they’ve hit. Bombings at the city’s international airport and a subway station adjacent to the European Union headquarters came on the heels of the Friday arrest of a suspect in last year’s Paris terrorist attacks who had been living in Brussels — “Europe’s most wanted fugitive,” according to CNN.

More:GAMADES: But will you be Ankara? - The Daily Free Press

Minister says Belgium was aware Brussels bomber was deported by Turkey - EUROPE

Minister says Belgium was aware Brussels bomber was deported by Turkey

A Belgian minister has said they were aware one of the Brussels bombers was deported from Turkey to the Netherlands last year, one day after Turkey’s president made the news of the attacker’s deportation public.

More:Minister says Belgium was aware Brussels bomber was deported by Turkey - EUROPE

Why We Mourn More For Brussels Than Ankara

Why We Mourn More For Brussels Than Ankara
By Carl Miller On 3/24/16 at 8:22 AM

Big events—football matches, train crashes and of course extremist attacks—all now have a digital aftermath. Their wake is filled with a hissing, humming cloud of digital reaction as people jump onto social media to report from the scene, share footage and images, discuss how they should react, offer and call for help, condemn those they think blameworthy and support others. Needless to say, this is all wrapped up in a heaving mass of tweets and posts.

More:Why We Mourn More For Brussels Than Ankara

U.S. Sends the Wrong Message to Turkey | Human Rights Watch

U.S. Sends the Wrong Message to Turkey

The European Union’s current plan to stop the irregular flow of migrants and refugees to Europe, which came into effect on March 20, involves an agreement with Turkey to take back all people arriving on the Greek islands and all those intercepted in Turkish waters. In announcing the agreement, E.U. leaders have welcomed NATO's engagement in patrolling the Aegean Sea. As NATO includes non-E.U. members, including the United States and Turkey, it is able to operate in Turkish waters, unlike Frontex, the E.U. border agency.

More:U.S. Sends the Wrong Message to Turkey | Human Rights Watch

Coup d’état against the Turkish press - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Coup d’état against the Turkish press

Those familiar with the history of the Turkish press, especially foreign observers, may not be convinced if they were told that the media in Turkey was freer in the recent past compared to today.

More:Coup d’état against the Turkish press - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

PFA pays tribute to films of Turkey’s Nuri Bilge Ceylan - SFGate

PFA pays tribute to films of Turkey’s Nuri Bilge Ceylan

By G. Allen Johnson Published 10:41 am, Wednesday, March 23, 2016

The Cinematic Landscapes of Nuri Bilge Ceylan: The Turkish filmmaker is one of the most highly regarded filmmakers in world cinema, and two decades into a quietly evolving career, Ceylan gets a retrospective at the Pacific Film Archive. The six-film series begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, with “Winter Sleep,” which won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. The three-hour, 15-minute movie, filmed in the remote steppes of Cappadocia in central Turkey, is about an ego-driven former actor who moves to his hometown rural village with his young wife.

More:PFA pays tribute to films of Turkey’s Nuri Bilge Ceylan - SFGate

Turkish Crackdown on Dissent Muzzles Professors - Al-Fanar MediaAl-Fanar Media

Turkish Crackdown on Dissent Muzzles Professors
Burton Bollag / 23 Mar 2016

Turkey has started a wave of criminal investigations, arrests, and dismissals of university faculty members in what appears to be the biggest crackdown on academics in decades. Last week, an Istanbul court jailed three professors on suspicion of “making terrorist propaganda.”

More:Turkish Crackdown on Dissent Muzzles Professors - Al-Fanar MediaAl-Fanar Media

Terrorism sans frontière, sans frontière - MURAT YETKİN

Terrorism sans frontière, sans frontière

The nature of terrorist attacks changed when al-Qaeda used civilian planes with passengers on board as weapons to attack civilian targets in the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. 9/11 marked the beginning of global guerilla warfare.

More:Terrorism sans frontière, sans frontière - MURAT YETKİN

Analysis: US prosecutor becomes a phenomenon in Turkey - CRIME

Analysis: US prosecutor becomes a phenomenon in Turkey

Güneş Kömürcüler

Social media has become a crucial platform for many people in Turkey to voice their concerns about what is happening in the country and the neighboring region. In leading social media platforms, U.S. prosecutor Preet Bharara, who has charged Reza Zarrab, an Iranian-born Turkish businessman who was acquitted in a vast Turkish graft probe in 2014 after 70 days in jail, has become a new phenomenon in Turkey.

More:Analysis: US prosecutor becomes a phenomenon in Turkey - CRIME

Erdogan’s Epic Europe Trolling | Foreign Policy

Erdogan’s Epic Europe Trolling

The EU's decision to restart membership talks with Turkey was a major victory for Ankara -- but not for the reason you think.

More:Erdogan’s Epic Europe Trolling | Foreign Policy

Turkey’s media faces 'unprecedented crisis', says English PEN | Media | The Guardian

Turkey’s media faces 'unprecedented crisis', says English PEN

Charity says press freedom in Turkey has suffered systematic attack under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with journalists facing imprisonment and assault

More:Turkey’s media faces 'unprecedented crisis', says English PEN | Media | The Guardian

Alleged IS trio held in Turkey planned to attack German interests: reports - Times LIVE

Alleged IS trio held in Turkey planned to attack German interests: reports
AFP | 23 March, 2016 11:34

Three suspected Islamic State members arrested in Turkey were planning attacks on Germany's diplomatic missions or schools in the country, which were closed last week over a terror threat, Turkish media reported Wednesday.

