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Monday, April 30, 2018

Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided

Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided
Fehim Tastekin April 30, 2018

Article Summary
Turkish academia is in upheaval following the government’s decision to split up 13 major universities to form new ones, while university departments say that the proposal is fueled by ulterior motives and that resources are already spread too thin.

More:Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided

Daniel Pipes: Turkey's election has no good options - The Rebel

Daniel Pipes: Turkey's election has no good options
Ezra LevantRebel Commander

On Wednesday show, Middle East Forum President Daniel Pipes joined me to discuss the upcoming Turkish election.

Although Turkey is technically a "NATO ally", it has become an increasingly Islamist authoritarian state under the leadership of President Erdogan.

More:Daniel Pipes: Turkey's election has no good options - The Rebel

Turkey marks one year without Wikipedia - The Verge

Turkey marks one year without Wikipedia

The country’s ban on Wikipedia is the most comprehensive in the world

More:Turkey marks one year without Wikipedia - The Verge

EU examines a visa-free working plan for Turks travelling to Schengen countries

EU examines a visa-free working plan for Turks travelling to Schengen countries
By Lida Filippakis / Published on: 30-04-2018, 13:20

European Union sources said on Monday that a bloc's delegation will visit Turkey in mid-May to debate a visa-free plan and the issue of refugees, who, once again are lately re-entering Europe through Greece in big numbers.

More:EU examines a visa-free working plan for Turks travelling to Schengen countries

Over a Dozen Journalists Convicted as ‘Terrorists’ in Turkey - MediaFile

Over a Dozen Journalists Convicted as ‘Terrorists’ in Turkey
April 30, 2018 at 12:00 am
By Shayna Greene in International

A Turkish court in Silivri sentenced 14 journalists from one of the last independent newspapers in Turkey, Cumhuriyet, with jail time on terrorism charges. The staff from this paper, known for being highly critical of President Erdogan’s administration, were found guilty of supporting Turkish exile Fethullah Gulen, who has been accused by Erdogan of leading the attempted coup in 2016. These accusations have been denied by Gulen but the Cumhuriyet journalists may face up to eight years for allegedly supporting him.

More:Over a Dozen Journalists Convicted as ‘Terrorists’ in Turkey - MediaFile

Sunday, April 29, 2018

President Erdogan is trampling on Turkey’s freedoms

President Erdogan is trampling on Turkey’s freedoms

As Germany has shown, Ankara does sometimes respond to pressure

More:President Erdogan is trampling on Turkey’s freedoms

Saturday, April 28, 2018

After long history of defeats, Turkish opposition sees a chance to beat Erdogan | | AW

After long history of defeats, Turkish opposition sees a chance to beat Erdogan

Opinion polls see Erdogan struggling to reach more than 50% of the vote in the presidential election on June 24.

More:After long history of defeats, Turkish opposition sees a chance to beat Erdogan | | AW

Turkey's Gul Says He Won't Run Against Erdogan in June Election - Bloomberg

Turkey's Gul Says He Won't Run Against Erdogan in June Election
By Cagan Koc
and Constantine Courcoulas
April 28, 2018, 8:22 AM EDT

Turkey’s former president Abdullah Gul said he won’t be a candidate in snap presidential elections to be held in June, putting to rest speculation that he could harm incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chances.

More:Turkey's Gul Says He Won't Run Against Erdogan in June Election - Bloomberg

Ankara edging back to Washington's side in Syria, Turkish analysts say | MENAFN.COM

Ankara edging back to Washington's side in Syria, Turkish analysts say

Following a move two years ago toward closer coordination with Russia on its Syria policy, Turkey appears to be signaling a return to working with the United States.

More:Ankara edging back to Washington's side in Syria, Turkish analysts say | MENAFN.COM

From refugees to earthquakes, Istanbul ready for a reshape, say city planners | Reuters

From refugees to earthquakes, Istanbul ready for a reshape, say city planners
Adela Suliman

BONN, Germany April 28 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Faced with a fast-growing population and risks from earthquakes and flooding, Istanbul must take bold steps to adapt and improve the quality of life of its residents, planning experts from Turkey’s biggest city said on Saturday.

More:From refugees to earthquakes, Istanbul ready for a reshape, say city planners | Reuters

Friday, April 27, 2018

Pompeo presses Turkey on S-400 missiles purchase from Russia | Top News | Reuters

Pompeo presses Turkey on S-400 missiles purchase from Russia

Reuters Staff

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday told his Turkish counterpart that the United States was seriously concerned over Ankara’s decision to buy Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries, which are not compatible with NATO’s defenses.

More:Pompeo presses Turkey on S-400 missiles purchase from Russia | Top News | Reuters

Europe and Turkey: The end of illusion – EURACTIV.com

Europe and Turkey: The end of illusion

The summit held in Ankara on 4 April between Putin, Erdoğan, and Rouhani provides an eye-opening depiction of the rapidly changing discourse of 2018 geostrategic international rivalry

More:Europe and Turkey: The end of illusion – EURACTIV.com

Economic confidence down in April in Turkey

Economic confidence down in April in Turkey
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Economic confidence in Turkey slipped month-on-month in April, falling by 2 percent to 98.3, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) said on April 27.

