Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Congress, State Department divided on sanctions against Turkey

Congress, State Department divided on sanctions against Turkey

ARTICLE SUMMARY While Congress has bipartisan support for sanctions against Turkey, the State Department is pushing back, demanding that newly established consultative mechanisms to normalize relations between the NATO allies be given time. REUTERS/Cem OzdelUS Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrive for a meeting, Ankara, Turkey, Feb. 16, 2018. As the US Congress continues to weigh potential sanctions against Turkey over its unremittingly hostile stance toward the United States, there is growing debate within the policy community about the merits of such action, with some arguing it could bow Turkey into submission and others insisting it will make the problem even worse.

More:Congress, State Department divided on sanctions against Turkey

Satan's eating habits latest topic of Turkish public debate

Satan's eating habits latest topic of Turkish public debate

Pinar Tremblay February 27, 2018

ARTICLE SUMMARY Turkey’s president allows criticism of the country’s religious authority as long as it serves his purpose. Facebook/diyanetb PressDirector of Religious Affairs Ali Erbas (C) is seen during a meeting between Diyanet and members of the presidency in an image uploaded Feb. 23, 2018. Diyanet, Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, has become one of the most popular trending topics on social media lately. On Feb. 3, Diyanet’s latest religious decree caused an uproar. On its high-traffic, interactive web page — where the public can post questions and religious experts share their replies — a controversial topic recently appeared.

More:Satan's eating habits latest topic of Turkish public debate

Who Is Saleh Muslim? Turkey's Hunt for a Syrian-Kurdish Leader Spreads to the Heart of Europe

Who Is Saleh Muslim? Turkey's Hunt for a Syrian-Kurdish Leader Spreads to the Heart of Europe
By Cristina Maza On 2/28/18 at 10:06 AM

On Tuesday, a court in the Czech Republic announced the release of Syrian Kurdish leader Saleh Muslim from custody, despite Turkey’s attempts to have him detained and extradited.

More:Who Is Saleh Muslim? Turkey's Hunt for a Syrian-Kurdish Leader Spreads to the Heart of Europe

EU demands that Russia, Iran, Turkey halt Syria fighting | WTOP

EU demands that Russia, Iran, Turkey halt Syria fighting
By The Associated Press
February 28, 2018 9:06 am

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is demanding that Russia, Iran and Turkey take responsibility for ensuring that the fighting stops in Syria and that a real 30-day halt in fighting is respected.

More:EU demands that Russia, Iran, Turkey halt Syria fighting | WTOP

New Airport in Istanbul: Runway lights are on ! - eTurboNews (eTN)

New Airport in Istanbul: Runway lights are on !

By Juergen T Steinmetz - February 28, 2018

The construction of the first runway is finalized and the lights were turned on at the runway number one of Istanbul New Airport, the world’s largest airport project built from scratch. The first runway, 3,750 m in length and 60 m in width, is poised for landing and takeoff.

More:New Airport in Istanbul: Runway lights are on ! - eTurboNews (eTN)

Fear and loathing in Turkey | Ahval

Fear and loathing in Turkey

“I used to have a very healthy relationship with my religious students,” Turkish academic Bülent Somay told the BBC. “But now they feel they're the elite and we're the pariah. Years ago, they were trying to get power. Now they have it, they're questioning our right to share it.”

More:Fear and loathing in Turkey | Ahval

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Byzantine tricks in Turkey’s election system

Byzantine tricks in Turkey’s election system

Turkey’s domestic politics are getting stranger with every step the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) take together. Last week, these two partners of the “People’s Coalition” unveiled a proposal to completely change the country’s election system. Not surprisingly, they did not even ask for an outside opinion or for any contribution from legal circles, scholars or opposition parties. It would be fair to call the new system a system for “all-for-me” elections.

More:Byzantine tricks in Turkey’s election system

TV presenter threatens to kill civilians, Turkish MP says | Ahval

TV presenter threatens to kill civilians, Turkish MP says

A Turkish opposition member of parliament has complained to the broadcasting regulator about a television presenter on an Islamist channel who spoke of killing civilians in secular areas of Istanbul and in parliament, independent news website T24 said .

More:TV presenter threatens to kill civilians, Turkish MP says | Ahval

Religious orders and democracy in Turkey | Ahval

Religious orders and democracy in Turkey

When Turkish military units across the country launched a bloody and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to topple the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government on July 15 2016, it did not take long before fingers were pointed at the prime suspects behind the attempted coup - followers of the Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen, who were said to have covertly gained unprecedented control over state institutions.

More:Religious orders and democracy in Turkey | Ahval

Monday, February 26, 2018

Signs point to early Turkish elections

Signs point to early Turkish elections
Ayla Jean Yackley February 26, 2018

Article Summary
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may exploit a fractured opposition and a popular military campaign to bring forward presidential and parliament elections, cementing the new powers he won in last year’s referendum.

More:Signs point to early Turkish elections

'No debate anymore in Turkey' says opposition leader Aksener | Euronews

'No debate anymore in Turkey' says opposition leader Aksener
By Euronews
last updated: 26/02/2018

In an exclusive interview Good Party leader Meral Aksener accuses Turkey's president of acting like a dictator.

More:'No debate anymore in Turkey' says opposition leader Aksener | Euronews

The U.S. and Turkey Go Their Separate Ways

The U.S. and Turkey Go Their Separate Ways By Sinan Ciddi Board of Contributors

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently said what many analysts have long been thinking: The relationship between Turkey and the United States has reached a "crisis point." The two countries' strategic partnership has been increasingly rocky as Washington

More:The U.S. and Turkey Go Their Separate Ways

Erdoğan and Netanyahu mirror each other | Ahval

Erdoğan and Netanyahu mirror each other

After months of rumors of prime ministerial corruption and misdeeds, police arrest prominent executives at a government-affiliated corporation. Among those arrested are close associates of the prime minister and other cabinet members, and investigations are launched into the prime minister’s own relatives. The prime minister lashes out at the press and the police, saying they have been penetrated and are controlled by his political enemies, that the charges are groundless, and that this is an attempted “judicial coup” to replace him since his opponents have been unable to do so at the ballot box.

More:Erdoğan and Netanyahu mirror each other | Ahval

Sunday, February 25, 2018

An early election on the Turkish horizon?

An early election on the Turkish horizon?

There have been a number of developments in Turkish politics, which have led political commentators to expect the possibility of a snap election in 2018.

More:An early election on the Turkish horizon?

Friday, February 23, 2018

No Ottoman slap for U.S. after Erdoğan bravado | Ahval

No Ottoman slap for U.S. after Erdoğan bravado

Anyone unfamiliar with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s demagoguery and cynical flip-flopping might have been surprised when U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left Ankara last week without getting an Ottoman slap, wrote Sayed Abdel-Meguid for Ahram Online.

More:No Ottoman slap for U.S. after Erdoğan bravado | Ahval

New sealed documents create speculations around Zarrab case | Ahval

New sealed documents create speculations around Zarrab case

Two sealed documents have been added to the trial of Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian gold trader who admits to playing a central role in a scheme to contravene U.S. sanctions on Iran.

