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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Weakened by widening purges, Turkey's lira set for worst month since 2008 | Daily Mail Online

Weakened by widening purges, Turkey's lira set for worst month since 2008

By Reuters

By Orhan Coskun and Nevzat Devranoglu

ANKARA, Nov 30 (Reuters) - As a proxy for investor sentiment, Turkey's lira has been unequivocal in November: the currency is set for its worst month since the 2008 financial crisis, hit by a resurgent U.S. dollar, and concern about a widening crackdown after a failed coup.

More:Weakened by widening purges, Turkey's lira set for worst month since 2008 | Daily Mail Online

Dutch foreign minister 'will argue' for a freeze on accession talks with Turkey - DutchNews.nl

Dutch foreign minister ‘will argue’ for a freeze on accession talks with Turkey
Europe
November 30, 2016

Bert KoendersDutch foreign minister Bert Koenders has told parliament he is prepared to argue in favour of temporarily suspending talks with Turkey about EU membership following pressure from MPs.

More:Dutch foreign minister 'will argue' for a freeze on accession talks with Turkey - DutchNews.nl

Turkey’s Islamist president is embracing Donald Trump | The Economist

Turkey’s Islamist president is embracing Donald Trump
But Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s enthusiasm may not last long
Nov 30th 2016 | Istanbul | Europe

IN JUNE, a few months after Donald Trump, then a candidate for the Republican nomination, called for a ban on Muslim immigration, Turkey’s Islamist leader objected. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that Mr Trump’s name be removed from Trump Towers in Istanbul. “The ones who put that brand on their building should remove it immediately,” he said.

More:Turkey’s Islamist president is embracing Donald Trump | The Economist

Plunge in lira amplifies Turkey economy fears | New Straits Times | Malaysia General Business Sports and Lifestyle News

Plunge in lira amplifies Turkey economy fears
By AFP - 30 November 2016 @ 11:38 AM

ISTANBUL: Will it ever end? Turks have over the past three months nervously watched the steady decline in value of the Turkish lira against the dollar, seeing it haemorrhage more than 10 percent in the past month alone.

More:Plunge in lira amplifies Turkey economy fears | New Straits Times | Malaysia General Business Sports and Lifestyle News

How Turkey’s Erdogan played Europe - and won - Opinion - Israel News | Haaretz.com

How Turkey’s Erdogan Played Europe - and Won

For years, the EU believed talks with Turkey over membership granted them leverage to curb its descent into authoritarianism. That was a European delusion.

More:How Turkey’s Erdogan played Europe - and won - Opinion - Israel News | Haaretz.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Could Trump trample Turkey’s growth?

Could Trump trample Turkey’s growth?

The implications of a Trump presidency are likely to be dire for the Turkish economy
Read next

by: Daron Acemoglu and Murat Ucer

Much of Europe is mourning a US presidential election that has catapulted real estate mogul Donald Trump into position as possibly the world’s most powerful person.

More:Could Trump trample Turkey’s growth?

Bankers fret as Erdogan increases pressure to keep Turkish voters spending

Bankers fret as Erdogan increases pressure to keep Turkish voters spending

by: Mehul Srivastava and Jonathan Wheatley

Turkey’s economy is youthful, growing, modern and diverse. But above all, it survives on leverage, engorged with the foreign debt that flows through its corporate sector.

More:Bankers fret as Erdogan increases pressure to keep Turkish voters spending

Monday, November 28, 2016

Turkey’s ‘windows to the West’ - GİLA BENMAYOR

Turkey’s ‘windows to the West’

İzmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu describes his Aegean city as “Turkey’s window to the West.” One would like to think that in these days, when the European Parliament has recommended freezing accession talks with Turkey, there is still a window opening to the West on this land.

More:Turkey’s ‘windows to the West’ - GİLA BENMAYOR

Turkey’s anti–Gülen campaign may be harmful to Turks living abroad - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Turkey’s anti–Gülen campaign may be harmful to Turks living abroad

An important part of the efforts to combat the Fetullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) threat has to take place in foreign countries. Some 120 countries to be exact, as that is the estimated number of states where the Gülenist network is believed to have opened schools.

More:Turkey’s anti–Gülen campaign may be harmful to Turks living abroad - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Turkey Has Fallen | The Wake Magazine

Turkey Has Fallen
by Ben Halom
Implications of a silenced opposition and a crumbling democracy

On Nov. 4, the leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Turkey’s largest left wing, pro-Kurdish opposition party, were arrested along with 10 of the HDP’s representatives in parliament.

More:Turkey Has Fallen | The Wake Magazine

Donald Trump Should Not Be Fooled By Turkey: Today Ankara Is More Foe Than Friend

Donald Trump Should Not Be Fooled By Turkey: Today Ankara Is More Foe Than Friend

Predicting the course of the coming Trump presidency could be an Olympic sport. The president-elect evidences strong opinions but little knowledge of many issues. Moreover, he usually was short on specifics: for instance, what would it mean to “bomb the shit” out of ISIS?

More:Donald Trump Should Not Be Fooled By Turkey: Today Ankara Is More Foe Than Friend

Sunday, November 27, 2016

75 pct of Turkish citizens believe Turkey is drifting away from EU - POLITICS

75 pct of Turkish citizens believe Turkey is drifting away from EU

Some 75 percent of Turkish citizens believe Turkey is drifting away from the European Union, while 44 percent of them believe freezing membership talks is a positive development.

According to a survey conducted by ANDY-AR focusing on Turkey-EU relations, 75.3 percent of the participants believe Turkey is moving away from the EU, whereas 19.9 percent of them believe Turkey is not.

More:75 pct of Turkish citizens believe Turkey is drifting away from EU - POLITICS

'Know your limits!' Erdogan reminds EU Parliament who's in charge of Turkey | Mo4ch News

‘Know your limits!’ Erdogan reminds EU Parliament who’s in charge of Turkey

The EU is in no position to dictate to Turkey when it comes to fighting terrorism, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after EU lawmakers voted to call for halting membership talks with Ankara.

More:'Know your limits!' Erdogan reminds EU Parliament who's in charge of Turkey | Mo4ch News

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares the ground for a new constitution by crashing political opponents - World Politics Journal - WPJ

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares the ground for a new constitution by crashing political opponents

by WPJ · November 26, 2016
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to suspend EU membership talks with Turkey, citing deteriorating human rights and democratic shortcomings under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule. The vote is non-binding, but it underscores growing frustration with Mr Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian regime.

More:Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares the ground for a new constitution by crashing political opponents - World Politics Journal - WPJ

Dailytimes | Turkey and the EU

Turkey and the EU

In the latest blow to what has been an uneasy relationship at best, the European Parliament has voted to freeze the talks of Turkey’s accession to the European Union. The vote carries only symbolic importance as in order for any such proposal to be binding either the European Commission or one-third of the European Union member states would first have to introduce such a motion and then a majority of the European Union member states would have to vote in favour of it. But it is not the fact that the vote is not binding that is significant; rather the vote’s importance lies in what it implies for the tenuous relationship between Turkey and the European Union.

More:Dailytimes | Turkey and the EU

Friday, November 25, 2016

Turkish central bank lifts interest rates to buoy currency | Fox Business

Turkish central bank lifts interest rates to buoy currency

ISTANBUL – Turkey's Central Bank has raised its interest rates, a move experts say is meant to support the currency after steep drops recently.

More:Turkish central bank lifts interest rates to buoy currency | Fox Business

Turkish spy in Bremen plotted murder of 2 Kurds: report - The Local

Turkish spy in Bremen plotted murder of 2 Kurds: report

Two major public broadcasters reported on Friday that a man believed to be a Turkish agent spied on two Kurdish functionaries and plotted to murder them.

More:Turkish spy in Bremen plotted murder of 2 Kurds: report - The Local

Turkey reinstates over 6,000 teachers suspended after coup

Turkey reinstates over 6,000 teachers suspended after coup

Turkish authorities have reinstated over 6,000 teachers suspended after the July failed coup accused of terror links, the education ministry said on Friday.

More:Turkey reinstates over 6,000 teachers suspended after coup

The human impact of Turkey's purges - BBC News

The human impact of Turkey's purges
By Tim Whewell BBC News

More than four months after the defeat of the military coup attempt in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to continue the purges that have already seen more than 125,000 state employees sacked or suspended.

