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Sunday, September 30, 2018

Displaced Turks, Promised New Homes, Can Only Protest on an Empty Lot - The New York Times

Displaced Turks, Promised New Homes, Can Only Protest on an Empty Lot

The economy has stalled Turkey’s grand renewal plans for cities like Istanbul. Residents whose properties were razed are tired of waiting.

More:Displaced Turks, Promised New Homes, Can Only Protest on an Empty Lot - The New York Times

US yogurt billionaire's solution to immigration: 'Humanity first' - CNNPolitics

US yogurt billionaire's solution to immigration: 'Humanity first'

CNN EXPANSION DC 2017 Cristina Alesci By Cristina Alesci

(CNN)Hamdi Ulukaya, who built yogurt empire Chobani after immigrating to the US in the mid-90s, is challenging Americans to rethink the way they view immigration. "I have nothing against America first, but 'humanity first too,'" said Ulukaya in an exclusive interview with CNN on the sidelines of an event for his nonprofit, called Tent Partnership for Refugees.

More:US yogurt billionaire's solution to immigration: 'Humanity first' - CNNPolitics

German arms exports to Turkey collapse: report - China.org.cn

German arms exports to Turkey collapse: report

BERLIN, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Germany's arms exports to Turkey have collapsed since the new German government took office six months ago, the German Press Agency (DPA) reported on Sunday.

More:German arms exports to Turkey collapse: report - China.org.cn

The man who influenced Erdogan and changed Turkish politics forever      - The National

The man who influenced Erdogan and changed Turkish politics forever

Influential Islamic scholar Mehmet Zahid Kotku and his four-decade legacy

More:The man who influenced Erdogan and changed Turkish politics forever      - The National

Merkel reopens to Erdogan as Trump squeezes Turkey's economy | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

Merkel reopens to Erdogan as Trump squeezes Turkey's economy

Chancellor Angela Merkel is letting Turkey’s leader in from the cold, a year after he accused Germans of using Nazi methods.

More:Merkel reopens to Erdogan as Trump squeezes Turkey's economy | CPI Financial | CPI Financial News | Banking and Financial News,Islamic Business and Finance, Commercial Banking

Stock investing: Why Turkey, China, impeachment fears signal a 'buy'

Fears of financial damage from China, Turkey and impeachment mean it's time to buy stocks

Ken Fisher, Special to USA TODAY Published 7:01 a.m. ET Sept. 30, 2018

USA TODAY delivers news you can use. Yet stories always exist that you don’t really use for investing – except as contrarian indicators.

For instance, there are events that investors are overly afraid of and hence are bullish indicators. I scan media globally for such key contrarian words.

More:Stock investing: Why Turkey, China, impeachment fears signal a 'buy'

Friday, September 28, 2018

Turkey becomes new investment target for Chinese firms | China Economic Review

Turkey becomes new investment target for Chinese firms
on: September 28, 2018In: Brief, Economics & Trade, Investment, Politics &

Tech giant Alibaba is among a group of large Chinese companies considering investment opportunities in Turkey now that the country’s assets have seen their prices cut amid a plummeting lira, industry sources told Reuters.

mORE:Turkey becomes new investment target for Chinese firms | China Economic Review

Germany welcomes Turkey's Erdogan with gritted teeth - BBC News

Germany welcomes Turkey's Erdogan with gritted teeth
By Jenny Hill BBC

Reflecting on Germany, President Erdogan arrived in Berlin on Thursday for a three-day state visit Central Berlin is bristling with police officers. Bemused tourists stop at security cordons to stare at the armoured police vehicles and rooftop snipers around the capital's luxury Adlon hotel.

mORE:Germany welcomes Turkey's Erdogan with gritted teeth - BBC News

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Manbij government denies Turkish patrol as Ankara pushes for access

Manbij government denies Turkish patrol as Ankara pushes for access
Amberin Zaman September 27, 2018

Article Summary
The local council of Manbij has denied Ankara's claim that Turkish forces will enter the city and conduct joint patrols with US forces, saying Turkey is looking for an excuse to keep a presence there.

More:Manbij government denies Turkish patrol as Ankara pushes for access

Alibaba and other China heavyweights eye Turkey assets after lira plunge: sources | Reuters

Alibaba and other China heavyweights eye Turkey assets after lira plunge: sources
Ebru Tuncay, Can Sezer

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Several large Chinese companies, including tech giant Alibaba (BABA.N), are actively looking at opportunities in Turkey and have met with Turkish firms after the lira’s sell-off has made local assets cheaper, sources familiar with the talks said.

More:Alibaba and other China heavyweights eye Turkey assets after lira plunge: sources | Reuters

Turkeyʹs economic crisis: The sick man of Europe returns - Qantara.de

The sick man of Europe returns

A destabilised Turkey is the last thing Europe needs. Regardless of what one thinks about Erdogan, more important things are at stake: peace and stability in south-eastern Europe and the future of Turkish democracy. Essay by Germanyʹs former foreign minister Joschka Fischer

More:Turkeyʹs economic crisis: The sick man of Europe returns - Qantara.de

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Turkey’s Erdogan leaves fate of U.S. Evangelist in hands of justice | Middle East Confidential

Turkey’s Erdogan leaves fate of U.S. Evangelist in hands of justice

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday said his Government cannot decide over the fate of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson whose release hinges on court ruling.

