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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

EU Divisions In Libya Leaves Space Wide Open For Turkey

EU Divisions In Libya Leaves Space Wide Open For Turkey

Pascale DaviesContributor
Leadership Strategy

Europe will have to unite on a common position on Libya if it wants to keep third parties such as Turkey from exerting their influence on the war-stricken country.

More:EU Divisions In Libya Leaves Space Wide Open For Turkey

Turkey not implementing automatic alcohol, tobacco tax hike in H1 - Reuters

Turkey not implementing automatic alcohol, tobacco tax hike in H1

ANKARA, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Turkey will not implement an automatic tax hike on alcohol and tobacco products in line with producer price inflation in the first half of next year, the Official Gazette said on Tuesday.

More:Turkey not implementing automatic alcohol, tobacco tax hike in H1 - Reuters

Turkish Airlines, Boeing reach compensation deal

Turkish Airlines, Boeing reach compensation deal

Boeing to cover certain losses of Turkish Airlines caused by grounded, undelivered Boeing 737 Max aircraft

more;Turkish Airlines, Boeing reach compensation deal

Monday, December 30, 2019

Erdoğan eyes early elections as political problems grow - analyst | Ahval

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could call snap nationwide elections, Ömer Taşpınar, a senior fellow at U.S.-based think tank the Brookings Institution, wrote in the Asia Times on Monday.

Turkey could be headed for the polls well before elections are scheduled in 2023 due to the country's troubled economic circumstances, new breakaway parties established by former senior members of Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), the refugee problem and a worsening political crisis with the United States, Taşpınar said.

More:Erdoğan eyes early elections as political problems grow - analyst | Ahval

Erdoğan eyes early elections as political problems grow - analyst | Ahval

Erdoğan eyes early elections as political problems grow - analyst
Dec 30 2019 12:54 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Dec 30 2019 12:58 Gmt+3
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could call snap nationwide elections, Ömer Taşpınar, a senior fellow at U.S.-based think tank the Brookings Institution, wrote in the Asia Times on Monday.

Turkey could be headed for the polls well before elections are scheduled in 2023 due to the country's troubled economic circumstances, new breakaway parties established by former senior members of Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), the refugee problem and a worsening political crisis with the United States, Taşpınar said.

More:Erdoğan eyes early elections as political problems grow - analyst | Ahval

Friday, December 27, 2019

Factbox: Erdogan pushes 'crazy' Istanbul canal dream despite opposition - Reuters

Factbox: Erdogan pushes 'crazy' Istanbul canal dream despite opposition
Ali Kucukgocmen, Jonathan Spicer

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan has revived plans to dig a canal on the edge of Istanbul despite opposition from hundreds of petitioners and the city’s new mayor against the kind of mega project that has come to define Turkey’s economic boom and bust.

More:Factbox: Erdogan pushes 'crazy' Istanbul canal dream despite opposition - Reuters

Interview with jailed Turkish human rights activist Osman Kavala: "Nonsensical accusations" - Qantara.de

Interview with jailed Turkish human rights activist Osman Kavala

"Nonsensical accusations"
Turkish art patron and businessman Osman Kavala has been in jail for more than two years, accused of wanting to overthrow the government. Beril Eski spoke to him about his life in prison and his civil society projects

more:Interview with jailed Turkish human rights activist Osman Kavala: "Nonsensical accusations" - Qantara.de

Turkey's Halkbank Fails to Halt U.S. Prosecution for Aiding Iran - The New York Times

Turkey's Halkbank Fails to Halt U.S. Prosecution for Aiding Iran
By Reuters
Dec. 26, 2019

NEW YORK — A federal judge in Manhattan on Thursday rejected a request by Turkey's state-owned Halkbank to put on hold a federal prosecution accusing it of helping Iran evade U.S. economic sanctions.

More:Turkey's Halkbank Fails to Halt U.S. Prosecution for Aiding Iran - The New York Times

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Erdogan says parliament will soon approve sending troops to Libya - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Erdogan says parliament will soon approve sending troops to Libya
By BY SELCAN HACAOGLU AND TAYLAN BILGIC
BLOOMBERG NEWS |
DEC 26, 2019 | 9:45 AM

ANKARA, Turkey Turkey's government will ask parliament in early January to authorize the deployment of troops to Libya after the internationally recognized administration in Tripoli requested help, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

More:Erdogan says parliament will soon approve sending troops to Libya - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Turkey's block on Wikipedia violates freedom of expression, constitutional court rules - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Turkey's Block on Wikipedia Violates Freedom of Expression, Constitutional Court Rules
A block on the online encyclopedia has been in place for the past two years

The Associated Press SendSend me email alerts
Dec 26, 2019 2:39 PM

Turkey’s highest court on Thursday ruled in favor of Wikipedia, saying the Turkish government's two-year ban on the online encyclopedia constitutes a violation of freedom of expression, the state-run news agency reported.

More:Turkey's block on Wikipedia violates freedom of expression, constitutional court rules - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Istanbul mayor says canal project to "destroy city's water resources" - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Istanbul mayor says canal project to "destroy city's water resources"

Source: Xinhua| 2019-12-25 19:27:59|Editor: Lu Hui
ISTANBUL, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The mayor of Istanbul warned on Wednesday that a canal being planned for the city would destroy the water resources of the most populous city of Turkey that have existed for thousands of years.

More:Istanbul mayor says canal project to "destroy city's water resources" - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Monday, December 23, 2019

Istanbul’s Opposition Mayor Confronted $2.4 Billion ‘Black Hole’ - Bloomberg

Istanbul’s Opposition Mayor Confronted $2.4 Billion ‘Black Hole’
By Baris Balci

After winning Istanbul’s local election in a landslide, Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said he’s had to fight through a budgetary “black hole” of about 14 billion liras ($2.4 billion).

More:Istanbul’s Opposition Mayor Confronted $2.4 Billion ‘Black Hole’ - Bloomberg

Turkey enacts 7.5 percent digital service tax–MNE Tax

Turkey enacts 7.5 percent digital service tax
December 22, 2019 Asia-Pacific, Digital Economy, Featured News, Transfer Pricing, Turkey

By Ramazan Biçer, Partner, Centrum, Istanbul
Turkey has enacted its digital service tax, together with an accommodation tax, luxury residence tax and other important tax amendments under law No. 7194, published on the Official Gazette dated December 7.

More:Turkey enacts 7.5 percent digital service tax–MNE Tax

Recep Tayyp Erdogan warns Europe: Turkey can't take new wave of Syrian refugees

Erdogan warns Europe: Turkey can't take new wave of Syrian refugees
By Tuvan Gumrukcu
December 23, 2019 — 3.12pm

Ankara: Turkey cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said, warning impact of such an influx will be felt in Europe if violence in Syria's north-west is not stopped.

More:Recep Tayyp Erdogan warns Europe: Turkey can't take new wave of Syrian refugees

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Turkish Lira at the crossroad | Daily times

Turkish Lira at the crossroad

Syed Zubair Ahmed

DECEMBER 21, 2019

Turkey’s lira has hit its weakest level against the dollar in more than two months after the U.S. Senate committee backed legislation on Wednesday to impose sanctions on Turkey, it would further aggravate the ties, which are already strained with Washington. It is expected that the central bank may further cut its benchmark rate.

More:Turkish Lira at the crossroad | Daily times

Friday, December 20, 2019

Support for Turkey's AKP dwindles: Erdogan’s homegrown rivals - Qantara.de

Erdogan’s homegrown rivals

Erdogan has ruled Turkey firmly for the last 18 years, but his party now faces a huge challenge: former party heavyweights who have jumped ship to establish their own new parties. By Ayse Karabat

More:Support for Turkey's AKP dwindles: Erdogan’s homegrown rivals - Qantara.de

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Turkish lira slides after U.S. Senate passes sanctions bill | Ahval

Turkish lira slides after U.S. Senate passes sanctions bill

Dec 18 2019 11:22 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Dec 18 2019 02:15 Gmt+3
Turkey’s lira fell, plumbing its weakest levels in two months, after the U.S. Senate approved economic sanctions against Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence missiles.

The lira dropped by 0.5 percent to 5.91 per dollar at 10:55 a.m. in Istanbul, taking losses this week to almost 2 percent.

More:Turkish lira slides after U.S. Senate passes sanctions bill | Ahval

Turkey's lira falls to two-month low on concern over U.S. ties - Reuters

Turkey's lira falls to two-month low on concern over U.S. ties

ISTANBUL, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Turkey’s lira declined more than 0.5% on Tuesday to its weakest level in two months, as concern over relations with the United States lingered and a lower real yield on the currency lessened its allure.

More:Turkey's lira falls to two-month low on concern over U.S. ties - Reuters

Turkey in Libya: Filling the European vacuum | European Council on Foreign Relations

Turkey in Libya: Filling the European vacuum
Commentary
Tarek Megerisi &  Asli Aydıntaşbaş
17th December, 2019
Brigitte N. Brantley

Europeans could still keep Libya a multilateral affair, if they can bring France onto a shared platform – and deploy newfound unity to draw American influence back in.

Last week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan grabbed international headlines by declaring that Turkey was ready to deploy troops to Libya as part of a new security arrangement between Ankara and the Libyan government. Coming soon after the two sides concluded a maritime border agreement, the possibility of Turkish troops in the war-torn north African nation has further raised temperatures in the eastern Mediterranean over gas and drilling rights.

More:Turkey in Libya: Filling the European vacuum | European Council on Foreign Relations

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Does the new Future Party have a future in Turkey? | Ahval

Does the new Future Party have a future in Turkey?

Maaz İbrahimoğlu
Dec 16 2019 03:59 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Dec 17 2019 03:15 Gmt+3
Turkey’s former foreign minister and prime minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, launched a new political movement to rival his old comrades at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) last week.