More:New sealed documents create speculations around Zarrab case | Ahval

Release of German journalist Deniz Yucel: It′s not over yet - Qantara.de

It′s not over yet

Die Welt correspondent Deniz Yucel has finally been freed after a year in custody, but this has done nothing to change the situation within the Turkish media and judiciary. Commentary by Ulrich von Schwerin

More:Release of German journalist Deniz Yucel: It′s not over yet - Qantara.de

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Refugee returns expected after Afrin operation: Turkey | Syria News | Al Jazeera

Refugee returns expected after Afrin operation: Turkey

Turkish officials say infrastructure will be rebuilt in Afrin for voluntary returns after military offensive ends.

More:Refugee returns expected after Afrin operation: Turkey | Syria News | Al Jazeera

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

U.S. Moves to Halt Turkey’s Drift Toward Iran and Russia - WSJ

U.S. Moves to Halt Turkey’s Drift Toward Iran and Russia
But Washington struggles to find a way to address Ankara’s chief grievance
By Dion Nissenbaum
Feb. 21, 2018 3:12 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—Five months ago, President Donald Trump hailed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a friend and said the two North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies had never been closer.

More:U.S. Moves to Halt Turkey’s Drift Toward Iran and Russia - WSJ

Turkish genealogy database fascinates, frightens Turks

Turkish genealogy database fascinates, frightens Turks

Fehim Tastekin February 21, 2018

Article Summary The government has made Turkey’s population registers public for the first time, identifying ethnic Armenians and other minorities, and excited Turks immediately crashed the system.

More:Turkish genealogy database fascinates, frightens Turks

Life sentences for Turkish journalists chill others awaiting verdicts

Life sentences for Turkish journalists chill others awaiting verdicts

Ayla Jean Yackley February 21, 2018

Article Summary A court jailed three prominent journalists last week to life imprisonment, stoking fears that others in prison for their work may also see harsh penalties.

More:Life sentences for Turkish journalists chill others awaiting verdicts

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

A Middle East Game Much Bigger Than Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

A Middle East Game Much Bigger Than Turkey

Marc Pierini

The course that Turkish leaders choose to follow in the Syrian war will have long-term consequences for their country and for the world.

More:A Middle East Game Much Bigger Than Turkey - Carnegie Europe - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Turkish government to impose ‘harshest penalties,’ new measures for child abusers

Turkish government to impose ‘harshest penalties,’ new measures for child abusers
ANKARA

New administrative measures and legal regulations that target child abusers, together with the “harshest penalties,” will be implemented soon, the Turkish government has stated.

More:Turkish government to impose ‘harshest penalties,’ new measures for child abusers

Pro-Syrian government militia move into Kurdish-controlled Afrin despite Turkish warnings | News | DW | 20.02.2018

Pro-Syrian government militia move into Kurdish-controlled Afrin despite Turkish warnings

The deployment of pro-Syrian government forces raises the prospect of clashes with Turkish forces in Afrin. Soon after the convoy arrived, Syrian state media reported that Turkey had targeted them with shellfire.

More:Pro-Syrian government militia move into Kurdish-controlled Afrin despite Turkish warnings | News | DW | 20.02.2018

Monday, February 19, 2018

Think There's a Deep State? Take a Look at Turkey. | The National Interest

Think There's a Deep State? Take a Look at Turkey.

There is no American equivalent to the Turkish deep state, or even an Israeli one, if it exists in the latter at all.

More:Think There's a Deep State? Take a Look at Turkey. | The National Interest

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Erdogan's outreach hints at Ottoman revival, and not always welcome | Ahval

Erdogan's outreach hints at Ottoman revival, and not always welcome

With Turkish troops in Qatar and Somalia, Turkish navy vessels patrolling the Gulf of Aden, and amongst speculation caused by the statements of leading Sudanese and Djiboutian figures that Ankara might send its soldiers to Sudan and Djibouti, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan might be trying to revive the Ottoman Empire, says Jonathan Gorvett in an article he wrote for the Asia Times.

More:Erdogan's outreach hints at Ottoman revival, and not always welcome | Ahval

July 15: The day Turkey's media narrative changed | Turkey | Al Jazeera

July 15: The day Turkey's media narrative changed

What is the media's role in framing the 2016 coup attempt as an explanation for the challenges facing the country?

More:July 15: The day Turkey's media narrative changed | Turkey | Al Jazeera

Top German Lawmaker in Security Row With Turkey at Munich Meeting | World News | US News

Top German Lawmaker in Security Row With Turkey at Munich Meeting

Feb. 18, 2018, at 8:52 a.m.

By Paul Carrel and Andrea Shalal

BERLIN/MUNICH (Reuters) - A row broke out on Sunday between a leading German politician of Turkish origin and Turkey's delegation at the Munich Security Conference, with the lawmaker being given police protection after what he said was a tense encounter with Turkish bodyguards.

More:Top German Lawmaker in Security Row With Turkey at Munich Meeting | World News | US News

Post-coup crackdown sees Turkish universities slide in global ratings - The National

Post-coup crackdown sees Turkish universities slide in global ratings

With research under scrutiny after coup attempt academics are fleeing abroad

More:Post-coup crackdown sees Turkish universities slide in global ratings - The National

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Dutch FM says respects MPs' call to recognize Armenian Genocide

Dutch FM says respects MPs' call to recognize Armenian Genocide
by Geneva Matthews | February 17, 2018 | 09:29
Dutch FM says respects MPs' call to recognize Armenian Genocide

AMSTERDAM-The lower house of the Dutch parliament, local known as the Tweede Kamer, passed two resolutions on Thursday with a majority vote one recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the other calling on its foreign minister to visit Armenia in April to observe the anniversary of that crime.

More:Dutch FM says respects MPs' call to recognize Armenian Genocide

EU will not lift visas unless Turkey eases terrorism laws – EURACTIV.com

EU will not lift visas unless Turkey eases terrorism laws

Reuters Feb 16, 2018

The European Union told Turkey today (16 February) it would not ease travel requirements for its citizens unless Ankara softens counter-terrorism laws that the bloc says are excessive.

More:EU will not lift visas unless Turkey eases terrorism laws – EURACTIV.com

Report: Turkey Nationalism on Upsurge Again

Report: Turkey Nationalism on Upsurge Again
February 16, 2018 3:09 PM

Mehmet Toroglu

Turkey is undergoing a new nationalist wave led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) concludes.

More:Report: Turkey Nationalism on Upsurge Again

Friday, February 16, 2018

Time for Turkey to return to the West

Time for Turkey to return to the West

Two important developments in two days reanimated hopes that Ankara is opting to improve its relations with the West and that, vice versa, the West is opting to better understand Turkey’s problems.

More:Time for Turkey to return to the West

Tillerson, Turkish leaders play nice, but no concrete progress yet on tense relations - ABC News

Tillerson, Turkish leaders play nice, but no concrete progress yet on tense relations

By Conor Finnegan

Feb 16, 2018, 8:15 PM ET

U.S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday struck an optimistic chord as they downplayed tensions between the NATO allies while announcing unspecified “mechanisms” for the countries to work through their recent disaffection.