More:Turkey’s Erdogan leaves fate of U.S. Evangelist in hands of justice | Middle East Confidential

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

In Istanbul, an escape for youth from authoritarian rule, with alcohol, pole dancing and tattoos - Los Angeles Times

In Istanbul, an escape for youth from authoritarian rule, with alcohol, pole dancing and tattoos

By Glen Johnson Sep 25, 2018 | 3:00 AM |

ISTANBUL, Turkey In Istanbul, an escape for youth from authoritarian rule, with alcohol, pole dancing and tattoos In Istanbul's tolerant Kadikoy neighborhood, liberal youth hit the bars and parks long into the night, escaping the crushing autocracy of modern-day Turkey. (Orcun Behram / For The Times) In a dimly lit Istanbul club, young men and women smoke cigarettes and dance to a mix of synthwave, dissonant electronica and post-rock. And it is all tattoos and nose rings, cocktails and shots.

More:In Istanbul, an escape for youth from authoritarian rule, with alcohol, pole dancing and tattoos - Los Angeles Times

EU lawmakers cancel Turkey funds over democracy shortfalls

EU lawmakers cancel Turkey funds over democracy shortfalls
The Associated Press

European Union lawmakers say they are canceling 70 million euros ($82.4 million) in funding meant to help Turkey join the EU due to what they see as Ankara's failure to improve rule of law and human rights.

More:EU lawmakers cancel Turkey funds over democracy shortfalls

Erdogan warms to Germans ahead of trip, but Berlin visit may disappoint

Erdogan warms to Germans ahead of trip, but Berlin visit may disappoint

Amberin Zaman September 25, 2018

Article Summary

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s hopeful talk en route to Berlin via New York this week is premature, as his visit has sharply divided Germany and the large Turkish population that lives there.

More:Erdogan warms to Germans ahead of trip, but Berlin visit may disappoint

Monday, September 24, 2018

UPDATE 2-Turkish manufacturing confidence hits lowest since 2009 | Reuters

Turkish manufacturing confidence hits lowest since 2009

ISTANBUL, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Business confidence among
Turkish manufacturers tumbled to a nine-year low this month and
two other measures of economic health also declined, data showed
on Monday, reinforcing expectations of a downturn in the second
half of the year.

More:UPDATE 2-Turkish manufacturing confidence hits lowest since 2009 | Reuters

Empty chairs and full streets: Germany prepares for the Turkish leader

Empty chairs and full streets: Germany prepares for the Turkish leader

Voting with our seat on Erdogan's visit, while Siemens prepares a boon for Baghdad and Berlin backpedals on Maassen. Our Daily Briefing on September 24, 2018.

More:Empty chairs and full streets: Germany prepares for the Turkish leader

Putin grants Erdogan last chance to end Idlib quagmire on Turkey’s terms

Putin grants Erdogan last chance to end Idlib quagmire on Turkey’s terms

Week in Review September 23, 2018

Article Summary
Erdogan saves face in Sochi; did Turkey and Syria collaborate to capture Reyhanli terrorist?; Erdogan, Ocalan and Syria.

More:Putin grants Erdogan last chance to end Idlib quagmire on Turkey’s terms

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Trump tariffs, sanctions offer Erdogan excuse for Turkey's economic woes

Trump tariffs, sanctions offer Erdogan excuse for Turkey's economic woes

The strongman has blamed White House pressure for a financial crisis that began long before this summer’s spat over detained U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson.

More:Trump tariffs, sanctions offer Erdogan excuse for Turkey's economic woes

Friday, September 21, 2018

‘Gezi generation’ fleeing Turkey

‘Gezi generation’ fleeing Turkey
READ IN:    Türkçe
Kadri Gursel September 21, 2018
0 1 3 5 6

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Well-educated, qualified young people from Turkey’s “Gezi generation,” which led mass anti-government protests in the summer of 2013, are increasingly emigrating to the West, having lost hope in the future of their country.


More:‘Gezi generation’ fleeing Turkey

Brussels Edition: Turkish Thaw - Bloomberg

Brussels Edition: Turkish Thaw
By Viktoria Dendrinou
and Tony Czuczka
September 21, 2018, 7:26 AM GMT+2

Welcome to the Brussels Edition, Bloomberg’s daily briefing on what matters most in the heart of the European Union. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every weekday morning.

The European Union’s relations with Turkey have been at rock bottom for over a year, but the realpolitik of dealing with Donald Trump has encouraged both sides to build bridges. Even with no money on the table to help a Turkish economy ravaged by double-digit inflation, the thaw may continue today as two top German cabinet members host Turkish Finance Minister Berat Albayrak in Berlin, a prelude to Angela Merkel welcoming Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan next week. The rapprochement is important: The EU needs the refugee deal with Turkey to hold, while concerns about the spillover of an economic crisis loom large.

More:Brussels Edition: Turkish Thaw - Bloomberg

bne IntelliNews - Home sales in Turkey contract 13% in August, mortgage sales sink 67%

Home sales in Turkey contract 13% in August, mortgage sales sink 67%

Homes sales in Turkey declined by 13% y/y to 105,154 units in August following the growth of 7% y/y registered in July, national statistics office TUIK reported on September 17.

August’s mortgage sales sank by 67% y/y to 12,743 units, compared to the 21% y/y fall seen in the previous month. The sole annual rise recorded for mortgage sales occurred in June, for which a rise of 35% y/y was posted.

More:bne IntelliNews - Home sales in Turkey contract 13% in August, mortgage sales sink 67%

İnce reiterates aim to lead CHP, re-run for president - Daily Sabah

İnce reiterates aim to lead CHP, re-run for president

Muharrem İnce, the last presidential candidate of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the leading dissident figure within the party, has reiterated once again that he wants to become both the chairman of the CHP and its presidential candidate.