More:The human impact of Turkey's purges - BBC News

The big freeze

The big freeze

With Turkey maintaining an ever greater distance from the European Union, the EU needs to reconsider its options. Analysis by Nassir Djafari

More:The big freeze

Youth unemployment poses latest danger to Turkey

Youth unemployment poses latest danger to Turkey

Turkey is currently preoccupied with many obvious problems. But there's one up-and-coming issue that deserves immediate attention, as it has the potential to become a major security risk: What happens when young people can't find jobs?

More:Youth unemployment poses latest danger to Turkey

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Turkey: Adana bombings kills 2, wounds 33 – Middle East Monitor

Turkey: Adana bombings kills 2, wounds 33

A suspected Kurdish PKK bomb attack has struck the Turkish city of Adana today, claiming two lives and wounding more than 30 outside the governor’s office, weeks after the United States warned of attacks by what it called extremist groups.

More:Turkey: Adana bombings kills 2, wounds 33 – Middle East Monitor

EU parliament votes on Turkey breaches of European values, Ankara says

EU parliament votes on Turkey breaches of European values, Ankara says

ANKARA - A vote by European Union lawmakers to temporarily halt Turkey's membership talks with the bloc breaches basic European values, Ankara's EU affairs minister said on Thursday, adding that Turkey does not take the vote seriously.

More:EU parliament votes on Turkey breaches of European values, Ankara says

50 years of Turkish steps towards and back from the European Union

50 years of Turkish steps towards and back from the European Union

Turkey’s first steps towards accession to Europe go back more than 50 years, when Ankara asked for an association agreement with the European Economic Community. Negotiations officially began in 2005.

More:50 years of Turkish steps towards and back from the European Union

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Turkey's Erdogan rails against interest rates, on eve of central bank meeting | Reuters

Turkey's Erdogan rails against interest rates, on eve of central bank meeting

Nov 23 Turkey's real interest rate is among the highest in the world and that needs to be changed, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, taking aim at borrowing costs on the eve of a central bank meeting.

More:Turkey's Erdogan rails against interest rates, on eve of central bank meeting | Reuters

Is Erdogan’s rise unstoppable?

Is Erdogan’s rise unstoppable?

Ever since coming to power in November 2002, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won all elections he contested, almost always by increasing his popular support. In terms of achievement, however, Erdogan’s image and policies have not followed a steady trend. While his first decade in power was marked by reformist policies, the past five years have seen an ever-strengthening tilt toward authoritarianism. As a result, the same fundamental question has kept popping up: How does Erdogan manage to sustain his popular support and electoral success while facing so many accusations of authoritarianism and projecting such a nondemocratic image?

More:Is Erdogan’s rise unstoppable?

Erdogan: European Parliament vote on Turkey has ‘no value’ - Salon.com

Erdogan: European Parliament vote on Turkey has ‘no value’
Suzan Fraser, Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s president declared Wednesday that an upcoming vote in the European Parliament on whether to freeze membership talks with Turkey is of “no value” to his country.

More:Erdogan: European Parliament vote on Turkey has ‘no value’ - Salon.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Turkey wants to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - Business Insider

NATO's second-largest military power is threatening a dramatic pivot to Russia and China

Natasha Bertrand

Turkey is looking into joining a Chinese- and Russian-led alliance known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Sunday at the end of his official tour of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

More:Turkey wants to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - Business Insider

Turkey should reject child abuse law shielding men who marry from punishment UN

Turkey should reject child abuse law shielding men who marry from punishment - UN

LONDON - A bill that could allow men accused of sexually abusing girls in Turkey to avoid punishment if they marry their victim would create a climate of impunity for child abuse in the country, UN agencies warned on Monday.

More:Turkey should reject child abuse law shielding men who marry from punishment UN

Monday, November 21, 2016

Writing in a state of fear

Press freedom in Turkey
Writing in a state of fear
Turkish journalists have been detained for their independent reporting, ahead of the international book fair in Istanbul. It takes courage to be a journalist in Turkey, writes Cigdem Akyol

More:Writing in a state of fear

18 Brumaire of Erdogan: ‘Turkish society returns to their 1937’ — RealnoeVremya.com

18 Brumaire of Erdogan: ‘Turkish society returns to their 1937’
09:00, 21.11.2016

A columnist of Realnoe Vremya writes about how the Turkish authorities have launched a repressive flywheel against their opponents

More:18 Brumaire of Erdogan: ‘Turkish society returns to their 1937’ — RealnoeVremya.com

Erdoğan’s Risky Game – Handelsblatt Global

Erdoğan’s Risky Game

Turkey's recent crackdown on opposition leaders is endangering not only the refugee deal but also its trade ties with the E.U. The country's economy is also hitting the first bumps.

More:Erdoğan’s Risky Game – Handelsblatt Global

Michael Flynn Flip-Flopped On Turkey Coup Attempt | The Daily Caller

Michael Flynn Flip-Flopped On Turkey Coup Attempt In Recent Months [VIDEO]

In the midst of a military uprising against the Turkish government on July 15, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn told an audience that the coup attempt was “worth clapping for” and that Turkey’s Islamist president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was a close ally of President Obama’s.

More:Michael Flynn Flip-Flopped On Turkey Coup Attempt | The Daily Caller

EU, US have little leverage as Turkish democracy backslides | The Seattle Times

EU, US have little leverage as Turkish democracy backslides
Originally published November 21, 2016 at 5:32 am Updated November 21, 2016 at 5:52 am

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Since quashing a July coup attempt, Turkey’s president has used extraordinary powers from a state of emergency to arrest and purge thousands of opponents. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also vowed to back public demands to reinstate the death penalty and suggested submitting Turkey’s long-sought goal of European Union membership to a referendum.

More:EU, US have little leverage as Turkish democracy backslides | The Seattle Times

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria?

Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria?

Author Week in Review Posted November 20, 2016

Turkish leaders are optimistic that the new Trump administration will adjust US “foreign policy to recognize Turkey as a priority … and to see the world from Turkey’s perspective,” as incoming national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn wrote in an op-ed in The Hill published on US Election Day.

More:Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria?

Que sera, sera in Turkey - NURAY MERT

Que sera, sera in Turkey

“Que sera, sera” is how some of us are looking at current developments in Turkey: “What will be, will be.” But in our case this only refers to a feeling of uncertainity, hopelessness and despair. The future is uncertain, not only for dissidents but also for the whole country, which stands on the verge of regime change.

More:Que sera, sera in Turkey - NURAY MERT

President Erdogan of Turkey's disillusionment with the U.S. - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Turkey's disillusionment with the U.S.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey speaks with 60 Minutes' Steve Kroft about tensions and anti-Americanism in his country, a NATO ally vital to projecting U.S. military power

More:President Erdogan of Turkey's disillusionment with the U.S. - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Who is Fethullah Gulen? - 60 Minutes Overtime - CBS News

Who is Fethullah Gulen?

Turkish President Erdogan says the exiled cleric is responsible for this summer's coup. In 2012, 60 Minutes examined why Gulen is in the U.S.

More:Who is Fethullah Gulen? - 60 Minutes Overtime - CBS News

Erdogan floats plan to join Shanghai Pact after failed EU negotiations | Middle East Eye

Erdogan floats plan to join Shanghai Pact after failed EU negotiations
#TurkishPolitics

Turkey joining Shanghai Cooperation Organisation could scupper any potential for Ankara joining the EU

More:Erdogan floats plan to join Shanghai Pact after failed EU negotiations | Middle East Eye

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Thousands of Turks Protest Proposed Child-marriage Law

Thousands of Turks Protest Proposed Child-marriage Law
November 19, 2016 8:14 PM

Thousands of Turks took to the streets of Istanbul on Saturday, protesting against a proposed law that critics say would allow men convicted of child sexual assault to avoid punishment by marrying their victims.

More:Thousands of Turks Protest Proposed Child-marriage Law

Turkish Client Paid Trump Adviser Michael Flynn’s Company “Tens of Thousands” of Dollars for Lobbying

Turkish Client Paid Trump Adviser Michael Flynn’s Company “Tens of Thousands” of Dollars for Lobbying
Mattathias Schwartz

November 17 2016, 6:53 p.m.

Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to “drain the swamp” of Washington corruption. The new ethics pledge he announced Wednesday would prohibit registered lobbyists from working for his transition team or administration.

More:Turkish Client Paid Trump Adviser Michael Flynn’s Company “Tens of Thousands” of Dollars for Lobbying

Turkey and the EU: The end of the road? - The West Australian

Turkey and the EU: The end of the road?