More:Does the new Future Party have a future in Turkey? | Ahval

bne IntelliNews - Turkish regime’s purge of mayors for first time extended to representative of main opposition

Turkish regime’s purge of mayors for first time extended to representative of main opposition
Turkish media outlet Menemen Haber reported that Burak Oguz's testimony in relation to his arrest has been revealed.
By bne IntelliNews December 17, 2019
Turkish prosecutors have for the first time extended their purge of opposition mayors accused of having links to terrorists to a representative of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

More:bne IntelliNews - Turkish regime’s purge of mayors for first time extended to representative of main opposition

Erdogan renews call for ‘safe zone’ support as Syrians return

Erdogan renews call for ‘safe zone’ support as Syrians return
Ayla Jean Yackley December 17, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey says that Syrian refugees are moving to an area under its control in northeast Syria, two months after capturing the strip of territory from Syrian Kurdish fighters.

More:Erdogan renews call for ‘safe zone’ support as Syrians return

US Congress ends Cyprus arms embargo, in blow to Turkey - France 24

US Congress ends Cyprus arms embargo, in blow to Turkey

Washington (AFP)

The US Congress voted Tuesday to lift a decades-old arms embargo on Cyprus, defying Turkey by seeking warmer ties at a time of renewed tensions.

More:US Congress ends Cyprus arms embargo, in blow to Turkey - France 24

Migrant arrivals in Europe from Turkey nearly double in 2019 | News | DW | 17.12.2019

Migrant arrivals in Europe from Turkey nearly double in 2019

According to a confidential EU report, 70,000 migrants have crossed from Turkey to the EU this year. The numbers raise questions about whether an EU-Turkey refugee deal is unravelling.

More:Migrant arrivals in Europe from Turkey nearly double in 2019 | News | DW | 17.12.2019

Roundup: Canal project divides Turks over environmental, financial issues - China.org.cn

Roundup: Canal project divides Turks over environmental, financial issues
December 18, 2019

ISTANBUL, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Discussions about the construction of an artificial waterway, which would divide Turkey's most populous city Istanbul, have lately polarized the Turkish society over its environmental and financial impacts.

More:Roundup: Canal project divides Turks over environmental, financial issues - China.org.cn

Monday, December 16, 2019

Erdoğan’s Grip on Power Shows Cracks As Splinter Parties Emerge - The Media Line

Erdoğan’s Grip on Power Shows Cracks As Splinter Parties Emerge
KRISTINA JOVANOVSKI
12/16/2019

A second splinter party from the Turkish president’s AKP is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, giving disenchanted conservative voters an alternative

More:Erdoğan’s Grip on Power Shows Cracks As Splinter Parties Emerge - The Media Line

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Turkey: benchmark interest rate lowered to enhance economic growth | MENAFN.COM

Turkey: benchmark interest rate lowered to enhance economic growth

(MENAFN) Turkey's Central Bank has decreased the benchmark interest rate again in order to improve the economic expansion, as the decrease was made on Thursday in line with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aim of arriving at single-digit interest rates in 2020.

More:Turkey: benchmark interest rate lowered to enhance economic growth | MENAFN.COM

Saturday, December 14, 2019

2 top tourist-draw Turkish cities lead for fastest growth beating out European rivals | MENAFN.COM

2 top tourist-draw Turkish cities lead for fastest growth beating out European rivals

(MENAFN) According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 2 top tourist-draw Turkish cities led the way for fastest expansion in 2018, beating out their European competitors.

The GDP for Istanbul, the Turkish metropolis, and Antalya, a top Mediterranean resort, coming from direct travel and tourism increased 15.7 percent and 15.5 percent yearly, respectively, as the figure was over the average of the 73 cities (3.6%) analyzed in a report by the council.

More:2 top tourist-draw Turkish cities lead for fastest growth beating out European rivals | MENAFN.COM

Turkey remains world’s largest flour exporter - Latest News

Turkey remains world’s largest flour exporter
ISTANBUL

Turkey will close the year as the world’s largest flour exporter, said director of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia.

Turkey is expected to reach 3.3 million tons of flour exports in 2019 and 3.5 million tons in 2020, Günhan Ulusoy, who is also the head of the Turkish Flour Industrialists Federation (TFIF), told Anadolu Agency.

More:Turkey remains world’s largest flour exporter - Latest News

Friday, December 13, 2019

Turkey on a knife edge | GlobalCapital

Turkey on a knife edge

By Lewis McLellan, Mariam Meskin 12.00 AM
Turkey’s position economically, and from a capital markets standpoint, is better at the end of 2019 than it was a year ago. However, that is not to say all is well with the country — far from it. Prospects for 2020 are, at best, mixed with growing concerns over central bank independence and high debt levels
More:Turkey on a knife edge | GlobalCapital

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Erdogan says Istanbul canal project to go ahead despite mayor's opposition - Reuters

Erdogan says Istanbul canal project to go ahead despite mayor's opposition
Tuvan Gumrukcu, Ali Kucukgocmen
3 MIN READ

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey will soon hold a tender for a gigantic canal project on the edge of Istanbul, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, despite calls from the city’s mayor to scrap the project over its potential environmental impact.

More:Erdogan says Istanbul canal project to go ahead despite mayor's opposition - Reuters

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Turkey must free jailed rights activist Osman Kavala, rules EU court | News | DW | 10.12.2019

Turkey must free jailed rights activist Osman Kavala, rules EU court

The Strasbourg-based court has ruled the prominent businessman and activist was detained in order to silence him. Kavala has been put on trial for attempting to overthrow the government.

More:Turkey must free jailed rights activist Osman Kavala, rules EU court | News | DW | 10.12.2019

EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey declared a success

EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey declared a success

11th December 2019
The EU has announced that the full operational budget for its Facility for Refugees in Turkey has now been wholly mobilised.

More:EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey declared a success

Libya: The Turkish Gambit

Libya: The Turkish Gambit

December 11, 2019: The Turkish intervention could now include Turkish combat troops. That’s what the Turkish leader said yesterday. This is apparently in response to LNA predictions made the day before that the LNA would take control of Tripoli by the end of the year and then hold national elections in mid-2020. For Turkey such an outcome would be an embarrassing defeat. More than that it would eliminate another recent agreement with the GNA, which granted Turkey the right to explore for natural gas in Libyan offshore waters. In response to that the head of the Libyan Navy (a coast guard that is part of the LNA) said he has orders to sink any Turkish oil exploration ship that enters Libyan waters,

More:Libya: The Turkish Gambit

U.S. Lawmakers Move to Punish Turkey for Buying S-400 Russian Missile System

U.S. Lawmakers Move to Punish Turkey for Buying Russian Missile System

Congress stopped short of imposing sanctions but signaled it may act unilaterally if Trump does not.

More:U.S. Lawmakers Move to Punish Turkey for Buying S-400 Russian Missile System

Monday, December 09, 2019

Turkey joins top tier in human development, UN says

Turkey joins top tier in human development, UN says
Ayla Jean Yackley December 9, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Government spending on health care and a long-term economic expansion helped Turkey achieve "very high human development" for the first time, according to a new UN report — but a shaky recovery from a currency shock last year could exacerbate inequality in the coming years.

More:Turkey joins top tier in human development, UN says

Erdogan-Davutoglu standoff before launch of splinter party

Erdogan-Davutoglu standoff before launch of splinter party

A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest against the economic policies of the government in Istanbul on Sunday. (Reuters)

Davutoglu is among the founders of the university being built on land in Istanbul’s Asian sector
ANKARA: Turkish domestic politics has seen intense infighting over the weekend between two leaders who were once close allies.

More:Erdogan-Davutoglu standoff before launch of splinter party

Sunday, December 08, 2019

UN Not To Engage In Cyprus-Turkey Raw Over Hydrocarbons Leaving It To Courts- Mission Head - UrduPoint

UN Not To Engage In Cyprus-Turkey Raw Over Hydrocarbons Leaving It To Courts- Mission Head
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) 12 hours ago Sat 07th December 2019 | 06:28 PM

The United Nations is not going to engage in the settlement of the deepening dispute between Cyprus and Turkey over the exploration of the offshore mineral resources and leaves it to courts to solve, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar told Sputnik

More:UN Not To Engage In Cyprus-Turkey Raw Over Hydrocarbons Leaving It To Courts- Mission Head - UrduPoint

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Feature: Turkey uses plain packages to discourage smokers - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Feature: Turkey uses plain packages to discourage smokers
Source: Xinhua| 2019-12-06 02:58:02|Editor: yan
by Zeynep Cermen

ISTANBUL, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- In a tobacco shop at the iconic Taksim Square in central Istanbul, a couple of men were examining a pack of cigarettes.

More:Feature: Turkey uses plain packages to discourage smokers - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Judge: Turkish bank can't deny knowledge of criminal char

Judge: Turkish bank can't deny knowledge of criminal charges
Published: Thursday, December 05, 2019 @ 4:13 PM
Updated: Thursday, December 05, 2019 @ 4:13 PM
By: The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A judge cited “extraordinary” and “remarkable” meetings two years ago involving top U.S. and Turkey political figures to intervene in a New York prosecution Thursday as he rejected efforts by a state-owned bank in Turkey to now feign ignorance of criminal charges it faces in the same case.

More:Judge: Turkish bank can't deny knowledge of criminal char

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

Ekrem Imamoglu Is Istanbul’s Oppo-Party Mayor - Bloomberg

Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul’s Oppo-Party Mayor
His election victory was a stinging indictment of President Erdogan’s economic policies.
By Cagan Koc
December 4, 2019, 6:32 AM EST

Erdogan’s party had already lost Turkey’s capital, Ankara, and other big cities in March balloting as inflation, unemployment, and a plunging lira took their toll. But he refused to concede defeat in Istanbul, crying voter fraud after Imamoglu won by 14,000 votes. After Turkey’s top election board made the controversial decision to rerun the race, Imamoglu increased his margin of victory to 800,000 votes.