More:Tillerson, Turkish leaders play nice, but no concrete progress yet on tense relations - ABC News

In long-secular Turkey, sharia is gradually taking over - The Washington Post

In long-secular Turkey, sharia is gradually taking over
By Soner Cagaptay February 16 at 1:56 PM

Over the past few weeks, Turkish officials have broken with decades of precedent in what is still, at least nominally, a secular republic: they have begun describing the country’s military deployment in Syria as “jihad.” During the first two days of the operation, which began on Jan. 20, the government’s Directorate of Religious Affairs ordered all of Turkey’s nearly 90,000 mosques to broadcast the “Al-Fath” verse from the Koran — “the prayer of conquest” — through the loudspeakers on their minarets. Mainstreaming jihad, which sanctions violence against those who “offend Islam,” is a crucial step in draping the sheath of sharia over a society. Sadly, Turkey seems to be slowly moving along that path.

More:In long-secular Turkey, sharia is gradually taking over - The Washington Post

Turkey’s judiciary must protect rule of law, says Europe diplomat

Turkey’s judiciary must protect rule of law, says Europe diplomat

Stand up for freedom against Turkish crackdown, says Council of Europe’s head

More:Turkey’s judiciary must protect rule of law, says Europe diplomat

Expert: Erdogan is turning international relations ‘decades back’ – EURACTIV.com

Expert: Erdogan is turning international relations ‘decades back’

By Sarantis Michalopoulos | EURACTIV.com

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has opened up his entire reviewing agenda, challenging sovereign rights everywhere and basically testing the West’s limits, political scientist Tasos Chatzivasileiou told EURACTIV Greece in an interview.

More:Expert: Erdogan is turning international relations ‘decades back’ – EURACTIV.com

Turkey hits homemade drinks, cigarettes after beer company complaint | Ahval

Turkey hits homemade drinks, cigarettes after beer company complaint

Turkey is to require a special license for the import of distilled alcohol used in the production of home-made alcoholic drinks and for the tobacco and papers used for self-rolled cigarettes following a beer company’s complaint that the Treasury was losing tax revenue, opposition Halk TV said .

More:Turkey hits homemade drinks, cigarettes after beer company complaint | Ahval

To be worthy of Turkishness! | Ahval

To be worthy of Turkishness!

Even though the English writer Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell, established his fame worldwide with novels such as 1984 and Animal Farm, he is also known for his essays and polemical criticism that cover a diverse range of topics.

More:To be worthy of Turkishness! | Ahval

Turkey's Erdogan sets an example for illiberal, majoritarian governments - The Washington Post

The political trend that’s more important than ‘populism’
By Ishaan Tharoor February 16 at 12:59 AM Email the author

Relations between the United States and Turkey are at a low ebb — and that's an understatement. Anti-U.S. and anti-Western diatribes are now stock in trade for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and anti-American feeling in Turkey appears to be deepening. Meanwhile, Ankara has launched a military operation against Kurdish militias in northwestern Syria, raising the risk of clashes with U.S.-supported groups — and potentially U.S. forces.

More:Turkey's Erdogan sets an example for illiberal, majoritarian governments - The Washington Post

Turkey, US have ‘come to terms’ to normalize ties, Manbij is priority: FM Çavuşoğlu

Turkey, US have ‘come to terms’ to normalize ties, Manbij is priority: FM Çavuşoğlu
ANKARA

Turkey will be able to take joint steps with the United States in Syria only once the People’s Protection Units (YPG) leave Syria’s Manbij, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said in a press conference alongside U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after their meeting in Ankara on Feb. 16.

More:Turkey, US have ‘come to terms’ to normalize ties, Manbij is priority: FM Çavuşoğlu

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Erdogan’s Fatal Blind Spot – Foreign Policy

Erdogan’s Fatal Blind Spot
The real threat to Turkey isn’t the Kurds. It’s the Islamic State.
By Colin P. Clarke, Ahmet S. Yayla | February 15, 2018, 5:04 PM

The collapse of the Islamic State’s self-proclaimed caliphate has benefited Iraq and Syria, the two countries where the extremist group once maintained its sanctuary, but it is also a threat to the nations where fleeing fighters might go next.

More:Erdogan’s Fatal Blind Spot – Foreign Policy

Tillerson faces prospect of 'Ottoman slap' amid Turkey tensions - Honolulu, Hawaii news, sports & weather - KITV Channel 4

Tillerson faces prospect of 'Ottoman slap' amid Turkey tensions

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces perhaps the most difficult stop of his Mideast trip in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has doubled down on anti-American rhetoric by appearing to threaten US troops in Syria.

More:Tillerson faces prospect of 'Ottoman slap' amid Turkey tensions - Honolulu, Hawaii news, sports & weather - KITV Channel 4

Turkey looks to ease Aegean tensions | Euronews

Turkey looks to ease Aegean tensions
By Euronews
last updated: 14/02/2018

In 1996, the tiny, uninhabited islands of Imia - or Kardak, as they are known in Turkey - brought Greece and Turkey to the brink of war - and tensions have remained high ever since. Now Turkey is trying to calm the waters.

More:Turkey looks to ease Aegean tensions | Euronews

Tillerson lands in Ankara in an attempt to ease Turkey tensions - The National

Tillerson lands in Ankara in an attempt to ease Turkey tensions

Enmity between Turkey and US peaked recently

February 15, 2018

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives in Turkey on Thursday seeking to ease tensions with its Nato ally. Enmity between the two countries recently reached fresh heights over Ankara's ongoing operation inside Syria

More:Tillerson lands in Ankara in an attempt to ease Turkey tensions - The National

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Handling Turkey's Erdogan: What Washington can learn from Russia | TheHill

Handling Turkey's Erdogan: What Washington can learn from Russia
By Aykan Erdemir and Merve Tahiroglu, opinion contributors — 02/14/18 04:30 PM EST

Russian President Vladimir Putin knows to handle his fellow authoritarian leaders; he relentlessly applies leverage to extract concessions. This is a lesson that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should bear in mind when he meets his Turkish counterpart this week.

More:Handling Turkey's Erdogan: What Washington can learn from Russia | TheHill

Turkish-Russian missile deal puts NATO on edge | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 14.02.2018

Turkish-Russian missile deal puts NATO on edge

Ankara has inked a defense deal with Moscow that could further derail ties with its NATO allies. How will they react? And could the deal still be reversed? Teri Schultz reports from Brussels.

More:Turkish-Russian missile deal puts NATO on edge | Europe| News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 14.02.2018

Explaining Erdogan’s persistent popularity | Global Risk Insights

Explaining Erdogan’s persistent popularity
Explaining Erdogan’s persistent popularity
by Leo Kabouche , February 14, 2018

Since the failed coup in 2016, Erdogan has tightened his hold on all aspects of political, social and legal institutions and life in Turkey. While concerns over the president’s authoritarian tendencies has been steadily growing among the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) and the European Union (UE), Erdogan is still very popular in Turkey. The president’s nationalism and pugnacity are seen as a source of stability by a significant segment of the population. Despite numerous allegations of irregularities during the vote, the narrow victory of the yes’ camp in the April 2017 constitutional referendum, which paved the way for the implementation of a presidential system of government after the 2019 elections, seems to have shored up the president’s popularity ratings.

More:Explaining Erdogan’s persistent popularity | Global Risk Insights

How New Is Turkey's 'New Nationalism'? - Center for American Progress

How New Is Turkey’s ‘New Nationalism’?
By Howard Eissenstat Posted on February 14, 2018, 9:04 am

For both Turkey’s allies in the West and the beleaguered domestic opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s autocratic rule, there is a powerful sense that Turkey has gone off the rails—that the old certainties of Turkish identity are fundamentally changing. If traditional Turkish foreign and domestic policies were notable for their aversion to risk, Erdoğan seems determined to remake Turkey and its place in the world. In many ways, Islam has been central to this effort.