Ankara (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to call a referendum on the future of Turkey's EU membership bid, while Brussels accuses Ankara of "backsliding" on key commitments.

More:Turkey and the EU: The end of the road? - The West Australian

Turkish President Erdogan: Obama/Biden "Failed To Rise To the Occasion" - CBS News

Turkish President Erodgan to appear on 60 Minutes

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey says that he is "disillusioned" about U.S. policy on a number of issues

More:Turkish President Erdogan: Obama/Biden "Failed To Rise To the Occasion" - CBS News

Thursday, November 17, 2016

High-end Residential Developments Rising Throughout Istanbul - Mansion Global

High-end Residential Developments Rising Throughout Istanbul

In Istanbul, the most desirable city in Turkey, east meets west and old meets new, offering something for everyone.

More:High-end Residential Developments Rising Throughout Istanbul - Mansion Global

MEPs cancel Turkey trip as relations sour

MEPs cancel Turkey trip as relations sour

By Nikolaj Nielsen
BRUSSELS, Today, 09:15

EU lawmakers have cancelled a trip to Ankara, days before parliament votes on a non-binding resolution to end Turkey's EU membership talks.

More:MEPs cancel Turkey trip as relations sour

Where are all those Big Brothers now? - MURAT YETKİN

Where are all those Big Brothers now?

No, this piece is not only about the Big Brothers (Abi in Turkish) and Big Sisters (Abla) of the secret network of Fethullah Gülen, the U.S.-resident Islamist preacher who is accused of being behind the failed coup of July 15 in Turkey; it is also about the failing justice system in the country.

More:Where are all those Big Brothers now? - MURAT YETKİN

Good vs. bad taxi drivers in Istanbul’s cut-throat competition - KANAT ATKAYA

Good vs. bad taxi drivers in Istanbul’s cut-throat competition

There is new measure that requires taxi drivers in Istanbul to obtain a particular document - a kind of second license.

More:Good vs. bad taxi drivers in Istanbul’s cut-throat competition - KANAT ATKAYA

Turkish military to recruit 30,000 personnel in 4 years | GulfNews.com

Turkish military to recruit 30,000 personnel in 4 years

Some 20,000 people have been removed from the military system alone after the failed coup

More:Turkish military to recruit 30,000 personnel in 4 years | GulfNews.com

Is Turkey's Military Becoming Overstretched?

Is Turkey's Military Becoming Overstretched?
November 17, 2016 1:15 PM

Dorian Jones

ISTANBUL —

The Turkish army is engaged in a two-front war, fighting both in Turkey and Syria against PKK Kurdish rebels. With a third front possibly looming, questions are being raised about how sustainable such operations are, given the military is still reeling from massive purges within its ranks following July’s failed coup in Turkey.

More:Is Turkey's Military Becoming Overstretched?

Why Turkey's Islamist Leader Is So Happy About Trump - Bloomberg View

Why Turkey's Islamist Leader Is So Happy About Trump
3
Nov 17, 2016 4:38 PM EST
By
Eli Lake

Many people are delighted by Donald Trump's election last week. There are (some) Republicans. Some Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Alt-right online trolls and opponents of free trade. Add to this list Turkey's Islamist president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Why Turkey's Islamist Leader Is So Happy About Trump - Bloomberg View

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

How Turkey is strangling the internet - and hurting media freedom | Middle East Eye

How Turkey is strangling the internet - and hurting media freedom
#TurkeyCoup

Ankara's clampdown on internet access after major incidents is expanding more and more, report finds

More:How Turkey is strangling the internet - and hurting media freedom | Middle East Eye

Turks may have given up supporting their currency

Turks may have given up supporting their currency

Tense politics and rate differentials blamed for apparent reluctance to buy lira

More:Turks may have given up supporting their currency

Reasons not to end EU-Turkey talks

Reasons not to end EU-Turkey talks

The failed putsch in July prompted Erdogan's purge (Photo: Eser Karadağ)

By Amanda Paul and Demir Murat Seyrek
BRUSSELS, Today, 15:06

The EU and Turkey have reached one of the lowest, yet at the same time most important moments in their decades-old relationship.

More:Reasons not to end EU-Turkey talks

Will Trump see eye to eye with Erdogan's plans in Iraq and Syria?

Will Trump see eye to eye with Erdogan's plans in Iraq and Syria?

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joe Dunford visited Ankara Nov. 6 and held a 4½-hour meeting with his Turkish counterparts.

More:Will Trump see eye to eye with Erdogan's plans in Iraq and Syria?

Erdogan supporters in Turkey praise Donald Trump - Business Insider

Trump has become an unlikely hero for millions of pro-government Turks
Reuters

Nick Tattersall and Orhan Coskun, Reuters

ANKARA (Reuters) - In the hours after Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency, supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan triumphantly took to social media, hailing the election of a man who had threatened to ban Muslims from entering the United States.

More:Erdogan supporters in Turkey praise Donald Trump - Business Insider

Turkey eyes reset with U.S. under Trump, but honeymoon may ...

Turkey eyes reset with U.S. under Trump, but honeymoon may be brief
by Reuters
Wednesday, 16 November 2016 07:00 GMT

By Nick Tattersall and Orhan Coskun

ANKARA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - In the hours after Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency, supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan triumphantly took to social media, hailing the election of a man who had threatened to ban Muslims from entering the United States.

More:Turkey eyes reset with U.S. under Trump, but honeymoon may ...

President should have links to party in new constitution: Erdoğan - POLITICS

President should have links to party in new constitution: Erdoğan

Turkey’s current constitution obliges the president to cut links to their political party as soon as they are elected head of state, in line with the principle of impartiality.

Erdoğan’s comments come amid discussion of the scope of constitutional amendments, after the AKP officially conveyed its draft to the MHP on Nov. 16.

More:President should have links to party in new constitution: Erdoğan - POLITICS

Will Ankara feast on Turkey's largest food producer?

Will Ankara feast on Turkey's largest food producer?

“Good morning, time to buy,” tweeted Murat Ulker, CEO of Yildiz Holding, Turkey’s largest food producer and the world’s third biggest snack manufacturer. After those words today, the tycoon proceeded to snap up 100,000 shares in Ulker, a Yildiz subsidiary.

More:Will Ankara feast on Turkey's largest food producer?

After five years, Erdogan names new Turkish ambassador to Israel - Israel News - Haaretz.com

After Five Years, Erdogan Names New Turkish Ambassador to Israel

Erdogan names Kemal Okem to the post, one day after Israel named Eitan Na'eh to the parallel position in Ankara.

More:After five years, Erdogan names new Turkish ambassador to Israel - Israel News - Haaretz.com

Turkey's Erdogan says Belgium a centre for PKK militants and coup plotters | Reuters

Turkey's Erdogan says Belgium a centre for PKK militants and coup plotters

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Belgium of being an important centre for supporters of both the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the cleric Ankara says orchestrated a failed July coup.

More:Turkey's Erdogan says Belgium a centre for PKK militants and coup plotters | Reuters

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Why Erdogan-Trump honeymoon may be short-lived

Why Erdogan-Trump honeymoon may be short-lived

Donald Trump’s election as president may have sent shock waves across the world, leaving many countries deeply concerned, but it has had the opposite effect in Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are pleased with this turn of events.

More:Why Erdogan-Trump honeymoon may be short-lived

Choosing new friends: A dangerous moment for Turkey and the West - World - CBC News

Analysis
Choosing new friends: A dangerous moment for Turkey and the West

With its EU relationship near collapse, Turkey may find new hope in Donald Trump's presidency

More:Choosing new friends: A dangerous moment for Turkey and the West - World - CBC News

Turkey’s slide into dictatorship ignored | Letters | World news | The Guardian

Turkey’s slide into dictatorship ignored

Tuesday 15 November 2016 13.58 EST

Last week’s US election result and our own Brexit contortions must be one of the reasons why your paper and the media generally have had no space to cover the shocking descent into the genocide of the Kurds occurring in Turkey and Syria, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sees all Kurds as terrorists, and, by his actions, Isis as his friends.

More:Turkey’s slide into dictatorship ignored | Letters | World news | The Guardian

Harsh words between Germany and Turkey

Harsh words between Germany and Turkey

Relations between Ankara and Brussels have been particularly strained since a failed Turkish coup in July.

