Sunday, December 31, 2017

Greece moves to cancel asylum granted to Turkish soldier | Middle East Eye

Greece moves to cancel asylum granted to Turkish soldier
#TurkeyCoup

The Turkish soldier who fled to Greece after the July 2016 attempted coup was granted asylum on the basis that his human rights would be at risk in Turkey

More:Greece moves to cancel asylum granted to Turkish soldier | Middle East Eye

Turkey raises minimum wage around 14 percent to 1,603 liras

Turkey raises minimum wage around 14 percent to 1,603 liras
ANKARA

Turkey will increase its minimum wage by around 14 percent in 2018, for a monthly minimum wage of 1,603 liras ($423.30), Labor Minister Jülide Sarıeroğlu said on Dec. 29.

More:Turkey raises minimum wage around 14 percent to 1,603 liras

Investigation launched into school over ‘veiling party’ in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa

Investigation launched into school over ‘veiling party’ in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa
Gülseven Özkan – ŞANLIURFA

Education authorities in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa’s Bozova district have launched an investigation into the management of a middle school and a teacher after reports that the teacher made girls attending the class wear headscarves.

More:Investigation launched into school over ‘veiling party’ in Turkey’s Şanlıurfa

France’s Macron to Meet Turkey’s Erdogan in Paris - Bloomberg

France’s Macron to Meet Turkey’s Erdogan in Paris
By Alexandre Boksenbaum-Granier
December 31, 2017, 10:53 AM GMT+1

President Emmanuel Macron will meet his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Paris on Jan. 5 to discuss bilateral relations as well as the Middle East issues, according to French president’s office.

More:France’s Macron to Meet Turkey’s Erdogan in Paris - Bloomberg

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Turkey on high alert before New Year's Eve - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey on high alert before New Year's Eve
Source: Xinhua| 2017-12-30 19:15:56|Editor: Zhou Xin

ANKARA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have detained 120 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants on Thursday and Friday in a series of raids across the country, including some believed to be planning attacks on New Year's Eve, as the authorities strengthened security measures ahead of the celebrations in big cities.

More:Turkey on high alert before New Year's Eve - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Friday, December 29, 2017

Turkey updates ‘earthquake map’ after 21 years

Turkey updates ‘earthquake map’ after 21 years
Gizem Karakış – ANKARA

Turkey’s official “earthquake map,” updated with the efforts of five universities and two state institutions for the first time in 21 years, is expected to be presented to the council of ministers on Jan. 1, 2018.

More:Turkey updates ‘earthquake map’ after 21 years

How Robust are Turkey Russia Relations? | EurAsian Times

How Robust are Turkey Russia Relations?

By Nytten - December 29, 2017

How good are Turkey Russia Relations? Despite initial hiccups between both the nations and despite Turkey being a NATO member, Turkey Russia Relations seems to be thriving. Recently, Turkey and Russia signed a loan agreement on the purchase of S-400 systems. The signing of the agreement took place in Ankara. Earlier, the Hurriyet newspaper reported that part of the amount for the complexes Ankara will pay independently, and the other part will be a loan from Moscow. Here is an analysis by on Turkey Russia Relations by EurAsian Times

More:How Robust are Turkey Russia Relations? | EurAsian Times

The Gulen movement in Turkey: Creating an elite to lead the state - Qantara.de

Creating an elite to lead the state

The movement of Turkish imam Fethullah Gulen has relied on schools, educational institutions and clubs to expand to many countries. Many experts view the movement with scepticism, however. They claim that it has cult-like structures and is pursuing a secret agenda, only pretending to be an open-minded education initiative with a moderate take on Islam. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan considers Gulen public enemy number one. By Timur Tinc

More:The Gulen movement in Turkey: Creating an elite to lead the state - Qantara.de

Turkey’s 2018 political outlook | Global Risk Insights

Turkey’s 2018 political outlook

by Leo Kabouche , December 28, 2017

In the coming year, Turkey is likely to face many of the same risks that it experienced during 2017 – specifically civil unrest, foreign policy tensions, an unsettled economy, and a continued threat form terrorist groups.

More:Turkey’s 2018 political outlook | Global Risk Insights

Thursday, December 28, 2017

U.S., Turkey mutually lift visa restrictions, ending months-long row

U.S., Turkey mutually lift visa restrictions, ending months-long row
Ece Toksabay, Tuvan Gumrukcu

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The United States and Turkey lifted all visa restrictions on Thursday after Washington said Ankara had kept to assurances no further U.S. mission staff would be targeted for performing official duties, following detention of two earlier this year.

More:U.S., Turkey mutually lift visa restrictions, ending months-long row

Spotlight: Expectations for early polls high in Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Spotlight: Expectations for early polls high in Turkey
Source: Xinhua| 2017-12-28 17:57:09|Editor: ZD

ISTANBUL, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- As economic incentives are being announced by the Turkish government, many feel snap presidential and parliamentary elections are on the horizon, despite repeated denials from the leadership.

More:Spotlight: Expectations for early polls high in Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey's Erdogan holds out olive branch to Germany, EU | German News | Expatica Germany

Turkey's Erdogan holds out olive branch to Germany, EU

28th December 2017, Comments 0 comments

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope for a better relationship with Germany and the EU after a fractious 2017, saying Ankara needs to reduce its enemies and increase its friends, in an interview published Thursday.

More:Turkey's Erdogan holds out olive branch to Germany, EU | German News | Expatica Germany

2018 Crucial For Turkey U.S. Relations | The Daily Caller

The Year 2018 Is Crucial Year For The Turkey-U.S. Relationship
Photo of Yenal Kucuker
Yenal Kucuker

These days, you do not have to follow relations between the United States and Turkey very closely to know that these critical NATO allies are going through a challenging period in their bilateral relations. Although the relations have been deteriorating for some time, particularly after the coup attempt in 2016, this year has been a particularly difficult year. Following the Trump administration’s Jerusalem decision, it is even more difficult to have an optimistic U.S.-Turkey relation forecast for 2018. However, it is important to keep in mind that the history of U.S.-Turkey relations clearly indicates that despite having difficulties, the overarching strategic relationship has always remained indispensable.

More:2018 Crucial For Turkey U.S. Relations | The Daily Caller

Turkey vows to mend ties with Europe

Turkey vows to mend ties with Europe
Hande Fırat/ CHAD-TUNISIA

Turkey wants to mend ties with prominent European countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, and there are signs for improvement in bilateral relationships following months-long tensions, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, informing about his potential visits to France and the Vatican, signaling improvement in Turkish foreign policy.

More:Turkey vows to mend ties with Europe

Tornos News | Turkey demands France return stolen tiles from Sultan Selim II tomb in Hagia Sophia

Turkey demands France return stolen tiles from Sultan Selim II tomb in Hagia Sophia

Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has demanded that France return china tiles stolen from Sultan Selim II’s tomb at the Hagia Sophia during a so-called restoration in the 1890s.

More:Tornos News | Turkey demands France return stolen tiles from Sultan Selim II tomb in Hagia Sophia

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Turkey: Istanbul to discuss blockchain and the future of digital economy

Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Turkey: Istanbul to discuss blockchain and the future of digital economy
Tech Buzz, 27th December 2017

On March 1, Istanbul will host a large-scale event Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Turkey , dedicated to the study of the role of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in the modern world.

More:Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Turkey: Istanbul to discuss blockchain and the future of digital economy

Turkey to establishe 2,130 MW wind power plants

Turkey to establish 2,130 MW wind power plants
Power News - Published on Wed, 27 Dec 2017

DAILY SABAH reported that the first round of wind power tenders to establish wind power plants across Turkey, which was closely monitored by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak, was completed yesterday. On the first day of tenders, which will run through December 29, bids for 430 megawatts of wind power were collected for eight regions, while 110 energy firms participated in the tender. During the four-day tender, an aggregate amount of 2,130 MW of wind power capacity will be auctioned, and plants will be established in 32 different points across Turkey. On June 21-23, pre-licenses for 710 MW of wind power capacity in 11 regions were issued by the Turkish Electricity Transmission Company .

More:Turkey to establish 2,130 MW wind power plants

Emergency decree gives Turkish security forces authority to open ‘suspicious’ letters

Emergency decree gives Turkish security forces authority to open ‘suspicious’ letters
Mesut Hasan Benli – ANKARA

A recently issued state of emergency decree has given the Turkish security forces authority to open letters deemed “suspicious,” a significant change to the law on “seizure of mails.”

More:Emergency decree gives Turkish security forces authority to open ‘suspicious’ letters

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Brexit deal could serve as model for Ukraine, Turkey - Germany FM | UNIAN

Brexit deal could serve as model for Ukraine, Turkey - Germany

Germany's top diplomat Sigmar Gabriel has said a "smart" Brexit deal may serve as a model for relations with other non-EU states, including Ukraine and Turkey, according to Deutsche Welle.

More:Brexit deal could serve as model for Ukraine, Turkey - Germany FM | UNIAN

Myanmar police to free Turkish state broadcaster journalists in drone case

Myanmar police to free Turkish state broadcaster journalists in drone case
YANGON – Reuters

Myanmar police said on Dec. 26 that they would drop pending charges against two journalists working for Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT World, their interpreter and driver, who were jailed in November for violating an aircraft law by filming with a drone.

More:Myanmar police to free Turkish state broadcaster journalists in drone case

Turkish Government Hires FBI Director's | The Daily Caller

Turkish Government Hires FBI Director’s Longtime Friend For Work On Mystery ‘Legal Matter’

The Turkish government has hired FBI Director Christopher Wray’s longtime friend and former law partner Andrew C. Hruska to work on an unspecified proposal to the Justice Department, according to newly filed government documents.