More:Economic confidence down in April in Turkey

Turkish overseas balloting to start on June 7

Turkish overseas balloting to start on June 7
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

According to the official election calendar published on April 26, Turkish expats will be able to vote in the upcoming early presidential and parliamentary elections for 12 days from June 7 to June 19.

More:Turkish overseas balloting to start on June 7

I’m not a dictator, the opposition is – Erdoğan | Ahval

I’m not a dictator, the opposition is – Erdoğan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has responded to accusations that he is becoming a dictator by denying the claims and saying that it is the main opposition that is acting dictatorially, Hürriyet newspaper said .

More:I’m not a dictator, the opposition is – Erdoğan | Ahval

Turkeyʹs controversial Ilisu dam project: The countdown has begun - Qantara.de

The countdown has begun

A huge dam project in Turkeyʹs southeast is forcing residents of an ancient town earmarked for flooding to uproot. Yet many still donʹt know where they should go. Diego Cupolo reports from Hasankeyf

More:Turkeyʹs controversial Ilisu dam project: The countdown has begun - Qantara.de

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Here’s why Turkey’s snap election won’t solve all the lira’s problems - MarketWatch

Here’s why Turkey’s snap election won’t solve all the lira’s problems

Published: Apr 26, 2018 4:33 p.m. ET

By Anneken Tappe

It will take more than a snap election to fix Turkey’s fundamental economic problems or provide more than a temporary lift to the long-suffering lira.

More:Here’s why Turkey’s snap election won’t solve all the lira’s problems - MarketWatch

Turkish Lira Seen Outperforming Peers on Central Bank Backstop - Bloomberg

Turkish Lira Seen Outperforming Peers on Central Bank Backstop
By Constantine Courcoulas
April 25, 2018, 11:00 PM EDT Updated on April 26, 2018, 3:09 AM EDT

Turkey’s central bank hasn’t boosted the lira, but it may have saved it ahead of elections.

While the currency quickly erased a jump after policy makers raised a key rate more than expected on Wednesday, it is still beating peers this week. The central bank has provided a buffer from the torrent of bad news that is hurting emerging markets, from higher U.S. Treasury yields to rising oil prices.

More:Turkish Lira Seen Outperforming Peers on Central Bank Backstop - Bloomberg

Turkey’s Eastern Express puts romance back on tracks | The Wider Image | Reuters

Turkey’s Eastern Express puts romance back on tracks
Erzincan, Turkey Photography by Umit Bektas. Reporting by Ece Toksabay.

"We love travelling, so this suits us perfectly. This is a short demo of a life-long journey together," said Emre, who popped the question this month after a two-year relationship.

More:Turkey’s Eastern Express puts romance back on tracks | The Wider Image | Reuters

Turkey’s electoral board: 11 parties to run in June polls

Turkey’s electoral board: 11 parties to run in June polls
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s electoral body on April 25 announced that 11 political parties will compete in the June 24 polls.

The Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) on April 22 had said 10 parties, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), will run in the parliamentary and presidential elections.

More:Turkey’s electoral board: 11 parties to run in June polls

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Erdogan goes on warpath for a landslide victory in June elections | Jordan Times

Erdogan goes on warpath for a landslide victory in June elections

Apr 25,2018 - Last updated at Apr 25,2018

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has gone on the warpath to convince his country's voters to give him a wide margin of victory in the June 24 snap presidential election forwarded from November 2019. A landslide would enable him to expand his authority and strengthen his grip on power.

More:Erdogan goes on warpath for a landslide victory in June elections | Jordan Times

Turkey Election Could Be Full of Surprises

Turkish Election Call Sparks Fresh Thinking

By Nathaniel Handy

President Erdogan’s snap poll reinvigorates Turkish politics in unexpected ways. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a master at outflanking his political opponents. Despite rumors that an early general election would be called, no one expected it to be quite so last minute. On June 24, Turkey will go to the polls in a watershed vote that will — so the script goes — see Erdogan consolidate his grip on a new executive presidency in a transformed political landscape.

More:Turkey Election Could Be Full of Surprises

Erdogan’s Motley Opponents Have United to Take Him Down – Foreign Policy

Erdogan’s Motley Opponents Have United to Take Him Down

Turkey’s strongman might not be strong enough to survive the early elections he wanted.

More:Erdogan’s Motley Opponents Have United to Take Him Down – Foreign Policy

How Gallipoli has become part of a key political struggle in Turkey | The Spinoff

How Gallipoli has become part of a key political struggle in Turkey

Guest Post | Guest writer Commentary

While NZ and Australian visitor numbers may be dropping, Erdoğan’s hailed ‘pious generation’ are attending commemorations in increasing numbers. Islamic influence on remembrance rites at Gallipoli has been growing for more than a decade, but its political significance has increased dramatically since the July 2016 attempted coup, write Brad West and Ayhan Aktar

More:How Gallipoli has become part of a key political struggle in Turkey | The Spinoff

Erdogan Grooming Child Martyrs | Clarion Project Clarion Project

Erdogan Grooming Child Martyrs

By Clarion Project Wednesday, April 25, 2018

A series of tweets from AKP Watch show young, Turkish children in Germany and Austria being indoctrinated into being the next line of soldiers and martyrs for Turkey’s Islamist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Islamist and expansionist agenda.