More:Harsh words between Germany and Turkey

Turkey After Trump | by Christopher de Bellaigue | NYR Daily | The New York Review of Books

Turkey After Trump
Christopher de Bellaigue

Under ordinary conditions the police raid that was launched on October 31 on Turkey’s most respected opposition newspaper, Cumhuriyet, and the arrest of senior staff on implausible suspicion of supporting terrorism, would have stirred up a storm of protest from human rights groups and Western governments. But the suppression of Cumhuriyet is just one maneuver in a campaign of repression that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been conducting since the failed coup of July 15. Turks have reacted to what is but one more assault on freedom of expression with resignation; while the international response has been muted.

More:Turkey After Trump | by Christopher de Bellaigue | NYR Daily | The New York Review of Books

Monday, November 14, 2016

Expert: MHP votes will split 50 /50 on presidential referendum - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Expert: MHP votes will split 50 /50 on presidential referendum

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is back on the radar for those who are trying to analyze Turkey’s domestic politics.

More:Expert: MHP votes will split 50 /50 on presidential referendum - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

The rise of populist demagoguery - SEMİH İDİZ

The rise of populist demagoguery

The election of Donald Trump has confirmed that we live increasingly in an era of direct democracy based on populist demagoguery. Developments in Hungary and Poland also show that Europe is not exempt from this. Even Brexit was the result of this.
France appears to be another country that will be faced with a similar choice in six months. We also see what this understanding of democracy is doing in a less-developed country like the Philippines, which elected a madman as president.

More:The rise of populist demagoguery - SEMİH İDİZ

Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions | Long Beach City College Viking

Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions

European Parliament President Martin Schulz has confirmed rumors in Brussels that EU leaders at their summit in December could opt for economic sanctions in response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ongoing crackdown on dissent – instead of terminating controversial EU accession talks.

More:Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions | Long Beach City College Viking

End game or game over - YUSUF KANLI

End game or game over

The Mont Pelerin rendezvous of the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders was slated to be an “end game” but it turned out to be an almost “game over.” Upon request of the Greek Cypriot leaders, the deadlocked talks were suspended for one week and are scheduled to resume, this time in Geneva, on Nov. 20.

More:End game or game over - YUSUF KANLI

Handling Turkey’s Runaway Politics - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Handling Turkey’s Runaway Politics
Posted by: Marc Pierini
Monday, November 14, 2016

Following Turkey’s failed July 15 coup attempt, which caused deep shock in the country’s entire society and state apparatus, the Turkish authorities launched a massive crackdown on suspected followers of the movement of Fethullah Gülen, a former ally turned archenemy of the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP).

More:Handling Turkey’s Runaway Politics - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Godiva Owner Tumbles on Speculation It’s Next for Erdogan Purge - Bloomberg

Godiva Owner Tumbles on Speculation It’s Next for Erdogan Purge
Benjamin Harvey

The listed units of one of Turkey’s biggest holding companies sank after a column in a local newspaper fueled speculation that it will be caught up in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s nationwide crackdown against his opponents, even after its chairman said the accusations have no merit.

More:Godiva Owner Tumbles on Speculation It’s Next for Erdogan Purge - Bloomberg

EU split over how to handle post-coup Turkey | Reuters

EU split over how to handle post-coup Turkey

By Gabriela Baczynska | BRUSSELS

The European Union was divided on Monday on how to handle Turkey over its crackdown on alleged supporters of a failed July military coup, with Austria leading calls to suspend Ankara's EU membership bid and Britain firmly in favor of maintaining ties.

More:EU split over how to handle post-coup Turkey | Reuters

Tensions flare as Turkey heads for referendum on new powers for President Erdogan as dissent crackdown continues | The Independent

Tensions flare as Turkey heads for referendum on new powers for President Erdogan as dissent crackdown continues

Turkish courts have arrested over 35,000 people under a state of emergency imposed in the wake of the failed July 15 coup aimed at unseating Erdogan

More:Tensions flare as Turkey heads for referendum on new powers for President Erdogan as dissent crackdown continues | The Independent

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Erdogan Purge Creates $10 Billion Bazaar for Would-Be Oligarchs - Bloomberg

Erdogan Purge Creates $10 Billion Bazaar for Would-Be Oligarchs
Taylan Bilgic
November 13, 2016 — 4:00 PM EST

Don’t be put off by his conviction for inciting murder, Turkish bus baron Galip Ozturk says. That was just how the secret society that tried to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once punished people who refused to pay up.

The 51-year-old founder of Metro Holding fled the country two years ago to avoid a life sentence he says was engineered by followers of Fethullah Gulen, the reclusive Islamic preacher who’s been holed up in a rural Pennsylvania compound since 1999. Ozturk was granted a new trial and flew home last month, after Erdogan purged more than 110,000 people from the public payrolls, including the judge and prosecutor in his case.

More:Erdogan Purge Creates $10 Billion Bazaar for Would-Be Oligarchs - Bloomberg

Turkey Issues Travel Warning About U.S., Citing Protests - NBC News

Turkey Issues Travel Warning About U.S., Citing Protests

by The Associated Press

ISTANBUL — Turkey has issued a travel warning for its citizens about going to the United States, citing violent protests following Tuesday's contested presidential election as well as increasing verbal and physical attacks and harassment of an "anti-immigrant" and "racist" nature.

More:Turkey Issues Travel Warning About U.S., Citing Protests - NBC News

German Fears Of New "Axis Of Evil" — Trump, Putin, Erdogan

German Fears Of New "Axis Of Evil" — Trump, Putin, Erdogan

Not much is known for sure of Trump's foreign policy agenda, which is why Angela Merkel does not stop at the perfunctory congratulations to Donald Trump.

More:German Fears Of New "Axis Of Evil" — Trump, Putin, Erdogan

Erdogan hints at referendum on Turkey joining EU

Erdogan hints at referendum on Turkey joining EU

Istanbul (AFP) - Accusing Brussels of wanting Turkey to abandon its bid to join the EU, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted in an interview published Sunday he might put the question to a referendum.

More:Erdogan hints at referendum on Turkey joining EU

Turkey suspends 291 navy personnel over links to failed coup | Reuters

Turkey suspends 291 navy personnel over links to failed coup

Turkey suspended from duty 168 officers and 123 non-commissioned officers from its navy over alleged links to a coup attempt in July, the defense ministry said on Sunday, as the government continues its purge.

More:Turkey suspends 291 navy personnel over links to failed coup | Reuters

Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions | News | DW.COM | 13.11.2016

Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions

Hard-line President Recep Tayyip Erdogan risks losing Turkey's lucrative customs union with the EU, its main trading partner. European Parliament chief Martin Schulz has said economic sanctions are being considered.

More:Brussels: Turkey could face economic sanctions | News | DW.COM | 13.11.2016

Friday, November 11, 2016

Erdoğan Strikes Turkey’s Last Opposition - The New Yorker

Erdoğan Strikes Turkey’s Last Opposition
By Elliot Ackerman , 12:15 P.M.

On Thursday morning, at precisely 9:05 A.M., the Turkish Republic stood still. For sixty seconds, sirens wailed across Istanbul, ferry horns resounded along the Bosphorus, and traffic stopped in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, the one-time home of the sultans. This is how Turkey marked the seventy-eighth anniversary of the death of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

More:Erdoğan Strikes Turkey’s Last Opposition - The New Yorker

Lawyers to Trump: Don't pressure judges in Turkey extradition case - POLITICO

Lawyers to Trump: Don't pressure judges in Turkey extradition case

By Nahal Toosi

Lawyers for a prominent Muslim cleric are warning President-elect Donald Trump not to pressure the U.S. judiciary to deport their client to Turkey after a leading Trump adviser compared the elderly preacher to Osama bin Laden.

More:Lawyers to Trump: Don't pressure judges in Turkey extradition case - POLITICO

US order to evacuate dependents worries Turks

US order to evacuate dependents worries Turks

The US State Department has ordered the families of its consulate staff in Istanbul to leave the country. Now, Turks fear for the worst.

More:US order to evacuate dependents worries Turks

Diplomats Confirm U.S. Making Promises on Ankara’s Safe Zone - ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English

Diplomats Confirm U.S. Making Promises on Ankara’s Safe Zone
Paula Astih, Saeed Abdelrazek, Asharq Al-Awsat

Ankara, Beirut – Days after the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces launched an offensive to free the ISIS stronghold in Syria’s north, Raqqa, many Kurdish senior officials expected that the area would be annexed to Kurdish territory post liberation.