More:Turkish Government Hires FBI Director's | The Daily Caller

Abbas not adopting Turkish rage against US

Abbas not adopting Turkish rage against US

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas consults Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan leaders concerning the Jerusalem proclamation crisis.

More:Abbas not adopting Turkish rage against US

Monday, December 25, 2017

Critics Say Turkey's New Emergency Decree Could Incite Vigilante Groups

Critics Say Turkey's New Emergency Decree Could Incite Vigilante Groups
December 25, 2017 2:31

Lawyers and politicians in Turkey are warning that a new emergency decree could incite violence, and encourage formation of vigilante groups.

More:Critics Say Turkey's New Emergency Decree Could Incite Vigilante Groups

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Turkey’s nationalist consensus

Turkey’s nationalist consensus

It is good news the majority of the United Nations have voted against Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. However, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his party have seized this opportunity to benefit from the United States president’s unwise decision, by portraying the U.N.’s decision as evidence of Turkey’s international triumph and Erdoğan’s “global leadership.” No politician would miss such an opportunity for domestic political propaganda.

More:Turkey’s nationalist consensus

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Putin, Erdogan agree on creation of Palestinian state

Putin, Erdogan agree on creation of Palestinian state
December 23, 2017

MOSCOW - Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said they both supported creating a Palestinian state, the Kremlin said the day after the UN rejected the decision by Washington to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

More:Putin, Erdogan agree on creation of Palestinian state

Friday, December 22, 2017

Turkey focuses on restoring mutual trust with EU countries

Turkey focuses on restoring mutual trust with EU countries
By Lida Filippakis / Published on: 21-12-2017, 11:49

What the Turkish EU Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Selim Yenel said in Paris can be characterised as a message to the European Union member states.

More:Turkey focuses on restoring mutual trust with EU countries

Thursday, December 21, 2017

A Looming Crisis for Turkey's President - FPIF

A Looming Crisis for Turkey’s President

The very tools that Erdogan has used to make himself into a sort of modern day Ottoman sultan are backfiring.

More:A Looming Crisis for Turkey's President - FPIF

Turkey closes the door to bitcoin

Turkey closes the door to bitcoin

Mehmet Cetingulec
December 20, 2017

Against the backdrop of a global bitcoin frenzy, the Turkish government has taken a stance against cryptocurrencies.

More:Turkey closes the door to bitcoin

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Turkish banker makes second bid for mistrial in U.S. sanctions case

Turkish banker makes second bid for mistrial in U.S. sanctions case
Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lawyers for an executive at Turkey’s majority state-owned Halkbank who is accused of helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions on Wednesday asked a U.S. federal judge to declare a mistrial as jurors were expected to begin deliberating.

More:Turkish banker makes second bid for mistrial in U.S. sanctions case

Turkey, UAE in row over Ottoman pasha

Turkey, UAE in row over Ottoman pasha

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has blasted United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan for accusing Fahreddin Pasha, a Medina governor and commander of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, of “ransacking” Medina in 1916.

More:Turkey, UAE in row over Ottoman pasha

Police to double up on security on anniversary of deadly New Year’s attack in Istanbul

Police to double up on security on anniversary of deadly New Year’s attack in Istanbul
ISTANBUL

Security measures in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, including in the central Taksim Square area, have been doubled up in preparation for New Year’s Eve on the first anniversary of the bloody attack on Istanbul’s Reina nightclub.

More:Police to double up on security on anniversary of deadly New Year’s attack in Istanbul

Turkey bans New Year celebrations at Istanbul's Taksim Square - Times Of Oman

Turkey bans New Year celebrations at Istanbul's Taksim Square

December 20, 2017

Istanbul: Turkish authorities will not allow New Year celebrations at Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square for security reasons, state media reported on Wednesday, quoting local officials.

More:Turkey bans New Year celebrations at Istanbul's Taksim Square - Times Of Oman

Turkey putting ‘certain limits’ on visa applications after US move: Deputy PM 

Turkey putting ‘certain limits’ on visa applications after US move: Deputy PM
ISTANBUL

Ankara is putting “certain limits” on visa applications in its diplomatic missions after Washington’s move to suspend visa proceedings with Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdağ said on Dec. 20.

More:Turkey putting ‘certain limits’ on visa applications after US move: Deputy PM 

Turkey's 'Iron Lady' says she's ready to challenge Erdogan | The Times of Israel

Turkey’s ‘Iron Lady’ says she’s ready to challenge Erdogan

Meral Aksener hopes to lure conservative voters away from strongman leader in bid to become country's first female president

More:Turkey's 'Iron Lady' says she's ready to challenge Erdogan | The Times of Israel

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Prosecutor says Turkish banker lied at trial to protect job - NY Daily News

Prosecutor says Turkish banker lied at trial to protect job

Tuesday, December 19, 2017, 2:34 PM

NEW YORK (AP) — A prosecutor says a Turkish banker lied when testifying in his defense at a New York trial that has strained relations between the U.S. and Turkey.

More:Prosecutor says Turkish banker lied at trial to protect job - NY Daily News

January 2019 is earliest visa appointment date for Turkish citizens: US Embassy

January 2019 is earliest visa appointment date for Turkish citizens: US Embassy
ISTANBUL

The U.S. Embassy in Turkey on Dec. 19 announced that the earliest date for visa appointments regarding non-immigrant applicants in its diplomatic missions in the country is January 2019, following a diplomatic spat that prompted the two NATO allies to mutually suspend granting visas.

More:January 2019 is earliest visa appointment date for Turkish citizens: US Embassy

Monday, December 18, 2017

A Tale of a Dual Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

A Tale of a Dual Turkey

Marc Pierini

Turkey is haphazardly decoupling from Western norms and behavior, but the EU must remain an anchor for Turkish democrats.

More:A Tale of a Dual Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Iran sanctions trial judge slams 'foreign conspiracy theory' | National Business | heraldcourier.com

Iran sanctions trial judge slams 'foreign conspiracy theory'

By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Dec 15, 2017 Updated Dec 15, 2017 (0)

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge on Friday belittled a Turkey official's claims that a Turkish cleric living in Pennsylvania is behind a banker's trial in an Iran economic sanctions conspiracy, labeling it an "illogical foreign conspiracy theory."

More:Iran sanctions trial judge slams 'foreign conspiracy theory' | National Business | heraldcourier.com

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Editorial: A tragic Turkish tale | Boston Herald

Editorial: A tragic Turkish tale
Boston Herald editorial staff Saturday, December 16, 2017

In a federal courtroom in Manhattan a tale of greed and corruption of unparalleled proportions is being told.

More:Editorial: A tragic Turkish tale | Boston Herald

Friday, December 15, 2017

Police foil planned PKK attack on Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul

Police foil planned PKK attack on Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul
Fevzi Kızılkoyun – ISTANBUL
Police foil planned PKK attack on Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul

Police foiled a planned bomb attack by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul earlier this week.

More:Police foil planned PKK attack on Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul

Erdogan’s 40-Year-Old Theory of Inflation Scores a Win in Turkey - Bloomberg

Erdogan’s 40-Year-Old Theory of Inflation Scores a Win in Turkey
By Marc Champion
December 15, 2017, 11:01 AM GMT+1

For years, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hawked an eccentric theory that challenged modern inflation-fighting methods: the key to containing prices was lower interest rates, he maintained. For weeks, he has pressured his own independent central bank not to lift borrowing costs. On Thursday, he chalked up a small victory.

More:Erdogan’s 40-Year-Old Theory of Inflation Scores a Win in Turkey - Bloomberg

Turkish Banker Makes Risky Bet With Testimony in Sanctions Trial - Bloomberg

Turkish Banker Makes Risky Bet With Testimony in Sanctions Trial
By Bob Van Voris
and Christian Berthelsen
December 15, 2017, 6:00 AM GMT+1

Prosecutors neared the end of their case against a Turkish banker accused of helping violate U.S sanctions against Iran, in a trial implicating top Turkish officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as the defendant prepared to take the stand in his own defense.

More:Turkish Banker Makes Risky Bet With Testimony in Sanctions Trial - Bloomberg

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Turkish Lira suffers after Central Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

Turkish Lira suffers after Central Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

Turkey’s Central Bank raised its late liquidity window rate by 0.50 basis points on Dec. 14 after a U.S. Federal Reserve hike, but left its main policy rate on hold, which was followed by a fall in the Turkish Lira’s value.

More:Turkish Lira suffers after Central Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

Why Turkey and Greece cannot reconcile - The Economist explains

Why Turkey and Greece cannot reconcile

The countries are not at each other’s throats, as before, but a rapprochement still seems unlikely

More:Why Turkey and Greece cannot reconcile - The Economist explains

Turkish AKP politician linked to Osmanen Germania boxing gang in Germany | News | DW | 14.12.2017

Turkish AKP politician linked to Osmanen Germania boxing gang in Germany

An investigative report links Ankara to a boxing gang in Germany accused of going after opponents of the Turkish government. The report ties a Turkish MP close to President Erdogan to violent criminal activity.

More:Turkish AKP politician linked to Osmanen Germania boxing gang in Germany | News | DW | 14.12.2017

Turkey: Businessman Offers $780,000 Bounty For Two Former CIA And Pentagon Officials – Eurasia Review

Turkey: Businessman Offers $780,000 Bounty For Two Former CIA And Pentagon Officials

December 14, 2017 MINA 0 Comment By MINA

An anonymous businessman in Turkey has promised a 3 million lira ($780,000) reward to anyone who facilitates the arrest of American former military and intelligence officials. The man has called them “traitors wanting to interfere” in Ankara’s politics.