More:İnce reiterates aim to lead CHP, re-run for president - Daily Sabah

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Turkish court orders early release of opposition lawmaker - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkish court orders early release of opposition lawmaker
Source: Xinhua| 2018-09-21 03:30:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

ISTANBUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party, who was sentenced to more than five years in prison for leaking state information, was released on Thursday after a court order, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

More:Turkish court orders early release of opposition lawmaker - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey unveils new economic program for 2019-2021

Turkey unveils new economic program for 2019-2021

Turkish economy aims to grow 3.8 pct this year, reach 5-plus pct growth rate by 2020, says treasury and finance minister

More:Turkey unveils new economic program for 2019-2021

Amazon launches in Turkey | Euronews

Amazon launches in Turkey
By Reuters• last updated: 19/09/2018

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc said on Wednesday it had launched activities in Turkey, offering products across 15 categories to customers across the country.

More:Amazon launches in Turkey | Euronews

UK thanks Turkey for longstanding role in tackling North West Syria crisis - GOV.UK

UK thanks Turkey for longstanding role in tackling North West Syria crisis

Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt visits Turkey to meet representatives of the Turkish Government, members of the White Helmets and the founders of Hala Systems

More:UK thanks Turkey for longstanding role in tackling North West Syria crisis - GOV.UK

Turkish lira eases ahead of economic programme announcement | Reuters

Turkish lira eases ahead of economic programme announcement

ISTANBUL, Sept 20 (Reuters) - The Turkish lira weakened slightly on Thursday ahead of the announcement by Finance Minister Berat Albayrak of the government’s medium-term economic programme, eroding gains which it made a day earlier.

More:Turkish lira eases ahead of economic programme announcement | Reuters

Erdogan tightens his political grip on the Turkish economy

Erdogan tightens his political grip on the Turkish economy
By NEOnline | IR
Ilia Roubanis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is tightening his political grip on the Turkish economy, trying to fend off an unprecedented financial crisis.

At first sight, Turkey is facing an international crisis.

Turkey, Argentina and Brazil have been exposed to dollarized debt. In Turkey, debt denominated in foreign currency amounts to over 40% of the total portfolio of Turkish banks. As the US Federal Reserve is hiking interest rates, the Turkish Lira has lost just under 40% of its value.

More:Erdogan tightens his political grip on the Turkish economy

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Ankara sharply cuts investment levels for Turkish citizenship

Ankara sharply cuts investment levels for Turkish citizenship
ANKARA

Turkey has significantly eased the required limits for foreigners to acquire Turkish citizenship to encourage investment, according to new regulations published in the country’s Official Gazette on Sept. 19.

More:Ankara sharply cuts investment levels for Turkish citizenship

We must not alienate Turkey’s strongman | Comment | The Times

We must not alienate Turkey’s strongman

Michael Burleigh

President Erdogan may be a nationalist but the West cannot let him fall into Russia’s orbit What a difference a year makes. Last September Donald Trump met President Erdogan of Turkey and boasted: “Frankly he’s getting high marks . . . we have a great friendship and the countries . . . I think we’re right now as close as we’ve ever been”. With manly gripping of hands, Trump claimed that “a lot of that has to do with a personal relationship”. Strength speaks unto strength in his crass world view.

More:We must not alienate Turkey’s strongman | Comment | The Times

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Turkish gov't bars family of Uighur internment camp critic in China from entry to Turkey - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Turkish gov’t bars family of Uighur internment camp critic in China from entry to Turkey

By SCF - September 18, 2018

A critic of China’s Xinjiang internment camps who lives in Turkey has said his wife faces deportation to China after she and her son were barred from entering Turkey, The Associated Press (AP) reported on Tuesday.

More:Turkish gov't bars family of Uighur internment camp critic in China from entry to Turkey - Stockholm Center for Freedom

bne IntelliNews - Turkish lira gives up gains as Erdogan calls for probe into opposition’s Isbank board role

Turkish lira gives up gains as Erdogan calls for probe into opposition’s Isbank board role

By bne IntelliNews September 18, 2018

The embattled Turkish lira (TRY) over September 17 and early September 18 gave up almost all the gains it made after last week’s major rate hike after investors were spooked by a call from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for an investigation into members of the main opposition party who serve on the board of Turkey’s biggest lender, Isbank.

More:bne IntelliNews - Turkish lira gives up gains as Erdogan calls for probe into opposition’s Isbank board role

The name of Istanbul's new airport

The name of Istanbul's new airport

A pugnacious debate is continuing in the country regarding what should be the name of the new airport of Istanbul. Many might say “What’s in a name?” but in this part of the world where semantics often carry much more importance than context, it is perhaps rather reasonable to assume that if the new airport is to replace the old international Atatürk airport, the new one should also be named after the founding father of the Republic of Turkey.

More:The name of Istanbul's new airport

Belt and Road Initiative increasingly popular in Turkey - China.org.cn

Belt and Road Initiative increasingly popular in Turkey

By Wang Wei
September 18, 2018

There is a Turkish saying that goes, "A single cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years." However, a cup of Turkish coffee at Gbtimes Turkey, the first Turkish media broadcasting Chinese music, is far more than a good impression on the Sino-Turkish friendship.

More:Belt and Road Initiative increasingly popular in Turkey - China.org.cn

Monday, September 17, 2018

Low-income Turks take early crisis blows

Low-income Turks take early crisis blows

Mustafa Sonmez September 17, 2018

Article Summary Turkey’s economic turmoil is already bruising millions of minimum wage earners, who are grappling with a flurry of price hikes and the prospect of losing jobs.