The president’s detractors in the city erupted in celebration at their first big political win since Erdogan became Turkey’s leader 16 years ago. Building on his reputation as someone who works across political lines, Imamoglu ran on a message of unity, with the campaign slogan “Everything Is Going to Be Great.” He also promised to tackle waste and debt.

More:Ekrem Imamoglu Is Istanbul’s Oppo-Party Mayor - Bloomberg

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

Erdogan to hold up NATO plan unless allies recognize terror threats against Turkey

Erdogan to hold up NATO plan unless allies recognize terror threats against Turkey
Diego Cupolo December 3, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Seeking a terror designation for Kurdish forces in Syria, the Turkish president has reaffirmed his threat to block a NATO defense plan for the Baltic nations and Poland as the London summit commences.

More:Erdogan to hold up NATO plan unless allies recognize terror threats against Turkey

Exclusive: U.S. defense chief calls on Turkey to stop holding up NATO readiness plan - Reuters

Exclusive: U.S. defense chief calls on Turkey to stop holding up NATO readiness plan
Phil Stewart

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged Turkey on Monday to stop holding up support for a NATO defense plan for the Baltics and Poland, as Ankara presses the alliance to support its fight against U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG militia in Syria.

More:Exclusive: U.S. defense chief calls on Turkey to stop holding up NATO readiness plan - Reuters

Monday, December 02, 2019

Turkey’s economy rebounds and the fourth quarter looks bright | Snap | ING Think

Turkey’s economy rebounds and the fourth quarter looks bright

Turkey's economy is rebounding strongly from recession thanks to supportive policies and a weak base from last year. Recent high frequency indicators suggest further momentum in the last quarter of 2019

More:Turkey’s economy rebounds and the fourth quarter looks bright | Snap | ING Think

Turkey-Libya maritime deal triggers Mediterranean tensions - Egypt Independent

Turkey-Libya maritime deal triggers Mediterranean tensions

Deutsche Welle
December 2, 2019
10:38 am

Two deals signed by Turkey and the internationally recognized government in Libya on maritime boundaries and military cooperation have angered their regional neighbors, ratcheting tension in the Mediterranean over energy resources and strengthening Turkey’s ally in the North African county ahead of a Berlin conference conflict in the region.

More:Turkey-Libya maritime deal triggers Mediterranean tensions - Egypt Independent

Putin, Erdogan Plan to Launch TurkStream Pipeline on January 8: Kremlin | Investing News | US News

Putin, Erdogan Plan to Launch TurkStream Pipeline on January 8: Kremlin
Dec. 2, 2019, at 6:17 a.m.

MOSCOW (REUTERS) - Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to travel to Turkey for talks with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan on Jan. 8 where he will open the TurkStream natural gas pipeline, the Kremlin said on Monday.

More:Putin, Erdogan Plan to Launch TurkStream Pipeline on January 8: Kremlin | Investing News | US News

Sunday, December 01, 2019

Why Erdogan's Belligerence Is Out Of Control - Analysis - Eurasia Review

Why Erdogan’s Belligerence Is Out Of Control – Analysis
December 1, 2019 Dr. Theodore Karasik 1 Comment
By Dr. Theodore Karasik

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s behavior is rapidly spinning out of control. His belligerence is creating waves in and around the Mediterranean, dividing Europe and America, and presenting challenges to the West over how to respond.

More:Why Erdogan's Belligerence Is Out Of Control - Analysis - Eurasia Review

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Erdogan uses religion, fear to stay politically afloat | Yavuz Baydar | AW

Erdogan uses religion, fear to stay politically afloat

Having survived political defeat in the local elections some seven months ago, Erdogan is back in the game, using the same fundamental tools that have kept him in power.

More:Erdogan uses
religion, fear to stay politically afloat | Yavuz Baydar | AW

Friday, November 29, 2019

Ex-mayor of Turkey’s capital rents car parks to wife’s foundation for cheap | Ahval

Ex-mayor of Turkey’s capital rents car parks to wife’s foundation for cheap
Nov 30 2019 12:11 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Nov 30 2019 12:17 Gmt+3
Car parks in touristic or busy spots in the Turkish capital were rented out to the SOS Foundation for one hundredth of their revenue during the term of Melih Gökçek, the former mayor of the Turkish capital Ankara, Turkish daily Cumhuriyet reported on Friday.

Gökçek’s wife Nevin Gökçek serves as the honorary chairwoman of the SOS Foundation, which focuses on social services and aid.

More:Ex-mayor of Turkey’s capital rents car parks to wife’s foundation for cheap | Ahval

Erdogan's economic crisis: Plumbing the depths of despair in Turkey - Qantara.de

Plumbing the depths of despair in Turkey

In recent weeks, Turkish society has been rocked by a spate of suicides. Three families used cyanide to kill themselves – the reason: economic problems. According to the opposition, the ongoing economic crisis in Turkey is driving people to their deaths. By Daniel Derya Bellut

More:Erdogan's economic crisis: Plumbing the depths of despair in Turkey - Qantara.de

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Isolated Erdogan: nearly a million party members walk out on ruling Turkish party - The National

Isolated Erdogan: nearly a million party members walk out on ruling Turkish party
Turkey's ruling party is facing dwindling numbers, suggesting increasing disillusionment among its conservative supporters

Members of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruling Justice and Development Party, AKP, are starting fall out of love with his brand of democracy. AP 
Seventeen years to the month after Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) won its first election, the party is showing signs of fatigue as members abandon the movement that has dominated Turkish politics for nearly two decades.

More:Isolated Erdogan: nearly a million party members walk out on ruling Turkish party - The National

EU: PKK found to be active in drug-trafficking throughout Europe – Middle East Monitor

EU: PKK found to be active in drug-trafficking throughout Europe
November 27, 2019 at 2:13 pm | Published in: EU, Europe & Russia, International Organisations, News, Turkey
PKK sympathisers' rally against Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan in Bern, Switzerland on March 25, 2017 [Talha Celik/Twitter]
November 27, 2019 at 2:13 pm

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has been found to be actively involved in and playing a role in drug-trafficking throughout Europe, a recently released report by the EU has revealed.

Citing the growing gang violence and the drug-related homicide endemic across Europe, the report by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and the European Law Enforcement Agency (Europol) stated that “The PKK…has been reported to be involved in organized crime, with few examples of its engagement in the drug trade in the EU.”

More:EU: PKK found to be active in drug-trafficking throughout Europe – Middle East Monitor

bne IntelliNews - Former deputy PM Babacan warns of “one man rule” and Turkey’s plight in “dark tunnel”

Former deputy PM Babacan warns of “one man rule” and Turkey’s plight in “dark tunnel”

By bne IntelliNews November 27, 2019
Former Turkish deputy prime minister Ali Babacan has warned of the dangers of “one man rule” and the “dark tunnel” that Turkey finds itself in, while saying that he hopes to have formed a new political party by the end of the year to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

More:bne IntelliNews - Former deputy PM Babacan warns of “one man rule” and Turkey’s plight in “dark tunnel”

Erdoğan’s Istanbul dream may be dying | Ahval

Erdoğan’s Istanbul dream may be dying

David Lepeska
Nov 27 2019 05:16 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Nov 28 2019 03:24 Gmt+3
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has long viewed Istanbul as the crowning achievement of Turkey, a place to be gloriously built up in order to remind Turks, and Muslims everywhere, of their capacity for greatness.

More:Erdoğan’s Istanbul dream may be dying | Ahval

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

US Military Base in Turkey Has Uncertain Future | Voice of America - English

US Military Base in Turkey Has Uncertain Future
By Dorian Jones
November 26, 2019 01:53 PM

ISTANBUL - With U.S.-Turkish relations at their lowest ebb in decades, the future of a critical American air base in Turkey is increasingly in the spotlight.

More:US Military Base in Turkey Has Uncertain Future | Voice of America - English

Monday, November 25, 2019

Istanbul mayor looks overseas as state banks deny him funds

Istanbul mayor looks overseas as state banks deny him funds
Ayla Jean Yackley November 25, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul’s new opposition mayor, says government-controlled banks are refusing to finance the city’s stalled infrastructure projects after the ruling party lost control of Turkey’s largest city.

More:Istanbul mayor looks overseas as state banks deny him funds

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Turkish opposition politician slams reports claiming he met Erdoğan | Ahval

Turkish opposition politician slams reports claiming he met Erdoğan

Muharrem İnce, the presidential candidate of Turkey’s secular opposition in the 2018 elections, denied strongly on Saturday a veteran journalist’s report that he had a secret meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Nov. 9.

More:Turkish opposition politician slams reports claiming he met Erdoğan | Ahval

Friday, November 22, 2019

‘Erdogan the Good’ or ‘Erdogan the Bad’? - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

‘Erdogan the Good’ or ‘Erdogan the Bad’?
Soner Cagaptay

Journal of Middle Eastern Politics and Policy

October 25, 2019

An in-depth conversation on Washington's misguided tendency to view Turkey through binary lenses based entirely on Erdogan’s policies, forgetting the country’s strong political diversity.

More:‘Erdogan the Good’ or ‘Erdogan the Bad’? - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Turkey's defense industry sees rise of 'the president’s men'

Turkey's defense industry sees rise of 'the president’s men'
Metin Gurcan November 20, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Decision-making power in Turkey's defense industry is shifting from the military to businessmen close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey's defense industry sees rise of 'the president’s men'

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The trouble with Turkey’s global mosque-building project | Ahval

The trouble with Turkey’s global mosque-building project

David Lepeska
Nov 19 2019 12:17 Gmt+3
Last Updated On: Nov 20 2019 12:23 Gmt+3
Following his high-profile White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, few noticed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ended his one-day trip to the United States last week with a visit to a vast Turkish-built mosque compound in Maryland. Yet the latter stop may have been more meaningful.

