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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Worldview: Erdogan's dangerous game

Worldview: Erdogan's dangerous game

by Trudy Rubin, Inquirer Columnist @trudyrubin

How do you deal with "allies" who are stabbing you in the back on security issues even as they claim they are helping?

Think Pakistan - which received bipartisan U.S. backing for decades even as it sheltered the Taliban and Osama bin Laden. Or Saudi Arabia, whose citizens and charities still fund jihadis.

More:Worldview: Erdogan's dangerous game

Why Erdogan is on a Nationalist Path - The Globalist

Why Erdogan is on a Nationalist Path

Erdogan’s embrace of nationalist rhetoric and actions could have important repercussions on Turkish foreign policy.

More:Why Erdogan is on a Nationalist Path - The Globalist

US prosecutors say businessman with ′close ties′ to Turkey′s Erdogan poses flight risk | News | DW.COM | 26.05.2016

US prosecutors say businessman with 'close ties' to Turkey's Erdogan poses flight risk

A US case against an Iranian-Turkish gold trader stands to reveal details of corruption in the Turkish government. The case is being closely watched in Turkey.

More:US prosecutors say businessman with ′close ties′ to Turkey′s Erdogan poses flight risk | News | DW.COM | 26.05.2016

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Europe's First Migrant Political Party Accused Of Being Mouthpiece For Turkey

Europe’s First Migrant Political Party Accused Of Being Mouthpiece For Turkey

by Oliver JJ Lane25 May 201684

The Denk Partij (Think Party) is the first political force in Europe established by migrants for migrants, but it is attracting controversy for their approach to the Turkish regime, Israel and anti-Semitism, and the Armenian genocide.

More:Europe's First Migrant Political Party Accused Of Being Mouthpiece For Turkey

The PKK Could Spark Turkish-Russian Military Escalation - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The PKK Could Spark Turkish-Russian Military Escalation

Andrew J. Tabler and Soner Cagaptay

May 25, 2016

Russia and Syria's dormant ties with the group have been reawakened by the civil war, raising the prospect of dangerous weapons proliferation and potential escalation into direct conflict with Turkey.

More:The PKK Could Spark Turkish-Russian Military Escalation - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Vote Leave: stop offending Turkish people to further your own agenda | Voices | The Independent

Vote Leave: stop offending Turkish people to further your own agenda

Vote Leave's xenophobic comments about Turkish people are misleading referendum voters by claiming that they are joining the EU, when this possibility is highly unlikely

More:Vote Leave: stop offending Turkish people to further your own agenda | Voices | The Independent

Erdoganomics in Turkey Threatens Simsek’s Market Credentials - Bloomberg

Erdoganomics in Turkey Threatens Simsek’s Market Credentials
Onur Ant

Investors who cheered the survival of Turkish Deputy Premier Mehmet Simsek will probably find he can no longer be a market-friendly counterweight to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s economic policies.

More:Erdoganomics in Turkey Threatens Simsek’s Market Credentials - Bloomberg

An autopsy of the new Turkish government - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

An autopsy of the new Turkish government

The new Turkish government under Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, the stalwart loyalist to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was announced May 24. As expected, the government consists entirely of Erdogan faithful. What is surprising is that some ministers who were predicted to lose their portfolios actually stayed on.

More:An autopsy of the new Turkish government - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Can Turkey Assimilate Its Refugees? | Foreign Affairs

Can Turkey Assimilate Its Refugees?
Lessons from History
By Ryan Gingeras

The neighborhood of Bağlariçi is some six miles north of Ankara’s city center. Like most of its suburban quarters, its apartment blocks and high streets are neither distinct nor very old. Superficially, the neighborhood is a testament to the city’s rapid growth over the last decade. Recent events, however, have shown that Bağlariçi is emblematic of a profound new trend in Turkish society.

More:Can Turkey Assimilate Its Refugees? | Foreign Affairs

Death Watch for Democracy in Israel and Turkey? - Opinion - Haaretz - Israel News Haaretz.com

Death Watch for Democracy in Israel and Turkey?

By methodically eroding liberal democracy, Netanyahu and Erdogan could endanger their states' domestic and international legitimacy. At least if the current diplomatic moves bear fruit they’ll have each other.