More:Erdogan Grooming Child Martyrs | Clarion Project Clarion Project

Turkey’s Erdogan to Stage Election Rally in Sarajevo :: Balkan Insight

Turkey’s Erdogan to Stage Election Rally in Sarajevo

After some Western European countries banned Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presidential election campaign rallies, the Turkish leader and his ruling party will hold their first demonstration abroad in Sarajevo.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan to Stage Election Rally in Sarajevo :: Balkan Insight

Turkey Surprises With Bigger Rate Hike to Bolster Lira - Bloomberg

Turkey Surprises With Bigger Rate Hike to Bolster Lira
By Selcan Hacaoglu
and Onur Ant
April 25, 2018, 7:08 AM EDT Updated on April 25, 2018, 7:20 AM EDT

Turkey’s central bank raised interest rates for the first time this year, lending support to the lira as it seeks to contain inflation in the weeks leading up to early presidential elections in June.

More:Turkey Surprises With Bigger Rate Hike to Bolster Lira - Bloomberg

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Tornos News | Turkey: "Year of Troy" with Turkish Airlines as "Trojan Horse" (video)

Turkey: "Year of Troy" with Turkish Airlines as "Trojan Horse" (video)

Turkey's tourism industry has launched impressive schemes to rely on the rising popularity of the ancient and enigmatic city of Troy to lure more tourists, Xinhua reports.

More:Tornos News | Turkey: "Year of Troy" with Turkish Airlines as "Trojan Horse" (video)

Afghans fleeing violence unwelcome in Turkey

Afghans fleeing violence unwelcome in Turkey
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) April 24, 2018

Article Summary
Human rights groups warn that thousands of Afghan refugees in Turkey face abuse and deportation as the country focuses on the millions of Syrian asylum-seekers ahead of this summer's vote.

More:Afghans fleeing violence unwelcome in Turkey

Erdogan moves quickly to strengthen his grip on power

Erdogan moves quickly to strengthen his grip on power

The Turkish president’s anxiety for a vote suggests its result may not be inevitable

More:Erdogan moves quickly to strengthen his grip on power

President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin's Russia | Time

How President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin's Russia

By Soner Cagaptay 8:40 AM EDT

As Turkey gears up for snap elections on June 24, the country’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a problem: Turkish society is profoundly polarized. Despite his efforts to build a stable majority as the foundation of his right-wing regime, his policies of demonizing centrist and leftist groups mean that half of Turkey opposes him vehemently and seems determined not to accept him as leader. He won last year’s referendum granting him sweeping executive powers with just a 2 percent margin, even though resources devoted to his campaign far outweighed the resources devoted to the campaign opposing him.

More:President Erdogan Is Turning Turkey Into Putin's Russia | Time

Monday, April 23, 2018

Turkey is succumbing to collective insanity - The Washington Post

Turkey is succumbing to collective insanity
by Asli Aydintasbas April 23 at 5:28 PM Email the author

Let’s start with the question of sanity. Here is a letter from Turkey’s leading civil society leader, Osman Kavala, who spent months in prison for the following reasons: having dinner with a visiting American academic; for organizing the failed coup of 2016; and funding an urban uprising in Istanbul in 2013 or supporting Kurdish separatists, depending on which version of the official story you chose to believe:

More:Turkey is succumbing to collective insanity - The Washington Post

The Islamization of Turkey | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

The Islamization of Turkey
avatar by Rauf Baker
The Turkish regime is gradually transforming into a more developed and dangerous version of Al Qaeda. Their rhetoric and approach seem convergent or even identical. The difference is that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is leading a country of significant geopolitical importance — not a militant group scattered across Afghanistan’s mountains.

More:The Islamization of Turkey | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Under Erdogan, Turkey's Foreign Policy Is a One-Man Show

Under Erdogan, Turkey's Foreign Policy Is a One-Man Show
By Sinan Ciddi

For most of Turkey's modern history, its foreign policy drew from the suggestions of the armed forces, the civilian government and career professionals in the foreign ministry. The resulting policy formulations — whether they produced positive or negative outcomes for Turkey — emerged from a set process involving myriad interagency consultations over the country's capability, capacity and interests. Today, that is no longer the case. Since taking his current office in August 2014, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the shots in Turkish foreign policy. The country's actions and objectives on the world stage are now a product of his preferences, rather than a deliberative process.

More:Under Erdogan, Turkey's Foreign Policy Is a One-Man Show

Turkish lawmakers switch parties in challenge to Erdogan | World | stltoday.com

Turkish lawmakers switch parties in challenge to Erdogan

By ZEYNEP BILGINSOY Associated Press 7 hrs ago (0)

ISTANBUL (AP) — More than a dozen Turkish opposition lawmakers switched parties Sunday in a show of solidarity as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rivals scramble to challenge him in a surprise snap election that could solidify his rule.

More:Turkish lawmakers switch parties in challenge to Erdogan | World | stltoday.com

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Turkish opposition leader says Erdogan will lose at polls

Turkish opposition leader says Erdogan will lose at polls
By AYSE WIETING and ZEYNEP BILGINSOY -

4/21/18 4:05 PM

ISTANBUL, Turkey — The leader of Turkey’s main opposition party predicted Saturday that voters who backed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the past would “side with democracy” instead of a “dictatorship” during the next elections in June.