More:The trouble with Turkey’s global mosque-building project | Ahval

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Erdogan's Attacks on His Old Ally Davutoglu Could Hurt the AKP

Erdogan’s Attacks on His Old Ally Could Backfire

The Turkish president is shutting down a university to punish former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for leaving the AKP and starting a new party, but he risks alienating precisely the voters he claims to champion.

More:Erdogan's Attacks on His Old Ally Davutoglu Could Hurt the AKP

bne IntelliNews - Turkish ‘Robin Hood’ at work amid economic turmoil

Turkish ‘Robin Hood’ at work amid economic turmoil

His work done in Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood has moved on to Istanbul's Tuzla district.
By bne IntelliNews November 18, 2019
An anonymous Robin Hood is at work in poor neighbourhoods of Istanbul amid excruciating reports of families in Turkey collectively taking their own lives with cyanide in the face of the country’s economic turmoil.

More:bne IntelliNews - Turkish ‘Robin Hood’ at work amid economic turmoil

Sunday, November 17, 2019

As Bad Loans Explode in Turkey, Government Tries to Recreate Debt-Fueled Boom that Led to its Financial & Currency Crisis | Wolf Street

As Bad Loans Explode in Turkey, Government Tries to Recreate Debt-Fueled Boom that Led to its Financial & Currency Crisis
by Nick Corbishley • Nov 17, 2019 • 7 Comments • Email to a friend
Banks are being pushed to lend with the same reckless abandon.
By Nick Corbishley, for WOLF STREET:
İşbank, one of Turkey’s largest private banks, has warned that the non-performing loans (NPLs) in its portfolio could reach 7.5% of its total loan book by the end of this year, up from a previous estimate of 6%.

More:As Bad Loans Explode in Turkey, Government Tries to Recreate Debt-Fueled Boom that Led to its Financial & Currency Crisis | Wolf Street

Could US force regime change in Turkey? || AW

Could US force regime change in Turkey?

“Trump is weak and easily manipulated. Erdogan has found a way of doing that,” said David L. Phillips, director of Columbia University’s Programme on Peace-building and Rights.

More:Could US force regime change in Turkey? || AW

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Donald Trump Is Happy to Seem Weak Next to Turkey's Erdogan Because of Syria

Trump Is Happy to Seem Weak Next to Erdogan

The benefits of their personal relationship are clear for the Turkish president. But the U.S. president has his reasons, too.

More:Donald Trump Is Happy to Seem Weak Next to Turkey's Erdogan Because of Syria

USA - the noose is titghtening on Trumps neck: White House budget official tells impeachment probe about holdup of Ukraine military aid

A White House budget official testified Saturday in a closed-door session of the Donald Trump impeachment inquiry in Washington, D.C., about the holdup of military aid to Ukraine. The public portion of the probe continues next week.

Read more at :

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mark-sandy-white-house-budget-official-testimony-impeachment-robe-1.5362504


Istanbul's mayor says his victory is a warning for populists - SFChronicle.com

Istanbul's mayor says his victory is a warning for populists
Onur Ant and Guy Johnson, Bloomberg Nov. 15, 2019
Comments

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is interviewed on Bloomberg Television in London on Oct. 14, 2019.
Photo: Bloomberg photo by Hollie Adams.
Istanbul's new mayor says his election victory against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party carries an important lesson for the world's populist leaders: Act against the will of the people you claim to represent, and you'll lose it all.

More:Istanbul's mayor says his victory is a warning for populists - SFChronicle.com

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Greece illegally deported 60,000 migrants to Turkey: report | News | DW | 14.11.2019

Greece illegally deported 60,000 migrants to Turkey: report

Greece illegally deported 60,000 migrants to Turkey, documents released by Turkey reportedly show. The process involves returning asylum seekers without assessing their status.

More:Greece illegally deported 60,000 migrants to Turkey: report | News | DW | 14.11.2019

Trump’s warm welcome to Erdogan at odds with wider US sentiment

Trump’s warm welcome to Erdogan at odds with wider US sentiment

US president Donald Trump on Wednesday lauded his relationship with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the leaders met to overcome mounting differences between the two Nato allies ranging from policy on Syria to Turkey’s purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Mr Trump’s warm welcome of the Turkish president came amid anger in the US Congress about Ankara’s offensive into Syria to drive out a Kurdish militia, Washington’s main partner in the fight against Islamic State.

More:Trump’s warm welcome to Erdogan at odds with wider US sentiment

Turkey's Erdogan At The White House | Public Radio Tulsa

Turkey's Erdogan At The White House
By DAVID WELNA • NOV 13, 2019

Judging by his tweets or by his speeches, the president is intently focused on the impeachment fight, though he has a very different duty today. He hosts Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Just weeks ago, President Trump moved U.S. troops out of the way of a Turkish invasion of Syria. Trump also wrote a letter to Erdogan appealing to him not to go too far - quote, "don't be a fool." Turkey's president openly ignored that letter. Now the leaders of these two NATO allies meet face to face. NPR national security correspondent David Welna is with us. David, good morning.

More:Turkey's Erdogan At The White House | Public Radio Tulsa

Graham blocks resolution recognizing Armenian genocide after Erdoğan meeting | TheHill

Graham blocks resolution recognizing Armenian genocide after Erdoğan meeting

(R-S.C.) blocked a resolution on Wednesday that would have formally recognized the Ottoman Empire's genocide against the Armenian people.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) asked for consent to pass the resolution that would have provided "official recognition and remembrance" of the Armenian genocide.

More:Graham blocks resolution recognizing Armenian genocide after Erdoğan meeting | TheHill

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Trump-Erdogan meeting: 2 unsettling moments from their press conference - Vox

Trump showed he doesn’t understand Turkey — while standing next to Turkey’s president

It was a bad time to have Erdogan in the White House. And somehow, Trump made it even worse.

More:Trump-Erdogan meeting: 2 unsettling moments from their press conference - Vox

bne IntelliNews - ISTANBUL BLOG: Imamoglu, redeemer of hope for Turks, to debut on global finance stage in London

ISTANBUL BLOG: Imamoglu, redeemer of hope for Turks, to debut on global finance stage in London
Imamoglu was in Istanbul's sister city, Berlin, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
By Akin Nazli in Belgrade November 13, 2019
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—the opposition politician who shook Turkey’s Erdogan administration by winning the local election vote and then the ‘revote’ for the iconic mayorship of the Turkish business and cultural capital—will on November 14-15 pay a “working visit” to London for meetings with global finance industry representatives, local media outlets reported on November 12.

More:bne IntelliNews - ISTANBUL BLOG: Imamoglu, redeemer of hope for Turks, to debut on global finance stage in London

Absent new agreements, Trump-Erdogan meeting ends with pledge to work together

Absent new agreements, Trump-Erdogan meeting ends with pledge to work together
Diego Cupolo November 13, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Washington to rebuild US-Turkish relations without setting a clear path for progress.

More:Absent new agreements, Trump-Erdogan meeting ends with pledge to work together

Trump Lauds Relations With Erdogan, as Turkish Strongman Visits White House | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Trump Lauds Relations With Erdogan, as Turkish Strongman Visits White House
by Reuters and Algemeiner Staff

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday lauded his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the leaders met to overcome mounting differences between the two NATO allies ranging from Syria policy to Turkey‘s purchase of a Russian missile defense system.

More:Trump Lauds Relations With Erdogan, as Turkish Strongman Visits White House | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Erdogan faces a testy summit with Trump in Washington, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Erdogan faces a testy summit with Trump in Washington

Jonathan Eyal

Sticking points include Turkey's purchase of Russian arms and US sanctions on Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in Washington today for a summit with US President Donald Trump which could well prove crucial to the security of not only the Middle East, but also Europe. However, officials in both Washington and Ankara are bracing themselves for any eventuality.

More:Erdogan faces a testy summit with Trump in Washington, Europe News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

Amid Tensions Over Syria Incursion, Turkish President Erdogan Meets U.S. President Trump at the White House

Erdogan Heads to the White House

The Turkish president arrives in Washington amid widespread criticism over his campaign in northern Syria.

More:Amid Tensions Over Syria Incursion, Turkish President Erdogan Meets U.S. President Trump at the White House

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Erdogan heads for Washington, where Trump's hands already full

Erdogan heads for Washington, where Trump's hands already full
Amberin Zaman November 12, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Turkey’s president is on his way to Washington in a bid to salvage battered ties, but despite his positive chemistry with the US president, the Turkish leader is likely to hit a wall.

More:Erdogan heads for Washington, where Trump's hands already full

Turkey's Erdogan says talks with EU may end over Cyprus sanctions - Reuters

Turkey's Erdogan says talks with EU may end over Cyprus sanctions

ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday the European Union’s decision to sanction Turkey over drilling off the coast of Cyprus could disrupt talks with the bloc, and he warned that Turkey could send captured Islamic State fighters to Europe.

More:Turkey's Erdogan says talks with EU may end over Cyprus sanctions - Reuters

Behind Trump-Erdogan 'bromance,' a White House meeting to repair U.S.-Turkey ties - Reuters

Behind Trump-Erdogan 'bromance,' a White House meeting to repair U.S.-Turkey ties
Humeyra Pamuk, Orhan Coskun

WASHINGTON/ANKARA (Reuters) - At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of Tayyip Erdogan, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was “highly respected” around the world.

More:Behind Trump-Erdogan 'bromance,' a White House meeting to repair U.S.-Turkey ties - Reuters

Behind Trump’s Dealings With Turkey: Sons-in-Law Married to Power - The New York Times

Behind Trump’s Dealings With Turkey: Sons-in-Law Married to Power

Informal relationships between family members help explain the course of diplomacy between the White House and Turkey’s leader.