More:Death Watch for Democracy in Israel and Turkey? - Opinion - Haaretz - Israel News Haaretz.com

Where is Turkey Headed? « LobeLog

Where is Turkey Headed?

by Robert Olson

The recent sacking of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, coupled with recently passed parliamentary bills and laws, confirms that Turkey is headed for one-man dictatorial rule. This rule will not be similar to dictators or regimes that have come to power through military coups. An Erdogan-led regime would have nearly 50 percent voter approval and be led by a Justice and Development Party (AKP) that, during the past 13 years, has raised the per capita income of Turkey’s citizens 50 percent with a substantial increase in living standards.

More:Where is Turkey Headed? « LobeLog

Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope — FT.com

Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope

Politicians on both sides of the negotiations doubt that accession is a credible outcome

More:Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope — FT.com

Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope — FT.com

Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope

Politicians on both sides of the negotiations doubt that accession is a credible outcome

More:Despite migration deal, Turkey’s EU membership is distant hope — FT.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Erdogan's Nationalist Path to a Full Presidential System - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Erdogan's Nationalist Path to a Full Presidential System

Soner Cagaptay

May 24, 2016

By further hardening his approach toward Kurdish nationalism at home and in Syria, Erdogan hopes to woo Turkish ultranationalists and legally enshrine his executive power, but his efforts could clash with U.S. policy on the war next door.

More:Erdogan's Nationalist Path to a Full Presidential System - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

How Turkey is learning to provide for urban Syrian refugees - CSMonitor.com

How Turkey is learning to provide for urban Syrian refugees
Path to progress

With more Syrians choosing to, or forced to, stay in Turkey, an already overburdened state bureaucracy is trying to accommodate a burgeoning urban refugee population.

More:How Turkey is learning to provide for urban Syrian refugees - CSMonitor.com

Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn | Jacobin

Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn

Erdoğan’s grip on power in Turkey is tightening. How did it come to this and how can his government be challenged?

More:Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn | Jacobin

Dutch companies to give jobs to Syrian refugees in Turkey - NL Times

Dutch companies to give jobs to Syrian refugees in Turkey
Posted on May 24, 2016 by Janene Pieters

Dutch companies in Turkey are also considering Syrian refugees when looking to fill vacancies, Minister Lilianne Ploumen of Foreign Trade announced. Currently there are 240 vacancies that are open to refugees. “That is beautiful”, she said.

More:Dutch companies to give jobs to Syrian refugees in Turkey - NL Times

Where is Turkey Headed? « LobeLog

Where is Turkey Headed?

by Robert Olson

The recent sacking of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, coupled with recently passed parliamentary bills and laws, confirms that Turkey is headed for one-man dictatorial rule. This rule will not be similar to dictators or regimes that have come to power through military coups. An Erdogan-led regime would have nearly 50 percent voter approval and be led by a Justice and Development Party (AKP) that, during the past 13 years, has raised the per capita income of Turkey’s citizens 50 percent with a substantial increase in living standards.

More:Where is Turkey Headed? « LobeLog

Turk opposition party to hold congress in possible setback for Erdogan | TODAYonline

Turk opposition party to hold congress in possible setback for Erdogan

ANKARA - Turkey's nationalist opposition said on Tuesday it would hold an extraordinary congress aimed at resolving a leadership dispute, a move that could dash President Tayyip Erdogan's ambitions of winning greater powers.

More:Turk opposition party to hold congress in possible setback for Erdogan | TODAYonline

Cyprus leader calls off peace meeting after snub

Cyprus leader calls off peace meeting after snub

NICOSIA - Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday cancelled scheduled peace talks with the Turkish Cypriot leader over what he sees as attempts to recognise the Turkish-held north of the divided island.

More:Cyprus leader calls off peace meeting after snub

Turkey Central Bank Cuts Key Interest Rate for Third Month in a Row - WSJ

Turkey Central Bank Cuts Key Interest Rate for Third Month in a Row

Decision comes hours after new government is unveiled

More:Turkey Central Bank Cuts Key Interest Rate for Third Month in a Row - WSJ

Turkey’s New Premier Charts Mission With Cabinet Shuffle - WSJ

Turkey’s New Premier Charts Mission With Cabinet Shuffle

New government signals continuity in economy and foreign policies; will focus on President Erdogan’s priorities

More:Turkey’s New Premier Charts Mission With Cabinet Shuffle - WSJ

‘Meet Europe’s Best’ by Turkish Airlines

‘Meet Europe’s Best’ by Turkish Airlines

Monday, 23 May 2016 13:04
Published by Ozgur Tore

Turkey’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines that offers the highest number of international destinations and also countries in a flight network also takes an active interest in Europe’s sporting and cultural events. As the Official Airline Partner to UEFA EURO 2016, the carrier announced a new campaign named ‘Meet Europe’s Best’.