More:Low-income Turks take early crisis blows

Turkey's Erdogan Just Got a Half-Billion Dollar Gift From Qatar - Bloomberg

Turkey's Erdogan Just Got a Half-Billion Dollar Gift From Qatar

By Onur Ant September 17, 2018, 11:07 AM GMT+2

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has received a luxury jet worth about half a billion dollars from the emir of Qatar. Erdogan confirmed receipt of the gift as he hit back at critics who’d been questioning whether it was actually paid for with taxpayer money. Turkey had showed interest in purchasing the aircraft when it was up for sale for around $500 million, Erdogan told reporters over the weekend, according to Hurriyet newspaper. But when Qatar’s ruler found out, he donated it to the Turkish presidency free of charge, Erdogan said.

More:Turkey's Erdogan Just Got a Half-Billion Dollar Gift From Qatar - Bloomberg

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Erdogan's One-Man Rule Takes Its Toll on Turkey

Erdogan's One-Man Rule Takes Its Toll on Turkey

By Sinan Ciddi Board of Contributors

The recent summit in Tehran between the Iranian, Russian and Turkish leaders revealed the shortcomings in Turkey's strategy in Syria, which has strained its alliance with the United States. The Turkish government may be able to ease tensions with Washington if it releases Andrew Brunson and the other U.S. citizens it has detained. Nevertheless, the damage of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's risky international and economic policies has already been done, and it will continue to add up if the leader continues his personalized approach to governing.

More:Erdogan's One-Man Rule Takes Its Toll on Turkey

Saturday, September 15, 2018

As Lira Crisis Raged, Turkish Banks Were Cashing In Their Gold - Bloomberg

As Lira Crisis Raged, Turkish Banks Were Cashing In Their Gold
By Rupert Rowling
, Fercan Yalinkilic
, and Eddie van der Walt
September 14, 2018, 1:47 PM GMT+2 Updated on September 14, 2018, 5:28 PM GMT+2

Commercial lenders in Turkey have pulled as much as $4.5 billion worth of gold reserves since mid-June in an effort to avert a liquidity crisis as the lira plunged.

More:As Lira Crisis Raged, Turkish Banks Were Cashing In Their Gold - Bloomberg

Turkey and the United States Should Work Together to Avert Disaster in Idlib – Foreign Policy

Turkey and the United States Should Work Together to Avert Disaster in Idlib

Despite their differences, Trump and Erodgan share an interest in avoiding a new humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.

More:Turkey and the United States Should Work Together to Avert Disaster in Idlib – Foreign Policy

Turkish media reach rock bottom with Cumhuriyet case | Yavuz Baydar | AW

Turkish media reach rock bottom with Cumhuriyet case

There is little doubt that Turkey’s left-liberal and Kurdish segments saw the executive board takeover as a coup.

More:Turkish media reach rock bottom with Cumhuriyet case | Yavuz Baydar | AW

Turkish police detain hundreds of protesting airport workers - Cyprus Mail

Turkish police detain hundreds of protesting airport workers

By Irem Koca and Yesim Dikmen

Turkish police have detained hundreds of workers protesting over labour conditions at Istanbul’s new airport, a giant project championed by President Tayyip Erdogan and due to open next month, a union leader said on Saturday

More:Turkish police detain hundreds of protesting airport workers - Cyprus Mail

Friday, September 14, 2018

Conspiracy and cronyism: Turkey’s economic spiral | The Interpreter

Conspiracy and cronyism: Turkey’s economic spiral

How Erdogan makes EU opprobrium work in his favour Hours before the Thursday’s decision by the Central Bank of Turkey to raise its benchmark rate 625 basis points to 24%, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched into one of what is now a trademark tirade against higher rates. He denounced interest rates as “a tool of exploitation” analogous to the “heroin trade” – and the Turkish lira tumbled in value in response, just as it did when the Turkish strongman decried interest rates as “the mother and father of all evil” back in May.

More:Conspiracy and cronyism: Turkey’s economic spiral | The Interpreter

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Economic Reason Returning to Turkey? - The Globalist

Economic Reason Returning to Turkey?

The surprisingly strong interest rate hike in Turkey makes a recession even more likely.

More:Economic Reason Returning to Turkey? - The Globalist

Turkey: An Interest Rate Hike Stops the Bleeding – For Now

Turkey: An Interest Rate Hike Stops the Bleeding -- For Now

2018 has been a dark year for the Turkish economy, as the country's currency has plummeted in international trading — in part because Turkey’s economic miracle is coming to a close and because of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s intense dislike of interest rates. The country's central bank has now taken the step of raising interest rates despite Erdogan's comments on the matter, but the president's overbearing influence on the economy is likely to continue scaring the markets.

More:Turkey: An Interest Rate Hike Stops the Bleeding – For Now

Economic Reason Returning to Turkey? - The Globalist

Economic Reason Returning to Turkey?

The surprisingly strong interest rate hike in Turkey makes a recession even more likely.

More:Economic Reason Returning to Turkey? - The Globalist

The lira is going wild after the Turkish central bank defied Erdogan and hiked interest rates

The lira is going wild after the Turkish central bank defied Erdogan and hiked interest rates

Turkey’s central bank raised its interest rate to 24% from 17.75% on Thursday, beating market forecasts. Earlier in the day, Turkish President Erdogan stoked fears that the central bank’s independence could be under threat by calling for low interest rates. The lira is surging against the dollar as a result, with a swing of 4% from negative to positive. LONDON – The Turkish lira was surging against the dollar on Thursday after the country’s central bank defied the wishes of the president and hiked interest rates.