More:Turkey: Businessman Offers $780,000 Bounty For Two Former CIA And Pentagon Officials – Eurasia Review

Turkey: whistleblowing, media, and the public interest / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso - Transeuropa

Turkey: whistleblowing, media, and the public interest

In Turkey, whistleblowing and journalism based on it are being criminalised, as demonstrated by the cases of Reyhanlı and the trucks of MIT, the Turkish intelligence

More:Turkey: whistleblowing, media, and the public interest / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso - Transeuropa

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Istanbul New Airport’s 42km baggage system ready to roll

Istanbul New Airport’s 42km baggage system ready to roll

The airport is one of the most anticipated builds of 2018, expected to have a capacity of 90 million when it opens next year and 200 million when it’s fully operational.

More:Istanbul New Airport’s 42km baggage system ready to roll

Erdogan and Putin denounce Trump's Jerusalem decision - Israel National News

Erdogan and Putin denounce Trump's Jerusalem decision

Turkish and Russian Presidents warn that recognition of Jerusalem risks escalating tension, as Erdogan continues to attack Israel.

More:Erdogan and Putin denounce Trump's Jerusalem decision - Israel National News

Asu Ozdaglar named head of Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | MIT News

Asu Ozdaglar named head of Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

She succeeds Anantha Chandrakasan, who was named dean of engineering, as leader of MIT’s largest academic department.

More:Asu Ozdaglar named head of Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | MIT News

Monday, December 11, 2017

Former Turkish investigator tells U.S. jury of uncovering bribe scheme

Former Turkish investigator tells U.S. jury of uncovering bribe scheme
Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - A former Turkish police investigator on Monday told jurors in the trial of a Turkish bank executive charged with evading U.S. sanctions against Iran that he found shoeboxes full of cash in the home of another high-ranking Turkish banker.

More:Former Turkish investigator tells U.S. jury of uncovering bribe scheme

Istanbul Atatürk Airport to close but its legacy promises continuing regional dominance by Istanbul | CAPA

Istanbul Atatürk Airport to close but its legacy promises continuing regional dominance by Istanbul

Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport (IST) is scheduled to close in 2018, when a giant new airport for Istanbul opens.

Under the guidance of TAV Airports, the concessionaire for 17 years, Atatürk has grown to be one of the busiest airports in Europe, with the incumbent national carrier Turkish Airlines establishing a hub there over the last decade to rival the one at Dubai for regional and even global dominance.

More:Istanbul Atatürk Airport to close but its legacy promises continuing regional dominance by Istanbul | CAPA

The $42 Billion Reason Turkey's Lira May Not Be Cheap Enough Yet - Bloomberg

The $42 Billion Reason Turkey's Lira May Not Be Cheap Enough Yet
By Constantine Courcoulas
December 11, 2017, 9:39 AM GMT+1

The Turkish lira hasn’t been this cheap in more than a decade, but that’s done little to correct an economic imbalance that makes it vulnerable to more losses.

More:The $42 Billion Reason Turkey's Lira May Not Be Cheap Enough Yet - Bloomberg

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Erdogan calls Israel 'terrorist', Netanyahu hits back | Euronews

Erdogan calls Israel 'terrorist', Netanyahu hits back
By
Natalie Huet
last updated: 10/12/2017

The Israeli prime minister says he won't take lectures from a Turkish president "who jails journalists... and helps terrorists".

More:Erdogan calls Israel 'terrorist', Netanyahu hits back | Euronews

Friday, December 08, 2017

Gold trader says he made 'maybe $150 million' from plot to beat Iran sanctions - CNN

Gold trader says he made 'maybe $150 million' from plot to beat Iran sanctions

By Jose Pagliery, CNN

New York (CNN)(CNN) -- An Iranian-Turkish gold trader admitted in a US court that he made "maybe $150 million" by helping Iran dodge international sanctions.

More:Gold trader says he made 'maybe $150 million' from plot to beat Iran sanctions - CNN

Thursday, December 07, 2017

The Reza Zarrab Case In US, Erdogan’s Paranoia And Turkish Media’s Denial Narrative – OpEd – Eurasia Review

The Reza Zarrab Case In US, Erdogan’s Paranoia And Turkish Media’s Denial Narrative – OpEd
December 7, 2017 Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi* 0 Comment

By Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi*

While the gold trader Reza Zarrab’s case is being closely observed in the international media, the government-controlled Turkish media either skip the story or castigate it as yet another ‘Western conspiracy’ against the ‘Islamic’ Turkey

More:The Reza Zarrab Case In US, Erdogan’s Paranoia And Turkish Media’s Denial Narrative – OpEd – Eurasia Review

International treaties are off-limits, EU warns Turkey – EURACTIV.com

International treaties are off-limits, EU warns Turkey

By Sarantis Michalopoulos | EURACTIV.com

The European Union has made it clear that all candidate countries must respect international treaties, an EU official told EURACTIV.com in reference to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who said in Athens that a 1923 border deal between Turkey and Greece should be updated.

More:International treaties are off-limits, EU warns Turkey – EURACTIV.com

Turkish Banker Case Takes Odd Turn as Zarrab Sued for Rape - Bloomberg

Turkish Banker Case Takes Odd Turn as Zarrab Sued for Rape
By Chris Dolmetsch
and Christian Berthelsen
December 7, 2017, 7:47 PM GMT+1 Updated on December 7, 2017, 9:24 PM GMT+1

The trial against a Turkish banker accused of laundering money for Iran took a bizarre turn as the U.S. government’s star witness was sued for rape by a man who says he was a fellow inmate in a New York City jail.

More:Turkish Banker Case Takes Odd Turn as Zarrab Sued for Rape - Bloomberg

Turkey's Erdogan calls for border treaty review in Greece visit - BBC News

Turkey's Erdogan calls for border treaty review in Greece visit

The first visit to Greece by a Turkish head of state in 65 years has got off to a tense start, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his host swapping pointed remarks.

More:Turkey's Erdogan calls for border treaty review in Greece visit - BBC News

Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Turkish Banker's Lawyer Blames Laundering on Others at Halkbank - Bloomberg

Turkish Banker's Lawyer Blames Laundering on Others at Halkbank
By Christian Berthelsen
and Bob Van Voris
December 6, 2017, 9:15 PM GMT+1

Lawyers for a Turkish banker accused of aiding an Iran sanctions-evasion plot are pointing the finger at his colleagues.

More:Turkish Banker's Lawyer Blames Laundering on Others at Halkbank - Bloomberg

EBRD backs Zorlu Osmangazi’s first Turkish lira-denominated bond

EBRD backs Zorlu Osmangazi’s first Turkish lira-denominated bond

The FINANCIAL -- In a new TL 70 million (€15 million equivalent) capital markets transaction in Turkey, the EBRD is supporting the debut bond issuance by Zorlu Osmangazi Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., a subsidiary of Zorlu Enerji and part of the Turkish conglomerate Zorlu Holding.

More:EBRD backs Zorlu Osmangazi’s first Turkish lira-denominated bond

Why the Trump Team May Be Worried About a Billion-Dollar Money Laundering Case

Why the Trump Team May Be Worried About a Billion-Dollar Money Laundering Case
By Bill Powell On 12/6/17 at 8:00 AM

It was supposed to be an ordinary family vacation, but it turned into something with grave global implications—and it wasn’t very relaxing.

In the spring of 2016, Reza Zarrab—a wealthy, 34-year-old gold trader—boarded a plane from Istanbul to Miami. He and his wife, the glamorous Turkish pop star Ebru Gündes, told friends they were taking their daughter to Disney World.

More:Why the Trump Team May Be Worried About a Billion-Dollar Money Laundering Case

Erdogan visit to Greece seen as historic in Athens | Euronews

Erdogan visit to Greece seen as historic in Athens
By
Robert Hackwill
last updated: 06/12/2017

For the first time in 65 years a Turkish president is visiting Greece amid hopes of a breakthrough on the Cyprus issue.

More:Erdogan visit to Greece seen as historic in Athens | Euronews

Are Turkey and Europe seeking a new kind of relationship?

Are Turkey and Europe seeking a new kind of relationship?
Semih Idiz December 5, 2017

Article Summary
Turkey’s EU membership bid has reached an impasse, but cooperation between Ankara and Brussels continues in key areas of mutual interest.

More:Are Turkey and Europe seeking a new kind of relationship?

“‎Erdoğan’‎s U-turn on Atatürk Avenue”‎ | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

“‎Erdoğan’‎s U-turn on Atatürk Avenue”‎

Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak studies the surprising recent conduct of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan towards the founder of the Turkish Republic on the anniversary of his death.

More:“‎Erdoğan’‎s U-turn on Atatürk Avenue”‎ | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

Conspiracy or Not, Turkey’s Ties to West Are at Risk - Bloomberg

Conspiracy or Not, Turkey’s Ties to West Are at Risk
What was once unthinkable has become possible as Erdogan hits out against the U.S.
By Marc Champion
December 5, 2017, 3:01 AM GMT+1

From his fish shop in Istanbul's Kasimpasa district, Mustafa Bir is gripped by a U.S. courtroom drama that he says just proves what he suspected all along: the Americans are out to get Turkey.

More:Conspiracy or Not, Turkey’s Ties to West Are at Risk - Bloomberg

Defense: Government Delayed Evidence in Turkish Banker Case

Defense: Government Delayed Evidence in Turkish Banker Case
December 04, 2017 8:05 PM

The government's star witness in the New York trial of a Turkish banker once said it’s necessary in America to admit crimes that never occurred to get out of prison, defense lawyers wrote in a letter to the trial judge Monday.

More:Defense: Government Delayed Evidence in Turkish Banker Case

Will Erdogan address Greece's military upgrades during visit?

Will Erdogan address Greece's military upgrades during visit?
Sarah Souli December 4, 2017

Article Summary
A US sale of F-16 fighter upgrade kits to Greece's outdated fleet could increase tensions with Turkey, or it could be offset by the Turkish president's historic visit to Athens this week.

More:Will Erdogan address Greece's military upgrades during visit?