More:How New Is Turkey's 'New Nationalism'? - Center for American Progress

The Turkish media’s Afrin test

The Turkish media’s Afrin test

REUTERS/Khalil AshawiTurkish-backed Free Syrian Army fighters walk as the sun sets in the eastern Afrin countryside, Syria, Feb. 6, 2018. DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — “Ground zero at the border” was a term the Turkish media used frequently in the 1990s when Turkey carried out cross-border military operations into northern Iraq to pursue militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Journalists covering the operations would say they were reporting from “ground zero at the border” to emphasize that they were at the Turkish-Iraqi frontier. Yet, at times, some of those who made that claim would in reality be kilometers away from the border.

More:The Turkish media’s Afrin test

Investors Think Erdogan Could Call an Early Vote Because His War Is Popular - Bloomberg

Investors Think Erdogan Could Call an Early Vote Because His War Is Popular
By Selcan Hacaoglu and Constantine Courcoulas
February 13, 2018, 9:00 PM EST Updated on February 14, 2018, 5:05 AM EST

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is riding a wave of domestic support for his army’s incursion into Syria, leading investors to fret that the Turkish president will seek to capitalize by calling an early election.

More:Investors Think Erdogan Could Call an Early Vote Because His War Is Popular - Bloomberg

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Erdogan says U.S. funding of Syrian YPG militia to impact Turkey's decisions

Erdogan says U.S. funding of Syrian YPG militia to impact Turkey's decisions
Ercan Gurses, Daren Butler

ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A decision by the United States to continue to fund the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia will affect Turkey’s future moves, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, ahead of a visit this week by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

More:Erdogan says U.S. funding of Syrian YPG militia to impact Turkey's decisions

Turkey launches investigation into new pro-Kurdish leader | Euronews

Turkey launches investigation into new pro-Kurdish leader

ANKARA (Reuters) – A Turkish prosecutor launched a terrorism investigation into the new co-leader of the pro-Kurdish opposition on Monday, a day after she was elected, accusing her of speaking against Turkey’s offensive in Syria.

More:Turkey launches investigation into new pro-Kurdish leader | Euronews:

Turkish Airlines' Climb Turns Some Money Managers Into Cynics - Bloomberg

Turkish Airlines' Climb Turns Some Money Managers Into Cynics
By Tugce Ozsoy and Taylan Bilgic
February 13, 2018, 4:51 AM EST
The share price more than tripled over the past 12 months
Valuations are not ‘screamingly cheap,’ Investec’s Rimmer says

Among Turkish blue chips, there’s no stock that’s had a better 12 months than Turkish Airlines. Now the surge is making some money managers nervous, even if they can find reasons to justify the move.

More:Turkish Airlines' Climb Turns Some Money Managers Into Cynics - Bloomberg

Today at Commission: Future of the EU and Turkey rhetoric – POLITICO

Today at Commission: Future of the EU and Turkey rhetoric
Turkey needs to ‘avoid negative statements’ ahead of summit in Bulgaria.

By HARRY COOPER 2/13/18, 1:17 PM CET
On the agenda: Later this month, EU heads of state and government will meet to discuss overhauling the EU’s institutions to make them more democratic ahead of the 2019 European election, as well as to discuss the bloc’s next seven-year budget cycle. The Commission will on Wednesday publish its own proposals on institutional reform and budget priorities to contribute to this discussion, with President Jean-Claude Juncker scheduled to speak to journalists at midday. Commissioners will also meet Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

More:Today at Commission: Future of the EU and Turkey rhetoric – POLITICO

Erdogan warns Greece, Cyprus over gas search, Aegean islets | AP International | The News

Erdogan warns Greece, Cyprus over gas search, Aegean islets

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a warning to Greece, Cyprus and international companies exploring for gas in the Mediterranean not to "step out of line" and encroach on Turkey's rights.

More:Erdogan warns Greece, Cyprus over gas search, Aegean islets | AP International | The News

Instead of Turning East, Turkey is Going It Alone

INSTEAD OF TURNING EAST, TURKEY IS GOING IT ALONE
NICK DANFORTH FEBRUARY 13, 2018

Since Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in late 2002, there’s been talk about the West “losing Turkey.” Now, amidst mutual recrimination and the frightening possibility of direct U.S.-Turkish military confrontation in northern Syria, Washington’s worst fears about Turkish foreign policy seem dangerously close to being realized.

More:Instead of Turning East, Turkey is Going It Alone

Monday, February 12, 2018

How Europe Lost Turkey - WSJ

How Europe Lost Turkey

The EU thought Erdogan would preserve and enhance democracy. By Soner Cagaptay Feb. 12, 2018 7:04 p.m. ET

A clumsy European Union has repeatedly gotten its policy toward Turkey wrong, often inadvertently helping President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at key points during his rise. Mr. Erdogan may now be eyeing snap elections, putting Europe in a bind. Brussels would be forced to look the other way as the new sultan bulldozes his way to victory in the polls.

More:How Europe Lost Turkey - WSJ

Turks united in nationalism, divided on Erdoğan | Ahval

Turks united in nationalism, divided on Erdoğan

A far-reaching new study by the Washington DC think tank Center for American Progress has charted the views of citizens across Turkey on their government and national identity, finding that, while opinion was predictably split on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government, a significant majority of the country shares similar ideas on Turkish nationhood.

More:Turks united in nationalism, divided on Erdoğan | Ahval

Time for Turkey and Nato to part ways? | GulfNews.com

Time for Turkey and Nato to part ways?
Erdogan would likely seek shelter in Putin’s embrace and could potentially team up with Russia’s ally Iran

By Linda S. Heard, Special to Gulf News

Turkey became a member of Nato in 1951 and was a useful and reliable partner until recent years when in many instances it has gone rogue pursuing hostile military policies out of sync with Nato’s and hurling abuse at its fellow Nato members including the United States and Germany.

More:Time for Turkey and Nato to part ways? | GulfNews.com

EU warns Turkey over 'threat' to Cyprus

EU warns Turkey over 'threat' to Cyprus

By ERIC MAURICE

BRUSSELS, TODAY, 16:55
The EU warned Turkey on Monday (12 February) to refrain from any "threat" against Cyprus, after a Turkish vessel prevented an Italian ship from reaching a drilling zone for gas off the Cypriot coast.

More:EU warns Turkey over 'threat' to Cyprus

Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor

Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor
Amberin Zaman February 12, 2018

ARTICLE SUMMARY
A new report by an American think tank suggests that the nationalism sweeping Turkey is an old and successful tactic of promoting a siege mentality that translates to tight control and votes for authoritarian leaders.

More:Turkey's new nationalism paints West as oppressor

Turkish FM signals citizenship to be granted to all Ottoman dynasty members

Turkish FM signals citizenship to be granted to all Ottoman dynasty members
ISTANBUL

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu signaled on Feb. 11 that Turkish citizenship will be provided to all overseas members of the Ottoman dynasty at a meeting in Istanbul, one day after events held to mark the centenary of the death of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II.