More:Behind Trump’s Dealings With Turkey: Sons-in-Law Married to Power - The New York Times

Monday, November 11, 2019

Turkey Starts Returning ISIS Fighters, Deports US National - NBC New York

Turkey Starts Returning ISIS Fighters, Deports US National

Turkey has vowed to send back ISIS militants to their countries of origin, even if their citizenship has been revoked

More:Turkey Starts Returning ISIS Fighters, Deports US National - NBC New York

EU Agrees Sanctions on Turkey Over Cyprus Drilling, to Add Names Later - The New York Times

EU Agrees Sanctions on Turkey Over Cyprus Drilling, to Add Names Later
By Reuters
Nov. 11, 2019, 8:22 a.m. ET

BRUSSELS — European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday economic sanctions over Turkey's drilling off the coast of Cyprus, setting up the legal framework for travel bans and asset freezes but leaving names until a later date.

More:EU Agrees Sanctions on Turkey Over Cyprus Drilling, to Add Names Later - The New York Times

EU targets Turkey′s oil drilling off Cyprus coast | News | DW | 11.11.2019

The EU have approved a new mechanism to sanction entities involved in unauthorized oil drilling in Cypriot waters. But Turkey can avoid financial penalties if it ends its illegal drilling, diplomats said.

Read more at:

 https://www.dw.com/en/eu-targets-turkeys-oil-drilling-off-cyprus-coast/a-51200320


Britain - elections: General election 2019: Brexit Party will not stand in Tory seats - BBC News

 Read more at:

General election 2019: Brexit Party will n ot stand in Tory seats - BBC News: Nigel Farage says the party will not contest seats won by the Tories in 2017, but will stand against Labour.

Turkey: 365,000 refugees returned to safe zone in Syria – Middle East Monitor

Turkey: 365,000 refugees returned to safe zone in Syria
November 11, 2019 at 9:37 am | Published in: Europe & Russia, Middle East, News, Syria, Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during the 6th Turkish Medical World Congress in Istanbul, Turkey on 31 October 2019. [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman - Anadolu Agency]
November 11, 2019 at 9:37 am

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed the return of 365,000 Syrians to homes in the “safe zones” setup by his forces in northern Syria.

In a speech delivered in Ankara yesterday, Erdogan said that Turkey’s military operations against armed factions in Syria had been successful and led to securing an area of ​​more than 8,100 square kilometres.

More:Turkey: 365,000 refugees returned to safe zone in Syria – Middle East Monitor

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Are Turkey’s National Security Concerns in Syria Really Addressed? | Voice of America - English

Are Turkey’s National Security Concerns in Syria Really Addressed?
By Sirwan Kajjo, Ezel Sahinkaya
November 09, 2019 08:49 PM

Turkish army armored vehicles arrive at a meeting point near the Turkish town of Idil at the Turkey-Syria border before Turkish and Russian troops conduct their third joint patrols in northeast Syria, Nov. 8, 2019.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump prepares to welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on November 13, just weeks after Turkey launched an assault in Syria on Kurdish fighters -- longtime allies of the United States in the fight against Islamic State terrorists.

More:Are Turkey’s National Security Concerns in Syria Really Addressed? | Voice of America - English

Saturday, November 09, 2019

Turkey's military operation in Syria: Biggest winners and losers | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Turkey's military operation in Syria: Biggest winners and losers

One month after Turkey launched its operation in northeast Syria, an uneasy truce prevails, but what comes next?

More:Turkey's military operation in Syria: Biggest winners and losers | Turkey News | Al Jazeera

Can Trump, Erdogan pick up the pieces in Syria?

Can Trump, Erdogan pick up the pieces in Syria?
Week in Review November 8, 2019
0 1 3 5 6

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Putin gains from the fallout in US-Turkey ties and the Kurds are still counting on US influence with Ankara.

More:Can Trump, Erdogan pick up the pieces in Syria?

Friday, November 08, 2019

Turkey, Britain, France, Germany to hold Syria summit, World News | wionews.com

Turkey, Britain, France, Germany to hold Syria summit

A Syria summit will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday.

More:Turkey, Britain, France, Germany to hold Syria summit, World News | wionews.com

A safe haven in northern Syria?: Turkey's plan to 'resettle' Syrian refugees - Qantara.de

Turkey's plan to 'resettle' Syrian refugees

Turkey is seeking to create a "safe zone" for refugees in Syria, to which they should only return "voluntarily". But how realistic is the project and to what extent can Turkey's intentions be trusted? By Seda Serdar

More:A safe haven in northern Syria?: Turkey's plan to 'resettle' Syrian refugees - Qantara.de

Thursday, November 07, 2019

Erdogan: Al-Baghdadi's Inner Circle Trying to Enter Turkey - The New York Times

Erdogan: Al-Baghdadi's Inner Circle Trying to Enter Turkey
By The Associated Press
Nov. 7, 2019

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that members of slain Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's "inner circle" are trying to enter Turkey from Syria.

More:Erdogan: Al-Baghdadi's Inner Circle Trying to Enter Turkey - The New York Times

Many Syrian Refugees in Turkey Do Not Want to Return Home

Many Syrian Refugees in Turkey Do Not Want to Return Home

Many Syrian refugees in Turkey want to stay in the country although Turkey plans to send them back home.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the government plans to send up to 2 million refugees back to Syria. Human rights groups have warned of possible expulsions of refugees.

More:Many Syrian Refugees in Turkey Do Not Want to Return Home

Syria: What Does Turkey's 'Resettlement' Plan Mean?

Syria: What Does Turkey's 'Resettlement' Plan Mean?

While Turkey moves forward with resettling Syrian refugees in its militarily-established 'safe zone' — a process it insists is voluntary —Germany is eyeing other options for an international solution to stabilise Syria.

More:Syria: What Does Turkey's 'Resettlement' Plan Mean?

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul: the world needs people to take responsibility for change | LifeGate

Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul: the world needs people to take responsibility for change

SOCIETY Published on 06 NOV 2019 by CAMILLA SOLDATICopenhagen, Denmark
LEGGI L'ARTICOLO IN ITALIANO
"Local leaders have to ensure that changes happen. Every action a city takes for the climate impacts the whole world". We interview Ekrem İmamoğlu, mayor of Istanbul, about cities' key role in tackling the global climate crisis.

More:Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul: the world needs people to take responsibility for change | LifeGate

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Erdogan says Kurdish fighters have not left Syria 'safe zone" despite U.S, Russia deals

Erdogan says Kurdish fighters have not left Syria 'safe zone" despite U.S, Russia deals

Reuters•November 5, 2019
ANKARA, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia had not withdrawn from a planned "safe zone" in northeast Syria despite Turkey's agreements with the United States and Russia.

More:Erdogan says Kurdish fighters have not left Syria 'safe zone" despite U.S, Russia deals

Istanbul to become 'cruise hub' with Yenikapi project

Istanbul to become 'cruise hub' with Yenikapi project

Turkish transport minister says cruise tourism constitutes 2% of world's total tourism

More:Istanbul to become 'cruise hub' with Yenikapi project

Monday, November 04, 2019

Court releases journalists convicted in failed Turkish coup

Court releases journalists convicted in failed Turkish coup
Associated Press•November 4, 2019
ISTANBUL (AP) — A court has ordered the release of two prominent journalists convicted in connection with a 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey.

The official Anadolu news agency reports the court in Istanbul on Monday ordered Ahmet Altan and Nazli Ilicak released from prison on the condition that they check in regularly with police. The country's Supreme Court of Appeals in July overturned the pair's life sentences.

More:Court releases journalists convicted in failed Turkish coup

Turkey demands Germany take back 20 captured ′Islamic State′ members | News | DW | 04.11.2019

Turkey demands Germany take back 20 captured 'Islamic State' members

Turkish authorities say 20 German "Islamic State" members are in their custody. They want Germany and other European countries to repatriate their citizens, something most have been hesitant to do.

More:Turkey demands Germany take back 20 captured ′Islamic State′ members | News | DW | 04.11.2019

Trump’s amity with Erdogan deepens Turkey’s isolation

Trump’s amity with Erdogan deepens Turkey’s isolation

Kadri Gursel November 2, 2019
0 1 3 5 6

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The double blow the US House dealt Turkey over its military campaign in Syria shows how wrong Erdogan is to rely solely on his personal relationship with Trump to manage ties with the United States.

More:Trump’s amity with Erdogan deepens Turkey’s isolation

Sunday, November 03, 2019

Fitch Raises Turkey’s Outlook to Stable on Continued GDP Growth

Fitch Raises Turkey’s Outlook to Stable on Continued GDP Growth
Cagan Koc
Jim Silver
Bookmark
November 02 2019, 2:58 AM

(Bloomberg) -- Explore what’s moving the global economy in the new season of the Stephanomics podcast. Subscribe via Pocket Cast or iTunes.

Fitch Ratings raised its outlook for Turkey’s sovereign assessment to stable from negative, citing an improving current account balance, continued economic growth and falling inflation.

Fitch affirmed its BB- rating for Turkey, three levels below investment grade and on par with Greece, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.

More:Fitch Raises Turkey’s Outlook to Stable on Continued GDP Growth

Turkish Inflation Expected to Remain Below %10, but Only Briefly - Bloomberg

It's Last Hurrah for Turkish Inflation's Brief Spell Below 10%
By Cagan Koc
November 3, 2019, 1:00 PM EST

217.39USD+4.01+1.88%
Explore what’s moving the global economy in the new season of the Stephanomics podcast. Statistical distortions that have pushed Turkey’s inflation to levels last seen over two years ago are already starting to wear off.

More:Turkish Inflation Expected to Remain Below %10, but Only Briefly - Bloomberg

Istanbul mayor dismisses gov’t plans to seize authority over Bosphorus | Ahval

Istanbul mayor dismisses gov’t plans to seize authority over Bosphorus

The opposition mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu on Sunday hit back at Turkey’s Ministry of Urbanisation and Environment over its plans to transfer the authority of the municipality over development plans on the Bosphorus strait to a new government department.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) mayor of Turkey’s largest city said that all authority for the city’s famed Bosporus and its surroundings belonged to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB).