More:Alleged IS trio held in Turkey planned to attack German interests: reports - Times LIVE

Iran-Related Arrest in Florida Could Have Political Implications for Turkey’s Islamist Ruling Party

Iran-Related Arrest in Florida Could Have Political Implications for Turkey’s Islamist Ruling Party
By Patrick Goodenough | March 23, 2016 | 4:08 AM EDT
President Obama and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AP Photo, File)

(CNSNews.com) – The arrest in Florida of a prominent Iranian-Turkish businessman accused of conspiring to conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in financial transactions to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions may have major political implications in Turkey, where the same man was linked to a corruption scandal reaching into the upper ranks of the ruling party.

More:Iran-Related Arrest in Florida Could Have Political Implications for Turkey’s Islamist Ruling Party

Syrian refugee moved to detention centre after year in Istanbul airport

Syrian refugee moved to detention centre after year in Istanbul airport

Fadi Mansour was denied entry into Turkey and detained on March 15, 2015; had not left Istanbul airport since then.
Middle East Online

Concern voiced about conditions in Ataturk airport holding room

ISTANBUL - A Syrian refugee who was trapped for over a year at Istanbul's main airport after being refused entry to Turkey has been transferred to a detention centre, Amnesty International said Tuesday.

More:.:Middle East Online:::.

Dutch consulate in Istanbul evacuated over terror threat as tensions in Turkey rise | World | News | Daily Express

Dutch consulate in Istanbul evacuated over terror threat as tensions in Turkey rise

THE Dutch consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul has been closed with all officials evacuated due to a possible terror threat.

More:Dutch consulate in Istanbul evacuated over terror threat as tensions in Turkey rise | World | News | Daily Express

Turkey's Erdogan: No Difference Between Terror, Whether Ankara or Brussels | Jakarta Globe

Turkey's Erdogan: No Difference Between Terror, Whether Ankara or Brussels

Ankara. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attacks in Brussels that killed at least 26 people on Tuesday (22/03) and said there was no difference between terror organizations, whether they were Kurdish militants targeting Ankara or the attackers in the Belgian capital.

More:Turkey's Erdogan: No Difference Between Terror, Whether Ankara or Brussels | Jakarta Globe

A clash of what?

A clash of what?

Culture, religion – or merely politics? Recent terrorist attacks against another European capital city in less than a year have once again shaken world politics to the core. Are we playing into the hands of Daesh? By Hakim Khatib

More:A clash of what?

New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey

New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey
Burak Ege Bekdil, Defense News 6:04 p.m. EDT March 21, 2016
TURKEY-TERROR-ATTACK

ANKARA — For the fifth time since October, another bomb has rocked one of Turkey's two biggest cities — Istanbul and Ankara — pushing the overall death toll in recent months to nearly 200 with hundreds more injured.

More:New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

These Attacks Happened Days Before Brussels — But You Probably Didn't Hear About Them

These Attacks Happened Days Before Brussels — But You Probably Didn't Hear About Them
Jon Levine's avatar image By Jon Levine March 22, 2016
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The city of Brussels was rocked by explosions Tuesday morning, leaving at least 30 people dead and 230 injured. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack which came just days after Paris massacre suspect Salah Abdeslam was apprehended in the Molenbeek district of Brussels. The most recent spasm of European violence has already sent ripples of grief in media and Facebook feeds around the world.

More:These Attacks Happened Days Before Brussels — But You Probably Didn't Hear About Them

U.S. arrest of Iranian gold trader reopens wounds in Turkish graft scandal | Reuters

U.S. arrest of Iranian gold trader reopens wounds in Turkish graft scandal
ISTANBUL | By Humeyra Pamuk and Nick Tattersall

The arrest of an Iranian gold trader whom Turkish prosecutors placed at the heart of a Turkish government graft scandal two years ago hit shares in a state-run bank on Tuesday and raised opposition hopes that new light would be shed on a case it said was covered up.

More:U.S. arrest of Iranian gold trader reopens wounds in Turkish graft scandal | Reuters

Brussels bombings: Social media reaction to attacks criticised as disproportionate compared to Ankara | Europe | News | The Independent

Brussels bombings: Social media reaction to attacks criticised as disproportionate compared to Ankara

Accusations of hypocrisy have surrounded the reaction on social media to the bomb attacks in Brussels, which many contrasted with the response to similar terror attacks around the world.

More:Brussels bombings: Social media reaction to attacks criticised as disproportionate compared to Ankara | Europe | News | The Independent

Gold Trader's Arrest Gives Hope to Erdogan's Foes in Turkey

Gold Trader's Arrest Gives Hope to Erdogan's Foes in Turkey
By Reuters On 3/22/16 at 10:40 PM

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The arrest of an Iranian gold trader whom Turkish prosecutors placed at the heart of a Turkish government graft scandal two years ago hit shares in a state-run bank on Tuesday and raised opposition hopes that new light would be shed on a case it said was covered up.

More:Gold Trader's Arrest Gives Hope to Erdogan's Foes in Turkey

Turkish Police Hunt for 3 Islamic State Militants - The New York Times

Turkish Police Hunt for 3 Islamic State Militants

ISTANBUL- Turkish state-run media reported on Monday that police are searching for three suspected Islamic State militants who are allegedly planning to carry out a "sensational" act in the country, which has already been rocked by six suicide bombings since the summer.

More:Turkish Police Hunt for 3 Islamic State Militants - The New York Times

Turkish officials arrive in Greece under migrant accord, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Turkish officials arrive in Greece under migrant accord

LESBOS, GREECE (REUTERS) - Turkish officials arrived on the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday (March 21) to help implement a deal with the European Union to tackle a migrant crisis that has tested European cohesion to its limits.