More:Turkish FM signals citizenship to be granted to all Ottoman dynasty members

Turkey warns U.S. to make or break strained ties

TURKEY WARNS U.S. TO MAKE OR BREAK STRAINED TIES

ISTANBUL - Turkey on Monday warned the United States it was time to either make or break ties between the NATO allies that have strained badly over the Turkish operation in Syria, days ahead of key talks with Washington's top diplomat.

More:Turkey warns U.S. to make or break strained ties

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Erdogan's war on education: The exodus of Turkey's teachers

Erdogan's war on education: The exodus of Turkey's teachers

Turkish President Erdogan's crackdown on dissent after coup attempt has led to an exodus of intellectuals. Followers of Turkish preacher Fetullah Gülen and the Hizmet movement were the first to be targeted. IBTimes UK travelled to Greece to meet the Turks who have been forced to flee to save themselves and their children.

More:Erdogan's war on education: The exodus of Turkey's teachers

Turkish university withdraws decision to suspend doctors critical of Afrin op

Turkish university withdraws decision to suspend doctors critical of Afrin

op Gülseven ÖZKAN - ISTANBUL Istanbul University has withdrawn its decision to suspend Turkish Medical Association (TTB) head Prof. Dr. Raşit Tükel and another top member, who were detained after denouncing Ankara’s ongoing military operation in Afrin and then released on Feb. 5.

More:Turkish university withdraws decision to suspend doctors critical of Afrin op

Guns that went missing during July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey being sought: Minister

Guns that went missing during July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey being sought: Minister
Rifat BAŞARAN - ANKARA

Some weapons belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) went missing during the July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey and are now being searched for, Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli has said.

More:Guns that went missing during July 2016 coup attempt in Turkey being sought: Minister

Friend or foe? Bashar al-Assad quietly aids Syrian Kurds against Turkey - The Economic Times

Friend or foe? Bashar al-Assad quietly aids Syrian Kurds against Turkey
Reuters|Feb 11, 2018, 01.03 PM IST

ALEPPO: Syria's US-backed Kurds are getting indirect help from an unlikely source in their war against Turkey in the northwestern region of Afrin: President Bashar al-Assad.

More:Friend or foe? Bashar al-Assad quietly aids Syrian Kurds against Turkey - The Economic Times

Saturday, February 10, 2018

11 Turkish soldiers killed in deadliest day of Kurdish offensive - CGTN

11 Turkish soldiers killed in deadliest day of Kurdish offensive
POLITICS CGTN
2018-02-11 09:00 GMT+8

Eleven Turkish soldiers were killed on Saturday, including two on board a helicopter that was downed, in the bloodiest day in Ankara's offensive against a Kurdish militia in northern Syria.

More:11 Turkish soldiers killed in deadliest day of Kurdish offensive - CGTN

US or Russia: Which is a better ally for Turkey? | Arab News

US or Russia: Which is a better ally for Turkey?

There is an old saying in Turkey: “The Turk has no friend but the Turk.” This is a popular aphorism that reflects the wary and cautious nature of Ankara’s foreign policy. As Turkey faces myriad problems with its long-standing NATO ally the US, whose meager promises have started to evaporate, this proverb has regained popularity and even truth.

More:US or Russia: Which is a better ally for Turkey? | Arab News

Friday, February 09, 2018

European Parliament Holds Debate on Turkey and Human Rights | The Media Express

European Parliament Holds Debate on Turkey and Human Rights
Posted on February 9, 2018 by Cherry Mae in News // 0 Comments

The European Union Parliament held a debate on February 6 regarding the current human rights violations seen in Turkey, but it was clear that there were multiple issues being addressed. The introductory remarks of the debate were focused on both human rights violations in #Turkey, but also acknowledged the issues that Turkey is currently dealing with, primarily terrorism and the war in #Syria, which sits on Turkey’s southern border.

More:European Parliament Holds Debate on Turkey and Human Rights | The Media Express

Turkish Warplanes Strike Kurdish Militia Targets in Syria: Army | World News | US News

Turkish Warplanes Strike Kurdish Militia Targets in Syria: Army
Feb. 9, 2018, at 12:06 a.m.

By Daren Butler and Ellen Francis

ISTANBUL/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Turkish warplanes bombarded Kurdish militia targets in Syria's Afrin region, the army said on Friday, and a monitor said the strikes killed seven fighters and two civilians.

More:Turkish Warplanes Strike Kurdish Militia Targets in Syria: Army | World News | US News

Turkey's Istanbul to stop accepting Syrian refugees: ministry - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey's Istanbul to stop accepting Syrian refugees: ministry

ISTANBUL, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Interior Ministry announced on Friday that it has stopped issuing new permits to Syrian refugees who apply for residing in Istanbul, the most populous city in Turkey.

More:Turkey's Istanbul to stop accepting Syrian refugees: ministry - Xinhua | English.news.cn

EUROPP – Did the unfounded claim that Turkey was about to join the EU swing the Brexit referendum?

Did the unfounded claim that Turkey was about to join the EU swing the Brexit referendum?

Most observers agree that the chances of Turkey joining the EU are becoming increasingly remote. But even in early 2016, before the country’s failed coup attempt and the 2017 constitutional referendum, Turkish accession was looking a distant prospect. Yet as James Ker-Lindsay writes, this did not prevent Vote Leave from claiming towards the end of the UK’s EU referendum campaign that Turkey was poised to join. He argues this unfounded claim played into voters’ existing worries about immigration and may even have swung the result.

More:EUROPP – Did the unfounded claim that Turkey was about to join the EU swing the Brexit referendum?

Thursday, February 08, 2018

Rights watchdog to visit Turkey over rule of law

Rights watchdog to visit Turkey over rule of law

By NIKOLAJ NIELSEN BRUSSELS, TODAY, 17:35

The head of the human rights watchdog Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, is going to Turkey next week amid a proposed roadmap from Ankara to fastrack EU-required reforms, in order to lift visa restrictions on Turks.

More:Rights watchdog to visit Turkey over rule of law

Despite Ankara's lack of support, Turkish film wins big at Sundance

Despite Ankara's lack of support, Turkish film wins big at Sundance
Pinar Tremblay February 8, 2018

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The Turkish government has put private theater and movie productions in a chokehold through restrictions in financing and legal hurdles.

The Turkish movie "Butterflies" has won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival. For 36-year-old director, screenwriter and co-producer Tolga Karacelik and his team, the win was a pleasant surprise.

More:Despite Ankara's lack of support, Turkish film wins big at Sundance

Turkey should drop 'disproportionate' emergency powers: EU parliament | News | Expatica France

Turkey should drop 'disproportionate' emergency powers: EU parliament
8th February 2018, 0 comments

The European parliament on Thursday called on Turkey to scrap the emergency powers which members said were being used to stifle "legitimate and peaceful opposition" and a free press.

More:Turkey should drop 'disproportionate' emergency powers: EU parliament | News | Expatica France

Turkish governor hit by abduction and torture allegations | Ahval

Turkish governor hit by abduction and torture allegations
(Updates)

The Turkish Ministry of the Interior has launched an investigation into the governor of the Kırklareli province in western Turkey over allegations that he kidnapped and tortured a woman in May 2017, the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet reported .