Monday, December 04, 2017

Turkey’s annual inflation hits 14-year peak in November with nearly 13 pct

Turkey’s annual inflation hits 14-year peak in November with nearly 13 pct

Turkish inflation hit its highest in 14 years in November, surging by an annual 12.98 percent as transport and food costs spiked, official data showed on Dec. 4.

More:Turkey’s annual inflation hits 14-year peak in November with nearly 13 pct

Saturday, December 02, 2017

The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan - The Atlantic

The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan

A major sanctions case could further imperil an already fraught relationship between Washington and Ankara, and reveal the Turkish president’s illicit dealings.

More:The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan - The Atlantic

Friday, December 01, 2017

Turkish Gold Trader Testifies on Bank Executive's Role in Sham Food Sales | U.S. News | US News

Turkish Gold Trader Testifies on Bank Executive's Role in Sham Food Sales

Dec. 1, 2017, at 4:39 p.m.

By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A Turkish-Iranian gold trader testifying for U.S. prosecutors in a New York court on Friday gave his most detailed account yet of how he claims an executive of Turkey's state-owned Halkbank devised key parts of a plan to launder money for Iran through fake food sales.

More:Turkish Gold Trader Testifies on Bank Executive's Role in Sham Food Sales | U.S. News | US News

Turks flock to social media for gold trader sanctions case

Turks flock to social media for gold trader sanctions case
Ece Toksabay, Tuvan Gumrukcu

ANKARA (Reuters) - Allegations of wrongdoing by Turkey’s political and financial leaders have transfixed the country this week, but with some newspapers focusing instead on courtroom conspiracies and clothes, many Turks have been left hungry for news.

More:Turks flock to social media for gold trader sanctions case

Main opposition CHP makes off-shore bank documents public

Main opposition CHP makes off-shore bank documents public
ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) spokesperson Bülent Tezcan on Dec. 1 provided the media with documents purportedly revealing off-shore bank transactions of the close circle of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

More:Main opposition CHP makes off-shore bank documents public

Street food vendors up in arms over possible EU kebab ban | Fox News

Street food vendors up in arms over possible EU kebab ban
By KIRSTEN GRIESHABER and RAF CASERT | Associated Press

BERLIN – The doner kebab, that grilled fast-food sandwich which is the gastronomic equivalent of an American hamburger in many European cities, is under fire.

More:Street food vendors up in arms over possible EU kebab ban | Fox News

Islam, Ottoman, Erdogan: New Core Of Turkey's Education System - Worldcrunch

Islam, Ottoman, Erdogan: New Core Of Turkey's Education System

ISTANBUL — Forget about Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Starting this year, Turkish students will instead be taught that human beings were created by God. They'll also learn about jihad, an announcement that triggered an outcry in secular circles.

More:Islam, Ottoman, Erdogan: New Core Of Turkey's Education System - Worldcrunch

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Is Turkey Turning Into a Mafia State? | Foreign Affairs

Is Turkey Turning Into a Mafia State?
The Case of Reza Zarrab and the Rise in Organized Crime
By Ryan Gingeras

Earlier this week, the trial for the Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab began in lower Manhattan. Zarrab, who has close ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, allegedly ran an elaborate gold-for-oil scheme to circumvent international sanctions against Iran, possibly with the assistance of relatives and allies of Turkish government ministers. (U.S. officials had arrested Zarrab in March 2016 while he was vacationing in Miami, Florida.) Soon after the proceedings began, however, the charges were dropped, and on Wednesday, Zarrab took the witness stand instead, making damning claims that he had bribed an economy minister as part of his sanctions-skirting racket. The whole affair, which could implicate Erdogan, has put the Turkish leader on edge, and he has lashed out against the United States, criticizing it for falling prey to an elaborate conspiracy to bring down the Turkish regime. The real culprit driving the probe, he has insisted, is Fethullah Gulen, the spiritual leader of the prominent Hizmet (or “Gulenist”) movement who lives in exile in Pennsylvania and who Erdogan claims orchestrated the July 2016 coup against him.

More:Is Turkey Turning Into a Mafia State? | Foreign Affairs

Zarrab fingers Erdogan in NY trial bombshell

Zarrab fingers Erdogan in NY trial bombshell
Amberin Zaman November 30, 2017

Article Summary
Iranian-Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab, testifying before a New York jury, has implicated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his former economy minister in a massive sanctions-busting scheme as Turkey does its frantic best to spin the story at home.

More:Zarrab fingers Erdogan in NY trial bombshell

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

US Trial Threatens Funding for Turkey's Dollar-dependent Banks

US Trial Threatens Funding for Turkey's Dollar-dependent Banks
November 29, 2017 4:21 PM

LONDON/ISTANBUL —

Turkey's deteriorating finances are hurting the country's banks whose reliance on dollar funding makes them vulnerable to the worst-case scenario: a sudden halt or reversal of foreign investment flows.

More:US Trial Threatens Funding for Turkey's Dollar-dependent Banks

Turkish-Iranian Businessman Tells U.S. Court He Bribed Turkish Minister

Turkish-Iranian Businessman Tells U.S. Court He Bribed Turkish Minister
November 29, 2017 20:32 GMT

A wealthy Turkish-Iranian businessman has testified that he bribed Turkey’s economy minister millions of dollars in 2012 to facilitate a deal to help Iran evade U.S. financial sanctions.

More:Turkish-Iranian Businessman Tells U.S. Court He Bribed Turkish Minister

The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan - The Atlantic

The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan

A major sanctions case could further imperil an already fraught relationship between Washington and Ankara, and reveal the Turkish president’s illicit dealings.

More:The Unyielding Paranoia of Recep Tayyip Erdogan - The Atlantic

Turkish-U.S. relations: Erdogan's Machiavellian motives - Qantara.de

Turkish-U.S. relations
Erdogan's Machiavellian motives

The Turkish president and his AKP party are adept at switching sides. Now they're embracing Putin and damning the United States. Why? Because an up-coming trial in America could potentially compromise Erdogan. By Bulent Mumay

More:Turkish-U.S. relations: Erdogan's Machiavellian motives - Qantara.de

Justice TV, Turkish style

Justice TV, Turkish style

If random strangers at the bus stop or in the subway ask you about a certain court case ongoing in New York, or the fall in the value of the Turkish Lira, then you know something is wrong.

More:Justice TV, Turkish style

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Turkish Opposition Claims Erdogan's Family Hid Money Offshore

Turkish Opposition Claims Erdogan's Family Hid Money Offshore
November 28, 2017 2:24 PM

Dorian Jones

ISTANBUL —

The leader of Turkey's main opposition has produced what he claims is evidence of millions of dollars held in offshore bank accounts linked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkish Opposition Claims Erdogan's Family Hid Money Offshore

Fake gold and fake food: US court hears how a Turkish banker helped Iran avoid sanctions - The National

Fake gold and fake food: US court hears how a Turkish banker helped Iran avoid sanctions

The case, being heard in New York’s federal court, has already raised tensions between the US and Turkey, which accuses Washington of interfering in Turkish politics.

More:Fake gold and fake food: US court hears how a Turkish banker helped Iran avoid sanctions - The National

Turkish gold trader is cooperating witness, Feds reveal | Newsday

Turkish gold trader is cooperating witness, Feds reveal

The status of Reza Zarrab had been a mystery for weeks since a Bureau of Prisons website said he was no longer in custody.

More:Turkish gold trader is cooperating witness, Feds reveal | Newsday

Turkey’s Alevis on edge after homes vandalized

Turkey’s Alevis on edge after homes vandalized
Ayla Jean Yackley November 28, 2017

Article Summary
More than a dozen Alevi homes were recently marked with red paint, setting off alarm bells for Turkey's largest minority group, which has a long memory of sectarian violence.

Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/11/turkey-alevi-homes-vandalized.html#ixzz4zlXXGzqL


More:Turkey’s Alevis on edge after homes vandalized

Turkish court orders detention of two over U.S. court case: CNN Turk

Turkish court orders detention of two over U.S. court case: CNN Turk

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A Turkish court has issued detention warrants for two people including a former opposition lawmaker for allegedly providing fake evidence and documents to a court case in the United States, private broadcaster CNN Turk said on Tuesday.

More:Turkish court orders detention of two over U.S. court case: CNN Turk

Reza Zarrab agrees to testify against Turkish banker Atilla in case of US sanctions on Iran

Reza Zarrab agrees to testify against Turkish banker Atilla in case of US sanctions on Iran
NEW YORK

Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab has agreed to testify against former Halkbank deputy general manager Hakan Atilla in a case about evading U.S. sanctions on Iran, Doğan News Agency reported on Nov. 28, citing a prosecutor in the case.

More:Reza Zarrab agrees to testify against Turkish banker Atilla in case of US sanctions on Iran

Gold Trader to Tell U.S. Jury Inside Story of Turkish Corruption - Bloomberg


Gold Trader to Tell U.S. Jury Inside Story of Turkish Corruption
By Christian Berthelsen
and Bob Van Voris
November 28, 2017, 2:59 PM GMT+1 Updated on November 28, 2017, 4:41 PM GMT+1

Zarrab is the ‘most important witness,’ defense lawyer says
Banker Atilla on trial in New York for aiding sanctions plot

Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian gold trader at the center of an international corruption case that has strained relations between the U.S. and Turkey, is set to tell a New York jury the “inside story” of a plot to evade American sanctions on Iran that reached the highest levels of the Turkish government, a prosecutor said.

More:Gold Trader to Tell U.S. Jury Inside Story of Turkish Corruption - Bloomberg

Greece arrests nine suspected Turkish extremists

Greece arrests nine suspected Turkish extremists

Erdogan is next month to make the first visit to Greece by a Turkish head of state in 65 years

Nine Turkish nationals suspected of belonging to leftwing extremist organisations were arrested Tuesday during an anti-terrorist operation in Athens, police said.