More:Turkish opposition leader says Erdogan will lose at polls

Explainer: can the İyi Parti run in the 2018 Turkish election? - James in Turkey

Explainer: can the İyi Parti run in the 2018 Turkish election?
Saturday 21 April 2018 0

Explainer: can the İyi Parti run in the 2018 Turkish election?
Turkey’s new centre-right movement may fall foul of rules for recently-founded political parties

Will they be allowed inside?

That is the question asked of the İyi Parti, or Good Party, after Turkey suddenly called a snap election for 24 June.

Six months after a group of MHP rebels finally formalised their movement, many have been asking whether it may fall foul of complicated rules that suggesting it must have held its first congress at least six months before an election.

More:Explainer: can the İyi Parti run in the 2018 Turkish election? - James in Turkey

Why has Turkey’s president called early elections? - The Economist explains

The Economist explains

Why has Turkey’s president called early elections?
It has a lot to do with the economy

The Economist explains Apr 21st 2018 SINCE the start of the year, the question on the minds of many Turks was not whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (pictured, left) would call early presidential and parliamentary elections, but when. The answer arrived on April 18th, when the Turkish strongman pushed the vote forward by eighteen months, to June 24th 2018, earlier than almost everyone had expected. So what does Mr Erdogan hope to achieve by marching Turks to the polls for the sixth time in four years, and for the second time under emergency law?

More:Why has Turkey’s president called early elections? - The Economist explains

As Hungary becomes Turkey | Ahval

As Hungary becomes Turkey

On Apr. 8, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party the Hungarian Civic Alliance (Fidesz) won parliamentary elections to extend his eight-year rule over NATO and European Union (EU) member Hungary. Many say that Hungary is drifting away from democracy under the rule of Orban and is on its way to becoming a second Turkey.

More:As Hungary becomes Turkey | Ahval

Turkey's Erdogan says emergency rule good for economy as stops terrorism, strikes

Turkey's Erdogan says emergency rule good for economy as stops terrorism, strikes

Reuters Staff

3 Min Read

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Businesses should welcome Turkey’s state of emergency because it guards against terrorism and prevents workers from going out on strike, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

More:Turkey's Erdogan says emergency rule good for economy as stops terrorism, strikes

Friday, April 20, 2018

Erdogan's shock election call brings cherished powers within reach

Erdogan's shock election call brings cherished powers within reach
Dominic Evans, David Dolan

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Tayyip Erdogan’s shock announcement of snap elections in June has caught Turkey’s troubled opposition off guard and brought him within reach of his cherished goal, a powerful presidency with sweeping executive powers.

More:Erdogan's shock election call brings cherished powers within reach

German gov't bans Turkish campaigning before elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

German gov't bans Turkish campaigning before elections
Source: Xinhua 2018-04-20 23:59:32

BERLIN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish politicians will not be allowed to campaign in Germany ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in Turkey on June 24, the German government clarified on Friday.

More:German gov't bans Turkish campaigning before elections - Xinhua | English.news.cn

U.S. has 'concerns' about Turkey holding fair vote under state of emergency

U.S. has 'concerns' about Turkey holding fair vote under state of emergency

Reuters•April 19, 2018

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday it had concerns about Turkey's ability to hold free and fair elections given the ongoing state of emergency, a day after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for a snap vote on June 24.

More:U.S. has 'concerns' about Turkey holding fair vote under state of emergency

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Afghans make long trek west before Turkey secures border

Afghans make long trek west before Turkey secures border
Ece Toksabay

AGRI, Turkey (Reuters) - On a mountainous road leading west from the Iranian border, 22-year-old Sunnatilla Rasulbek trudges through heavy rain, one of tens of thousands of Afghans hoping to find work and security in Turkey before a wall goes up to keep them out.

More:Afghans make long trek west before Turkey secures border

Erdogan 'needs every vote' and is looking to Turks in U.S. for support

Erdogan 'needs every vote' and is looking to Turks in U.S. for support

The strongman's ruling party "has been suffering from an image problem in the U.S."

More:Erdogan 'needs every vote' and is looking to Turks in U.S. for support

Turkey: Why Erdogan Called Snap Elections

Turkey: Why Erdogan Called Snap Elections
(Stratfor)

The Big Picture

Stratfor's 2018 Second-Quarter Forecast indicated that Turkey's economic strain and attempts to capitalize on military successes could drive the country to hold early elections. That analysis has proved accurate, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held almost a year and a half ahead of schedule.

More:Turkey: Why Erdogan Called Snap Elections

4 factors that led to Turkey’s snap elections | European Council on Foreign Relations

4 factors that led to Turkey’s snap elections

Asli Aydıntaşbaş 19th April, 2018

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to get ahead of a downward curve in Turkey’s fortunes. He has – probably – done enough to win this new snap vote

More:4 factors that led to Turkey’s snap elections | European Council on Foreign Relations

Trump’s words for pastor clash with his praise of Erdogan | Newsday

Trump’s words for pastor clash with his praise of Erdogan
Updated April 18, 2018 9:07 PM

Since the Trump administration began, U.S.-Turkish relations have looked as muddled and disjointed as our dealings with the Russians and North Koreans.

More:Trump’s words for pastor clash with his praise of Erdogan | Newsday

Opinion: Turkey getting a last shot at democracy | Middle East| News and analysis of events in the Arab world | DW | 18.04.2018

Opinion: Turkey getting a last shot at democracy

Turkey is heading for early elections on June 24. The winner of the crucial vote will wield extraordinary power, which is exactly what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants, says DW's Seda Serdar.