More:‘Meet Europe’s Best’ by Turkish Airlines

Refugees and the Technology of Exile by David Lepeska — Spring 2016: Looking Back | Moving Forward | The Wilson Quarterly

Refugees and the Technology of Exile
By David Lepeska

Apps, real-time translation services, and other online tools are helping Syrians and other refugees in Turkey forge new lives for themselves.

More:Refugees and the Technology of Exile by David Lepeska — Spring 2016: Looking Back | Moving Forward | The Wilson Quarterly

Sliding Lira Threatens Plan to Spur Turkey Growth With Rate Cuts - Bloomberg

Sliding Lira Threatens Plan to Spur Turkey Growth With Rate Cuts
Tugce Ozsoy

Turkey’s currency is jeopardizing the government’s plan to revive the economy via interest-rate cuts.

More:Sliding Lira Threatens Plan to Spur Turkey Growth With Rate Cuts - Bloomberg

How Ankara and the PKK misread civilians’ reactions to ongoing violence - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

How Ankara and the PKK misread civilians’ reactions to ongoing violence

Armed violence is the most used instrument of power for organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to impose their political agendas. But in recent months there have been signs that the PKK is having trouble managing this violence. The latest example came May 10 in the Durumlu village of Turkey's Diyarbakir’s Sur district, when a massive explosion killed 16 civilians.

More:How Ankara and the PKK misread civilians’ reactions to ongoing violence - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey's female journalists now risk parental rights for critical reporting - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey's female journalists now risk parental rights for critical reporting

Turkish female journalist Arzu Yildiz was this week sentenced to 20 months in prison for her reporting on alleged Turkish arms shipments to Syria, a highly controversial issue that has riled Ankara and landed both journalists and judicial officials in jail. The court, however, did not stop there, and stripped Yildiz also of her parental rights. While the imprisonment of journalists may have become commonplace in Turkey, now ranking 151st on the World Press Freedom Index, the restriction of Yildiz’s parental rights marks a new milestone in the extent the pressure on journalists has reached, affecting even their familial ties and social standing.

More:Turkey's female journalists now risk parental rights for critical reporting - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

‘A photo changed fate of Syrian migrants,’ says Hürriyet chairwoman - RIGHTS

‘A photo changed fate of Syrian migrants,’ says Hürriyet chairwoman

İpek Yezdani – ISTANBUL

When the Syrian refugee crisis started, most people were busy with the number of refugees and the cost associated to it, Hürriyet Chairwoman Vuslat Doğan Sabancı has said, adding that this was the case until Doğan News Agency reporter Nilüfer Demir photographed the body of a little child, Aylan Kurdi, washed ashore in Turkey.

More:‘A photo changed fate of Syrian migrants,’ says Hürriyet chairwoman - RIGHTS

Italy calls for joint action with Turkey in tackling refugee crisis - EUROPE

Italy calls for joint action with Turkey in tackling refugee crisis

Deniz Çiyan - ISTANBUL

Italy has proposed tackling the challenges of various aspects of the refugee crisis together with Turkey in order to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution to the issue.

More:Italy calls for joint action with Turkey in tackling refugee crisis - EUROPE

New Brexit tactic: Target Turkey - CNN.com

Brexit campaign stirs up fear of Turks
Phil Black-Profile-Image1

By Phil Black, CNN

(CNN)The poster's message isn't subtle: The Turks are coming.
The image shows a British passport as an open door with a trail of footprints passing through. The words declare with certainty that Turkey and 76 million people who live there are joining the European Union.

More:New Brexit tactic: Target Turkey - CNN.com

World leaders meet in Istanbul to fix ‘broken’ aid system - France 24

World leaders meet in Istanbul to fix ‘broken’ aid system

Global leaders met in Istanbul on Monday to tackle a “broken” humanitarian system that has left 130 million people in need of aid, a near insurmountable task for a two-day summit that critics say risks achieving little.

More:World leaders meet in Istanbul to fix ‘broken’ aid system - France 24

Monday, May 23, 2016

Erdogan vs. the world - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan vs. the world

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ouster of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to clear his own path to absolute power has left many wondering what effect the move will have on Turkey's foreign policy orientation and its relations with the West in particular.