More:Greece arrests nine suspected Turkish extremists

Turkish warplanes shell Mount Asos north of Sulaimani

Turkish warplanes shell Mount Asos north of Sulaimani

SULAIAMANI – Turkish warplanes shelled the Mount Asos in the province of Sulaimani on Monday night (November 27), mayor and residents in the area said.

Mayor of Mawat district told NRT that four warplanes conducted airstrikes at 9 p.m. on Monday in the Mount Asos in the district.

More:Turkish warplanes shell Mount Asos north of Sulaimani

Turkey's major parties seek political alignment for 2019 elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey's major parties seek political alignment for 2019 elections

ANKARA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are seeking consensus to form electoral alliance to boost their chances in 2019 multiple elections.

More:Turkey's major parties seek political alignment for 2019 elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkish PM says EU confused since Brexit, needs to revisit Turkey's future place

Turkish PM says EU confused since Brexit, needs to revisit Turkey's future place

LONDON (Reuters) - The European Union is “entirely confused” since Britain voted to leave the bloc and it needs to revisit its vision for enlargement and Turkey’s place in that, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Monday.

More:Turkish PM says EU confused since Brexit, needs to revisit Turkey's future place

Turkey's creative schemes aim to discredit Zarrab case in US


Turkey's creative schemes aim to discredit Zarrab case in US
Pinar Tremblay November 27, 2017

Article Summary
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his team failed to convince the United States to agree to a “diplomatic solution” in the financial crime case involving Reza Zarrab and Turkey’s top bankers and former ministers. Now, Erdogan claims the case is a conspiracy against Turkey between the United States and the Gulen movement.

More:Turkey's creative schemes aim to discredit Zarrab case in US

Monday, November 27, 2017

Turkey says U.S. wants use gold trader case to impose sanctions on Ankara

Turkey says U.S. wants use gold trader case to impose sanctions on Ankara

Reuters Staff

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Monday that the United States wanted to use the trial in New York of a Turkish gold trader to impose sanctions on Ankara.

More:Turkey says U.S. wants use gold trader case to impose sanctions on Ankara

Reza Zarrab, Turkish gold trader tied to Erdogan, avoids trial - NBC News

Reza Zarrab, Turkish gold trader tied to Erdogan, avoids trial

by Tracy Connor and Tom Winter

A Turkish gold trader with ties to President Recep Erdogan will not go on trial in the U.S. this week for allegedly skirting American sanctions against Iran.

More:Reza Zarrab, Turkish gold trader tied to Erdogan, avoids trial - NBC News

Jury Selection Begins for Trial of Turkish Bank Executive | Business News | US News

Jury Selection Begins for Trial of Turkish Bank Executive

A jury was selected Monday at the trial of a top executive for a state-run bank in Turkey accused of conspiring to help Iran evade economic sanctions.

More:Jury Selection Begins for Trial of Turkish Bank Executive | Business News | US News

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Spotlight: Renovation of Turkey's conflict-ravaged old city stirs debate - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Spotlight: Renovation of Turkey's conflict-ravaged old city stirs debate
Source: Xinhua

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The renovation work launched by the Turkish government in the conflict-ravaged old city of Diyarbakir has stirred debate among the local population and experts who call on authorities to preserve historic sites.

More:Spotlight: Renovation of Turkey's conflict-ravaged old city stirs debate - Xinhua | English.news.cn

I'll resign if CHP proves my dime abroad: Erdoğan

I'll resign if CHP proves my dime abroad: Erdoğan
ISTANBUL

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has challenged the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader to reveal any documents proving allegations that he and his family have money stashed away in offshore tax-havens.

More:I'll resign if CHP proves my dime abroad: Erdoğan

Turkey's new reform plan for women to come into force by New Year


In an event held for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says violence against women is "betrayal to humanity.”

More:Turkey's new reform plan for women to come into force by New Year

Editorial: Turkish vs. U.S. justice | Boston Herald

Editorial: Turkish vs. U.S. justice

The trial of a Turkish-Iranian gold trader set to begin in federal court in New York this week has taken yet another intriguing turn on two continents.

More:Editorial: Turkish vs. U.S. justice | Boston Herald

U.S.-Turkish political stew: Kurds, Flynn — and even Bharara | Newsday

U.S.-Turkish political stew: Kurds, Flynn — and even Bharara

President Donald Trump’s shows of political coziness with Turkish President Recep Tayyp Erdogan always add an extra layer of intrigue to foreign-policy news.

More:U.S.-Turkish political stew: Kurds, Flynn — and even Bharara | Newsday

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Turkey’s Torrid Love Affair With Michael Flynn - POLITICO Magazine

Turkey’s Torrid Love Affair With Michael Flynn

A failed coup and a national obsession with an elderly cleric embroiled Trump’s formed national security adviser in scandal.

By ZIA WEISE

November 25, 2017

ISTANBUL—Were Michael Flynn a Turkish citizen, it’s very likely he would be sitting in prison right now, awaiting trial for terror crimes.
More:Turkey’s Torrid Love Affair With Michael Flynn - POLITICO Magazine

Nationalistic Turkish bank advert leads to social media reaction | Ahval

Nationalistic Turkish bank advert leads to social media reaction

A nationalistic advert for a Turkish state bank has prompted a flurry of social media reaction trying to work out its true meaning.

The advertisement for Ziraat Bank, which shows a series of Turkish landscapes, cultural events and foods, is accompanied by a soundtrack that says, “Give this up, then”, listing things that an expatriate Turk might feel nostalgia for.

More:Nationalistic Turkish bank advert leads to social media reaction | Ahval

Friday, November 24, 2017

ISIL operated ‘madrasah’ in Turkish capital: Indictment

ISIL operated ‘madrasah’ in Turkish capital: Indictment

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) operated a so-called madrasah in the capital Ankara, according to an indictment against alleged members of the jihadist group.

More:ISIL operated ‘madrasah’ in Turkish capital: Indictment

Turkey Says Trump Told Erdogan Weapons Won't Be Supplied to Kurdish YPG | World News | US News

Turkey Says Trump Told Erdogan Weapons Won't Be Supplied to Kurdish YPG

Nov. 24, 2017, at 10:28 a.m.

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump told President Tayyip Erdogan he had issued instructions that weapons should not be provided to Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria, and that the Turkish government hoped to see that order carried out.

More:Turkey Says Trump Told Erdogan Weapons Won't Be Supplied to Kurdish YPG | World News | US News

The Zarrab affair | European Council on Foreign Relations

The Zarrab affair
Commentary

Asli Aydıntaşbaş
24th November, 2017

The saga of an Iranian gold trader has driven a wedge between Turkey and its allies.

To understand Turkey today, you have to get into the mindset of Turkey’s ruling Justice of Development Party (AKP). No news bulletin can convey the sense of siege - the feeling that the entire world is collaborating to destroy Turkey and its leadership - that emanates from the ruling party these days.

More:The Zarrab affair | European Council on Foreign Relations

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Turkey will complete tax regulations, inclusion in EU blacklist out of question: finance minister

Turkey will complete tax regulations, inclusion in EU blacklist out of question: finance minister

ANKARA/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey promised the European Union last week that it would complete secondary tax regulations soon, Finance Minister Naci Agbal said on Thursday, adding that it was out of the question for the bloc to include Turkey in a blacklist of tax havens.

More:Turkey will complete tax regulations, inclusion in EU blacklist out of question: finance minister

The rise and fall of Turkey’s Erdogan | Asia Times

The rise and fall of Turkey’s Erdogan

The Prime Minister has taken a long, strange path to the crossroads he now faces and every direction is fraught with danger

More:The rise and fall of Turkey’s Erdogan | Asia Times

Erdogan, First Turkish Pres. to Visit Greece in 65 Years Despite Cyprus Occupation | Al Bawaba

Erdogan, First Turkish Pres. to Visit Greece in 65 Years Despite Cyprus Occupation

Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be the first Turkish president to visit Greece in 65 years, Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu said Thursday.

More:Erdogan, First Turkish Pres. to Visit Greece in 65 Years Despite Cyprus Occupation | Al Bawaba

Why Turkey feels burned by Trump – POLITICO

Why Turkey feels burned by Trump

The Turks thought the president would be their friend. Instead, ties with Washington have only gotten worse.

More:Why Turkey feels burned by Trump – POLITICO

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The Shocking Reason Why Turkey Is Gobbling Up Gold

The Shocking Reason Why Turkey Is Gobbling Up Gold

By Peter Reagan
Wednesday, 22 Nov 2017 05:01 PM Current | Bio | Archive

Recent investment statistics have revealed that the Turks are buying more gold than ever before. In fact, they imported more than a staggering 16 billion dollars’ worth of gold in September alone.

More:The Shocking Reason Why Turkey Is Gobbling Up Gold

Who are the 11 human rights activists going on trial in Turkey? - LA Times

Who are the 11 human rights activists going on trial in Turkey?
Turkey human rights

Eleven human rights activists, including nine Turks, a Swede and a German, are scheduled to appear in court in Istanbul on Wednesday despite an international groundswell of condemnation over the Turkish government’s decision to try them on charges of aiding terror organizations.

More:Who are the 11 human rights activists going on trial in Turkey? - LA Times

Russia, Turkey, Iran team up to broker Syrian peace - Portland Press Herald

Russia, Turkey, Iran team up to broker Syrian peace

The leaders of the three countries meet in Russia to discuss ways to promote a peaceful settlement.

More:Russia, Turkey, Iran team up to broker Syrian peace - Portland Press Herald

Turkey’s feuding with allies hits financial markets

Turkey’s feuding with allies hits financial markets
Ayla Jean Yackley November 22, 2017

Article Summary
Turkey's lira has sunk to a record low as the government lashes out at NATO and implies the United States is out to harm the Turkish economy.