More:Turkish officials arrive in Greece under migrant accord, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

After scare, Cyprus peace hopes survive EU-Turkey migrant deal | Reuters

After scare, Cyprus peace hopes survive EU-Turkey migrant deal
BRUSSELS | By Alastair Macdonald

Amid all the arguments about the feasibility, legality and morality of the European Union's migrant deal with Turkey, one positive result, say EU officials and diplomats, is that at least it hasn't wrecked the Cyprus peace process.

More:After scare, Cyprus peace hopes survive EU-Turkey migrant deal | Reuters

Migrants, Terrorism and Russian Sanctions Effect Turkish Economy

Migrants, Terrorism and Russian Sanctions Effect Turkish Economy

While terrorism and Russian sanctions have left Turkey’s already struggling economy bracing for the worst, the issue of thousands of illegal migrants is also taking its toll on the country.

More:Migrants, Terrorism and Russian Sanctions Effect Turkish Economy

Markus Söder: EU-Turkey deal could trigger Kurdish exodus to Germany – EurActiv.com

Markus Söder: EU-Turkey deal could trigger Kurdish exodus to Germany

By EurActiv.com with Reuters

Mar 21, 2016 (updated: Mar 21, 2016)

Markus Söder [Wikipedia]

A prominent figure in the Bavarian sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc said on Sunday (20 March) that a deal between the European Union and Turkey to halt illegal immigration to Europe could lead to Kurds heading to Germany en masse.

More:Markus Söder: EU-Turkey deal could trigger Kurdish exodus to Germany – EurActiv.com

Monday, March 21, 2016

ISIL ‘planned Paris-like attack on Istanbul derby game’ - LOCAL

ISIL ‘planned Paris-like attack on Istanbul derby game’

Fevzi Kızlkoyun – ANKARA

The postponement of the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby game late on March 20 was due to a suspected terrorist plot to stage an attack similar to the attack in Paris in November last year, according to well-placed intelligence sources.

More:ISIL ‘planned Paris-like attack on Istanbul derby game’ - LOCAL

Erdogan rallies Turks against unprecedented terror wave - Yahoo News

Erdogan rallies Turks against unprecedented terror wave
AFP By Clare Byrne with Burak Akinci in Ankara

Istanbul (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged Turks to stand tall against "one of the biggest waves of terrorism" in their history, as police hunt three alleged jihadists suspected of planning further suicide attacks.

More:Erdogan rallies Turks against unprecedented terror wave - Yahoo News

Israel Hayom | Erdogan's painful lesson

Erdogan's painful lesson

The wave of terror in Turkey is continuing unabated, and over the weekend a street mainly crowded with tourists, in the heart of Istanbul, was the target. There were Israelis among the dead and wounded. At first, as per its habit, the Turkish government was quick to blame the underground Kurdish PKK organization for the bombing. Indeed, following other attacks in Ankara in recent weeks the PKK was readily blamed. After all, for decades the Turks and Kurds have been waging a bloody conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

More:Israel Hayom | Erdogan's painful lesson

Istanbul Suicide Bomber Followed Israeli Tourists From Hotel: Report

Istanbul Suicide Bomber Followed Israeli Tourists From Hotel: Report
By Jack Moore On 3/21/16 at 8:13 AM

The suspected Islamic State militant group (ISIS) suicide bomber responsible for an attack in Istanbul on Saturday followed a group of Israeli tourists from their hotel before detonating and killing four people, Turkish media reported on Monday.

More:Istanbul Suicide Bomber Followed Israeli Tourists From Hotel: Report

Germany′s CDU and CSU remain divided over EU-Turkey deal | News | DW.COM | 21.03.2016

Germany's CDU and CSU remain divided over EU-Turkey deal

Following the EU's deal with Turkey over the refugee crisis, members of Angela Merkel's CDU have said they're hopeful of a decline in refugees. The CSU, however, has voiced concern over the likely visa-freedom for Turks.

More:Germany′s CDU and CSU remain divided over EU-Turkey deal | News | DW.COM | 21.03.2016

New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey

New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey
Burak Ege Bekdil, Defense News 1:04 a.m. EDT March 21, 2016

ANKARA — For the fifth time since October, another bomb has rocked one of Turkey's two biggest cities — Istanbul and Ankara — pushing the overall death toll in recent months to nearly 200 with hundreds more injured.

More:New Bomb Attack Paralyzes Life in Turkey

Voices: Living with anxiety after recent bombings in Turkey | WTSP.com

Voices: Living with anxiety after recent bombings in Turkey
Donatella Lorch and Special for USA TODAY , WTSP 12:31 PM. EST March 20, 2016

CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN GOOGLE+ PINTEREST

ANKARA, Turkey — For the past week, I’ve felt the anxiety. A dull, gnawing tension is palpable while driving or walking in Turkey’s capital, where armed police, some wearing black ski masks and heavy body armor with automatic weapons, set up roadblocks to pull over and search cars and passengers.

More:Voices: Living with anxiety after recent bombings in Turkey | WTSP.com

Word on the street in Istanbul was that an attack was imminent | World Tribune

Word on the street in Istanbul was that an attack was imminent

Special to WorldTribune.com

Istanbul residents believed an attack was coming after a similar terrorist strike in Ankara, a leader of Turkey’s Jewish community said.

“This is what everyone was talking about on the street,” said Eyal Peretz, who heads the Arkadash organization. “Everyone talked about how a terror attack was about to happen.”

More:Word on the street in Istanbul was that an attack was imminent | World Tribune

Greece delays sending refugees back to Turkey under EU deal - Times of India

Greece delays sending refugees back to Turkey under EU deal
AFP | Mar 20, 2016, 10.16 AM IST
ATHENS: Greece will not be able to start sending refugees back to Turkey from Sunday, the government said, as the country struggles to implement a key deal aimed at easing Europe's migrant crisis.