More:Diplomats Confirm U.S. Making Promises on Ankara’s Safe Zone - ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English

Germany sends top envoy to Ankara amid row

Germany sends top envoy to Ankara amid row

By EUOBSERVER
Today, 09:08

German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to visit Ankara on Tuesday (15 November) amid a row over Turkey's widespread crackdown against suspected supporters of a failed military coup in July. Deutsche Welle reports Steinmeier will offer "persecuted scientists, cultural workers, journalists, dismissed journalists" in Turkey a package to live and work in Germany. He is also set to meet with civil society during his visit.

More:Germany sends top envoy to Ankara amid row

The World Weekly | Is Turkey now a dictatorship?

Is Turkey now a dictatorship?

Four months on from the failed coup, President Erdogan wields untrammelled power.
In crisis, there is opportunity. On the night of July 15, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was almost blown out of the air as he flew into Istanbul to try to foil a military coup. The plotters had seized control of state media outlets, fired at civilians and bombarded the parliamentary complex in Ankara. His 13-year reign at the top of Turkish politics was close to ending in humiliating circumstances. Yet four months Mr. Erdogan is more powerful than ever before. Turkey may not be a dictatorship yet, but the direction of travel is clear.

More:The World Weekly | Is Turkey now a dictatorship?

U.S. Charges Four Turkish, Iranian Nationals with Evading Sanctions - Risk & Compliance Journal. - WSJ

U.S. Charges Four Turkish, Iranian Nationals with Evading Sanctions
By Samuel Rubenfeld
Nov 10, 2016 8:12 pm ET

Prosecutors in New York charged four people with conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran through a scheme they say caused U.S. banks to conduct at least $100 million in funds transfers to aid the Iranian steel and copper industries.

More:U.S. Charges Four Turkish, Iranian Nationals with Evading Sanctions - Risk & Compliance Journal. - WSJ

Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself. | European Council on Foreign Relations

Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself.
Commentary

Asli Aydıntaşbaş

The speed of Turkey’s decline is mind-boggling, even when you live through its day-to-day machinations.

More:Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself. | European Council on Foreign Relations

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Depleted by coup, Turkish air force seeks to lure back seasoned pilots | Reuters

Depleted by coup, Turkish air force seeks to lure back seasoned pilots

By Humeyra Pamuk | ISTANBUL

Turkey's air force in September made a public appeal to hundreds of former pilots to return to its depleted ranks to replace more than 350 airmen purged after July's failed coup.

More:Depleted by coup, Turkish air force seeks to lure back seasoned pilots | Reuters

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hails Ataturk On Death Anniversary

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hails Ataturk On Death Anniversary

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been accused by critics of eroding Ataturk's secular legacy.
Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday hailed the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the 78th anniversary of his death but added the country's influence should go well beyond the borders of the state he created.

More:Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hails Ataturk On Death Anniversary

A novelist and a journalist come to terms with the new Turkey | The Economist

A novelist and a journalist come to terms with the new Turkey

The country’s youth are divided in their politics but united in passion

More:A novelist and a journalist come to terms with the new Turkey | The Economist

Turkey & Trump: Authoritarians Unite After Election 2016 - Emerging Markets Daily - Barrons.com

Turkey & Trump: Authoritarians Unite After Election 2016
By Dimitra DeFotis

The U.S. presidential election and FBI email headlines overshadowed some dire news late last week regarding Turkey’s crackdown on its Kurdish minority and Kurdish insurgents.

“A Trump presidency is likely to be less critical of Erdogan’s growing domestic authoritarianism,” write Mujtaba Rahman and Ayham Kamel, analysts at Eurasia Group in a note today.

More:Turkey & Trump: Authoritarians Unite After Election 2016 - Emerging Markets Daily - Barrons.com

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Turkey says relations with US do not depend on who the president is | Fox News Latino

Turkey says relations with US do not depend on who the president is
Published November 09, 2016EFE

Ankara – Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the strategic relations with the United States are far from depending on the president's identity, after Republican Donald Trump won the presidential elections.

More:Turkey says relations with US do not depend on who the president is | Fox News Latino

Why is Turkey rebuffing whatever the West says? - MURAT YETKİN

Why is Turkey rebuffing whatever the West says?

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu confirmed the speculation on Nov. 8 about his refusal to twice take the call of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “They think Germany is a superior country and expect us to be ready to take the phone whenever they are ready for that. We are not loafing around here, we also have things to do,” Çavuşoğlu said.

More:Why is Turkey rebuffing whatever the West says? - MURAT YETKİN

Spinning out of control

Spinning out of control

Turkey has witnessed another dramatic week, with police raids on an opposition newspaper, mass suspensions of academics and civil servants and the jailing of the leaders of the country′s main pro Kurdish HDP party. The government insists it is fighting to defend democracy against unprecedented threats, critics claim democracy itself is now at risk. Dorian Jones looks at the latest events

More:Spinning out of control

EU, Turkey Challenge Each Other to Decide on Membership Bid - ABC News

EU, Turkey Challenge Each Other to Decide on Membership Bid

By suzan fraser and raf casert, associated press

ANKARA, Turkey — Nov 9, 2016, 7:52 AM ET

In the face of increasing criticism and worsening relations, the European Union and Turkey argued Wednesday over whether Ankara's bid to join the EU should continue.

More:EU, Turkey Challenge Each Other to Decide on Membership Bid - ABC News

Exiled Turkish journalist working on new venture from abroad

Exiled Turkish journalist working on new venture from abroad
09.11.2016

The exiled former editor-in-chief of Turkish opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet said Tuesday he wants journalists targeted in Turkey's post-coup government crackdown to help him with a new media venture outside the country.

More:Exiled Turkish journalist working on new venture from abroad

EU says Turkey backslides on road to membership since failed coup | Reuters

EU says Turkey backslides on road to membership since failed coup

By Gabriela Baczynska and Robin Emmott | BRUSSELS

The European Union voiced grave concern about Turkey's crackdown on opponents since a failed July coup in a highly critical report on Wednesday that made clear that Ankara's prospects of joining the bloc have become ever more distant.

More:EU says Turkey backslides on road to membership since failed coup | Reuters

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Turkish lira slumps to record low

Turkish lira slumps to record low

Post-coup crackdown generates doubts and shows signs of hurting the economy

More:Turkish lira slumps to record low

Turks for Trump | Foreign Policy

Turks for Trump

A surprising number of pro-Erdogan commentators are looking to "Make America Great Again."

More:Turks for Trump | Foreign Policy

European condemnation of Turkish crackdown comes too late, says opposition editor | Reuters

European condemnation of Turkish crackdown comes too late, says opposition editor

European condemnation of the crackdown in Turkey that followed the attempted coup in July has come too late, with the country now "burning", the former editor of a leading opposition newspaper said on Tuesday.

More:European condemnation of Turkish crackdown comes too late, says opposition editor | Reuters

Turkey's domestic policy losing its foreign friends

Turkey's domestic policy losing its foreign friends

Upon assuming office in May, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim promised that he would “increase the number of Turkey’s friends and reduce the number of its enemies.” Today, however, Ankara is losing friends rapidly, especially in Europe where there are calls for sanctions against Turkey. The situation is no better in the Middle East where Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is talking about going to war with Turkey. The main deterioration in ties is nevertheless with Europe. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian manner, with his apparent desire to become the iron-fisted ruler of Turkey, is driving this downward spiral.

More:Turkey's domestic policy losing its foreign friends

Crackdown in Turkey passes the point of no return

Crackdown in Turkey passes the point of no return

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s purge is an assault on last bastions of the secular republic

More:Crackdown in Turkey passes the point of no return

European journalists brand Turkey ‘biggest prison in the world’ – Military Technologies

European journalists brand Turkey ‘biggest prison in the world’

The Association of European Journalists (AEJ) has called on the European institutions to exert more pressure on Turkey, in face of further restrictions on freedom of expression and the press. EurActiv Germany reports.

More:European journalists brand Turkey ‘biggest prison in the world’ – Military Technologies

Turkey Is Helping Refugees of All Faiths in the Mideast - WSJ

Turkey Is Helping Refugees of All Faiths in the Mideast

Turkey is housing and feeding 300,000 Iraqi and 1.7 million Syrian refugees regardless of their religion and ethnic background.