More:Turkey’s feuding with allies hits financial markets

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Turkey’s central bank takes action as lira hits record low

Turkey’s central bank takes action as lira hits record low

Currency hit by persistent political interference and deteriorating US relations

More:Turkey’s central bank takes action as lira hits record low

The Turkish lira (TRL) is setting all-time lows as Erdogan picks a fight with the central bank — Quartz

The Turkish lira is setting all-time lows as Erdogan picks another fight with the central bank
Eshe Nelson
November 21, 2017

It’s a battle that neither side is destined to win. Last week, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan picked another fight with the country’s central bank, spooking investors already worried about the institution’s independence. Erdogan said on Nov. 17 that the bank’s officials were on the “wrong path” by raising interest rates to battle inflation.

More:The Turkish lira (TRL) is setting all-time lows as Erdogan picks a fight with the central bank — Quartz

Turkey Forgets Lesson It Taught Russia on Ending Market Rout - Bloomberg

Turkey Forgets Lesson It Taught Russia on Ending Market Rout
By Anna Andrianova
, Ksenia Galouchko
, and Olga Tanas
November 21, 2017, 8:31 AM EST Updated on November 21, 2017, 12:45 PM EST

Bloomberg’s Simin Demokan discusses politics and the central bank in Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shouldn’t forget the time he taught Russian leader Vladimir Putin how to manage a currency crisis.

More:Turkey Forgets Lesson It Taught Russia on Ending Market Rout - Bloomberg

A Campaign Erdogan's Unlikely to Win: His Battle With Markets - Bloomberg

A Campaign Erdogan's Unlikely to Win: His Battle With Markets
By Selcuk Gokoluk
November 21, 2017, 12:30 PM EST

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking on financial markets again, and if history is a guide, he’s going to lose.

More:A Campaign Erdogan's Unlikely to Win: His Battle With Markets - Bloomberg

Turkish lira hits record low against US dollar - Al Arabiya English

Turkish lira hits record low against US dollar
The Turkish lira hit record lows in value against the US dollar on Tuesday.

The Turkish lira hit record lows in value against the US dollar on Tuesday as investors took fright over an impending trial in the United States and changes to banking regulations.

More:Turkish lira hits record low against US dollar - Al Arabiya English

CNN Turk Accused Of Being Pro-Government Outl | The Daily Caller

CNN’s Turkish Media Problem
Photo of Chuck Ross
Chuck Ross

To survive as a major news outlet in Turkey these days, TV networks and newspapers must stay on the good side of the NATO nation’s authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his ruling Justice & Development Party.
More:CNN Turk Accused Of Being Pro-Government Outl | The Daily Caller

Monday, November 20, 2017

Russia's winning the war for Turkish public's trust

Russia's winning the war for Turkish public's trust
Metin Gurcan November 20, 2017

Article Summary
Aided by the West's growing irritation with and neglect of Ankara, Moscow is convincing the Turkish public that Russia is its most reliable defense and security ally.

More:Russia's winning the war for Turkish public's trust

U.S., Turkey Need Stronger Ties, Say Experts

U.S., Turkey Need Stronger Ties, Say Experts

On the eve of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, the Turkish Heritage Organization held a Nov. 8 congressional staff briefing on U.S.-Turkey relations at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.

More:U.S., Turkey Need Stronger Ties, Say Experts

Turkish Bonds Tumble as Central Bank Fails to Shore Up Lira - Bloomberg

Turkish Bonds Tumble as Central Bank Fails to Shore Up Lira
By Constantine Courcoulas

Turkish Bonds Tumble Amid U.S., NATO Feud

The Turkish central bank’s latest measures are failing to bolster confidence.

More:Turkish Bonds Tumble as Central Bank Fails to Shore Up Lira - Bloomberg

Meral Aksener is not afraid of President Erdogan

Meral Aksener is not afraid of President Erdogan
By Lida Filippakis / Published on: 20-11-2017, 21:13

She is also known as Turkey's "Iron Lady" and has already proved that she relishes the challenge of power and would not easily relinquish centre-stage politics. Meral Aksener is no newbie. And she is back to challenge the present head of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan who, if he allows "a free election to take place", as The economist wrote, she might be his main rival.

More:Meral Aksener is not afraid of President Erdogan

Warplanes: Turks Lag But Persist

Warplanes: Turks Lag But Persist

November 20, 2017: In mid-2017 STM, a state owned Turkish firm, put on the market three new locally developed UAVs. These UAVs (Alpagu, Kargu and Togan) are simpler and smaller than earlier Turkish efforts. STM declared that the three new UAVs were already in service, which meant that Turkish troops and police tested them and found them useful. What the manufacturers want is export sales and these UAVs address a market that is currently very crowded and competitive.

More:Warplanes: Turks Lag But Persist

Erdogan’s 'pious generation' curriculum gets failing grade

Erdogan’s 'pious generation' curriculum gets failing grade
Pinar Tremblay November 17, 2017

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a ceremony as he is flanked by top officials and army officers at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, marking the anniversary of Ataturk's death, in Ankara, Turkey, Nov. 10, 2017.

More:Erdogan’s 'pious generation' curriculum gets failing grade

Insights Into Turkish Domestic and International Politics - Stratfor Worldview

Insights Into Turkish Domestic and International Politics
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to the press as the 2017 G-20 summit winds down.

By Ben McPherson for the European Geopolitical Forum (EGF)

Key Points:

President Erdogan has successful visit to New York in connection with UN Summit, but new Ankara-Washington tensions grow over the arrest of a Turkish national working at the US embassy. Both countries have announced the suspension of all non-immigrant visas, a serious development.

More:Insights Into Turkish Domestic and International Politics - Stratfor Worldview

Turkish Airlines launches Braille boarding passes

Turkish Airlines launches Braille boarding passes

Turkish Airlines has started to offer embossed boarding passes written in Braille for its visually impaired passengers, to make the flight experience easier for them.

More:Turkish Airlines launches Braille boarding passes

Is a Deal in the Works for Turkish Businessman Implicated in Iran Sanctions Case? – Foreign Policy

Is a Deal in the Works for Turkish Businessman Implicated in Iran Sanctions Case?
With jury selection scheduled for Monday, Reza Zarrab is MIA.
By Elias Groll | November 20, 2017, 7:00 AM

Before he was accused of masterminding a multibillion dollar sanctions-busting scheme involving gold sales to Iran in exchange for oil and gas, Reza Zarrab was one of Turkey’s most visible businessmen. With his vast real estate holdings, private plane, and pop star wife, Zarrab was a symbol of the country’s new elite, with connections at the highest levels of the Turkish government.

More:Is a Deal in the Works for Turkish Businessman Implicated in Iran Sanctions Case? – Foreign Policy

Erdogan aide: Turkey should review NATO membership | WTOP

Erdogan aide: Turkey should review NATO membership
By The Associated Press November 20, 2017 10:08 am

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish media reports are quoting an adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying it’s time for Turkey to review its membership in the NATO military alliance.

More:Erdogan aide: Turkey should review NATO membership | WTOP

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Suez, Panama … Istanbul? Turkey’s grand canal plan – POLITICO

Suez, Panama … Istanbul? Turkey’s grand canal plan

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan calls canal his ‘crazy project.’ Opponents say it’s an environmental nightmare.

More:Suez, Panama … Istanbul? Turkey’s grand canal plan – POLITICO

Saturday, November 18, 2017

$3.5 Million: Turkish Kidnapping Gang Targeting Bitcoin Holders Busted

$3.5 Million: Turkish Kidnapping Gang Targeting Bitcoin Holders Busted
Francisco Memoria on 18/11/2017

According to Turkish newspaper Habertürk, police recently managed to capture a gang of five extortionists in Merter, a suburb west of Istanbul, one of the country’s biggest cities, making it the first time police carried out an operation in a bitcoin-related crime in Turkey. The extortionists, according to reports, managed to steal 450 bitcoins, worth about $3.54 million, from a businessman earlier this week.

More:$3.5 Million: Turkish Kidnapping Gang Targeting Bitcoin Holders Busted

The evolution of Turkish-Russian relations | Arab News

The evolution of Turkish-Russian relations

The past decade has seen considerable change in Russia’s Middle East policy, with greater involvement in regional crises and engagement in good relations with key countries and non-state actors. Russia’s policy at times converges with Turkey’s, and at other times challenges it. Turkish-Russian relations have survived several crises, the most severe being in November 2015 when Turkey shot down a Russian jet along its border with Syria.

More:The evolution of Turkish-Russian relations | Arab News

EU slashes Turkey’s pre-accession funds by $124m | Arab News

EU slashes Turkey’s pre-accession funds by $124m
Menekse Tokyay | Published — Sunday 19 November 2017

ANKARA: After several calls from German Chancellor Angela Merkel for a cut to the EU’s pre-accession assistance to Turkey, the bloc announced on Saturday a significant decrease in its funds for Turkey under the EU’s 2018 budget deal.

More:EU slashes Turkey’s pre-accession funds by $124m | Arab News

Turkey's President Erdogan rejects NATO apology over "enemy chart"

Turkey's President Erdogan rejects NATO apology over "enemy chart"

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the disrespectful behaviour of NATO cannot be covered over with a simple apology after his name, along with the name of Turkey's founding president, was included in an enemy list during a training exercise.