Under the agreement clinched between Brussels and Anakara last week, migrants who reach the Greek islands will be deported back to Turkey. For every Syrian returned, the EU will resettle one from a Turkish refugee camp.

More:Greece delays sending refugees back to Turkey under EU deal - Times of India

VIDEO: Israeli Victim Of Istanbul Attack: I Saw The Terrorist, He Just Exploded On Usck Saturday that killed four people, including 3 Israelis, and wounded another 36.

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Israeli Victim Of Istanbul Attack: I Saw The Terrorist, He Just Exploded On Us

by Deborah Danan20 Mar 201666
TEL AVIV – Israeli victims gave harrowing accounts of Saturday’s Istanbul terror attack that killed four people, including three Israelis, and wounded another 36.

“We were a group of Israelis on a tour; he just exploded on us,” Naama Peled, who was on a culinary trip to Turkey with 13 others when the attack occurred, told the Hebrew-language Walla website. “I am now going into the operating theater,” she said. “I was the most lightly wounded [of the Israelis],” she added.

More:VIDEO: Israeli Victim Of Istanbul Attack: I Saw The Terrorist, He Just Exploded On Usck Saturday that killed four people, including 3 Israelis, and wounded another 36.

Istanbul residents retreat from public spaces following latest attack - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Istanbul residents retreat from public spaces following latest attack

Around 11 a.m. March 19, there was a loud explosion on Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district in Istanbul. The attack claimed the lives of four people and a male suicide bomber, leaving over 30 injured. The latest news indicates that among the victims were two American-Israeli dual citizens, an Israeli and an Iranian; at least five tourists who were part of an Israeli culinary tour group of 14 were injured. Most of the other wounded were Turks and foreign tourists.

More:Istanbul residents retreat from public spaces following latest attack - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Istanbul on edge after suicide attack blamed on IS - Yahoo News

Istanbul on edge after suicide attack blamed on IS
AFP By Clare Bryne with Burak Akinci in Ankara

Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey on Sunday named the bomber behind a suicide attack in a busy Istanbul shopping and entertainment hub that killed four foreigners as a Turkish jihadist with links to the Islamic State group.

More:Istanbul on edge after suicide attack blamed on IS - Yahoo News

Turkey’s terror threat is larger than just the Kurds | The National

Turkey’s terror threat is larger than just the Kurds

Joseph Dana

March 20, 2016 Updated: March 20, 2016 05:42 PM

The horrific suicide bombing in the heart of Istanbul’s tourist district on Saturday is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Turkey. A suicide bomber detonated himself on Istiklal Avenue, a meandering pedestrian-only street connecting Taksim Square and the iconic Galata Tower. According to initial reports, the bomber failed to reach his primary target and instead targeted a group of foreigners.

More:Turkey’s terror threat is larger than just the Kurds | The National

The EU declares Turkey safe for refugees. It may not be safe for anyone | The Economist

The EU declares Turkey safe for refugees. It may not be safe for anyone
Europe approves a critical deal to send asylum-seekers back to Turkey just as terrorism reaches Istanbul
Mar 20th 2016 | Europe

ON MARCH 18th, as part of an agreement to stem the influx of refugees from the Middle East, the European Union declared Turkey to be a “safe” country for asylum seekers—a necessary precondition for sending migrants back there under international law. The following day, a suicide bomber killed at least four people, all of them foreigners, on Istanbul’s most popular pedestrian shopping street (pictured). Turkey has now endured five big terror attacks since October, at a cost of nearly 200 lives. Residents of Turkey would therefore disagree with the EU’s assessment: the country no longer feels safe for anyone.

More:The EU declares Turkey safe for refugees. It may not be safe for anyone | The Economist

Istanbul: Galatasaray-Fenerbahce derby called off over security concerns | World news | The Guardian

Istanbul: Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby called off over security concerns

Sunday 20 March 2016 14.32 EDT
Last modified on Sunday 20 March 2016 14.52 EDT

Turkish authorities called off the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby in Istanbul about two hours before kickoff on Sunday, citing an unspecified threat, and said the match would be played at a later date.

More:Istanbul: Galatasaray-Fenerbahce derby called off over security concerns | World news | The Guardian

Migrants still arriving as EU-Turkey deal enters force - Yahoo News

Migrants still arriving as EU-Turkey deal enters force
AFP By Marina Rafenberg with Catherine Boitard in Athens

Lesbos (Greece) (AFP) - Flimsy boats packed with migrants continued to land in Greece from Turkey on Sunday despite the start of a landmark deal between the European Union and Ankara to stem the massive influx.

More:Migrants still arriving as EU-Turkey deal enters force - Yahoo News

Protests erupt in Europe of controversial EU-Turkey refugee deal | Al Bawaba

Protests erupt in Europe of controversial EU-Turkey refugee deal

Published March 20th, 2016 - 07:00 GMT via SyndiGate.info

Thousands of people have staged protesting rallies across Europe to show their dissent with the recent deal between the European Union and Turkey aimed at stemming the influx of refugees into Europe.

More:Protests erupt in Europe of controversial EU-Turkey refugee deal | Al Bawaba

Flow of migrants slows after EU-Turkey deal, say Turkish villagers - World - CBC News

Flow of migrants slows after EU-Turkey deal, say Turkish villagers
Under pact, Ankara would take back all migrants and refugees who enter Greece illegally

Residents of Bademli village on the Aegean Sea in Turkey say the flow of migrants heading to Europe from the area has almost stopped, following an agreement between Turkey and the European Union.

More:Flow of migrants slows after EU-Turkey deal, say Turkish villagers - World - CBC News

Istanbul bomber identified as militant with links to IS - San Francisco Chronicle

Istanbul bomber identified as militant with links to IS

Dominique Soguel and Suzan Fraser, Associated Press

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey's interior minister has identified the Istanbul suicide bomber as a militant with links to the Islamic State group.