More:Turkey Is Helping Refugees of All Faiths in the Mideast - WSJ

Turkish Lira Extends Slump to New Lows as Growth Concerns Mount - Bloomberg

Turkish Lira Extends Slump to New Lows as Growth Concerns Mount
Benjamin Harvey

Turkey’s lira plumbed new lows after economic data pointed to a possible contraction in the third quarter and a government minister ruled out intervention to stem the currency’s decline.

More:Turkish Lira Extends Slump to New Lows as Growth Concerns Mount - Bloomberg

Monday, November 07, 2016

Darkness in Ankara - WSJ

Darkness in Ankara

Erdogan takes aim at Turkey’s parliamentary democracy

More:Darkness in Ankara - WSJ

Deal to reunite Cyprus within reach, UN chief Ban says

Deal to reunite Cyprus within reach, UN chief Ban says

A deal to reunite the divided island of Cyprus is within reach, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said at the start of five days of United Nations led talks in Switzerland.

More:Deal to reunite Cyprus within reach, UN chief Ban says

Turkey puts 36 Islamic State suspects on trial over 2015 Ankara bombing | Middle East Eye

Turkey puts 36 Islamic State suspects on trial over 2015 Ankara bombing

More than 100 leftist and Kurdish demonstrators were killed in the attack last October

More:Turkey puts 36 Islamic State suspects on trial over 2015 Ankara bombing | Middle East Eye

Ankara hits out at EU’s PKK ‘double standards’ - POLITICS

Ankara hits out at EU’s PKK ‘double standards’

A senior Turkish government official has urged the European Union to stop applying “double standards” over the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), likening the arrest of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmakers to verdicts issued by Spanish courts against Basque nationalists.

More:Ankara hits out at EU’s PKK ‘double standards’ - POLITICS

US promises Turkey role in Raqqa in surprise Ankara meeting

US promises Turkey role in Raqqa in surprise Ankara meeting

US efforts to appease Turkey over its collaboration with Syrian Kurdish-led forces to take Raqqa, the self-declared capital of the Islamic State, appeared to have yielded some progress over the weekend following an unannounced visit by Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Ankara.

More:US promises Turkey role in Raqqa in surprise Ankara meeting

Turkey complaints pile up at European rights court - Yahoo7

Turkey complaints pile up at European rights court

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - The European Court of Human Rights has over the past fortnight received a "substantial" number of complaints from Turkish nationals targeted in Ankara's post-coup crackdown, a spokesman said Monday.

More:Turkey complaints pile up at European rights court - Yahoo7

It's Complicated: Germany and Turkey's troubled free speech relationship - Brown Political Review

It’s Complicated: Germany and Turkey’s troubled free speech relationship
By Allison Meakem November 6, 2016

This July, a sea of red flags emboldened with crescent moons swept over a reeling nation. Just two weeks after Turkey’s failed coup d’état – during which military leaders sent fighter jets flying over Ankara, leaving almost 300 people dead – 40,000 people gathered to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But they were not standing along the Bosporus in Istanbul – instead, they stood on the banks of the Rhine river in Cologne. Like many German cities, Cologne is home to a large population of Turkish migrants and Germans of Turkish descent, emblematic of the two country’s close intercultural ties. Yet Cologne has also become a battleground for the escalating turf war between the two countries over issues of national sovereignty and free speech.

More:It's Complicated: Germany and Turkey's troubled free speech relationship - Brown Political Review

President Erdoğan is now targeting anyone who doesn’t support him | Burhan Sönmez | Opinion | The Guardian

President Erdoğan is now targeting anyone who doesn’t support him
Burhan Sönmez
The Turkey leader’s authoritarianism has reached new heights, with ruthless crackdowns on the media, internet access and Kurdish leaders

More:President Erdoğan is now targeting anyone who doesn’t support him | Burhan Sönmez | Opinion | The Guardian

Turkey: Why Europe Must Stand Up To Erdogan’​s Power Grabs

Turkey: Why Europe Must Stand Up To Erdogan’​s Power Grabs

As Turkish President Erdogan pushes his country towards despotism, European Union leaders — especially in Germany — must take a harder line.

More:Turkey: Why Europe Must Stand Up To Erdogan’​s Power Grabs

Sunday, November 06, 2016

Where is Turkey going at full speed? - MURAT YETKİN

Where is Turkey going at full speed?

Observing the atmosphere of domestic political reconciliation during and after the coup attempt on July 15, some expected that President Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) could use this positive energy to increase the quality of democracy in Turkey.

More:Where is Turkey going at full speed? - MURAT YETKİN

Pro Kurd party quits Turkey parliament over arrests

Pro-Kurd party quits Turkey parliament over arrests

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party on Sunday said it was pulling out of parliament after nine of its MPs including the two co-leaders were arrested in an unprecedented crackdown.

More:Pro Kurd party quits Turkey parliament over arrests

Turkey Under Siege By Erdogan, Lira Collapse Continues | Investing.com

Turkey Under Siege By Erdogan, Lira Collapse Continues
By Mike (Mish) ShedlockMarket Overview8 hours ago (Nov 06, 2016 01:13AM ET)

Mike (Mish) Shedlock

The Kurdish city of Diyarbakir is Under Siege by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who continues a months-long assault on Kurdish politicians, news media, and intellectuals.

More:Turkey Under Siege By Erdogan, Lira Collapse Continues | Investing.com

Saturday, November 05, 2016

New role of Turkey | TNS - The News on Sunday

New role of Turkey

Aftab Afzal Ranjha November 6, 2016 Leave a comment

Turkey has emerged as a major stakeholder in the Mideast affairs and any peace deal on Syria cannot be materialised without a go-ahead from Ankara

More:New role of Turkey | TNS - The News on Sunday

Is Turkey still a democracy? - BBC News

Is Turkey still a democracy?
By Mark Lowen BBC Turkey correspondent

What has happened to Turkey? Four years ago, it was held up by the West as a model for the Muslim world: a democracy (albeit flawed) that was negotiating EU membership and advancing towards a peace settlement with its Kurdish minority.

More:Is Turkey still a democracy? - BBC News

Former editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet predicts end of parliamentarism in Turkey

Former editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet predicts end of parliamentarism in Turkey

BERLIN — The former editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet, Turkey's main opposition newspaper which was raided by Turkish police on Monday (October 31), Can Dundar, has predicted the end of the parliamentary system in Turkey after Turkish authorities arrested the leaders of the country's main pro-Kurdish opposition party in a terrorism probe on Friday (November 4).

More:NRT English

Shots fired at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, two men detained: TV | Reuters

Shots fired at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, two men detained: TV

Turkish authorities briefly barred cars from entering and leaving Istanbul's main Ataturk Airport on Sunday after police fired shots when a motorcycle refused an order to stop, CNN Turk said.

More:Shots fired at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, two men detained: TV | Reuters

The West must contain Erdogan’s Turkey | Comment | ekathimerini.com

The West must contain Erdogan’s Turkey

Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan is increasingly seen as a threat to the stability of the region. His government continues its domestic crackdown in the wake of the failed putsch while issuing indirect as well as direct threats against other states, international organizations and regional institutions. The Turkish president sees enemies lurking in every corner: The West is an enemy. Washington tried to topple him. The European Union did not support him. Erdogan is determined to follow his own path.

More:The West must contain Erdogan’s Turkey | Comment | ekathimerini.com

Friday, November 04, 2016

The UN hits out at Turkey

The UN hits out at Turkey
Catherine Hardy

The UN says Turkey’s detention or suspension of more than 110, 000 officials since a failed coup in July may go “beyond what is permissible”.

More:The UN hits out at Turkey

U.S. concerned about Turkey's arrests of Kurdish leaders: White House | Reuters

U.S. concerned about Turkey's arrests of Kurdish leaders: White House

The United States is "deeply concerned" about the arrests of opposition Kurdish leaders in a terrorism probe in Turkey, a White House spokesman said on Friday.

More:U.S. concerned about Turkey's arrests of Kurdish leaders: White House | Reuters

Why is Turkey detaining Kurds? - CNN.com

Why is Turkey detaining Kurds?