More:Turkey's President Erdogan rejects NATO apology over "enemy chart"

Friday, November 17, 2017

Erdogan Ends Rates Truce, Decrying Central Bank's `Wrong Path' - Bloomberg


Erdogan Ends Rates Truce, Decrying Central Bank's `Wrong Path'
By Selcan Hacaoglu
and Cagan Koc
November 17, 2017, 5:15 AM EST Updated on November 17, 2017, 7:37 AM EST

President reiterates his unorthodox views on inflation, rates
Speech stops short of calling for an immediate rate cut

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled an end to his uneasy truce with the new central bank chief, attacking the institution now run by Governor Murat Cetinkaya for its repeated revisions to economic targets and “wrong path” to tackle soaring inflation.

More:Erdogan Ends Rates Truce, Decrying Central Bank's `Wrong Path' - Bloomberg

Turkey-made disguise fabric to sell globally

Turkey-made disguise fabric to sell globally

Scientists in Ankara invent fabric which blocks radar and thermal cameras

More:Turkey-made disguise fabric to sell globally

Turkey's Erdogan takes aim at central bank independence

UPDATE 1-Turkey's Erdogan takes aim at central bank independence

Reuters Staff

ANKARA, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday lashed out at the central bank, saying a lack of government intervention in monetary policy had left Turkey saddled with high inflation and facing a potential slowdown in investment.

More:UPDATE 1-Turkey's Erdogan takes aim at central bank independence

Turkey hunts 42 university staff in post-coup crackdown: source

Turkey hunts 42 university staff in post-coup crackdown: source

Reuters Staff

2 Min Read

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police have launched operations to track down 42 university staff from Istanbul’s Marmara University who are alleged to have links to last year’s failed coup attempt, a police source said on Friday.

More:Turkey hunts 42 university staff in post-coup crackdown: source

Turkey withdraws troops from NATO drill in Norway

Turkey withdraws troops from NATO drill in Norway
ANKARA

Turkey has withdrawn its troops from a NATO military drill after an "enemies table" was displayed including the country’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and its current President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Erdoğan has said.

More:Turkey withdraws troops from NATO drill in Norway

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Turkey's 'Blue Gold' | Raddington Report

Turkey’s ‘Blue Gold’

Water is a geopolitical asset that gives Turkey influence over its Middle Eastern neighbours - but it also risks sparking further economic and political instability

More:Turkey's 'Blue Gold' | Raddington Report

Plot thickens in Turkish gold-trader case ahead of trial Monday | Asia Times

Plot thickens in Turkish gold-trader case ahead of trial Monday

In US custody, but not prison, is Reza Zarrab giving dirt on Erdogan regime?

More:Plot thickens in Turkish gold-trader case ahead of trial Monday | Asia Times

A challenge to Turkey’s Erdogan - She-wolf v Sultan

She-wolf v Sultan
A challenge to Turkey’s Erdogan

But does Meral Aksener have a chance?
Nov 16th 2017

TO STEP into the ring with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s bruiser of a president, takes courage and self-belief. Meral Aksener has plenty of both. At the launch of her new political party on October 25th, some of Mrs Aksener’s supporters broke into chants of “Prime Minister Meral!” She replied: “No, not prime minister. President.” A prominent nationalist and former cabinet minister, she has not yet declared her candidacy for elections that are due to be held in 2019. However, everyone assumes she will. “My friends really want me to run,” she says, referring to colleagues from her newly unveiled, innocuously named Iyi (Good) party. “I might have no other choice.”

More:A challenge to Turkey’s Erdogan - She-wolf v Sultan

Turkey's gun culture: Sales soar as one in three households owns a firearm | Middle East Eye

Turkey's gun culture: Sales soar as one in three households owns a firearm
#ArmsTrade

Eighty percent of violent crime involves guns, NGO says, as it reports gun ownership has soared from 20 million to 25 million in one year

More:Turkey's gun culture: Sales soar as one in three households owns a firearm | Middle East Eye

Mystery Deepens on Eve of U.S. Bribery Trial Roiling Turkey - Bloomberg

Mystery Deepens on Eve of U.S. Bribery Trial Roiling Turkey
By Christian Berthelsen
November 16, 2017, 2:05 AM EST

Zarrab no longer in prison system but still in U.S. custody
Is he cooperating and what does he know of Erdogan’s regime?

Turkey wants him freed. A few in President Trump’s sphere have pushed for a deal. Even so, he’s scheduled to go on trial in New York on Monday.

More:Mystery Deepens on Eve of U.S. Bribery Trial Roiling Turkey - Bloomberg

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Defense giant Aselsan becomes most valuable company listed on Istanbul bourse

Defense giant Aselsan becomes most valuable company listed on Istanbul bourse
ISTANBUL/ANKARA

Defense giant Aselsan, 85 percent of which is owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, became the most valuable company listed on the Istanbul main stock exchange (BIST) on Nov. 14, surpassing Garanti Bank and Koç Holding early.

More:Defense giant Aselsan becomes most valuable company listed on Istanbul bourse

My Rival Is My Teacher: Erdoğan in the Footsteps of Atatürk | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

My Rival Is My Teacher: Erdoğan in the Footsteps of Atatürk

Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak discusses Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's use of grandiose building projects as a means of emulating Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and for laying the groundwork for future political alliances.

More:My Rival Is My Teacher: Erdoğan in the Footsteps of Atatürk | Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies

Syrian refugee fights Turkish order to tear down Arabic restaurant signs | Middle East Eye

Syrian refugee fights Turkish order to tear down Arabic restaurant signs

Mohammed Nizar Bitar, who has built a restaurant empire in five years, told to remove all Arabic from outlets in Istanbul's 'Little Syria' district

More:Syrian refugee fights Turkish order to tear down Arabic restaurant signs | Middle East Eye

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Turkey 'appalled' by U.S. stance on IS withdrawal from Raqqa: ministry

Turkey 'appalled' by U.S. stance on IS withdrawal from Raqqa: ministry

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey on Tuesday said it was appalled by the approach of the U.S. Department of Defense towards an agreement between the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia and Islamic State to withdraw Islamic State militants from the Syrian city of Raqqa.

More:Turkey 'appalled' by U.S. stance on IS withdrawal from Raqqa: ministry

EU funds Turkish health centers to help Syrian refugees | Europe | DW | 14.11.2017

EU funds Turkish health centers to help Syrian refugees

New, EU-funded health centers are opening across Turkey to treat and employ Syrian refugees in effort to remove the language barriers they face when seeking medical care. Diego Cupolo reports from Ankara.

More:EU funds Turkish health centers to help Syrian refugees | Europe | DW | 14.11.2017

Turkish marriage law a blow to women's rights, say activists | World news | The Guardian

Turkish marriage law a blow to women's rights, say activists

Bill allowing Muslim clerics to conduct civil marriages passed despite protests amid fears it could lead to more child brides

More:Turkish marriage law a blow to women's rights, say activists | World news | The Guardian

Monday, November 13, 2017

Turkey has to return to Atatürk’s diplomacy

Turkey has to return to Atatürk’s diplomacy

Developments in Saudi Arabia have unsettled President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). Although the Syrian crisis may have produced some common ground for Turkey and Saudi Arabia, disagreements between the two countries had already emerged in 2013, when Riyadh backed a coup against Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, and his Muslim Brotherhood-led government.

More:Turkey has to return to Atatürk’s diplomacy

Putin Tells Erdogan Ties With Turkey Fully 'Restored'

Putin Tells Erdogan Ties With Turkey Fully 'Restored'

Ties between Russia and Turkey are back on track, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said as he met with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the southern city of Sochi for talks set to focus on the Syrian conflict.

More:Putin Tells Erdogan Ties With Turkey Fully 'Restored'

Turkish mobile kitchens loaded with tons of food heading to Sulaimani

Turkish mobile kitchens loaded with tons of food heading to Sulaimani

BAGHDAD - Teams from the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), left from Rihaniyah and Kels to bring food to families in Sulaimani province.

More:Turkish mobile kitchens loaded with tons of food heading to Sulaimani

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Erdoğan holds unscheduled meeting with Turkey’s top soldier

Erdoğan holds unscheduled meeting with Turkey’s top soldier

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an unscheduled meeting with Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar in Istanbul on Nov. 12.

More:Erdoğan holds unscheduled meeting with Turkey’s top soldier

Footage shows moment coup soldiers watch Erdoğan’s speech during attempted takeover

Footage shows moment coup soldiers watch Erdoğan’s speech during attempted takeover
Mesut Hasan Benli – ANKARA

New footage taken during the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt has emerged, showing the moment coup soldiers watched President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s defiant speech on TV at a joint operations center in Ankara.

More:Footage shows moment coup soldiers watch Erdoğan’s speech during attempted takeover

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Concept of “Moderate” Islam Originates in West: Turkey’s Erdogan

Concept of “Moderate” Islam Originates in West: Turkey’s Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has lashed out at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for pledging to make Saudi Arabia a bastion of “moderate Islam”, saying the concept is a false one originated from the West.

More:Concept of “Moderate” Islam Originates in West: Turkey’s Erdogan

Friday, November 10, 2017

Turkey restarts tomato exports as Russia lifts import restrictions - Daily Sabah

Turkey restarts tomato exports as Russia lifts import restrictions

The protracted negotiations to lift the ban imposed on Turkish tomato exports to Russia, which have topped the agenda of Turkish-Russian talks for a long time since January 2016, recently yielded positive results, with Russia agreeing to import Turkish tomatoes on a limited basis. With the lifting of the restrictions, the first shipment to Russia has been made from the Bergama district of İzmir province.

More:Turkey restarts tomato exports as Russia lifts import restrictions - Daily Sabah

Russians believe in a possible sabotage on the gas pipeline to Turkey

Russians believe in a possible sabotage on the gas pipeline to Turkey
Nov 10, 2017 2:47 am by Anastasios Manaras

Russia’s National Energy Institute Deputy Chairman, Alexander Frelov, said the speed in the construction of the pipeline to Turkey is impressive, since it has now reached the point where Turkey is responsible, but warned that a sabotage could occur in the construction of its section pipeline in Turkey, writes the Russian publication in Turkish. He recalled that Turkey is the second largest consumer of Russian gas after Germany.