More:Erdogan vs. the world - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey Threatens to Suspend Agreements With EU - ABC News

Turkey Threatens to Suspend Agreements With EU

By suzan fraser and geir moulson, associated press

ANKARA, Turkey — May 23, 2016, 12:52 PM ET

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Turkey's president on Monday that Ankara must fulfill all the European Union's conditions to secure visa-free travel for its citizens, but Turkey responded that it would suspend agreements with the EU if the bloc does not keep its promises.

More:Turkey Threatens to Suspend Agreements With EU - ABC News

Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery - WSJ

Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery

Disagreement comes amid tensions over Ankara’s antiterrorism law, vote to strip lawmakers’ immunity

More:Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery - WSJ

Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery - WSJ

Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery

Disagreement comes amid tensions over Ankara’s antiterrorism law, vote to strip lawmakers’ immunity

More:Turkey and EU at Odds Over Funding Delivery - WSJ

Dutch prime minister meets Erdogan at UN summit, talks about refugees, Umar - DutchNews.nl

Dutch prime minister meets Erdogan at UN summit, talks about refugees, Umar
Europe
May 23, 2016

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has had informal talks with Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the fringes of the current UN humanitarian summit in Istanbul.

More:Dutch prime minister meets Erdogan at UN summit, talks about refugees, Umar - DutchNews.nl

Merkel to meet Erdogan as UN aid summit opens in Istanbul | News | DW.COM | 23.05.2016

Merkel to meet Erdogan as UN aid summit opens in Istanbul

The German chancellor is likely to press her Turkish counterpart on the EU migrant deal as world leaders discuss aid issues. "Doctors Without Borders" (MSF) has pulled out of the conference, saying it will be inadequate.

More:Merkel to meet Erdogan as UN aid summit opens in Istanbul | News | DW.COM | 23.05.2016

Turkey as a new model? - NURAY MERT

Turkey as a new model?

“Totalitarianism differs essentially from other forms of political oppression known to us such as despotism, tyranny and dictatorship. Wherever it rose to power, it developed entirely new political institutions and destroyed all social, legal and political traditions of the country.” (Hannah Arendt, “The Origins of Totalitarianism”)

More:Turkey as a new model? - NURAY MERT

Investors eye new economy administration, rate decision in Turkey - BUSINESS

Investors eye new economy administration, rate decision in Turkey

ANKARA/ISTANBUL

Investors are playing a waiting game to see whether Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek, who is seen as an anchor of investor confidence, will be retained in a new Turkish cabinet and what decision the Central Bank might take on interest rates in its upcoming meeting.

More:Investors eye new economy administration, rate decision in Turkey - BUSINESS

Has Turkey become a scapegoat in the fiery Brexit debate? - Al Arabiya English

Has Turkey become a scapegoat in the fiery Brexit debate?

By Menekse Tokyay

With controversies over its democracy and external challenges such as the flow of migrant, Turkey’s place in Europe has again become a debate for Euroskeptics in Britain.

More:Has Turkey become a scapegoat in the fiery Brexit debate? - Al Arabiya English

Leaders, NGOs meet in Istanbul for first humanitarian summit | New Straits Times | Malaysia General Business Sports and Lifestyle News

Leaders, NGOs meet in Istanbul for first humanitarian summit
By AFP - 23 May 2016 @ 10:11 AM

ISTANBUL: World leaders and aid groups meet in Istanbul on Monday for an unprecedented UN-backed humanitarian summit seeking to transform the world’s response to crises triggered by conflict and climate change.

More:Leaders, NGOs meet in Istanbul for first humanitarian summit | New Straits Times | Malaysia General Business Sports and Lifestyle News

A May to be remembered in Turkey - YUSUF KANLI

A May to be remembered in Turkey

May was a very important month for Turkish democracy. For decades, Turks marked the May 27 anniversary of the 1960 coup as the “Liberty and Constitution Day.” What’s more, after the 1950 multi-party election, May 14 was marked unofficially as the “Democracy Day,” even by people who suffered most under the Democratic Party (DP), which was voted into power in 1950 and which transformed from a democratic government into a majoritarian dictatorship.