By Fadi Hakura

(CNN)Turkish police detained on Friday the two co-leaders of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democracy Party and 11 other parliamentarians for links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party. Public authorities at the same time blocked access to the WhatsApp messaging service, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

More:Why is Turkey detaining Kurds? - CNN.com

Arrest of Kurdish Leaders Shakes Turkey - WSJ

Arrest of Kurdish Leaders Shakes Turkey

Step in Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on political opposition crackdown spurs deadly bombing, hits markets

More:Arrest of Kurdish Leaders Shakes Turkey - WSJ

After Turkey's condemnation, Belgian prosecutors appeal against controversial PKK ruling - Daily Sabah

After Turkey's condemnation, Belgian prosecutors appeal against controversial PKK ruling
MEHMET SOLMAZ
BRUSSELS
A federal court in Belgium ruled on Friday that the activities of the PKK terrorist organization cannot be classed as terrorism and rather fall under the definition of an "armed campaign." The court ruling, which federal prosecutors immidattely appealed against on the same day, was strongly criticized by Turkey.

More:After Turkey's condemnation, Belgian prosecutors appeal against controversial PKK ruling - Daily Sabah

What could and should the EU do with Turkey’s authoritarian consolidation? | openDemocracy

What could and should the EU do with Turkey’s authoritarian consolidation?
Bilge Yabanci and Kerem Oktem 4 November 2016

Is there a minimal sense of responsibility in European policies towards the people of Turkey, or do we have to content ourselves with European realpolitik?

More:What could and should the EU do with Turkey’s authoritarian consolidation? | openDemocracy

Turkey's new 'Erdogan Doctrine'

Turkey's new 'Erdogan Doctrine'

The strategy is turning heads with its proactive stances. Erdogan recently hosted local village headmen at the presidential palace in Ankara. He definitely caught their attention when he said, “After today we won’t wait for border problems to break out. We won’t wait until the last minute, until we fully sink into a morass. From now on, we will confront problems. Is there a problem with terror? We won’t wait for terror outfits to strike us. Wherever they are, we will go find them and hit them hard.”

More:Turkey's new 'Erdogan Doctrine'

Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself. - The Washington Post

Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself.
By Asli Aydintasbas November 4 at 4:33 PM

The speed of Turkey’s decline is mind-boggling, even when you live through its the day-to-day machinations.

More:Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself. - The Washington Post

ISIL claims Diyarbakir bombing days after 'al-Baghdadi urged attacks on Turkey'

ISIL claims Diyarbakir bombing days after 'al-Baghdadi urged attacks on Turkey'

ISIL has claimed responsibility for a deadly car bomb attack in Diyarbakir, southeast Turkey.

The attack in the early hours of Friday morning (November 4) came less than two days after an audio message – purportedly made by ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi – was released in which he urges fighters to attack both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The recording has not been verified.

More:ISIL claims Diyarbakir bombing days after 'al-Baghdadi urged attacks on Turkey'

Turkey crosses new thresholds in descent to autocracy

Turkey crosses new thresholds in descent to autocracy

Watching the state of affairs in Turkey, one cannot help but wonder whether the country weathered a coup attempt in July or fell victim to a successful one. This alarming question is fueled by three patterns of action the government has followed after the botched coup, using extraordinary powers made possible by its declared state of emergency.

More:Turkey crosses new thresholds in descent to autocracy

#ALDE: ‘Erdoğan deepens the gap between #Turkey and EU’ : EU Reporter

#ALDE: ‘Erdoğan deepens the gap between #Turkey and EU’
EU Reporter Correspondent | November 4, 2016 | 0 Comments

The ALDE Group in the European Parliament is very worried about the latest developments in Turkey following the detention of 2 leaders of the HDP Party together with other Members of the Turkish Parliament.

Commenting on this attack against democracy and rule of law in Turkey, ALDE Group leader, Guy Verhofstadt, said: “The Turkish government’s crackdown on its opponents escalated last night as the two joint leaders of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party were detained along with at least 10 MPs, due to their unwillingness to give testimony for crimes linked to “terrorist propaganda”. Erdoğan abuses power, hiding behind the state of emergency imposed following the coup attempt in July, to hunt down his political enemies.” According to Verhofstadt, The European Union should freeze Turkey’s EU accession process if this measure comes into force and Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe must be suspended. “Erdoğan is using the possibility of the death penalty to gain the support of the Nationalist Movement Party for the impending referendum on constitutional changes, to establish a presidential system. He is ready to sabotage Turkey’s future just to fulfil his own political goals.”

More:#ALDE: ‘Erdoğan deepens the gap between #Turkey and EU’ : EU Reporter

The Washington-Ankara Disconnect

The Washington-Ankara Disconnect
Aaron Stein
November 4, 2016

The United States and Turkey seriously disagree on most major questions on the Syrian Civil War. This divergence has eroded trust and, after Turkey’s military intervention in northern Syria, has complicated American war planning to take Raqqa, the Islamic State’s de-facto capital. The two allies are now pursuing two conflicting policies in Syria and Iraq.

More:The Washington-Ankara Disconnect

Erdogan’s crackdown on pro-Kurdish party plays into the hands of Turkey’s enemies - The Washington Post

Erdogan’s crackdown on pro-Kurdish party plays into the hands of Turkey’s enemies
By Nick Danforth November 4 at 11:41 AM

In the early hours of Nov. 4, Turkish police arrested 12 members of the predominantly Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party, including co-chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag. The arrests will almost certainly escalate the country's ongoing war with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), not only further undermining Turkey’s democracy and stability but increasing the likelihood that Turkish-Kurdish tensions will compromise the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State in northern Syria.

More:Erdogan’s crackdown on pro-Kurdish party plays into the hands of Turkey’s enemies - The Washington Post

Protestors storm stand at Contemporary Istanbul over sculpture depicting last Sultan

Protestors storm stand at Contemporary Istanbul over sculpture depicting last Sultan

Censorship row at Turkish art fair as work by Ali Elmaci inflames local religious group

More:Protestors storm stand at Contemporary Istanbul over sculpture depicting last Sultan

Social media interrupted in Turkey after crackdown | The Times of Israel

Social media interrupted in Turkey after crackdown

WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube slowed or stopped after government arrests top Kurdish lawmakers

More:Social media interrupted in Turkey after crackdown | The Times of Israel

Germany calls in Turkish diplomat over latest arrests | Reuters

Germany calls in Turkish diplomat over latest arrests

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday summoned the Turkish charge d'affaires over Turkey's arrests of Kurdish opposition lawmakers, foreign ministry officials said.

More:Germany calls in Turkish diplomat over latest arrests | Reuters

Beekeepers shun island divide to breed Cyprus' own queen bee | Daily Mail Online

Beekeepers shun island divide to breed Cyprus' own queen bee

By Associated Press

AGILLAR, Cyprus (AP) — For Cyprus beekeepers Soteris Antoniou and Kutret Balci, the Caucasian queen bee just doesn't have what it takes. Despite its reputation as copious honey producer, they say the widely used imported bee simply can't cope with their island's long, scorching summer months and tends to die off in the heat.

More:Beekeepers shun island divide to breed Cyprus' own queen bee | Daily Mail Online

EU-Turkey relations plunge to new low

EU-Turkey relations plunge to new low

By Andrew Rettman
BRUSSELS, Today, 09:27

Turkey has jailed opposition MPs, accused Germany of sheltering terrorists, and threatened, once again, to scrap the EU migrant deal.

Police on Thursday (3 November) arrested 11 MPs from the liberal and pro-Kurdish HDP opposition party, including two of its co-chiefs, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, who were dragged from their homes in the town of Diyarbakir in a midnight raid.

More:EU-Turkey relations plunge to new low

Turkish Markets Tumble as Kurdish Leaders Detained in Raids - Bloomberg

Turkish Markets Tumble as Kurdish Leaders Detained in Raids
Constantine Courcoulas

Turkey’s lira plunged to a record and bonds fell with stocks after police rounded up pro-Kurdish opposition leaders, prompting investor concerns that an increasingly autocratic government is dismantling democracy in the country.

More:Turkish Markets Tumble as Kurdish Leaders Detained in Raids - Bloomberg

Thursday, November 03, 2016

Editorial: Turkey slides into tyranny | Boston Herald

Editorial: Turkey slides into tyranny
Herald Staff Thursday, November 03, 2016

The increasingly autocratic government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken yet another step on the path to destruction of a once thriving democracy.

More:Editorial: Turkey slides into tyranny | Boston Herald

Turkey's main opposition to fight Erdogan's 'one-man regime' - Chicago Tribune

Turkey's main opposition to fight Erdogan's 'one-man regime'
Firat Kozok, (c) 2016, Bloomberg(c) 2016, Bloomberg

Turkey's main opposition party will resist imposition of one-man rule "with all our might," chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu said in an interview, as an expanding government crackdown deepened concerns at home and abroad about the country's direction.