More:Russians believe in a possible sabotage on the gas pipeline to Turkey

Thursday, November 09, 2017

Chobani grows in 'Silicon Valley of food' despite turmoil

Chobani grows in 'Silicon Valley of food' despite turmoil

The founder and CEO of Chobani has no regrets about moving his Greek yogurt company to south-central Idaho, a region embroiled in the national debate over refugee resettlement that spread to company boycotts by far-right bloggers and conspiracy theorists.

More:Chobani grows in 'Silicon Valley of food' despite turmoil

Turkey: An Inconstant but Important U.S. Ally - Stratfor Worldview

Turkey: An Inconstant but Important U.S. Ally
Washington D.C. and Ankara, Turkey

Among the United States' allies in the Middle East, few are as important — or as fickle — as Turkey. Lately, the diplomatic discord between them has been worse than usual. In an effort to ease the tension, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim traveled to Washington on Nov. 7, kicking off a four-day trip designed to settle a wide array of issues. But despite his best efforts, there are few clear ways to resolve the enduring differences between the countries or to address the new and complicated troubles that lie ahead.

More:Turkey: An Inconstant but Important U.S. Ally - Stratfor Worldview

Turkish prime minister in Washington in hopes of resetting relations - The Washington Post

Turkish prime minister in Washington in hopes of resetting relations

By Karen DeYoung November 8 at 9:37 PM

Strained relations between the United States and Turkey will not improve unless Washington takes steps to address Turkish concerns over its actions in Syria and its failure to extradite a Turkish cleric sought by Ankara on terrorism charges, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in Washington on Wednesday.

More:Turkish prime minister in Washington in hopes of resetting relations - The Washington Post

As war winds down, Syrians in Turkey begin heading home

As war winds down, Syrians in Turkey begin heading home

With Turkish troops now deployed in Idlib, war-weary refugees return to their homes in northern Syria

More:As war winds down, Syrians in Turkey begin heading home

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

Erdogan's mayor purge leaves almost half of Turkey without elected officials

Erdogan's mayor purge leaves almost half of Turkey without elected officials

Sibel Hurtas November 8, 2017

Article Summary Following a series of expulsions and forced resignations by the Turkish government, tens of millions of Turkish citizens have seen their elected mayors removed from power only to be replaced with government-selected "custodians."

More:Erdogan's mayor purge leaves almost half of Turkey without elected officials

Turkish prime minister’s family caught up in Paradise Papers leak

Turkish prime minister’s family caught up in Paradise Papers leak
Ayla Jean Yackley November 8, 2017

Popular Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim denies any wrongdoing after his close family members appeared in the Paradise Papers that list companies and individuals who shield their wealth in offshore tax havens.

More:Turkish prime minister’s family caught up in Paradise Papers leak

EDITORIAL: How Turkey is becoming a threat to stability in the Middle East - Washington Times

Rumbling in Ankara

Nostalgia is a powerful driver of emotions, whether for an old flame dreaming new dreams or for a new ruler of the remnants of empire remembering what once was, and what in his imagination could be again. But the regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (formerly prime minister) and his AKP Justice and Development Party is more and more authoritarian than romantic.

More:EDITORIAL: How Turkey is becoming a threat to stability in the Middle East - Washington Times

New Ankara mayor demands resignation of top local bureaucrats

New Ankara mayor demands resignation of top local bureaucrats
Murat Yılmaz - ANKARA

New Ankara Mayor Mustafa Tuna has requested the resignation of all bureaucrats and chairs related to the municipality in his first meeting since the resignation of Melih Gökçek.

More:New Ankara mayor demands resignation of top local bureaucrats

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

CHP head calls for snap elections for resigned and dismissed mayors in Turkey

CHP head calls for snap elections for resigned and dismissed mayors in Turkey

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has called for early elections for the cities where mayors have either recently been dismissed or pressured to resign, vowing that the CHP is ready to “give legislative support for any necessary changes.”

More:CHP head calls for snap elections for resigned and dismissed mayors in Turkey

It's like Christmas in Turkey as country launches own car maker

It's like Christmas in Turkey as country launches own car maker

Green HomeNews Nov 07, 2017 at 10:59

Cihangir Perperik

The first prototype will be revealed in 2019 and it is going to be fully electric powered. There's much thanksgiving in Turkey following the announcement of a joint venture by five of the country's key automotive and tech suppliers to build a brand new homegrown car.

More:It's like Christmas in Turkey as country launches own car maker

The Trump Administration Can’t Give Turkey a Hall Pass on Rule of Law – Foreign Policy

The Trump Administration Can’t Give Turkey a Hall Pass on Rule of Law

Turkey wants to play “hostage diplomacy” with the United States. But the risks of transactional politics have far-reaching consequences.

More:The Trump Administration Can’t Give Turkey a Hall Pass on Rule of Law – Foreign Policy

Monday, November 06, 2017

US to resume granting visas in Turkey as rift is repaired

US to resume granting visas in Turkey as rift is repaired

Breakthrough comes as prime minister begins visit but wider tensions remain

More:US to resume granting visas in Turkey as rift is repaired

Authoritarianism in Turkey

Authoritarianism in Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is increasingly turning Turkey to authoritarianism with the sole aim of strengthening his grip on power. He is offering the European Union a harder stance by setting new demands for his cooperation to help contain the refugee crisis that has engulfed Europe.

More:Authoritarianism in Turkey

Saturday, November 04, 2017

Turkey’s Iron Silk Railroad is Redefining Asia, Europe- The New Indian Express

Turkey’s Iron Silk Railroad is Redefining Asia, Europe

By Burak Akcapar | Published: 05th November 2017 04:00 AM |

Last Updated: 04th November 2017 10:13 PM | A+A A- |

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other leaders at BTK ceremony in Baku.

Trains have changed history and are set to shape the future, particularly in Asia. The story of the railroad began with the Liverpool-Manchester steam-powered train in September 1830, which was only 50-km long. The train transported cotton from the port of Liverpool to the mills of Manchester. Thus, the Industrial Revolution gathered pace. The transcontinental railway in 1869 revolutionised travel and transportation between the two Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of the US. The Trans-Siberian Railway consolidated government reach from Moscow to Vladivostok, while depleting government funds and paving the way for the Russian Revolution in 1917. The Berlin-Istanbul-Baghdad railroad unleashed all sorts of subversive reactions that hastened the end of the Ottoman Empire. Very many railroads have changed history, including Gandhiji’s train ride in Pietermaritzburg.

More:Turkey’s Iron Silk Railroad is Redefining Asia, Europe- The New Indian Express

Friday, November 03, 2017

Turkish police seize ‘record’ amount of explosives in ISIL operation

Turkish police seize ‘record’ amount of explosives in ISIL operation

Police have seized a "record” amount of explosives in an operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that helped foil the group’s plan to carry out a massacre at the Forum Istanbul shopping mall.

More:Turkish police seize ‘record’ amount of explosives in ISIL operation

Erdogan Links Alleged in U.S. Documents Before Iran Trial - Bloomberg

Erdogan Links Alleged in U.S. Documents Before Iran Trial
By Christian Berthelsen
November 3, 2017, 8:03 AM EDT Updated on November 3, 2017, 8:35 AM EDT

A trader accused of helping Iran evade sanctions invoked the name of Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as part of a scheme that U.S. prosecutors say was supported by Turkey’s government, according to court documents.

More:Erdogan Links Alleged in U.S. Documents Before Iran Trial - Bloomberg

A bad time for Turkey advocates to lose in Washington

A bad time for Turkey advocates to lose in Washington

The resilience of Turkey-U.S. relations has been tested recently. Further troubles are in store in the coming weeks as the Reza Zarrab case continues to unfold in Manhattan. Almost one month has passed since the U.S. suspended non-immigrant visa services to Turkish nationals after local staff members in the U.S. consulate in Ankara were arrested on terror charges.

More:A bad time for Turkey advocates to lose in Washington

U.S. says Turkish gold trader facing Iran trial invoked Erdogan ties

U.S. says Turkish gold trader facing Iran trial invoked Erdogan ties
Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A wealthy Turkish gold trader charged in the United States with violating U.S. sanctions against Iran sought support from and invoked the name of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to advance his business, U.S. prosecutors said.

More:U.S. says Turkish gold trader facing Iran trial invoked Erdogan ties

Turkish inflation at 13-year high hits Erdogan boom | Business | DW | 03.11.2017

Turkish inflation at 13-year high hits Erdogan boom

Turkish inflation has risen to new highs, driven by cheap credit. The news is a blow to the central bank’s goal of lowering borrowing costs and casts doubt on whether Erdogan's cheap credit boom will survive the impact.

More:Turkish inflation at 13-year high hits Erdogan boom | Business | DW | 03.11.2017

Erdogan′s Turkey: Eroding Ataturk's legacy - Qantara.de

Eroding Ataturk's legacy

On 18 October, the Turkish parliament approved a controversial bill that in future will allow Islamic muftis to register weddings. Critics fear that this will erode the civil rights of women and expose more girls to the dangers of underage marriage. Ylenia Gostoli reports from Turkey

More:Erdogan′s Turkey: Eroding Ataturk's legacy - Qantara.de

Thursday, November 02, 2017

IPPro The internet | Turkey takes step towards harmonising with EU IP laws | ipprotheinternet.com

Turkey takes step towards harmonising with EU IP laws

The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPTO) has released new guidelines for trademarks in an attempt to bring Turkish intellectual property law in line with the EU.

More:IPPro The internet | Turkey takes step towards harmonising with EU IP laws | ipprotheinternet.com