More:Turkish governor hit by abduction and torture allegations | Ahval

Turkey’s Drift Away From the West Won’t Stop Under Erdogan

Turkey’s Drift Away From the West Won’t Stop Under Erdogan

Frida Ghitis Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018
The contentious relationship between Turkey and the West hit a little-noticed but significant milestone this week, when the Dutch government announced it was formally downgrading diplomatic ties and officially withdrawing its ambassador from Ankara. Turkey and the Netherlands remain NATO allies, and diplomatic relations continue at the level of charges d’affaires. While not garnering the attention of the escalating confrontation between Turkey and NATO in Syria, the Dutch move is an important marker of Turkey’s continuing drift away from the West under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey’s Drift Away From the West Won’t Stop Under Erdogan

Istanbul Is Back on the Map for European Summer Travelers - Bloomberg

Istanbul Is Back on the Map for European Summer Travelers

By Richard Weiss February 8, 2018, 4:19 AM EST

Turkey and Egypt are back on the itinerary of European vacationers this summer, as terrorist attacks two years ago fade from memory and rising hotel prices make Spain less affordable for budget-minded holiday-goers.

More:Istanbul Is Back on the Map for European Summer Travelers - Bloomberg

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

General Erdogan’s First War – Foreign Policy

General Erdogan’s First War

Turkey’s Islamist president is the first civilian with control over his country’s military – and you can tell by the results.

Ismail Hakki Karadayi never sat behind the defense minister. Neither did Huseyin Kivrikoglu. Nor did any Turkish military chief of staff who came before them. It was always a seeming oddity that military officers from other member countries sat behind their civilian leadership at NATO ministerial meetings — except for the Turkish ones; they sat next to their ministers. But anything else would have been a breach in protocol. Turkey’s organizational chart was clear: The minister of national defense had no authority over the military command, and while both were formally subordinate to the civilian prime minister, the men in uniform didn’t always act that way.

More:General Erdogan’s First War – Foreign Policy

EU leaders to host Turkey's Erdogan, the estranged uncle they can't shut out

EU leaders to host Turkey's Erdogan, the estranged uncle they can't shut out
Gabriela Baczynska, Robin Emmott
5 MIN READ

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders are so discomfited by their relationship with Turkey these days that they relegated their summit next month to Varna, a Bulgarian Black Sea port, rather than hold it in Brussels.

More:EU leaders to host Turkey's Erdogan, the estranged uncle they can't shut out

Erdogan to meet top EU chiefs to repair relations – EURACTIV.com

Erdogan to meet top EU chiefs to repair relations
EURACTIV with AFP  Feb 6, 2018 (updated:  Feb 6, 2018)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to meet top European Union officials next month in the Bulgarian city of Varna, officials said Tuesday (6 February), in a bid to repair strained ties.

More:Erdogan to meet top EU chiefs to repair relations – EURACTIV.com

Turkey′s Syrian offensive: A war of America′s making - Qantara.de

A war of America′s making

Bereft of a coherent Syria policy, successive U.S. administrations have obsessed over targeting Islamic State (IS) without considering the full ramifications of their actions. Turkey′s incursion into northwestern Syria is just one consequence. Analysis by Barak Barfi

More:Turkey′s Syrian offensive: A war of America′s making - Qantara.de

Turkey’s animal production surges 8.6 percent in 2017

Turkey’s animal production surges 8.6 percent in 2017
ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

The total number of animals in Turkey amounted to 60.7 million last year, an 8.6 percent rise year-on-year, according to the country’s statistical authority on Feb. 7.

More:Turkey’s animal production surges 8.6 percent in 2017

400-year-old Netherlands-Turkey ties to be fixed one day: Dutch FM

400-year-old Netherlands-Turkey ties to be fixed one day: Dutch FM
THE HAGUE

The Netherlands may have withdrawn its ambassador to Turkey, but the 400-year-old ties “will be fixed one day,” Dutch Foreign Minister Halbe Zijlstra told Dutch lawmakers in The Hague on Feb. 7, amid a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

More:400-year-old Netherlands-Turkey ties to be fixed one day: Dutch FM

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

Turkish voices increasingly calling for dialogue with Assad

Turkish voices increasingly calling for dialogue with Assad

Semih Idiz February 6, 2018

ARTICLE SUMMARY Developments in Syria could force President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to swallow his antipathy to President Bashar al-Assad and establish some level of contact with him, as a growing number of Turks believe.

More:Turkish voices increasingly calling for dialogue with Assad

U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor to visit Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor to visit Turkey
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-07 00:08:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

ANKARA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster will visit Turkey next week, state-run Anadolu Agency reported Tuesday.

More:U.S. Secretary of State, National Security Advisor to visit Turkey - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Restore justice in Turkey

Restore justice in Turkey

Hundreds of academics and scientists are caught up in political crackdowns in the wake of petitions for peace.

More:Restore justice in Turkey

17 Turks killed since start of assault on Afrin - Daily News Egypt

17 Turks killed since start of assault on Afrin

Turkey has lost 17 soldiers in fierce clashes during the offensive in Syria’s Afrin region, according to international reports. Turkey began an offensive, dubbed Operation Olive Branch, on 20 January with the stated aim of hitting positions held by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Islamic State group (IS) militants, although IS is not

More:17 Turks killed since start of assault on Afrin - Daily News Egypt

Is Turkey really facing an 'exodus'? It's not that simple

Is Turkey really facing an ‘exodus’? It’s not that simple
February 6, 2018 8.41am EST
Authors
Bahar Baser
Research Fellow, Coventry University

Emre Eren Korkmaz
Post-doctoral Researcher in Migration and Refugees, University of Oxford

The decline of Turkey’s democracy has become a well-worn theme, and for good reason. The country has now jailed more journalists on charges related to their work than any other in the world, and many academics who’ve criticised the government’s policies towards the “Kurdish question” are now on trial. But recently, media observers have seemingly identified another alarming trend: a “Turkish exodus”.

More:Is Turkey really facing an 'exodus'? It's not that simple

'Operation Olive Branch' for self-defence and regional stability

'Operation Olive Branch' for self-defence and regional stability

The Turkish army in Syria during 'Operation Olive Branch' in January (Photo: Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri)
By FARUK KAYMAKCI

BRUSSELS, TODAY, 13:48
Entering its seventh year, the conflict in Syria continues to be a direct threat to international security and regional stability.

Turkey's land border with Syria and Iraq, measuring 1,295 km in length, requires Turkey to be alert to the developments within its neighbors and vigilant towards the security threats emanating from these countries.

More:'Operation Olive Branch' for self-defence and regional stability

Politically polarized Turkey finds largest common ground in Syrian refugees’ return

Politically polarized Turkey finds largest common ground in Syrian refugees’ return
ISTANBUL

Although polarized on various political issues, the Turkish people share the most similar views over Syrian refugees in the country, a survey conducted by the Istanbul Bilgi University Center for Migration Research in partnership with the German Marshall Fund (GMF) revealed on Feb. 5.

More:Politically polarized Turkey finds largest common ground in Syrian refugees’ return

Monday, February 05, 2018

Turkey detains nearly 600 for opposing Syrian offensive

Turkey detains nearly 600 for opposing Syrian offensive
Tuvan Gumrukcu, Dominic Evans

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has so far detained 573 people for social media posts and protests criticizing its military offensive in Syria, the government said on Monday.