More:Opinion: Turkey getting a last shot at democracy | Middle East| News and analysis of events in the Arab world | DW | 18.04.2018

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Turkey’s state of emergency extended for seventh time

Turkey’s state of emergency extended for seventh time
ANKARA

The Turkish Parliament on April 18 extended the ongoing state of emergency for the seventh time for another three months, meaning the upcoming early elections on June 24 will be held under the emergency rule despite widespread disapproval from opposition parties.

More:Turkey’s state of emergency extended for seventh time

Erdogan Catches Turkey off Guard by Calling Early Elections | World News | US News

Erdogan Catches Turkey off Guard by Calling Early Elections

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caught Turkey off guard by calling early elections for June, in a move that could cement his grip on power a year ahead of schedule.

More:Erdogan Catches Turkey off Guard by Calling Early Elections | World News | US News

Beyond macho: Turkish-EU ties

Beyond macho: Turkish-EU ties

By Andrew Rettman BRUSSELS, Today, 15:34

Turkey has belittled the EU in a week of macho posturing, but strategic and economic relations go beyond the current rhetoric.

More:Beyond macho: Turkish-EU ties

The Latest: Turkish president calls snap elections for June

The Latest: Turkish president calls snap elections for June
Published: April 18, 2018

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will hold early parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24.

More:The Latest: Turkish president calls snap elections for June

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Istanbul Closes the Books on its Public Scribes - Atlas Obscura

Istanbul Closes the Books on its Public Scribes

The street-based document writers for hire have been a fixture since the days of the Ottoman Empire.

More:Istanbul Closes the Books on its Public Scribes - Atlas Obscura

EU warns of curtailing rights under Turkey's state of emergency | Turkey | Al Jazeera

EU warns of curtailing rights under Turkey's state of emergency

Senior Turkish official accuses bloc of 'bias' and 'lacking empathy' after report urges lifting of state of emergency.

More:EU warns of curtailing rights under Turkey's state of emergency | Turkey | Al Jazeera

Turkey's Ruling Party to Discuss Call for Early Election | World News | US News

Turkey's Ruling Party to Discuss Call for Early Election
April 17, 2018, at 4:45 a.m.

By Ercan Gurses and Gulsen Solaker

ANKARA (Reuters) - Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party will discuss the possibility of holding Turkey's presidential election in August, more than a year earlier than planned, the government spokesman said on Wednesday, following a suggestion from its nationalist allies.

More:Turkey's Ruling Party to Discuss Call for Early Election | World News | US News

Turkey anti-emergency protests draw government criticism | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Turkey anti-emergency protests draw government criticism

Opposition holds sit-in protests across the country as the government prepares to extend the state of emergency.

More:Turkey anti-emergency protests draw government criticism | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Erdogan’s Shifting Goals | The Market Mogul

Erdogan’s Shifting Goals

3 min read / April 17, 2018

By Leon Donadoni

After an eight-and-a-half-week campaign, Operation Olive Branch has finally come to an end with the fall of Afrin by the hands of the Turkish and Free Syrian Army forces. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised in viewing the occupation of the Kurdish enclave as the end of Turkey’s intervention in Syria. Although Mr Erdogan ruled out any plans of annexation, it is likely that Turkey will proceed to secure the rest of its south-eastern border by concentrating its efforts in a continued military campaign against the Kurds. What instead seems less likely is a continuation of Mr Erdogan’s post-Arab Spring imperial fantasy.

More:Erdogan’s Shifting Goals | The Market Mogul

Kanal İstanbul: Erdoğan’s drive to build a new strait - Ship Technology

Kanal İstanbul: Erdoğan’s drive to build a new strait
By Eva Grey

Turkey recently announced the route for Kanal Istanbul, a planned artificial channel between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. While it promises to bring huge economic advantages to the country, environmentalists are putting up a fight, claiming it could cause an ecological disaster.

More:Kanal İstanbul: Erdoğan’s drive to build a new strait - Ship Technology

Erdogan’s American Hostage - WSJ

Erdogan’s American Hostage Andrew Brunson’s case is part of a larger problem with Turkey.

By The Editorial Board April 16, 2018 7:20 p.m. ET

Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan has imprisoned opponents and moved the country toward authoritarian rule. That’s the political context through which to understand the trial of American pastor Andrew Brunson.

More:Erdogan’s American Hostage - WSJ

Monday, April 16, 2018

Erdogan’s Monetary Policy Pushes Lira to Record Lows | Financial Tribune

Erdogan’s Monetary Policy Pushes Lira to Record Lows

Turkey's lira has hit record lows for the past week, thanks to what analysts say is the Turkish government's unwillingness to balance monetary policy to counter double-digit inflation. And the fall has been accelerated by geopolitical uncertainty over US and Russian military actions in neighboring Syria, CNBC reported.

More:Erdogan’s Monetary Policy Pushes Lira to Record Lows | Financial Tribune

Soccer mirrors politics in polarized Turkey

Soccer mirrors politics in polarized Turkey

Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) April 16, 2018

Article Summary Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's promotion of a soccer team that subscribes to conservative Islamic values has more so polarized fans than won them over.