More:Istanbul mayor dismisses gov’t plans to seize authority over Bosphorus | Ahval

Turkish Trick or Treat?  |  Ricochet

Turkish Trick or Treat?

By Clifford A. Brown
| November 2, 2019
13 COMMENTS
 
A young veteran reminded me of the truly ancient roots of conflict in the Middle East, pointing to lines we do not even see on the sand and soil. This prompted me to return to a summary sketch I laid aside months ago, after fleshing out an account of what we now call Iran. Then the House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution condemning the Ottoman Empire for committing the first genocide of the 20th Century…and 12 Republicans joined Rep. Ilhan Omar in opposing the resolution! What? Why? What follows is a single summary of the other three big players, historically, now known as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

More:Turkish Trick or Treat?  |  Ricochet

Saturday, November 02, 2019

Turkey vows to return IS suspects to Europe | News | DW | 02.11.2019

Turkey vows to return IS suspects to Europe

Turkey has said it will return "Islamic State" prisoners to their own countries, after several European nations refused to take back terror suspects. Ankara said it would not be a "hotel" for foreign militants.

More:Turkey vows to return IS suspects to Europe | News | DW | 02.11.2019

UN to 'study' Erdogan's Syrian refugees scheme International

UN to ‘study’ Erdogan’s Syrian refugees scheme
By AFP
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday that the UN will study Ankara’s plans to repatriate Syrian refugees to a proposed northeastern “safe zone.”

Erdogan presented the UN chief with the Turkish plan for new settlement areas for the return of Syrian refugees during a meeting in Istanbul, the UN said in a statement.

More:UN to 'study' Erdogan's Syrian refugees scheme International

ISIS: Turkey vows to return IS suspects to Europe

Turkey has said it will return "Islamic State" prisoners to their own countries, after several European nations refused to take back terror suspects. Ankara said it would not be a "hotel" for foreign militants.

Read more 
https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-vows-to-return-is-suspects-to-europe/a-51090924

Turkey, Russia hold first joint patrol in northeastern Syria - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Turkey, Russia Hold First Joint Patrol in Northeastern Syria

Erdogan says that Turkey planned to establish a 'refugee town or towns' in a 'safe zone' between Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain

More:Turkey, Russia hold first joint patrol in northeastern Syria - Turkey - Haaretz.com

Friday, November 01, 2019

Turkey Has Craved a Nuclear Weapon Since the 1960s

Turkey Has Long Had Nuclear Dreams

Ankara has been contemplating developing nuclear weapons since the 1960s.
BY COLUM LYNCH | NOVEMBER 1, 2019, 2:32 PM
In September, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told members of his party that it is time for his country to acquire its own nuclear bomb.

More:Turkey Has Craved a Nuclear Weapon Since the 1960s

Opinion: The invasion of Syria is part of Turkey’s drive toward a radical new identity - The Globe and Mail

The invasion of Syria is part of Turkey’s drive toward a radical new identity
CINAR KIPER
SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 1, 2019

Cinar Kiper is a Turkish journalist based in Vancouver.

A little more than three years ago, a small faction within the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government. The coup would fizzle out by morning, after claiming more than 200 lives, but that wasn’t certain in the middle of the night when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared it “a gift from God.”

More:Opinion: The invasion of Syria is part of Turkey’s drive toward a radical new identity - The Globe and Mail

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Turkey drafting law to restrict powers of Istanbul municipality

Turkey drafting law to restrict powers of Istanbul municipality 

ARAB NEWS
November 01, 2019
01:28

Supporters of the new draft law say it will resolve confusion about overlapping authorities and help combat illegal housing in the city
ANKARA: The Turkish presidency is drafting a law that will remove power from the opposition-held Istanbul metropolitan municipality. Many suspect that the motive behind the legislation is retaliation against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the Nation Alliance candidate who won office in a landslide victory in June against Binali Yildirim, the candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

More:Turkey drafting law to restrict powers of Istanbul municipality

Boom Times for Turkey’s Lobbyists in Trump’s Washington

Boom Times for Turkey’s Lobbyists in Trump’s Washington
October 31, 2019ADAM KLASFELDFacebookTwitterEmail


MANHATTAN (CN) – Some five years ago, Turkey’s soft power suddenly swelled in the United States as the country’s lobbyists and pro-government charities received millions in newfound funding.

That was the same year that leaked tapes appeared to show then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructing his son Bilal to dump massive amounts of money tied to a multibillion-dollar money-laundering scheme.

More:Boom Times for Turkey’s Lobbyists in Trump’s Washington

Turkish court dismisses case against ex-military chief

Turkish court dismisses case against ex-military chief
Constitutional Court dismisses case related to alleged secret organization Ergenekon citing failure to prosecute
Aylin Sirikli
31.10.2019

ANKARA

Turkey's Constitutional Court dismissed a case on Thursday against Ilker Basbug, the 26th chief of the general staff of Turkey, citing the failure to prosecute.

The ex-military chief was accused of plotting attacks against the Turkish government to pave the way for a military coup as well as being part of an alleged “deep state” organization called Ergenekon.

More:Turkish court dismisses case against ex-military chief

How Turkey Ruined Its Own Air Force (Nothing to Do with the F-35)

How Turkey Ruined Its Own Air Force (Nothing to Do with the F-35)

Michael Peck
The National Interest•October 30, 2019

Key Point: You can't fly fighter jets if you have no pilots.

Fighter pilots aren't cheap. The U.S. Air Force estimates that training a new pilot to fly a plane like the F-35 costs $11 million. And that doesn't count the priceless experience of a veteran pilot who has been flying for years. That's why the U.S. Air Force is willing to offer half-million-dollar bonuses to retain experienced fighter pilots.

More:How Turkey Ruined Its Own Air Force (Nothing to Do with the F-35)

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Turkey to Make Clear How Much Wiggle Room Remains to Cut Rates - Bloomberg

Turkey to Make Clear How Much Wiggle Room Remains to Cut Rates
By Cagan Koc
October 30, 2019, 5:00 PM EDT
Explore what’s moving the global economy in the new season of the Stephanomics podcast. Subscribe via Pocket Cast or iTunes.

Turkey’s new central banker is about to reveal if he’ll be able to put an exclamation point on his dash to cut interest rates.

More:Turkey to Make Clear How Much Wiggle Room Remains to Cut Rates - Bloomberg

How Do War And Politics Complement One Another In Turkey's Syria Dilemma? - Analysis - Eurasia Review

How Do War And Politics Complement One Another In Turkey’s Syria Dilemma? – Analysis
October 29, 2019 Vincent Lofaso 0 Comments
By Vincent Lofaso

In the spring of 2011 when Syrians first took to the streets to demonstrate their grievances against the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the secular opposition in Turkey had just turned to infighting and Erdogan’s ruling AK Party was riding a wave of populism that seemed unstoppable. Be that as it may, when Syrian refugees arrived in the thousands on Turkish soil, President Erdogan’s domestic plans were disturbed.

More:How Do War And Politics Complement One Another In Turkey's Syria Dilemma? - Analysis - Eurasia Review

Syria: Lawmakers target Turkish President Erdogan in sanctions bill

'Double whammy': House approves sweeping Turkey sanctions bill, recognizes Armenian genocide
Deirdre Shesgreen, USA TODAYPublished 8:33 a.m. MT Oct. 29, 2019 | Updated 5:42 p.m. MT Oct. 29, 2019

WASHINGTON – In a remarkable rebuke of a NATO ally, the House on Tuesday approved a biting sanctions bill that could cripple Turkey's economy and would punish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally by requiring an assessment of his net worth amid questions about his finances in Turkey.

More:Syria: Lawmakers target Turkish President Erdogan in sanctions bill

US House of Representatives voted 403-16 to impose sanctions on Turkey for offensive in Syria

US House of Representatives voted 403-16 to impose sanctions on Turkey for offensive in Syria

NEWS | Oct 29, 22:03 GMT | By Anil Panchal

The United States’ (US) House of Representatives voted 403-16 in favor of the legislation that will push President Donald Trump to impose sanctions and other restrictions on Turkey and Turkish officials over its offensive in northern Syria, as per the Reuters.

More:US House of Representatives voted 403-16 to impose sanctions on Turkey for offensive in Syria

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Turkey Sanctions Get U.S. House Vote Despite Pence’s Cease-Fire | Financial Post

Turkey Sanctions Get U.S. House Vote Despite Pence's Cease-Fire
Bloomberg News
Daniel Flatley
October 29, 2019

(Bloomberg) — The U.S. House will vote Tuesday on a bipartisan bill to sanction Turkey, warning that a deal struck with the Trump administration won’t save the NATO ally from economic punishment for invading northern Syria.

More:Turkey Sanctions Get U.S. House Vote Despite Pence’s Cease-Fire | Financial Post

Turkey lobby goes to bat against Armenian genocide bill

Turkey lobby goes to bat against Armenian genocide bill
Aaron Schaffer October 28, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Ankara and its allies are warning that this week’s vote would "poison" the already strained bilateral relationship.

REUTERS/Joshua RobertsTurkish Ambassador to the United States Serdar Kilic speaks to the Conference on US-Turkey Relations in Washington, US, May 22, 2017.
Ankara and its allies are warning Congress of the risk of “permanent negative resentment” between Turkey and the United States if House members go forward with plans to recognize the 1915 Armenian genocide this week.

On Friday, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Serdar Kilic wrote to lawmakers to warn them that voting for the “biased” resolution would only add to the growing number of disputes between the two countries. The House Rules Committee is scheduled to take up the nonbinding resolution tonight, setting up a floor vote as early as Tuesday as lawmakers seek to punish Turkey for its intervention against the Kurds in Syria.

More:Turkey lobby goes to bat against Armenian genocide bill

Monday, October 28, 2019

Syrian Kurdish commander sparks fresh US-Turkish row

Syrian Kurdish commander sparks fresh US-Turkish row
Amberin Zaman October 25, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Mazlum Kobane, the chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, may visit Washington — a move that would likely prompt Turkish calls for his extradition.