More:Turkey detains nearly 600 for opposing Syrian offensive

Turkey Establishing Long-Sought US “Safe Haven” in Northern Syria | Global Research - Centre for Research on Globalization

Turkey Establishing Long-Sought US “Safe Haven” in Northern Syria
By Tony Cartalucci
Global Research, February 04, 2018

Turkey’s recent incursion into northern Syria is poised to finally establish the long-sought after “buffer zone” or “safe haven” called for by US policymakers since as early as 2012.

While the US and Turkey are currently feigning a diplomatic row over the incursion – with Turkey’s targeting and displacement of Kurds allegedly backed by the United States – it is clear that recent claims by the US regarding its expanding support of Kurdish militias it has been arming and backing in Syria was done as an intentional pretext for Turkey to justify an otherwise indefensible invasion of Syrian territory.

More:Turkey Establishing Long-Sought US “Safe Haven” in Northern Syria | Global Research - Centre for Research on Globalization

Turkey 'ready' to reform terror laws for EU visa-free travel

Turkey 'ready' to reform terror laws for EU visa-free travel

Turkish police in terrorist suspect raid in 2015 (Photo: Mahmut Bozarslan)
By NIKOLAJ NIELSEN

BRUSSELS, TODAY, 11:31
Turkey's crackdown on suspected Gulenists is winding down, leaving open the space for Ankara to reform its anti-terror laws as demanded by the EU, according to the country's ambassador to the EU.

More:Turkey 'ready' to reform terror laws for EU visa-free travel

Turkish-Dutch foreign relations break down; Ambassador recalled | NL Times

TURKISH-DUTCH FOREIGN RELATIONS BREAK DOWN; AMBASSADOR RECALLED
By Janene Pieters on February 5, 2018 - 12:21

Turkish flag (Photo: Bahar/Wikimedia Commons). Turkish flag (Photo: Bahar/Wikimedia Commons)
Talks on improving the relationship between the Netherlands and Turkey have failed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. The Netherlands officially withdrew its ambassador in Ankara.

More:Turkish-Dutch foreign relations break down; Ambassador recalled | NL Times

Sochi conference casualty of Turkey’s military offensive in Syria

Sochi conference casualty of Turkey’s military offensive in Syria

ARTICLE SUMMARY Syrian opposition meeting reveals extent — and limits — of Russian-Turkish collaboration. REUTERS/Sergei KarpukhinAttendees pose after a session of the Syrian Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Jan. 30, 2018. The meeting of the Syrian National Dialogue conference in Sochi recently was a victim of Turkey’s military invasion of northern Syria, which has now entered its second week.

More:Sochi conference casualty of Turkey’s military offensive in Syria

Sunday, February 04, 2018

Turkish companies world's leading exporters of six products - Daily Sabah

Turkish companies world's leading exporters of six products

Turkish companies experienced a successful 2017 as they became the global export leaders of woven carpet, women's suits, blouses, shirts, construction iron and radiators
Turkey last year became the world's largest exporter of woven carpets, construction iron, radiators, women's suits, blouses, and shirts, Chairman of Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) Mehmet Büyükekşi has said. Büyükekşi also said that Turkey was ranked third in bus and minibus exports, fourth in dishwashers fifth in washing machines, seventh in television, eighth in the men's suits and refrigerators, ninth in leather, welt clothing, electric heaters and commercial cargo vehicles, and tenth in engine parts.

More:Turkish companies world's leading exporters of six products - Daily Sabah

The battle of Gulf banks for Turkish market | Finance Apprise

The battle of Gulf banks for Turkish market

The Dubai’s largest bank is negotiating for the potential acquisition of the Turkish subsidiary of Sberbank PJSC, joining other financial institutions from Qatar and Kuwait, which are also seeking expansion in the country.

More:The battle of Gulf banks for Turkish market | Finance Apprise

Co-operation is in Turkey and America’s best interests

Co-operation is in Turkey and America’s best interests

Ankara’s activity in Syria raises the alarming prospect of military confrontation

More:Co-operation is in Turkey and America’s best interests

Turkey′s Erdogan criticizes EU leaders for lack of support, especially against terror | News | DW | 04.02.2018

Turkey's Erdogan criticizes EU leaders for lack of support, especially against terror

Turkish President Erdogan has insisted in an interview that Turkey should still join the EU. The comments came despite mounting pressure against the Turkish leader's human rights record and his intervention in Syria.

More:Turkey′s Erdogan criticizes EU leaders for lack of support, especially against terror | News | DW | 04.02.2018

How effective is Turkish military's Kurdish offensive in Syria's Afrin?

How effective is Turkish military's Kurdish offensive in Syria's Afrin?

Turkish military faces its deadliest day in Operation Olive Branch as 7 soldiers die during clashes with Kurdish militia.

More:How effective is Turkish military's Kurdish offensive in Syria's Afrin?

Spotlight: Turkey hopes Syria offensive will secure return of refugees - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Spotlight: Turkey hopes Syria offensive will secure return of refugees

by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has been providing the best conditions for 3.5 millions of displaced Syrians with a generosity commended by the international community and hopes that its military operation in northern Syria will speed up their return amid fears of internal anti-refugee tensions.

More:Spotlight: Turkey hopes Syria offensive will secure return of refugees - Xinhua | English.news.cn

WENY News - Turkey warns Kurdish YPG forces will pay for soldiers' deaths

Turkey warns Kurdish YPG forces will pay for soldiers' deaths

By Kelly Murray CNN
(CNN) -- Turkey's Prime Minister warned that Kurdish YPG forces will pay "twice as much" following the deaths of seven Turkish soldiers in Syria's Afrin province.

More:WENY News - Turkey warns Kurdish YPG forces will pay for soldiers' deaths

Turkish offensive against YPG Kurds in Arifin, Syria wins broad support - The Washington Post

In Turkey, soaring support for Syrian offensive and rising anti-Americanism

By Erin Cunningham February 4 at 5:00 AM Email the author
ISTANBUL — On a celebrity gossip show here, the hosts recently projected the Instagram profiles of Turkish actors and pop stars on the screen and berated those who had not yet posted support for Turkey’s military offensive in Syria.

More:Turkish offensive against YPG Kurds in Arifin, Syria wins broad support - The Washington Post

Turkey to support entrepreneurs in clean technology

Turkey to support entrepreneurs in clean technology

BY BRINKWIRE ON FEBRUARY 3, 2018 NEWS
Entrepreneurs who succeed in Clean Innovation Program will be supported by $3M fund: Turkish Scientific Council head

More:Turkey to support entrepreneurs in clean technology

Saturday, February 03, 2018

8 Turkish troops die in Syria operation; Russian pilot slain | Boston Herald

8 Turkish troops die in Syria operation; Russian pilot slain
Associated Press Saturday, February 03, 2018

BEIRUT — Turkey said eight of its troops were killed Saturday in Ankara's military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia, the deadliest day in the two-week-old offensive in the enclave of Afrin, while in another part of Syria, al-Qaida-linked militants downed a Russian fighter jet, then shot and killed the pilot.