More:Soccer mirrors politics in polarized Turkey

Turkey's lira weaker, Moody's sounds alarm over currency and inflation

Turkey's lira weaker, Moody's sounds alarm over currency and inflation

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira was a touch weaker on Monday after plumbing a series of record lows last week, as investor alarm about double-digit inflation has been heightened by President Tayyip Erdogan’s drive for lower interest rates.

More:Turkey's lira weaker, Moody's sounds alarm over currency and inflation

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Turkey says Incirlik air base not used in U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria

Turkey says Incirlik air base not used in U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria

By Brinkwire on April 15, 2018

ANKARA, April 14 (Xinhua) — The Incirlik air base in southern Turkey was not used in the U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said Saturday.

More:Turkey says Incirlik air base not used in U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria

Turkey Suffers for Erdogan’s Insecurity

Turkey Suffers for Erdogan’s Insecurity

On July 31st, 1959, 28 months after the original six signatories, Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, had signed the Treaty of Rome, Turkey applied for associate membership in the European Economic Community (EEC). Since that time, Turkey’s goal was to achieve full membership in the EEC, then, it became to obtain membership in the European Union (EU). The benefits that Turkish citizens would gain have been coveted for many years. Understanding that membership would threaten his leadership, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought to dash that hope. Erdogan’s domestic and foreign policies have followed a line to deny that end.

More:Turkey Suffers for Erdogan’s Insecurity

'Regress Report': Turkey in serious relapse - EU Commission | Ahval

'Regress Report': Turkey in serious relapse - EU Commission

The European Commission in Brussels is about the give its worst testimony on Turkey’s progress in joining the European Union (EU) in its forthcoming country report, German paper Die Welt reported .

More:'Regress Report': Turkey in serious relapse - EU Commission | Ahval

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Turkey walks political tightrope

Turkey walks political tightrope

ANKARA: The coalition strike against Syrian targets has made Turkey’s policy of balancing Russia and the Western powers more challenging.

More:Turkey walks political tightrope

Turkey says was informed ahead of air strikes on Syria | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Turkey says was informed ahead of air strikes on Syria

ANKARA: Turkey was informed ahead of U.S., British and French strikes on Syria, ruling AK Party spokesman Mahir Unal said in a televised interview on CNN Turk.

More:Turkey says was informed ahead of air strikes on Syria | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Friday, April 13, 2018

As US-Turkey Relations Simmer, Reza Zarrab’s Case Adds Fuel to the Fire

As US-Turkey Relations Simmer, Reza Zarrab’s Strange Case Adds Fuel to the Fire

The intriguing case of Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab triggered massive waves in Turkey’s domestic politics, waves so large they are being felt in the United States.

More:As US-Turkey Relations Simmer, Reza Zarrab’s Case Adds Fuel to the Fire

Turkey: a new electoral law / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso

Turkey: a new electoral law

Following the recent amendments to the electoral law, the climate in Turkey reminds that of the pre-electoral period. The country, though, will not head to the polls earlier than in November 2019. An analysis by our local correspondent

More:Turkey: a new electoral law / Turkey / Areas / Homepage - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso

Turkey says Gulen group used puzzle game to mask communications

Turkey says Gulen group used puzzle game to mask communications

Ankara: Turkish authorities believe members of the movement it blames for 2016’s failed coup used a mobile phone puzzle game to mask communications on an encryption app, state media reported on Friday.

More:Turkey says Gulen group used puzzle game to mask communications

Thursday, April 12, 2018

UPDATE 2-Turkey's Erdogan lashes out at investors over tumbling lira

Turkey's Erdogan lashes out at investors over tumbling lira

By Tuvan Gumrukcu

ANKARA, April 12 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at international investors on Thursday, saying that no one could use exchange rates to bring the country to heel - casting a slide in value of its currency, the lira, as a foreign conspiracy.

More:UPDATE 2-Turkey's Erdogan lashes out at investors over tumbling lira

Jilted Kurds ignore Western hand-wringing over Syria gas attack

Jilted Kurds ignore Western hand-wringing over Syria gas attack
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) April 12, 2018

Article Summary
The Syrian Kurds have been notably silent on US President Donald Trump’s threat to punish Damascus over a suspected chemical attack on Douma, likely disillusioned and choosing to focus on condemning Turkey's ongoing offensive in Afrin.

More:Jilted Kurds ignore Western hand-wringing over Syria gas attack

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Lira Slide Becomes One-Way Bet as Traders Test Central Bank - Bloomberg

Lira Slide Becomes One-Way Bet as Traders Test Central Bank
By Constantine Courcoulas
April 11, 2018, 8:28 AM EDT

Shorting the Turkish lira is becoming one of the easiest trades in town.

More:Lira Slide Becomes One-Way Bet as Traders Test Central Bank - Bloomberg

Dutch parliament votes for "Erdoğan law" | Ahval

Dutch parliament votes for "Erdoğan law"

The House of Representatives in the Netherlands has voted in favour of a legal reform, known as the “Erdoğan law” to replace a law against insulting foreign leaders, BBC Türkçe reported on Wednesday.

More:Dutch parliament votes for "Erdoğan law" | Ahval

Lira sinks 1.5% after Trump’s Russia comments, Turkish data

Lira sinks 1.5% after Trump’s Russia comments, Turkish data

The lira has plummeted to another record low after an escalation in rhetoric by Donald Trump regarding Russia’s support for the Syrian government and following a fresh slate of data highlighted that Turkey’s vulnerability to external shocks.