More:The lira is going wild after the Turkish central bank defied Erdogan and hiked interest rates

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

RAND report exposes Russian propaganda claims in Turkey

RAND report exposes Russian propaganda claims in Turkey

Stories in the ‘Context” section are not fakes. We publish them in order to provide greater insight for our readers about the techniques, methods and practices used by the Russian government in its information war.

More:RAND report exposes Russian propaganda claims in Turkey

Turkish President Erdogan: ‘The World Must Stop Assad’

Turkey’s Erdogan in the Wall Street Journal: ‘The World Must Stop Assad’

Recep Tayyip Erdogan
AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici
12 Sep 20183
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on Monday calling on the international community to halt Syrian President Bashar Assad’s assault on Idlib province, the last major redoubt of insurgent forces in Syria. “The world must stop Assad,” Erdogan declared.

More:Turkish President Erdogan: ‘The World Must Stop Assad’

Erdogan takes control of Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund | Financial Times

Erdogan takes control of Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund

President appoints himself as fund chairman with son-in-law as his deputy

More:Erdogan takes control of Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund | Financial Times

Turkey’s financial crisis: Erdoğan needs to make new friends | The Strategist

Turkey’s financial crisis: Erdoğan needs to make new friends
12 Sep 2018|David Gardner

One of the drawbacks of amassing untrammelled power, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan might ruefully reflect, is that he’s saddled with every decision and blamed for every crisis. After finally ascending to one-man rule in elections at the end of June, it was a matter of weeks before Erdoğan was hurled into a currency crisis—which threatens to turn into a full-blown financial crisis that may weaken his iron grip on the country.

More:Turkey’s financial crisis: Erdoğan needs to make new friends | The Strategist

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Even as Turkey pulls away, the west must hold Turkish people close | Elif Shafak | Opinion | The Guardian

Even as Turkey pulls away, the west must hold Turkish people close
Elif Shafak

Many Turks are passionate about democracy and civic rights – and amid Erdoğan’s rhetoric, they should not be overlooked

More:Even as Turkey pulls away, the west must hold Turkish people close | Elif Shafak | Opinion | The Guardian

Round One of Idlib Campaign May Target Turkish-Backed Rebels - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Round One of Idlib Campaign May Target Turkish-Backed Rebels

Fabrice Balanche

September 11, 2018

The Assad regime’s brewing offensive against Idlib, the last major rebel pocket in Syria, will take place soon. Army troops have been massing on the enclave’s border for weeks, while preparatory airstrikes and shelling have begun. Various international actors publicly oppose the imminent campaign, including Turkey, which wants to protect its local rebel proxies and long-term strategic interests in Syria. Yet Damascus and its allies in Moscow and Tehran seem indifferent to Ankara’s dissatisfaction, and they will not be deterred by other outside warnings either.

More:Round One of Idlib Campaign May Target Turkish-Backed Rebels - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Russian Disinformation Prompted Turks To Blame US for 2016 Coup

Russian Disinformation Prompted Turks To Blame US for 2016 Coup

Russian media outlets helped to stoke anti-American feelings in Turkey and spread claims that the United States had been behind the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkish independent news website Ahval.

More:Russian Disinformation Prompted Turks To Blame US for 2016 Coup

Once darling of foreign investors, Turkey's power market struggles | Reuters

Once darling of foreign investors, Turkey's power market struggles
Humeyra Pamuk

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - When Austrian energy company OMV started operating its power plant in Turkey in 2013, the country’s electricity sector was the darling of foreign investors, lured by promises of market liberalization and the highest growth forecasts outside China.

More:Once darling of foreign investors, Turkey's power market struggles | Reuters

Why can't the Fed save Turkey?

Why can't the Fed save Turkey?

Jeff Spross REUTERS/Murad Sezer
September 10, 2018 S

Turkey's currency crisis shows no signs of abating. The lira has lost 40 percent of its value relative to the U.S. dollar so far this year. That's making dollar-denominated debts throughout Turkey's economy much harder to pay off. And that threatens a potential financial crisis that could take down banks and markets well beyond Turkey.

More:Why can't the Fed save Turkey?

Monday, September 10, 2018

Turkish influence in Idlib takes hit as Syria talks open in Geneva

Turkish influence in Idlib takes hit as Syria talks open in Geneva

Amberin Zaman
September 10, 2018

Article Summary
Talks in Geneva between Turkey, Russia and Iran will discuss the establishment of a constitutional committee for Syria, but diplomatic efforts could be torpedoed by developments in Idlib.

more:Turkish influence in Idlib takes hit as Syria talks open in Geneva

Workers in Turkey less willing to move abroad for jobs, finds BCG survey

Workers in Turkey less willing to move abroad for jobs, finds BCG survey

10 September 2018

Despite its geographic location as an intercontinental gateway, workers in Turkey are more inclined than the worldwide average to stay in their country according to a global survey by The Boston Consulting Group – and it’s not due to a lack of ambition.

More:Workers in Turkey less willing to move abroad for jobs, finds BCG survey

Turkey, the biggest investor and the most important commercial partner from the non-EU states

Turkey, the biggest investor and the most important commercial partner from the non-EU states
Monday, September 10, 2018

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) in partnership with the Association of Turkish Business People of Romania (TCIAD) the Council for Foreign Economic Relations of Turkey (DEIK) and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to Romania organised on Thursday 6th September the Business Forum Romania-Turkey with the theme ‘ The Development of the economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Romania in the domain of private public partnerships (PPP)”.