More:8 Turkish troops die in Syria operation; Russian pilot slain | Boston Herald

Turkish Airlines Super Bowl 2018 Ad Stars Dr. Oz

TURKISH AIRLINES SUPER BOWL 2018 AD STARS DR. OZ

Posted: Feb 3 2018, 12:36pm CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Turkish Airlines found perfect spokesperson in Dr. Oz. Turkish Airlines Super Bowl 2018 commercial stars "TV doctor" Dr. Oz. Mehmet Cengiz Öz better known as Dr. Oz, is a Turkish-American cardiothoracic surgeon, Columbia University professor and famous television personality with his own show.

More:Turkish Airlines Super Bowl 2018 Ad Stars Dr. Oz

Syria war: Turkey suffers deadliest day in Afrin offensive - BBC News

Syria war: Turkey suffers deadliest day in Afrin offensive

The Turkish-led offensive is intended to drive Kurdish militias out of Afrin The Turkish military has suffered the deadliest day in its current offensive against Kurdish militias inside Syria, with seven soldiers killed.

More:Syria war: Turkey suffers deadliest day in Afrin offensive - BBC News

Two more Turkish soldiers killed in Syria offensive: army | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Two more Turkish soldiers killed in Syria offensive: army

ANKARA: Two more Turkish soldiers were killed Saturday in Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militia inside Syria, the army said, bringing to nine the number killed so far in the incursion.

More:Two more Turkish soldiers killed in Syria offensive: army | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Friday, February 02, 2018

Turkey: Tax office blast caused by bomb, attacker killed - NY Daily News

Turkey: Tax office blast caused by bomb, attacker killed

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish officials say Thursday's explosion at a tax office in the Turkish capital was caused by bomb and that the suspected bomber has been killed in a police operation.

More:Turkey: Tax office blast caused by bomb, attacker killed - NY Daily News

Germany grants asylum to alleged Turkey plotters: Spiegel

Germany grants asylum to alleged Turkey plotters: Spiegel

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany has granted asylum to four Turkish soldiers, including one Ankara accuses of playing a leading role in the failed military coup of July 2016, in a new setback for relations between the two countries, weekly magazine Der Spiegel reported.

More:Germany grants asylum to alleged Turkey plotters: Spiegel

Erdogan's diplomats have become 'Gulenist-busters'

Erdogan's diplomats have become 'Gulenist-busters'

By Selcuk Gultasli
BRUSSELS, Today, 10:04

Their European counterparts usually admired Ottoman diplomats as talented public servants.

As famously (or infamously) declared by the Russian Czar Nicholas I, the Ottoman Empire was the sick man of Europe throughout the 19th century.

More:Erdogan's diplomats have become 'Gulenist-busters'

After Turkish anger, Macron plays down Syria warning – EURACTIV.com

After Turkish anger, Macron plays down Syria warning

EURACTIV.com with Reuters

1:59 (updated: 2:01)

French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday (1 January) played down cautionary remarks he had made about Turkey’s operation against Kurdish militants in northern Syria after Ankara labelled them as insults.

More:After Turkish anger, Macron plays down Syria warning – EURACTIV.com

Why Gaziantep Still Matters Seven Years After Start of Syrian Conflict - Turkey | ReliefWeb

Why Gaziantep Still Matters Seven Years After Start of Syrian Conflict

Gaziantep – Next month marks the seventh anniversary of the start of the war in Syria. Since the beginning, Turkey has been the main destination country for many of the 3.4 million Syrians seeking refuge and a better life. Over 1.5 million live along the border in south and south-eastern Turkey, with the highest concentration in the municipality of Gaziantep.

More:Why Gaziantep Still Matters Seven Years After Start of Syrian Conflict - Turkey | ReliefWeb

Turkey's President Takes a Victory Lap

Turkey's President Takes a Victory Lap

By November 2019, Turkey will hold one of its most consequential elections: a vote to choose its first executive president. Up until 2014, Turkey's parliament appointed the country's presidents, who served largely in an emeritus capacity as paternalistic figures representing the integrity of the state. The system changed with a series of constitutional amendments spearheaded by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that allowed for direct elections in the future. Erdogan then succeeded President Abdullah Gul to become Turkey's first popularly elected president in August 2014. At the time of his election, constitutional scholars highlighted concerns that having a popularly elected prime minister and a popularly elected president could give rise to an executive duality. If both the head of the constitutionally defined executive — the prime minister — and the head of state are popularly elected, who runs Turkey?

More:Turkey's President Takes a Victory Lap

The U.S. and Turkey: Past the Point of No Return? - The American Interest

The U.S. and Turkey: Past the Point of No Return?

With Ankara and Washington on a collision course in northern Syria, both sides will have to rethink their priorities if they want to salvage an increasingly hollow alliance.

More:The U.S. and Turkey: Past the Point of No Return? - The American Interest

Turkey’s Afrin offensive: Wrong, but not unjustified - Qantara.de

Turkey’s Afrin offensive
Wrong, but not unjustified

Although the presence of an armed group on Turkey′s border – especially one allied to the PKK – was inevitably going to be perceived as a threat, Ankara′s Afrin offensive has been given short shrift in Germany. Commentary by Ulrich von Schwerin

More:Turkey’s Afrin offensive: Wrong, but not unjustified - Qantara.de

Erdogan: Everybody’s False Friend - The Globalist

Erdogan: Everybody’s False Friend

The Turkish President only knows one loyalty — to himself. Little wonder Erdogan acts like a congenital flamethrower in international relations.

More:Erdogan: Everybody’s False Friend - The Globalist

Turkey's propaganda war targets America's state capitals | Public Radio International

Turkey's propaganda war targets America's state capitals

The Center for Public Integrity

February 02, 2018 · 7:45 AM EST
By Liz Essley Whyte

A law firm hired by the government of Turkey is lobbying state officials across the US about what it alleges is a suspicious network of American charter schools run by a dangerous Turkish opposition leader.

More:Turkey's propaganda war targets America's state capitals | Public Radio International

Thursday, February 01, 2018

Turkey resumes pressure on US Consulate staff

Turkey resumes pressure on US Consulate staff
Amberin Zaman February 1, 2018

Article Summary
With the interrogation of another local US Consulate employee, Turkey appears to have broken its promise not to hound staff without notifying the American authorities in a move that could trigger targeted visa sanctions against Turkish officials deemed to be involved.

MOre:Turkey resumes pressure on US Consulate staff

Changes to Turkish live export rules could benefit Irish farmers - Agriland

Changes to Turkish live export rules could benefit Irish farmers
Conor Finnerty

It was confirmed today that private-sector buyers in Turkey will be permitted to import cattle for fattening from May onwards.

More:Changes to Turkish live export rules could benefit Irish farmers - Agriland

Look Who's Coming To Dinner In Istanbul

Look Who's Coming To Dinner In Istanbul
February 01, 2018 14:59 GMT

Gordana Knezevic

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted two Balkan leaders at his presidential palace in Istanbul this week.

More:Look Who's Coming To Dinner In Istanbul

Turkey’s manufacturing growth hits fastest rate in almost seven years

Turkey’s manufacturing growth hits fastest rate in almost seven years
ISTANBUL

Turkey’s manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in nearly seven years in January, a key survey showed on Feb. 1.

According to the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) compiled by IHS Markit and the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO), the headline index rose to 55.7 in January from 54.9 in December 2017.

More:Turkey’s manufacturing growth hits fastest rate in almost seven years