More:Lira sinks 1.5% after Trump’s Russia comments, Turkish data

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Turkey to lower price of citizenship for foreign investors

Turkey to lower price of citizenship for foreign investors
Zulfikar Dogan April 10, 2018

Article Summary
Disappointed by the impact of a citizenship incentive offered to foreign homebuyers last year, Ankara is expected to lower the bar from $1 million to $300,000.

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Turkish Banker's Jail Term May Hinge on Answers to U.S. Judge - Bloomberg

Turkish Banker's Jail Term May Hinge on Answers to U.S. Judge

By Christie Smythe April 10, 2018, 12:38 PM EDT In this Nov. 28, 2017

A U.S. judge demanded more information about Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla and his role in a scheme to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions on billions of dollars in oil revenue before deciding deciding the sentence for his crimes.

More:Turkish Banker's Jail Term May Hinge on Answers to U.S. Judge - Bloomberg

Turkish lira strikes another record low on growing outflow fears

Turkish lira strikes another record low on growing outflow fears

Currency hits 4.10 lira to the dollar for first time

More:Turkish lira strikes another record low on growing outflow fears

Monday, April 09, 2018

The Macbeth Of Turkey - Modern Diplomacy

The Macbeth Of Turkey

April 8, 2018 By Zakir Gul, Ph.D.

The ruler during Turkey’s rise to (and probable fall from) power—Erdogan—reminds me of two stories: the real-life King Saul and William Shakespeare’s fictitious character Lord Macbeth. The similarities are striking.

More:The Macbeth Of Turkey - Modern Diplomacy

Turkey needs to lower interest rates to "save" investors, Erdogan says

Turkey needs to lower interest rates to "save" investors, Erdogan says

Reuters Staff

ISTANBUL, April 9 (Reuters) - Turkey needs to lower interest rates to save investors from the burden of high borrowing costs and allow them to invest easily, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

More:Turkey needs to lower interest rates to "save" investors, Erdogan says

More than meets the eye to sale of Turkish media giant

More than meets the eye to sale of Turkish media giant
Pinar Tremblay April 9, 2018

Article Summary
The sale of Turkey’s biggest media group, Dogan Media Company, is likely to negatively affect the health of the country’s economy while diminishing access to accurate information from and within Turkey.

More:More than meets the eye to sale of Turkish media giant

Turkish Lira Falls to Record Lows Before New Stimulus Announced - Bloomberg

Turkish Lira Falls to Record Lows Before New Stimulus Announced
By Benjamin Harvey
and Constantine Courcoulas
April 9, 2018, 6:06 AM EDT Updated on April 9, 2018, 7:55 AM EDT

Turkey’s lira fell to new record lows against the dollar and euro as investor concerns about an overheating economy and unresponsive central bank mounted.

More:Turkish Lira Falls to Record Lows Before New Stimulus Announced - Bloomberg

Turkish citizens feeling increasingly insecure and ‘nostalgic’: IPSOS survey

Turkish citizens feeling increasingly insecure and ‘nostalgic’: IPSOS survey
Banu Tuna - ISTANBUL

The number of people in Turkey who say they feel insecure and “nostalgic” about the past is increasing, according to a biannual survey carried out by the IPSOS research company titled “Guide to Understanding Turkey.”

More:Turkish citizens feeling increasingly insecure and ‘nostalgic’: IPSOS survey

Turkey poses cyber security threat, Holland warns travellers | Ahval

Turkey poses cyber security threat, Holland warns travellers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has sent out a letter warning Dutch travellers visiting Turkey, China, Russia and Iran that their electronic devices may be unsafe in these countries, BBC Türkçe reported on Monday.

More:Turkey poses cyber security threat, Holland warns travellers | Ahval

Saturday, April 07, 2018

Turkish-Russian-Iranian Summit: Limits to a Tripartite Entente - The Globalist

Turkish-Russian-Iranian Summit: Limits to a Tripartite Entente

Putin has Turkey exactly where he wants it: As an upset NATO ally willing to break ranks with the alliance’s stance toward Russia.

More:Turkish-Russian-Iranian Summit: Limits to a Tripartite Entente - The Globalist

Turkish voices stifled by new law as Ankara launches crackdown | Asia Times

Turkish voices stifled by new law as Ankara launches crackdown

The Erdogan regime has shut down a raft of newspapers and restricted online media, with many of the survivors now owned by government-linked firms

More:Turkish voices stifled by new law as Ankara launches crackdown | Asia Times

Friday, April 06, 2018

How low can the Turkish lira go?   | Ahval

How low can the Turkish lira go?

Turkey’s government is following imprudent economic practices and its insistence on implementing unreal economic theories means the lira is bound to weaken in the months ahead.

More:How low can the Turkish lira go?   | Ahval

Thursday, April 05, 2018

Rumors of Turkish deputy PM's departure spook markets

Rumors of Turkish deputy PM's departure spook markets
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) April 5, 2018

Article Summary
The Turkish lira took a tumble amid reports that Mehmet Simsek, the deputy prime minister in charge of Turkey's economy, had resigned.