More:Turkey's main opposition to fight Erdogan's 'one-man regime' - Chicago Tribune

Turkey purges gendarmerie over alleged Gulen ties | News | DW.COM | 03.11.2016

Turkey purges gendarmerie over alleged Gulen ties

The Interior Ministry in Turkey has fired over 1,200 soldiers serving in the gendarmerie, citing investigations into the failed coup. Over 100,000 people were suspended or sacked from state jobs since the unrest.

More:Turkey purges gendarmerie over alleged Gulen ties | News | DW.COM | 03.11.2016

Wednesday, November 02, 2016

Turkey is about to find out if more people are safe when armed

Turkey is about to find out if more people are safe when armed

Last year, a close friend advised me to stop trying to make a meager living by writing articles. Instead, this friend said, I should take up firearms training for all the senior Turkish bureaucrats who have been rushing to buy guns. The problem, he said, was that these new gun owners had no idea how to use their weapons. My friend said that's why he began offering private training on how to care for, load, conceal and carry guns. The last phase of training is target practice at a range.

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Turkish turbulence: Cumhuriyet closure is just the beginning | Middle East Eye

Turkish turbulence: Cumhuriyet closure is just the beginning

Closure of left-of-centre paper is part of a shift to authoritarianism in which Turkey's links with the West look increasingly fragile

Could this be the beginning of Turkey’s farewell to Europe and the Western world? On Tuesday, Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told parliamentarians of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP): “We don’t care about your [i.e. Europe’s] red lines. It’s the people who draw the red lines. What importance does your line have?”

More:Turkish turbulence: Cumhuriyet closure is just the beginning | Middle East Eye

Turkey turns its back on Europe - SEMİH İDİZ

Turkey turns its back on Europe

The operation against daily Cumhuriyet beggars belief. A paper that was hounded not so long ago by prosecutors who are accused today of acting at the behest of Fethullah Gülen – the Islamic cleric said to have masterminded the July 15 coup attempt – is now being accused of supporting Gülen.

More:Turkey turns its back on Europe - SEMİH İDİZ

A pull effect for nationalists is a push effect for democrats in Turkey - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

A pull effect for nationalists is a push effect for democrats in Turkey

I first met the journalist Kadri Gürsel more than 20 years ago. But I got to know him better after I moved to Istanbul from Ankara in 2005, when I began to see him more frequently. Each time we met, developments in Turkey had taken a worse turn than they were in our previous meetings. I kept arguing that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s policies were not sustainable, and there would be a limit to democratic backpedaling because Turkey remained anchored to the European Union. Most of all, I had faith in Turkey’s own democratic forces.

More:A pull effect for nationalists is a push effect for democrats in Turkey - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Why are the people of Turkey afraid? - GÜLSE BİRSEL

Why are the people of Turkey afraid?

Dear rulers of my beloved country,

It might be too late by the time you read this letter, so please, read it on the day it is printed in the paper.

More:Why are the people of Turkey afraid? - GÜLSE BİRSEL

Destination ‘great Muslim democracy’: Time to get off the train - BURAK BEKDİL

Destination ‘great Muslim democracy’: Time to get off the train

Every new day adds fresh validation to the adage that “Turkey is fun unless you have to live in it.” In one recent speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described himself as an enemy of interest rates “because interest rates are a means of abuse.”

More:Destination ‘great Muslim democracy’: Time to get off the train - BURAK BEKDİL

The danger with role models

The danger with role models

Opinion in the Arab world is divided when it comes to the policies adopted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the coup attempt in Turkey. Islamists feel their position has been strengthened, while liberal and conservative Arabs look upon recent developments with concern. Analysis by Joseph Croitoru

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Pac-Man Collects Muslim Women, Claims Turkish Ministry - Vocativ

Pac-Man Collects Muslim Women, Claims Turkish Ministry

The Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports has launched a campaign against video games it claims spread Islamophobia

More:Pac-Man Collects Muslim Women, Claims Turkish Ministry - Vocativ

Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul - News from Al Jazeera

Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul

Deployment of Turkish military near border elicits warning from Iraq's Abadi, who says "we do not want war with Turkey".

More:Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul - News from Al Jazeera

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Erdogan hammers the final nail for Turkey’s free press

Erdogan hammers the final nail for Turkey’s free press

A venerable left-leaning daily faces the same fate as other newspapers

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Can Turkey’s Democracy Survive President Erdogan? - The New York Times

Can Turkey’s Democracy Survive President Erdogan?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARDNOV. 1, 2016

What is unnerving in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s march to authoritarianism is how dismally familiar it is: the coup that becomes a pretext for a massive roundup of real and imagined enemies; the claims to be the one man who can withstand the onslaught of foreign foes; the invocation of purported historical slights; the silencing of the news media. The world has seen this before in other countries. The pattern is tried and true; the tough question is how to break it.

More:Can Turkey’s Democracy Survive President Erdogan? - The New York Times

Several tools to promote Turkey - MELİS ALPHAN

Several tools to promote Turkey

Turkey should distance itself from “all inclusive” tourism and focus on faith and nature tourism in order to draw tourists who will spend money in the country.

More:Several tools to promote Turkey - MELİS ALPHAN

Rough Seas Ahead for the Turkish Economy | Stratfor

Rough Seas Ahead for the Turkish Economy

For several years, the Turkish economy has managed to keep its balance despite teetering on the brink of major problems. In 2013, the notorious "taper tantrum" exposed Turkey as one of the Fragile Five countries that would be most affected by an expected tightening in U.S. monetary policy, and the outlook for the country appeared bleak. But Turkey has broadly defied its naysayers. In the years since, its gross domestic product has grown steadily, inflation has been manageable and it has had no major debt defaults, all despite the fear that U.S. interest rate increases would actually come to fruition. Favorable circumstances have helped the Turkish economy defy the gloomy expectations — particularly the 2014-15 drop in global oil prices. But as oil prices stabilize and other positive factors fade away, Turkey looks likely to suffer greater economic hardship over the coming months.

More:Rough Seas Ahead for the Turkish Economy | Stratfor

Turkish military deploy tanks, military vehicles to Iraqi border area: sources | Reuters

Turkish military deploy tanks, military vehicles to Iraqi border area: sources

Turkey's military has begun deploying tanks and other armored vehicles to the town of Silopi near the Iraqi border, in a move the defense minister said on Tuesday was related to the fight against terrorism and developments across the border.

More:Turkish military deploy tanks, military vehicles to Iraqi border area: sources | Reuters

Erdogan rides patriotic wave with crackdown at home, combative policy abroad | Reuters

Erdogan rides patriotic wave with crackdown at home, combative policy abroad

By Humeyra Pamuk and Nick Tattersall | ISTANBUL

In the three and half months since a failed military coup, Turkey has sacked or suspended more than 110,000 people, launched a military incursion into Syria, and repeatedly threatened to do the same in Iraq.

More:Erdogan rides patriotic wave with crackdown at home, combative policy abroad | Reuters

Turkey time: Europe’s Erdogan dilemma

Turkey time: Europe’s Erdogan dilemma
Brussels Blog

Not even the clocks in Turkey can ignore the whims of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This weekend Turkey’s imperious president decided to make it summertime all year. The decision to abandon daylight saving time moves Ankara an hour further from Europe, and into a timezone with Khartoum, Moscow and Riyadh. If only that were the end of it.

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Turkey Rejects Europe's 'Red Line' On Press Freedom After Detentions | Huffington Post

Turkey Rejects Europe’s ‘Red Line’ On Press Freedom After Detentions
Police detained journalists who were accused of helping precipitate the failed coup.
11/01/2016 08:47 am ET

Daren Butler and Humeyra Pamuk

Turkey’s prime minister said he had no regard for Europe’s “red line” on press freedom on Tuesday and warned Ankara would not be brought to heel with threats, rejecting criticism of the detention of senior journalists at an opposition newspaper.

More:Turkey Rejects Europe's 'Red Line' On Press Freedom After Detentions | Huffington Post

Turkish journalists face abuse and threats online as trolls step up attacks | World news | The Guardian

Turkish journalists face abuse and threats online as trolls step up attacks

Two thousand cases of online harassment, smear campaigns and hacking by pro-government ‘lynch mobs’ logged in 2016

More:Turkish journalists face abuse and threats online as trolls step up attacks | World news | The Guardian