More:Istanbul bomber identified as militant with links to IS - San Francisco Chronicle

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Why Europe Needs Turkey ... And Turkey Needs Europe | Jefferson Public Radio

Why Europe Needs Turkey ... And Turkey Needs Europe
By Greg Myre & Kevin Beesley • 3 hours ago

Europe and Turkey have been negotiating for decades on the kind of relationship they want, and they're nowhere close to a final deal on that big question.

More:Why Europe Needs Turkey ... And Turkey Needs Europe | Jefferson Public Radio

150kg bomb disabled in Turkey's southeast

150kg bomb disabled in Turkey's southeast

Published: 9:49 pm, Friday, 18 March 2016
Bomb-disposal experts have disabled an 150kg explosive device found in a vehicle in Turkey.

Bomb-disposal experts have disabled an explosive device found in a vehicle in southeast Turkey, days after 37 people were killed in a blast in Ankara.

More:150kg bomb disabled in Turkey's southeast

US endorses refugee deal between Turkey, EU

US endorses refugee deal between Turkey, EU

‘We commend Turkish efforts to date in generously hosting more than 2.7 mln refugees from Syria,’ says State Dept spokesman

More:US endorses refugee deal between Turkey, EU

Istanbul shopping area hit by suicide bomber - BBC News

Istanbul shopping area hit by suicide bomber

A suicide bomb attack at a busy shopping area in the Turkish city of Istanbul has killed at least four people, officials say.

Another 36 were injured - some of them foreign nationals - as the bomb went off near a government building on Istiklal Street.

More:Istanbul shopping area hit by suicide bomber - BBC News

Security measures enhanced in Ankara’s shopping centers

Security measures enhanced in Ankara’s shopping centers
19 March 2016, 10:47 (GMT+04:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 19

By Rufiz Hafizoglu – Trend:

Security measures will be enhanced in Ankara’s shopping centers, a message of Police Department of Turkey’s capital said March 19.

More:Security measures enhanced in Ankara’s shopping centers

Two Top Turkish Businessmen Snared in Widening Crackdown on Opposition

Two Top Turkish Businessmen Snared in Widening Crackdown on Opposition

Dorian Jones

March 18, 2016 5:14 PM
ISTANBUL—

Two top Turkish businessmen — Ersin Ozince, the chairman of the country's largest bank, and Aydin Dogan, a media tycoon — are among 47 people facing indictment for alleged gasoline smuggling, pro-government newspapers report. If convicted, they could be sentenced to decades in prison.

More:Two Top Turkish Businessmen Snared in Widening Crackdown on Opposition

Shaky EU-Turkey deal faces tough reality checks | Reuters

Shaky EU-Turkey deal faces tough reality checks
BRUSSELS | By Paul Taylor

A deal between the European Union and Turkey meant to curb the flow of migrants into Europe in return for financial and political rewards could unravel within months because neither side looks able to deliver on its commitments.

More:Shaky EU-Turkey deal faces tough reality checks | Reuters

Friday, March 18, 2016

UN tourism chief praises Turkey

UN tourism chief praises Turkey
By Erol Ersoy -
Mar 18, 2016

Turkey has done its best to minimize the influence of terrorism on the tourism sector, says UNWTO Secretary General

More:UN tourism chief praises Turkey

The pros and cons of visa-free travel for Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 18.03.2016

The pros and cons of visa-free travel for Turkey

Turkey is asking for visa-free access for its citizens to the EU's passport-free Schengen area in exchange for Ankara's concessions in handling the refugee situation. What would that mean, and what are the risks?

More:The pros and cons of visa-free travel for Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 18.03.2016

Europe 'dancing in a minefield' as EU seeks Turkey deal: Tayyip Erdogan | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Europe 'dancing in a minefield' as EU seeks Turkey deal: Tayyip Erdogan

Fri, 18 Mar 2016-03:58pm , Istanbul , Reuters

Erdogan accused some countries of directly or indirectly supporting terrorism.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Europe should look at its own record on refugees before telling Turkey what to do and accused it of "dancing in a minefield" by supporting terrorist groups.

More:Europe 'dancing in a minefield' as EU seeks Turkey deal: Tayyip Erdogan | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Migrant crisis: Turkey and EU reach deal on returns - BBC News

Migrant crisis: Turkey and EU reach deal on returns

The EU and Turkey have reached a deal on the migrant crisis, which will see migrants returned to Turkey in exchange for aid and political concessions.

More:Migrant crisis: Turkey and EU reach deal on returns - BBC News

EU and Turkey Reach Deal to Curb Migrant Flow Amid Erdogan's Hypocrisy Accusations

EU and Turkey Reach Deal to Curb Migrant Flow Amid Erdogan's Hypocrisy Accusations
By Reuters On 3/18/16 at 10:33 AM

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union negotiators and Turkey reached a provisional deal on Friday to halt illegal migration flows to Europe and European Council President Donald Tusk recommended that the 28 leaders approve the text without changes.

More:EU and Turkey Reach Deal to Curb Migrant Flow Amid Erdogan's Hypocrisy Accusations

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Where did it all go wrong for Turkey? - Telegraph

Where did it all go wrong for Turkey?

It was hailed as the democracy in the Middle East that would be an example to the Arab world – but more than a decade later it has come to look like the Arab dictatorships it abhorred

More:Where did it all go wrong for Turkey? - Telegraph

Turkey has European Union over a barrel - BBC News

Turkey has European Union over a barrel
Mark Mardell Presenter, The World This Weekend

17 March 2016

Even as people struggle and drown on the river border between Greece and Macedonia the proposed solution to Europe's migration crisis is dissolving before our very eyes.