More:Turkey, the biggest investor and the most important commercial partner from the non-EU states

Why did Putin disregard his Turkish partner?

Why did Putin disregard his Turkish partner?
Cengiz Candar September 10, 2018

Article Summary
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared lonely and ignored at the Tehran summit.

More:Why did Putin disregard his Turkish partner?

Turkey’s House of Cards #TurkeyEconomy - Sigma Insight Turkey

Turkey’s House of Cards #TurkeyEconomy

Posted by Robert Ellis | Sep 10, 2018

Already in March 2014 economic analyst Jesse Colombo warned in Forbes that Turkey’s credit and construction driven economy was heading for an inevitable crash. A year later the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in Washington also underlined that Turkey’s impressive growth rate was dependent on inflows of foreign capital, which subsequently began to dry up with the end of the US Federal Reserve’s QE (quantative easing) program and the following rate hikes.

More:Turkey’s House of Cards #TurkeyEconomy - Sigma Insight Turkey

At Least 48 Taken to Hospitals Over Suspicions of Anthrax Outbreak in Turkey | Via News Agency

At Least 48 Taken to Hospitals Over Suspicions of Anthrax Outbreak in Turkey

Districts in Turkey's have been quarantined.

By Cagri Akyurt - September 10, 2018

ANKARA, Turkey (ViaNews) – According to the reports from the ministry of health, some cities in the southeast of the country and a facility in Istanbul has been quarantined following the increase of anthrax patients.

More:At Least 48 Taken to Hospitals Over Suspicions of Anthrax Outbreak in Turkey | Via News Agency

Sunday, September 09, 2018

Erratic Erdogan must rediscover his golden touch | Arab News

Erratic Erdogan must rediscover his golden touch
Author
Afshin Molavi
September 09, 2018 19:39

In the early days of the Arab uprisings, when hope still mingled with smoke on the streets of Cairo, a prominent Egyptian investor, Ahmed Heikal, said that “if we get things right, we could be Turkey in 10 years. If we get them wrong, we could be Pakistan in 18 months.”

More:Erratic Erdogan must rediscover his golden touch | Arab News

Saturday, September 08, 2018

The Gordian knot called Idlib challenges Erdogan || AW

The Gordian knot called Idlib challenges Erdogan

Turkey appears paralyzed as it faces a clash of interests with Russia on the jihadists even while at odds with Washington on the Kurds.

More:The Gordian knot called Idlib challenges Erdogan || AW

Turkish Economy Needs a U-Turn | Financial Tribune

Turkish Economy Needs a U-Turn

How Turkey’s central bank plans to regain market confidence in the face of plummeting Turkish lira and increasing inflation remains a mystery, unless there is a U-turn in economic policies, economists Holger Schmieding and Carsten Hesse said in the Globalist.

More:Turkish Economy Needs a U-Turn | Financial Tribune

Turkey will join super-aged countries in 22 years | Ahval

Turkey will join super-aged countries in 22 years

Despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s policy aiming to keep Turkey’s demographic window open, Turkey will join super-aged nations in 22 years, Euronews reported on Friday. President Erdoğan, seeing the decline in fertility rates as a threat to Turkey’s economic development, repeatedly urges families to have at least three children.

More:Turkey will join super-aged countries in 22 years | Ahval

Turkey sentences Kurdish political leader to jail on terror charges | Financial Times

Turkey sentences Kurdish political leader to jail on terror charges

Ayla Jean Yackley in Istanbul yesterday

A Turkish court has sentenced Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician who challenged Recept Tayyip Erdogan in the presidential election, to almost five years in prison on terrorism charges, in a case the European Union has said may flout democratic values.

More:Turkey sentences Kurdish political leader to jail on terror charges | Financial Times

Turkey can no longer take in more refugees, says Turkey's Erdogan | Energy & Oil | Reuters

Turkey can no longer take in more refugees, says Turkey's Erdogan

ISTANBUL, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Turkey can no longer afford to take in any more refugees from Syria, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said during a summit with the leaders of Russia and Iran in Tehran on Friday.

More:Turkey can no longer take in more refugees, says Turkey's Erdogan | Energy & Oil | Reuters

Opinion: Is Ankara giving up Idlib? - CGTN

Opinion: Is Ankara giving up Idlib?
Opinions
Wang Jin

2018-09-08 16:25 GMT+8

As the Idlib Province in northwestern Syria remains the last major stronghold for Syrian rebel groups, the upcoming military assault planned by Syria government forces might lead to the final major battle in the Syria civil war which has already lasted for seven years.

More:Opinion: Is Ankara giving up Idlib? - CGTN

Friday, September 07, 2018

Turkey's Next Challenge: How Bad Can Inflation Get? - The Globalist

Turkey’s Next Challenge: How Bad Can Inflation Get?

How Turkey’s central bank plans to regain market confidence that it will eventually hit its 5% inflation target again remains a mystery.

More:Turkey's Next Challenge: How Bad Can Inflation Get? - The Globalist

Thursday, September 06, 2018

Why Argentine orthodoxy has worked no better than Turkish iconoclasm - Failing conventionally

Why Argentine orthodoxy has worked no better than Turkish iconoclasm

Both countries’ currencies have plunged. Only one is taking the prescribed medicine

More:Why Argentine orthodoxy has worked no better than Turkish iconoclasm - Failing conventionally

The Idlib offensive could create a major refugee outflow—What should Turkey do?