More:Rumors of Turkish deputy PM's departure spook markets

Turkish lawyer for trader Zarrab implicated in New York jail bribe case

Turkish lawyer for trader Zarrab implicated in New York jail bribe case
Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A Turkish lawyer representing wealthy gold trader Reza Zarrab allegedly helped pay bribes to a guard at a New York City jail where Zarrab was being held on charges that he conspired to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions, according to court papers and another lawyer for Zarrab.

More:Turkish lawyer for trader Zarrab implicated in New York jail bribe case

Turkish lira strikes historic low after more than 1% drop

Turkish lira strikes historic low after more than 1% drop

Currency trading at lowest level on record amid political and economic concerns

More:Turkish lira strikes historic low after more than 1% drop

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

Istanbul: World's biggest airport project 'on time' | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Istanbul: World's biggest airport project 'on time'

'[Financial] bottleneck is out of question in the project,' says Turkey's transport minister.

More:Istanbul: World's biggest airport project 'on time' | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Turkey overheating means race against time for Erdogan - SFGate

Turkey overheating means race against time for Erdogan

Constantine Courcoulas and Asli Kandemir, Bloomberg Published 8:18 am, Tuesday, April 3, 2018

The Turkish economy is overheating. That could be a problem for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as much as it is for the nation's creditors.

More:Turkey overheating means race against time for Erdogan - SFGate

Scandal Over Turkish Deportees Unveils Rift Between Kosovo's President, Premier

Scandal Over Turkish Deportees Unveils Rift Between Kosovo's President, Premier
April 04, 2018 16:17 GMT

As the mystery surrounding the arrest and deportation of six Turkish nationals from Kosovo to Turkey threatens to drive a wedge between the two countries, a crisis between the prime minister and the president may also be deepening.

More:Scandal Over Turkish Deportees Unveils Rift Between Kosovo's President, Premier

Turkish lira takes another beating amid economic strains and trade war anxiety

Turkish lira takes another beating amid economic strains and trade war anxiety

Turkish lira comes under renewed pressure, weakening for a fourth day against the dollar and suffering the worst losses among emerging market currencies while nearing an all-time low.

More:bne IntelliNews - Turkish lira takes another beating amid economic strains and trade war anxiety

Erdogan, Putin, Rouhani tout alliance, eye US for next move

Erdogan, Putin, Rouhani tout alliance, eye US for next move

Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse)
April 4, 2018

Article Summary The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran emerged from a summit on Syria as a united front, though the image hardly indicates an alignment in their priorities.

More:Erdogan, Putin, Rouhani tout alliance, eye US for next move

Tuesday, April 03, 2018

Land of the Increasingly Non-Free - The Globalist

Land of the Increasingly Non-Free

Many young democracies with flawed institutions are struggling not to slide backward. Turkey has failed.

More:Land of the Increasingly Non-Free - The Globalist

Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

By Simon A. Waldman
London, Today, 09:22

Over the weekend, Ankara stated that France could become a target for its backing of Kurdish forces in Syria.

This follows the comments of Turkey's firebrand president Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had earlier threatened to "Ottoman slap" US forces fighting alongside the Kurds against ISIS in Syria.

More:Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan launch Turkey’s first nuclear reactor

Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan launch Turkey’s first nuclear reactor

April 03, 2018 03:00

Ankara: The leaders of Russia and Turkey on Tuesday launched the start of construction for Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, as ties between the two nations deepen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, on his first foreign visit since being re-elected on March 18, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remotely gave the go-ahead for the construction of the Russian-built nuclear plant on the Mediterranean coast at Akkuyu.

More:Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan launch Turkey’s first nuclear reactor

US pharmaceutical firm invests $35M in Istanbul facilities - Daily Sabah

US pharmaceutical firm invests $35M in Istanbul facilities

SAFURE CANTÜRK ANKARA

The U.S. pharmaceutical pioneer Amgen invested $35 million in biotech medicine in Istanbul. Amgen Global Research and Development Director Thomas Felix said Turkey's expansion in pharmaceuticals is very important.

More:US pharmaceutical firm invests $35M in Istanbul facilities - Daily Sabah

Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

By Simon A. Waldman
London, Today, 09:22

Over the weekend, Ankara stated that France could become a target for its backing of Kurdish forces in Syria.

This follows the comments of Turkey's firebrand president Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had earlier threatened to "Ottoman slap" US forces fighting alongside the Kurds against ISIS in Syria.

More:Calling time on European-Turkish strategic relations

Monday, April 02, 2018

Countdown begins to Putin-Erdogan-Rouhani talks

Countdown begins to Putin-Erdogan-Rouhani talks
Amberin Zaman (Turkey Pulse) April 2, 2018

Article Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to meet in Turkey, where they will be joined by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for negotiations to end the fighting in Syria.

More:Countdown begins to Putin-Erdogan-Rouhani talks

Sunday, April 01, 2018

Thousands of Austrian-Turks may lose their citizenship rights | Ahval

Thousands of Austrian-Turks may lose their citizenship rights

Thousands of Austrian-Turks allegedly holding illegal dual-citizenship may be deported from Austria and lose all their Austrian citizenship rights, said BBC Turkish.

More:Thousands of Austrian-Turks may lose their citizenship rights | Ahval

Turkey's exports hit record in March | News | Al Jazeera

Turkey's exports hit record in March

'We reached the highest number in our history in exports, $15.1bn.'

More:Turkey's exports hit record in March | News | Al Jazeera