More:Turkey has European Union over a barrel - BBC News

Terror threat leaves ′everyone scared′ in Istanbul | Europe | DW.COM | 17.03.2016

Terror threat leaves 'everyone scared' in Istanbul

After closing its embassy, Berlin has now closed its consulate and two German schools in Istanbul due to a terror warning. The continued terror threat has rattled the city, says the head of a German political foundation.

More:Terror threat leaves ′everyone scared′ in Istanbul | Europe | DW.COM | 17.03.2016

Are deserted streets, shops the new normal in Ankara? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Are deserted streets, shops the new normal in Ankara?

Ankara was a small provincial town when it became Turkey's capital 93 years ago. Today, it is the country's second-largest city with a population of 5 million. Over the past five months, three massive bombings have struck the city, claiming some 170 lives and leaving residents on tenterhooks. Fears are rife that this once-tranquil city is on its way to becoming another Middle Eastern capital mired in terror and bloodshed.

More:Are deserted streets, shops the new normal in Ankara? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Journalism Or Terrorism? Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan

Journalism Or Terrorism? Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan

Journalism about Turkey often highlights terrorism or refugees as the nation’s greatest afflictions, but President Tayyip Erdogan’s war on the press itself has grown increasingly worrying over the course of the last few years.

More:Journalism Or Terrorism? Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan

The EU-Turkey Migrant Deal Is a Moral Disaster - Fortune

Why the EU-Turkey Migrant Deal Is a Moral Disaster

COMMENTARY by Bridget Anderson

March 17, 2016, 1:00 AM EDT

Europe is having an identity crisis.

Last week, European and Turkish leaders agreed on the outline of an arrangement that would allow a sort of human conveyor belt in which “irregular” migrants would be returned from Greece to Turkey. For every Syrian returned under this agreement, one Syrian refugee in a Turkish camp would be resettled. Some of the UK’s tabloid newspapers dubbed it the “migrant merry-go-round”—but there is nothing merry about this deal whatsoever.

More:The EU-Turkey Migrant Deal Is a Moral Disaster - Fortune

Two foreign leaders could swing the EU referendum: Erdogan and Assad » The Spectator

Two foreign leaders could swing the EU referendum: Erdogan and Assad

Charles Moore

19 March 2016

Do Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Bashar Assad support ‘leave’ or ‘remain’ in Britain’s EU referendum? I ask because they are the most powerful foreign leaders in deciding the vote, their views being much more effective than any sonorous words that may soon be offered by Barack Obama or any last-minute inducements from Angela Merkel. If President Assad — his position secured by Vladimir Putin — decides to make a dramatic gesture between now and 23 June, and call for some peace conference, preferably in a European capital, then the sense of crisis which makes the EU look so weak will dissipate.

More:Two foreign leaders could swing the EU referendum: Erdogan and Assad » The Spectator

Want to laugh? How Turks chose stability - BURAK BEKDİL

Want to laugh? How Turks chose stability

Here is a recent chronology of Turkish political voting behavior which has, fortunately, ended chaos and brought about stability to the country:

More:Want to laugh? How Turks chose stability - BURAK BEKDİL

Under Erdogan, Turkey is moving away from democracy - The Globe and Mail

Under Erdogan, Turkey is moving away from democracy

The Globe and Mail

Published Thursday, Mar. 17, 2016 6:15PM EDT

The tradeoff between the European Union and Turkey on refugees and visa-free travel for Turks in Europe isn’t likely to blossom into full membership for Turkey – not as long as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government continues becoming ever more authoritarian.

More:Under Erdogan, Turkey is moving away from democracy - The Globe and Mail

Kurdish militants claims responsibility for Ankara attack - The Scotsman

Kurdish militants claims responsibility for Ankara attack

A Kurdish militant group has claimed responsibility for a suicide car-bomb attack in the Turkish capital which killed 37 people.

More:Kurdish militants claims responsibility for Ankara attack - The Scotsman

The alternative is Idomeni

EU-Turkey deal
The alternative is Idomeni

Instead of mocking Merkel as a "pushover", those concerned with the welfare of refugees would do better to throw their weight behind realising her plan. Otherwise, we could see Europe adopting the Victor Orban model, the consequences of which can already been seen. Commentary by Daniel Bax

More:The alternative is Idomeni

No freedom. No press.

Turkey′s media crackdown
No freedom. No press.

The crackdown on media critical of the Turkish president and his government continues unabated with the official seizure of the country′s bestselling ″Zaman″ newspaper. With international criticism muted, many government critics fear the lights are about to finally go out for independent media. By Dorian Jones in Istanbul

More:No freedom. No press.

The morality of attacking the Turkey-EU’s refugee deal’s morality - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

The morality of attacking the Turkey-EU’s refugee deal’s morality

The deal hammered out between Turkey and the European Union to stem the flow of refugees is under severe criticism.

While the deal awaits approval from EU leaders in a summit scheduled this week, opinion leaders from politicians to think tank experts have rushed to criticize it.

More:The morality of attacking the Turkey-EU’s refugee deal’s morality - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

The real security flaw: Where is the PKK bomber? - İSMET BERKAN

The real security flaw: Where is the PKK bomber?

Since the last Ankara attack we have been discussing the flaw in our security. Of course, we should be discussing a security flaw, as it had not even been a full month since the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) last attacked the capital city with another car bomb.

More:The real security flaw: Where is the PKK bomber? - İSMET BERKAN

Article on insulting the president ‘must change’ - DIPLOMACY

Article on insulting the president ‘must change’

VENICE

The Venice Commission, the legal advisory body of the Council of Europe, has recommended changes to the crime of “insulting the president,” and “degrading Turkish nation, state and its organs and institutions, pointing to increase in related cases and penalties tied to the first and the “vague wording” of the latter.