The Idlib offensive could create a major refugee outflow—What should Turkey do?
Kemal Kirişci
Thursday, September 6, 2018

Concerns about an imminent regime offensive on the Idlib province in Syria have been growing dramatically. Idlib, located north of Damascus and west of Aleppo, borders Turkey. It is the only province in Syria where the opposition still maintains control. In addition to its local population, Idlib is home to large numbers of civilians and rebel groups forcefully evacuated from other parts of the country that were formerly controlled by the opposition. In the light of the Bashar al-Assad regime’s longstanding record of brutality and destruction, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that an escalation of violence there is likely to create “a humanitarian crisis of a scale not seen previously.”

More:The Idlib offensive could create a major refugee outflow—What should Turkey do?

Wednesday, September 05, 2018

Erdogan's popularity plunges with lira

Erdogan's popularity plunges with lira

Amberin Zaman September 5, 2018

Article Summary Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s approval rating has reportedly tanked in line with the country's economy.

More:Erdogan's popularity plunges with lira

'No Time to Google', Swedish City Council Explains Funding of Islamist Movement - Sputnik International

'No Time to Google', Swedish City Council Explains Funding of Islamist Movement
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Icmg1453 / IGMG Head Office

An Islamist organization which received municipal funds has previously been accused of denying the Nazi Holocaust, banned from renting premises in the Swedish city of Gothenburg and linked to extremism by the German security service BfV.

More:'No Time to Google', Swedish City Council Explains Funding of Islamist Movement - Sputnik International

Fitch cuts Turkey growth forecast and warns of ‘downside risks’ | Financial Times

Fitch cuts Turkey growth forecast and warns of ‘downside risks’

Fitch has cut its outlook for economic growth in Turkey and warned of “significant and widespread downside risks” as the country remains in the throes of a currency crisis.

More:Fitch cuts Turkey growth forecast and warns of ‘downside risks’ | Financial Times

Tuesday, September 04, 2018

Turkish millennials seek their own literary heroes

Turkish millennials seek their own literary heroes

Pinar Tremblay August 30, 2018

Article Summary Millennials and post-millennials read differently than their elders, as they are faster in skimming, better in sharing and interested in interactive literary works.

More:Turkish millennials seek their own literary heroes

Clash of Erdogan -Trump Ego or Islamic-Christian Fundamentalism in Turkey? - New Delhi Times - India's Only International Newspaper

Clash of Erdogan -Trump Ego or Islamic-Christian Fundamentalism in Turkey?
By New Delhi Times Bureau on September 3, 2018

When two elephants fight it is the grass that gets crushed underneath their feet-so goes a popular saying. The allegory could not have been truer when we peruse the events fast unfolding in Turkey. The ongoing face-off between Trump and Erdogan is a clash between two headstrong leaders awash with nationalistic fervour, intent on overdoing national pride before everything else under the sun.

More:Clash of Erdogan -Trump Ego or Islamic-Christian Fundamentalism in Turkey? - New Delhi Times - India's Only International Newspaper

Turkey’s woes could be just the start as record global debt bills come due - The Washington Post

Turkey’s woes could be just the start as record global debt bills come due

By David J. Lynch
September 3 at 10:59 AM

Ten years after the worst financial panic since the 1930s, growing debt burdens in key developing economies are fueling fears of a new crisis that could spread far beyond the disruption sweeping Turkey.

More:Turkey’s woes could be just the start as record global debt bills come due - The Washington Post

Turkey's Lira Needs More Than Intent to Raise Interest Rates - Bloomberg

Turkey's Lira Needs More Than Intent to Raise Interest Rates
By Constantine Courcoulas
September 4, 2018, 1:01 AM GMT+2 Updated on September 4, 2018, 9:45 AM GMT+2

The Turkish lira may have found its footing after the central bank signaled higher interest rates were around the corner, but some investors worry that any lasting relief will require a bold hike that it is loath to deliver.

More:Turkey's Lira Needs More Than Intent to Raise Interest Rates - Bloomberg

Turkey imposes new rules on transiting Turkish straits - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Turkey imposes new rules on transiting Turkish straits
Source: Xinhua| 2018-09-04 01:58:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

ISTANBUL, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has imposed new rules for vessels transiting through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul and the Dardanelles Strait in the northwestern province of Canakkale, local media reported Monday.

More:Turkey imposes new rules on transiting Turkish straits - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Martin Sieff — Repeating Churchill’s Bungles: Will US Drive Turkey into Joining the Shanghai Pact? — Strategic Culture Foundation

Repeating Churchill’s Bungles: Will US Drive Turkey into Joining the Shanghai Pact?

In 1917, the professional head of the British Army, Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson in 1917 explained why the Allies were losing World War I because they kept pouring out lives, weapons and resources on capturing tiny unimportant locations on the Western Front while Imperial Germany conquered Eastern and Southern Europe, invading and occupying one major country after another:

More:Martin Sieff — Repeating Churchill’s Bungles: Will US Drive Turkey into Joining the Shanghai Pact? — Strategic Culture Foundation

Turkey needs the EU; the question is how much its relationship will cost | View | Euronews

Turkey needs the EU; the question is how much its relationship will cost | View

By Marc Pierini

European governments are currently witnessing a seemingly positive move by Turkey’s leadership toward the EU. On the surface, this makes sense: Turkey’s economy is in very dire straits (and still depends on European markets and financial flows); the Lira is plummeting; hurtful sanctions have recently been imposed by the United States (and more may be coming); and Russia is having it its way in Syria (which will probably end up not being Turkey’s way).