More:Syrian Kurdish commander sparks fresh US-Turkish row

Turkey to mark 96th anniversary of Republic Day - Turkey News

Turkey to mark 96th anniversary of Republic Day
ANKARA

Millions of Turks across the country and abroad will celebrate on Oct. 29 the 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the republic’s founder, on Oct. 29, 1923 officially declared the name of the nation and proclaimed the country’s status as a republic.

More:Turkey to mark 96th anniversary of Republic Day - Turkey News

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Erdogan and the Kurds: Inspired By Putin? | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Erdogan and the Kurds: Inspired By Putin?
by James M. Dorsey
OPINION

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds up a map as he addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, Sept. 24, 2019. Photo: Reuters / Lucas Jackson.

Turkey’s policy of suppressing Kurdish identity and denying the Kurds their cultural and political rights midwifed the birth in the 1970s of militant groups like the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), which only recently dropped its demand for Kurdish independence. The group, which has waged a low-intensity insurgency that has cost tens of thousands of lives, has been declared a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU.

More:Erdogan and the Kurds: Inspired By Putin? | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Turkish President says killing of IS leader "turning point"

Turkish President says killing of IS leader "turning point"

Turkish President says killing of IS leader "turning point"
Ankara, Oct 28 (IANS) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said the killing of the fugitive leader of the Islamic State (IS) group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is a "turning point" in fight against terrorism.

"The killing of Daesh (IS) ringleader marks a turning point in our joint fight against terrorism. Turkey will continue to support anti-terror efforts as it has done in the past," Erdogan tweeted, the Xinhua news agency reported.

More:Turkish President says killing of IS leader "turning point"

Syrian Kurds say they are withdrawing from area near Turkish border | TheHill

Syrian Kurds say they are withdrawing from area near Turkish border
BY JUSTINE COLEMAN - 10/27/19 01:25 PM EDT 146

Syrian Kurds announced on Sunday that their forces are leaving the Turkish border area, Reuters reported.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made this announcement after Turkey and Russia came to an agreement last week under which Syrian guards and Russia military police would patrol a 19-mile zone along Syria’s border with Turkey. The countries gave the SDF until Tuesday to retreat, Reuters noted.

More:Syrian Kurds say they are withdrawing from area near Turkish border | TheHill

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Erdogan hits back after Trump praises Kurdish militia leader - Europe - Stripes

Erdogan hits back after Trump praises Kurdish militia leader

By SELCAN HACAOGLU | Bloomberg News | Published: October 26, 2019

ANKARA, Turkey (Tribune News Service) — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Donald Trump to "hand over" the leader of a Kurdish militia who's been invited to the U.S. by senators, calling the commander and his fighters terrorists.

More:Erdogan hits back after Trump praises Kurdish militia leader - Europe - Stripes

Friday, October 25, 2019

Erdogan Hits Back After Trump Praises Kurdish Militia Leader - Bloomberg

Erdogan Hits Back After Trump Praises Kurdish Militia Leader
By Selcan Hacaoglu
October 25, 2019, 5:46 AM EDT

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Donald Trump to “hand over” the leader of a Kurdish militia who’s been invited to the U.S. by senators, calling the commander and his fighters terrorists.

Hours after Trump said in a tweet that he had “really enjoyed” talking to Mazloum Abdi, the assumed name of the head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Erdogan hit back at the U.S. for giving an audience to a wanted criminal in an allied state.

More:Erdogan Hits Back After Trump Praises Kurdish Militia Leader - Bloomberg

Turkey considers doubling tax on foreign exchange sales | Ahval

Turkey considers doubling tax on foreign exchange sales
The Turkish government is planning to double a tax on foreign exchange sales that was reintroduced in May to bolster the embattled lira, news-site Habertürk reported on Friday. 

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) submitted to parliament a new bill that proposes increasing the tax on foreign exchange transactions from 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent, Habertürk said.

More:Turkey considers doubling tax on foreign exchange sales | Ahval

In Turkey, Criticism About Military Aggression In Syria Exists But Is Muted : NPR

In Turkey, Criticism About Military Aggression In Syria Exists But Is Muted

PETER KENYON

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's military aggression in Syria to create what he calls a safe zone along the border has sparked international concern. But at home, the criticism is more muted.

More:In Turkey, Criticism About Military Aggression In Syria Exists But Is Muted : NPR

Istanbul's mosques may carry a political message - CNN Style

Some of Istanbul's mosques may carry a political message
Updated 25th October 2019
Pause

Written by
Emily Dixon, CNN
Over the past two decades, Turkey has seen a rapid increase in mosque construction. Earlier this year, the country's largest place of worship -- Istanbul's Camlica Mosque, which can accommodate 63,000 people -- officially opened its doors to the public.

More:Istanbul's mosques may carry a political message - CNN Style

Turkish and Syrian ambassadors clash at UN Security Council - 660 NEWS

Turkish and Syrian ambassadors clash at UN Security Council
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Posted Oct 24, 2019 5:11 pm MDT
The Turkish and Syrian ambassadors at the U.N. are clashing at their first Security Council encounter since Turkey launched a cross-border offensive earlier this month.

More:Turkish and Syrian ambassadors clash at UN Security Council - 660 NEWS

Following Trump’s lead, Putin gives Erdogan what he wants

Following Trump’s lead, Putin gives Erdogan what he wants
Semih Idiz October 24, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Even his greatest detractors in Turkey are complimenting Erdogan over winning US and Russian support against the Syrian Kurds.

Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERSRussian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attend a news conference following their talks in Sochi, Russia, Oct. 22, 2019.
The agreement President Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 22 complements his recent green light from US President Donald Trump for Turkey’s military incursion into Syria against the formerly US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG).

More:Following Trump’s lead, Putin gives Erdogan what he wants

Trump's Turkey problem

Trump's Turkey problem
by Jonathan Schanzer and Aykan Erdemir
 | October 24, 2019 11:00 PM

In what may well have been the shortest duration of sanctions in modern history, President Trump on Oct. 23 lifted all of the sanctions he had imposed on Turkey just nine days earlier for “escalating violence, endangering innocent civilians, and destabilizing the region” with its military incursion into northeast Syria.

More:Trump's Turkey problem

Turkish incursion into northern Syria: You reap what you sow - Qantara.de

You reap what you sow

Many Turks, at home and abroad, feel misunderstood. The Syrian offensive is intended to ease matters and does not constitute ethnic cleansing, they claim. They also say there is no racism in Turkey. This is a misrepresentation of the situation, says Tayfun Guttstadt in his contribution to the debate

More:Turkish incursion into northern Syria: You reap what you sow - Qantara.de

Turkey isolated amid international pressure: Erdogan's captive audience - Qantara.de

Erdogan's captive audience

Most Turkish citizens approve – to a greater or lesser extent – of their countryˈs incursion into Syria and are deeply irritated by the Westˈs apparent incomprehension of the situation on Turkeyˈs southern border. By Ayse Karabat

More:Turkey isolated amid international pressure: Erdogan's captive audience - Qantara.de

Thursday, October 24, 2019

EU lawmakers reject Turkey's 'safe zone' in Syria, eye sanctions steps - Reuters

EU lawmakers reject Turkey's 'safe zone' in Syria, eye sanctions steps
Francesco Guarascio
4 MIN READ

STRASBOURG (Reuters) - European Union lawmakers on Wednesday condemned Turkey’s offensive to carve out a “safe zone” in northeast Syria and prepared the way for new EU financial sanctions against Ankara.

More:EU lawmakers reject Turkey's 'safe zone' in Syria, eye sanctions steps - Reuters

Erdoğan surges as Turkey’s opposition plays his game | Ahval

Erdoğan surges as Turkey’s opposition plays his game

In what could be described as a double daredevil move, first with President Donald Trump and then with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan played a remarkable game of hardball this month with his military operation in Syria.

more:Erdoğan surges as Turkey’s opposition plays his game | Ahval

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Turkey’s next step in Syria, to get Europe on board

Turkey’s next step in Syria, to get Europe on board
In the early days of the influx of Syrian refugees, some were seen sleeping in parks, as Turkey was still getting organized for an emergency response to an ever-increasing number of Syrians fleeing their country.

More:Turkey’s next step in Syria, to get Europe on board

Russia And Turkey Reach Deal To Force Out Kurds In Northern Syria : NPR

Russia And Turkey Reach Deal To Force Out Kurds In Northern Syria

JANE ARRAF

After five hours of talks on Tuesday, the leaders of Russia and Turkey agreed on how to jointly patrol parts of Syria that until recently were controlled by Kurdish forces.

more;Russia And Turkey Reach Deal To Force Out Kurds In Northern Syria : NPR

Syria: Trump lifts Turkey sanctions as Russia moves into power void

Trump declares 'big success' in Syria, lifts sanctions on Turkey
Deirdre Shesgreen and David Jackson, USA TODAYPublished 6:59 a.m. ET Oct. 23, 2019 | Updated 3:32 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2019

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Turkey Wednesday and declared a "big success" in Syria, saying Turkish officials had agreed to permanently end their military attack on Syrian Kurdish forces. 

Trump's move came even as his own envoy for Syria, James Jeffrey, condemned Turkey's short but brutal military assault as deeply disruptive and said Turkish forces may have committed war crimes in its attack on the Kurds.

More:Syria: Trump lifts Turkey sanctions as Russia moves into power void

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Sochi Summit: Potential Outcomes and Implications - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The Sochi Summit: Potential Outcomes and Implications
Anna Borshchevskaya and Soner Cagaptay

October 21, 2019

As Washington pushes Erdogan to act responsibly in northeast Syria, the Turkish leader may face contrary pressures from Russia and Iran, who are keeping forces on the ground to back up whatever demands are made at this week’s summit and beyond.