More:Article on insulting the president ‘must change’ - DIPLOMACY

German embassy, consulate in Turkey closed over threat of possible attack - LOCAL

German embassy, consulate in Turkey closed over threat of possible attack

ANKARA

The German Federal Foreign Office announced on March 17 that the German embassy in Ankara has been closed over the threat of a possible attack.

More:German embassy, consulate in Turkey closed over threat of possible attack - LOCAL

What the people-smugglers of Istanbul make of the EU’s deal with Turkey » The Spectator

What the people-smugglers of Istanbul make of the EU’s deal with Turkey

Not much. Greece is an hour away, and the Turkish coastguards do nothing to deter migrants from making the crossing

More:What the people-smugglers of Istanbul make of the EU’s deal with Turkey » The Spectator

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Turkey Struggles to Fight War on Two Fronts - WSJ

Turkey Struggles to Fight War on Two Fronts
Suicide attacks by Islamic State and Kurdish separatists hurt government’s credibility
By Dion Nissenbaum
March 16, 2016 8:27 p.m. ET

ISTANBUL—Over the past nine months, Turkey has been hit by six major bombings that have killed more than 220 people and exposed how the government has failed to insulate the country from the fallout of the Syrian war next door.

More:Turkey Struggles to Fight War on Two Fronts - WSJ

A British scholar in Turkey has been deported from Istanbul after being found with invitations to Kurdish New Year celebrations

A British scholar in Turkey has been deported from Istanbul after being found with invitations to Kurdish New Year celebrations

By DOMINIQUE SOGUEL
Published: 3/16/16 4:16 pm EDT - Updated: 3/16/16 4:16 pm EDT

ISTANBUL — A British scholar was deported from Turkey Wednesday after he said he was found with invitations to Kurdish New Year celebrations.

More:A British scholar in Turkey has been deported from Istanbul after being found with invitations to Kurdish New Year celebrations

Refugees in Greek limbo fear return to Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 16.03.2016

Refugees in Greek limbo fear return to Turkey

As the EU and Turkey discuss a plan that would see migrants returned to Turkey, many asylum seekers already in Greece say they would resist such an outcome at all costs. Pavlos Zafiropoulos reports from Athens.

More:Refugees in Greek limbo fear return to Turkey | Europe | DW.COM | 16.03.2016

Erdogan Wants Turkey's Anti-Extremism Law to Include Journalists and Politicians

Erdogan Wants Turkey's Anti-Extremism Law to Include Journalists and Politicians
By Jack Moore On 3/16/16 at 11:34 AM

Turkey’s President Tayyip Recep Erdogan called on Wednesday for the country’s parliament to redefine the country’s anti-extremism law to include journalists, politicians and academics.

More:Erdogan Wants Turkey's Anti-Extremism Law to Include Journalists and Politicians

Refugee Crisis Policies Have Merkel on Defensive in Europe - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Alone in Berlin: How Merkel Has Gambled Away Her EU Power
Photo Gallery: Merkel's Waterloo Photos
AFP

With her refugee policies, Chancellor Merkel has isolated Germany to a greater degree than any of her predecessors. The Balkan Route has been closed down against her will and many EU leaders believe her overtures to Turkey are delusional.

More:Refugee Crisis Policies Have Merkel on Defensive in Europe - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Ankara bombing: Female suicide bomber spent time in Syria - CNN.com

Ankara bombing: Female suicide bomber spent time in Syria

By Gul Tuysuz, CNN

Updated 6:44 PM ET, Tue March 15, 2016

Seher Cagla Demir has been identified as the suicide car bomber behind the attack in Ankara
She was born in 1992 in Turkey's eastern province of Kars
A security source says Demir was in Syria by December 6, 2013; they think she joined the YPG, a Kurdish armed group in Syria

Ankara, Turkey (CNN)As solemn funerals for the victims of the Ankara bombing were laid to rest on Tuesday, more details have come to light about the female suicide car bomber who claimed the lives of at least 35 civilians.

More:Ankara bombing: Female suicide bomber spent time in Syria - CNN.com

Can Turkey Steer Away From Catastrophe?

Can Turkey Steer Away From Catastrophe?

As someone who was imprisoned and banned from holding office, Erdogan is a product of the hard-knock school of politics where one survives by completely knocking out opponents. As a result, he has made many domestic and international enemies along the way, stresses Abukar Arman.

More:.:Middle East Online:::.

Turkey-EU deal: ‘It’s not legal and it’s not moral′ | Europe | DW.COM | 16.03.2016

Turkey-EU deal: ‘It’s not legal and it’s not moral'

The Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner has criticized the proposed EU-Turkey resettlement scheme as unworkable and illegal. He tells DW the only solution is EU members taking collective responsibility.

More:Turkey-EU deal: ‘It’s not legal and it’s not moral′ | Europe | DW.COM | 16.03.2016

Erdogan Said to Start Campaign for Presidential System in April - Bloomberg Business

Campaign for Presidential System in April
Selcan Hacaoglu
March 15, 2016 — 9:40 AM EDT

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to kick off a campaign to widen the powers of his office in April as he seeks public support for a possible referendum later this year, according to two senior officials with close knowledge of the preparations.

More:Erdogan Said to Start Campaign for Presidential System in April - Bloomberg Business

EU-Turkey deal: Decisive or divisive? – EurActiv.com

EU-Turkey deal: Decisive or divisive?

DISCLAIMER: All opinions in this column reflect the views of the author(s), not of EurActiv.com PLC.

By Mehmet Öğütçü, Stephen Jones

If European Union leaders were expecting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu to meekly accede to their expectations and demands at the migration summit last week, they were clearly mistaken, write Mehmet Öğütçü and Stephen Jones.