More:Turkey needs the EU; the question is how much its relationship will cost | View | Euronews

Economic crisis can stop Turkey's drift to fascism - Zürcher | Ahval

Economic crisis can stop Turkey's drift to fascism - Zürcher

Economic crisis can put Turkey back on the path to democracy because a drift towards fascism is only possible when the institutions underpinning the separation of powers and the rule of law are fatally weakened, according to Professor Eric Jan Zürcher.

"That process is in full swing in Turkey today," Zürcher said in an interview.

More:Economic crisis can stop Turkey's drift to fascism - Zürcher | Ahval

Monday, September 03, 2018

Turkey returns to the 2002 levels, inflation hits 15-year record high

Turkey returns to the 2002 levels, inflation hits 15-year record high

By Manolis Kostidis / Published on: 03-09-2018, 21:04

With forecast and data being negative, every single day becomes worse and worse for the Turkish economy, while the president of the country, Recep Tayyip Erdogan keeps repeating his country's economy is strong.

More:Turkey returns to the 2002 levels, inflation hits 15-year record high

Turkey calls US 'wild wolves', vows to abandon dollar in trade | News | World | M&G

Turkey calls US 'wild wolves', vows to abandon dollar in trade

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday vowed Ankara would pursue non-dollar transactions in trade with Russia and other countries, accusing the US of behaving like “wild wolves.”

More:Turkey calls US 'wild wolves', vows to abandon dollar in trade | News | World | M&G

UPDATE 1-Turkish lira weakens ahead of inflation data | Reuters

Turkish lira weakens ahead of inflation data

ISTANBUL, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira eased against the dollar on Monday ahead of the release of August inflation data, as investors nursed worries about President Tayyip Erdogan’s unorthodox views and influence over monetary policy.

More:UPDATE 1-Turkish lira weakens ahead of inflation data | Reuters

Turkey central bank to ‘adjust monetary stance’ at September meeting | Financial Times

Turkey central bank to ‘adjust monetary stance’ at September meeting

Policymakers cite growing ‘price stability’ risks after inflation reaches almost 18%

More:Turkey central bank to ‘adjust monetary stance’ at September meeting | Financial Times

Sunday, September 02, 2018

Pro-gov't Turkish contractors cover Yassıada island in concrete - Stockholm Center for Freedom

Pro-gov’t Turkish contractors cover Yassıada island in concrete

By SCF - September 2, 2018

Turkish citizens have expressed outrage after photographs emerged of an island near İstanbul in the Marmara Sea that has been almost entirely covered in buildings since construction on the island was permitted in 2015 by the Turkish government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

More:Pro-gov't Turkish contractors cover Yassıada island in concrete - Stockholm Center for Freedom

At least 30 taken to hospitals over suspicions of anthrax in İstanbul | Ahval

At least 30 taken to hospitals over suspicions of anthrax in İstanbul

Dozens were taken to hospital over suspicions of anthrax in İstanbul, after anthrax was detected in Turkey’s capital of Ankara and eastern province Sivas among cattle imported from Brazil, Cumhuriyet newspaper reported on Saturday. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Bekir Pakdemirli said that 22 people were taken to hospitals in İstanbul over suspicions of anthrax, adding that some of the patients have already been discharged, while 4 are still in hospital.

More:At least 30 taken to hospitals over suspicions of anthrax in İstanbul | Ahval

Saturday, September 01, 2018

Halkbank sells dollars on the cheap prompting public outcry | Ahval

Halkbank sells dollars on the cheap prompting public outcry

Turkish state-owned Halkbank sold dollars on the cheap in what the bank said was a failure of third-party foreign exchange software. The bank, run by Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund, offered dollars at 3.88 liras in late night trade on Friday before its website went offline. The dollar had closed the week at 6.58 liras.

More:Halkbank sells dollars on the cheap prompting public outcry | Ahval

One-Time Top Turkish Journalist on the Coup, the Repression, and Turkey’s Future

Erdoğan from Exile
One-Time Top Turkish Journalist on the Coup, the Repression, and Turkey’s Future

Erdoğan began moving against the press even before the coup, and one man who knows this all too well is Abdullah Bozkurt, an early target of AKP censorship who spoke to MintPress to explain how Erdoğan’s imperial presidency came to be and what may come next.

More:One-Time Top Turkish Journalist on the Coup, the Repression, and Turkey’s Future

‘Fire in the kitchen!’ as Turkish food prices explode | Ahval

‘Fire in the kitchen!’ as Turkish food prices explode

There’s a “fire in the kitchen” in Turkish households after food prices exploded in August, according to newspaper Sözcü. Prices of basic foodstuffs have surged about 30 percent in July alone, meaning consumers should expect a significant increase in inflation for the month, Sözcü's Nuray Tarhan reported, adding that about one-third of 407 goods in the inflation basket are food.

More:‘Fire in the kitchen!’ as Turkish food prices explode | Ahval

Turkey’s financial and economic crisis: A bail-out? | European Council on Foreign Relations

Turkey’s financial and economic crisis: A bail-out?

Mark Leonard speaks with Oksana Antonenko, Director for Global Political risk Analysis at Control Risks, and ECFR Turkey experts Asli Aydintasbas and Almut Moeller about the current crisis in Turkey. The podcast was recorded on 31 August 2018.

More:Turkey’s financial and economic crisis: A bail-out? | European Council on Foreign Relations