More:The Sochi Summit: Potential Outcomes and Implications - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Syrian cease-fire holds as Kurdish forces withdraw from Turkish border

Syrian cease-fire holds as Kurdish forces withdraw from Turkish border
Ayla Jean Yackley October 21, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
A fragile truce held for a fourth day despite sporadic fighting as Kurdish militants leave a strategic town, the United States pulls out its soldiers and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads to Russia to discuss what comes next.

More:Syrian cease-fire holds as Kurdish forces withdraw from Turkish border

Turkey Pushes into Syria, Drills in Cypriot Waters

Turkey Burns its Bridges

As Turkey drills in the Cypriot EEZ and kicks off military operations in Northern Syria, the country appears to have pivoted towards Russia – and away from traditional partners Europe and NATO

More:Turkey Pushes into Syria, Drills in Cypriot Waters

Monday, October 21, 2019

Turkey isolated amid international pressure: Erdogan's captive audience - Qantara.de

Erdogan's captive audience

Most Turkish citizens approve – to a greater or lesser extent – of their countryˈs incursion into Syria and are deeply irritated by the Westˈs apparent incomprehension of the situation on Turkeyˈs southern border. By Ayse Karabat

More:Turkey isolated amid international pressure: Erdogan's captive audience - Qantara.de

Congress calls on US to scout nuclear alternatives to Turkey base

Congress calls on US to scout nuclear alternatives to Turkey base
Jack Detsch October 21, 2019

ARTICLE SUMMARY
Congress has tucked a provision into a bill to sanction Turkey for its two-week incursion into northern Syria that would study the possibility of removing US nuclear weapons and troops from Incirlik Air Base.
REUTERS/Umit BektasA US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jet (foreground) lands at Incirlik Air Base in the southern city of Adana, Turkey, Dec. 11, 2015.

More:Congress calls on US to scout nuclear alternatives to Turkey base

Kurds evacuate Syrian town in 1st pullout of cease-fire | News, Sports, Jobs - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Kurds evacuate Syrian town in 1st pullout of cease-fire
TOP NEWS
OCT 21, 2019

AKCAKALE, Turkey (AP) — Dozens of vehicles rolled out of a besieged Syrian border town, evacuating Kurdish fighters and civilians and opening the way for Turkish-backed forces to take over in the first pullback under a three-day-old U.S.-brokered cease-fire.

More:Kurds evacuate Syrian town in 1st pullout of cease-fire | News, Sports, Jobs - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

Operation into Syria highlights Turkey's rift with Arab nations - China.org.cn

Operation into Syria highlights Turkey's rift with Arab nations

Following an emergency meeting called by Egypt on the offensive, the Arab League (AL) lambasted Turkey's now paused operation as an "invasion of an Arab state's land and an aggression on its sovereignty" and threatened Ankara of economic sanctions.

More:Operation into Syria highlights Turkey's rift with Arab nations - China.org.cn

Sunday, October 20, 2019

TURKEY Economy; Credit Card debt rising in Turkey

Does Trump understand how grossly he just insulted the president of Turkey? - The Washington Post

Does Trump understand how grossly he just insulted the president of Turkey?

Can Dundar, the former editor in chief of the leading Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, is now living in exile.

Earlier this week, amid burgeoning scandals in Washington and a dramatic shift in the balance of power in Syria, President Trump revealed a letter he had sent to the president of Turkey. Trump was apparently trying to show a confused American public that he’s really the man in charge.

Trump was acting on impulse. Yet his decision is likely to haunt Turkish-U.S. relations for a long time to come.

More:Does Trump understand how grossly he just insulted the president of Turkey? - The Washington Post

Erdoğan got the best of Trump, experts warn | TheHill

Erdoğan got the best of Trump, experts warn
BY REBECCA KHEEL - 10/19/19 02:43 PM EDT

President Trump, erstwhile businessman and "Art of the Deal" author, casts himself as a master negotiator. But experts say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan got the best of Trump in negotiations over Syria.

More:Erdoğan got the best of Trump, experts warn | TheHill

The Latest: Syria Kurds say they will withdraw from border - Brownsville Herald: US & World News

The Latest: Syria Kurds say they will withdraw from border

Posted: Saturday, October 19, 2019 7:42 pm | Updated: 8:02 pm, Sat Oct 19, 2019.

Associated Press |

BEIRUT (AP) — The Latest on Turkey's invasion of northern Syria (all times local):

11:15 p.m.

A senior Syrian Kurdish official says his forces will pull back from a border area in accordance with a U.S.-brokered deal after Turkey allows the evacuation of its remaining fighters and civilians from a besieged town there.

More:The Latest: Syria Kurds say they will withdraw from border - Brownsville Herald: US & World News

TURKEY: president Erdogan's advisor reviews Turkeys attacks in Syria on Kurds

Read more at:
https://www.npr.org/2019/10/17/770848622/erdogan-adviser-on-turkeys-attacks-in-syria?t=1571581094318

Turkey-USA relations: Analyzing the letter from Trump to Analyzing


Read more at:
https://news.miami.edu/stories/2019/10/analyzing-the-letter-to-erdo%C4%9Fan.html

Turkey: Cease-fire might evetially not be sich a.good idea for Turkey


Read more at:
https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/opinion/articles/2019-10-18/the-syria-cease-fire-may-not-be-a-win-for-turkey

Friday, October 18, 2019

What the Media Aren't Telling You About Turkey and the Kurds - Antiwar.com Original

What the Media Aren’t Telling You About Turkey and the Kurds

by Marc D. Joffe Posted on October 17, 2019October 15, 2019
Mainstream media are taking occasional breaks from 24/7 impeachment coverage this month to lambaste the Trump Administration for abandoning our Syrian Kurdish allies at the insistence of Turkey’s despotic rulers. Since the original withdrawal announcement, Administration policy has taken on a helter-skelter quality: rushing out sanctions, threatening airstrikes and deploying troops elsewhere in the Middle East. Ultimately Trump policies are producing more foreign adventurism and less freedom of commerce for American companies. But the original decision to pull out was the correct one, and consistent media criticism of the withdrawal often omits important facts that the American public needs to consider. Specifically:

More:What the Media Aren't Telling You About Turkey and the Kurds - Antiwar.com Original

Opinion | Turkey’s Victory Over Donald Trump - The New York Times

Turkey’s Victory Over Donald Trump

The Turkish president got what he wanted — as did Russia and Iran.

More:Opinion | Turkey’s Victory Over Donald Trump - The New York Times

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Can the Turkish opposition develop a sustainable Kurdish policy?

Can the Turkish opposition develop a sustainable Kurdish policy?
Galip DalayThursday, October 17, 2019

Since 2002, the rule of Turkish politics has been clear and simple: Turkey periodically holds elections, and the winning party remains the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The last local election held on March 31 and Istanbul’s re-run election on June 23 were exceptions to this rule. The AKP suffered its most severe electoral defeat to date by losing almost all of Turkey’s major cities to the opposition, including Istanbul and Ankara.

More:Can the Turkish opposition develop a sustainable Kurdish policy?

What moves Putin, Assad, Erdogan and the Kurds? - www.israelhayom.com

What moves Putin, Assad, Erdogan and the Kurds?

Media commentators seem to ignore the fact that back in the 2000s, when Erdogan led his AKP party to victory in the general election and formed his first government, an accommodation was actually reached with the PKK.

More:What moves Putin, Assad, Erdogan and the Kurds? - www.israelhayom.com

'Don't Be a Fool!' Trump Wrote to Erdogan About Syria Advance | Time

'Don't Be a Tough Guy. Don't Be a Fool!' President Trump Wrote to Erdogan About Turkey's Advance Into Syria

BY JUSTIN SINK / BLOOMBERG OCTOBER 16, 2019
President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling on him to “work out a good deal!” and warning him not to be a “tough guy” or “fool.”

“History will look upon you favorably if you get this done the right and humane way,” according to the Oct. 9 letter, reported earlier by Fox Business Network and confirmed by the White House. “It will look upon you forever as the devil if good things don’t happen.”

More:'Don't Be a Fool!' Trump Wrote to Erdogan About Syria Advance | Time

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

U.S. charges state-owned Turkish bank in multibillion-dollar sanctions-busting scheme

U.S. charges state-owned Turkish bank in multibillion-dollar sanctions-busting scheme

The charges against Halkbank are linked to a previous case involving Reza Zarrab, a Turkish banker who was arrested in March for evading U.S. sanctions.

More:U.S. charges state-owned Turkish bank in multibillion-dollar sanctions-busting scheme

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Turkish unemployment rises to 13.9% as recession still weighs | Nasdaq

Turkish unemployment rises to 13.9% as recession still weighs
CONTRIBUTOR
Ali Kucukgocmen Reuters

ISTANBUL, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Turkey's unemployment rate rose to 13.9% in the June-Aug period, while the seasonally adjusted rate hit its highest on record, according to official data on Tuesday that suggested workers are feeling the pinch from a recession that appeared to be easing.

More:Turkish unemployment rises to 13.9% as recession still weighs | Nasdaq

Trump's light sanctions are a relief for bruised Turkish lira - Reuters

Trump's light sanctions are a relief for bruised Turkish lira
Behiye Selin Taner
4 MIN READ

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The Turkish lira gained on Tuesday after Washington imposed lighter-than-expected sanctions for Turkey’s military incursion into Syria, providing some relief even while traders worried that heavier repercussions would follow.

More:Trump's light sanctions are a relief for bruised Turkish lira - Reuters

Factbox: Major Turkish companies affiliated with U.S.-sanctioned Turkish energy ministry - Reuters

Factbox: Major Turkish companies affiliated with U.S.-sanctioned Turkish energy ministry
4 MIN READ

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The United States has sanctioned Turkey’s energy ministry in response to the Turkish cross-border offensive in northeast Syria, raising questions about the impact on the country’s wider energy sector.

More:Factbox: Major Turkish companies affiliated with U.S.-sanctioned Turkish energy ministry - Reuters