More:EU-Turkey deal: Decisive or divisive? – EurActiv.com

The United States Should Recognize Rojava | Foreign Affairs

Between Ankara and Rojava
Not Quiet on the Kurdish Front
By Steven A. Cook

Nearly seven years ago, U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to the Turkish capital, Ankara, to address the country’s parliament. Turkey was second only to Russia in its need of a “reset.” The war in Iraq had damaged Washington’s ties with Ankara, which had warned of the dangers of a U.S. invasion and paid a price for its destabilizing effects. The new U.S. president’s gauzy rhetoric before the Grand National Assembly about how Turkish and Americans soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder “from Korea to Kosovo to Kabul” and his admiration for “Turkey’s democracy” seemed to hit exactly the right notes. It was the dawn of a new era in which close relations with a large, prosperous, democratizing, predominantly Muslim country would exemplify a more constructive, less belligerent course for U.S. foreign policy.

More:The United States Should Recognize Rojava | Foreign Affairs

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Turkey mourns losses of dozens after Ankara attack - LOCAL

Turkey mourns losses of dozens after Ankara attack

ANKARA

After the bodies of 35 victims of the March 13 suicide car bomb attack in the capital city of Ankara were delivered to their families by the authorities, funeral ceremonies were held all across the country on March 15, as Turkey continued to be gripped by a growing sense of distress and unease following a series of deadly attacks in recent months.

MMore:Turkey mourns losses of dozens after Ankara attack - LOCAL

Meet the Syrian refugee who has been stuck in a Turkish airport for a year - Telegraph

Meet the Syrian refugee who has been stuck in a Turkish airport for a year

By Raziye Akkoc

8:01PM GMT 15 Mar 2016

A Syrian refugee has been stuck in a Turkish airport for a year, forced to live in the "Problematic Passengers Room" and constantly facing the threat of being deported to Syria, according to Amnesty.

More:Meet the Syrian refugee who has been stuck in a Turkish airport for a year - Telegraph

Condolences and big words again – till the next - BURAK BEKDİL

Condolences and big words again – till the next

“It’s time for condolences again - till the next” was this column’s title more than 12 years ago (Nov. 18, 2003,) after the twin Istanbul bombings that killed 60 people. Since then hundreds of thousands must been killed in mostly Muslim vs. Muslim conflicts and terror attacks, including regular bombing of mosques - of the “wrong” Muslim sect.

More:Condolences and big words again – till the next - BURAK BEKDİL

Hoteliers have little hope of luring Western tourists - TOURISM

Hoteliers have little hope of luring Western tourists

ANTALYA - Doğan News Agency

Tourism representatives from the southern province of Antalya, Turkey’s tourism center, have said they did not find what had expected at the ITB Berlin fair, adding they saw 2016 as a difficult year for the sector once again.

More:Hoteliers have little hope of luring Western tourists - TOURISM

Picking up the rubble in troubled southeast Turkey | All media content | DW.COM | 15.03.2016

Picking up the rubble in troubled southeast Turkey

In Diyarbakir, Turkey's Kurdish capital, government forces are ending operations against PKK-linked fighters and leaving behind a UNESCO area laden with bullet holes, rubble and police checkpoints. Diego Cupolo reports.

More:Picking up the rubble in troubled southeast Turkey | All media content | DW.COM | 15.03.2016

Suicide bombing exposes divisions tearing at Turkey's stability | Reuters

Suicide bombing exposes divisions tearing at Turkey's stability
ANKARA/ISTANBUL | By Umit Bektas, Nick Tattersall and Humeyra Pamuk

"Government resign!" chanted some of the mourners at the funeral on Tuesday of four young victims of the suicide bombing in Turkey's capital Ankara.

"Our child has become a victim of ugly politics. We don't want any politicians at our funeral," one of the relatives called out, before family members hushed him and warned him against speaking out in front of journalists.

More:Suicide bombing exposes divisions tearing at Turkey's stability | Reuters

After Ankara Bombing, Fears Loom Over Turkey's Economic Future, Long-Term Foreign Investments

After Ankara Bombing, Fears Loom Over Turkey's Economic Future, Long-Term Foreign Investments
By Michael Kaplan @michaeld_kaplan On 03/15/16 AT 2:12 PM

Investors have been watching Turkey closely after Sunday’s deadly Ankara bombing brought into question their long-term prospects in the country. The third major attack in Turkey’s capital in just five months, which left at least 37 people dead, exacerbated growing instability and further compounded efforts to resuscitate the phenomenal economic growth the country flaunted less than a decade ago.

More:After Ankara Bombing, Fears Loom Over Turkey's Economic Future, Long-Term Foreign Investments

SUNDAY TIMES - Tourists urged to register with government amid terror attacks

Tourists urged to register with government amid terror attacks

South African travellers planning to visit any of the world's hot spots‚ including Turkey‚ are encouraged to put their names on a register so that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation are aware of their whereabouts in case of emergency.

More:SUNDAY TIMES - Tourists urged to register with government amid terror attacks

Curtailing of press and other freedoms in Turkey out of step with European values

Curtailing of press and other freedoms in Turkey out of step with European values

Date
March 15, 2016 - 9:00PM

Turkish security officials say one of two suspected perpetrators in a bomb blast that killed 37 people on Sunday was a female member of the outlawed PKK.

The situation in and around Turkey is increasingly problematic. A bomb attack in the centre of its capital Ankara killed 37 people on Sunday. Turkey has launched air strikes against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq in apparent retaliation for the attack, blamed on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the armed group fighting for self-rule inside the country.

More:Curtailing of press and other freedoms in Turkey out of step with European values