More:A May to be remembered in Turkey - YUSUF KANLI

Tayyip Erdogan asks Yildirim to form new govt | World | thenews.com.pk

Tayyip Erdogan asks Yildirim to form new govt
May 23, 2016

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan asked the new leader of the ruling AK Party, Binali Yildirim, to form a new government on Sunday, according to a presidential statement, confirming him as the country’s new prime minister.

More:Tayyip Erdogan asks Yildirim to form new govt | World | thenews.com.pk

Erdoğan calls on Europe to take in more Syrian refugees | World news | The Guardian

Erdoğan calls on Europe to take in more Syrian refugees

In an article for the Guardian, Turkish president says Europe not doing enough to redistribute the 3 million Syrians living in Turkey

More:Erdoğan calls on Europe to take in more Syrian refugees | World news | The Guardian

Sunday, May 22, 2016

EU referendum: Row over Turkey's membership bid escalates - BBC News

EU referendum: Row over Turkey's membership bid escalates

The UK would be powerless to prevent Turkey joining the EU despite the "security risks" its membership could bring, a defence minister has said.

Penny Mordaunt said the migrant crisis would hasten talks over Turkey's EU bid and see more criminals entering the UK.

More:EU referendum: Row over Turkey's membership bid escalates - BBC News

Security forces seize bomb-laden vehicle in SE Turkey

Security forces seize bomb-laden vehicle in SE Turkey

Driver, a PKK terrorist, was killed at security checkpoint, says Diyarbakir governorship

More:Security forces seize bomb-laden vehicle in SE Turkey

Report: Merkel concerned about Turkish policies against the Kurds | EUROPE ONLINE

Report: Merkel concerned about Turkish policies against the Kurds
Europe
22.05.2016
By our dpa-correspondent and Europe Online
Berlin (dpa) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized a move by the Turkish parliament to remove immunity from prosecution from around a quarter of lawmakers in an article published in Sunday‘s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

More:Report: Merkel concerned about Turkish policies against the Kurds | EUROPE ONLINE

Turkey divided as ruling party anoints new leader - BBC News

Turkey divided as ruling party anoints new leader

21 May 2016 Last updated at 23:52 BST

Turkey's ruling AK Party is meeting to anoint a new party leader who will also become prime minister - after Ahmet Davutoglu stepped down following long-rumoured tensions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey divided as ruling party anoints new leader - BBC News

Turkey Makes a Dubious Host For Talks on Gender Equality

Turkey Makes a Dubious Host For Talks on Gender Equality
By Nihal Kayali , Christina Asquith On 5/22/16 at 8:00 AM

Thousands of world leaders, international organizations and aid workers will convene in Istanbul on Monday for the inaugural World Humanitarian Summit. As gender equality in crises features prominently on the agenda, Turkish women may wonder whether Turkey is a credible host to discuss topics like “stopping sexual violence” and “empowering women.”

More:Turkey Makes a Dubious Host For Talks on Gender Equality

Gaziantep: Murder, paranoia in Turkey’s economic powerhouse

Gaziantep: Murder, paranoia in Turkey’s economic powerhouse

Prominent activists have been killed in broad daylight in attacks claimed by IS

More:Gaziantep: Murder, paranoia in Turkey’s economic powerhouse

Saturday, May 21, 2016

New Turkish bill denounced as power grab – EurActiv.com

New Turkish bill denounced as power grab

May 20, 2016 (updated: May 20, 2016)

Turkey’s parliament on Friday (20 May) adopted a highly divisive bill that will lift immunity for dozens of pro-Kurdish and other MPs and could see them thrown out of parliament.

More:New Turkish bill denounced as power grab – EurActiv.com

Erdogan vs. the world - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Erdogan vs. the world

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ouster of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to clear his own path to absolute power has left many wondering what effect the move will have on Turkey's foreign policy orientation and its relations with the West in particular.


More:Erdogan vs. the world - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

China’s slowdown and Turkey’s window of opportunity - GÜVEN SAK

China’s slowdown and Turkey’s window of opportunity

China is changing, and the world feels the shockwaves, far and wide. This process hurts the Turkish economy, but much less than other emerging economies. I hear lots of complaining in Ankara and Istanbul, but I think if Turkey plays its cards well, the benefits could outweigh the costs.

More:China’s slowdown and Turkey’s window of opportunity - GÜVEN SAK

Greek judge says Turkey is unsafe rules against sending Syrian migrant back

Greek judge says Turkey is unsafe, rules against sending Syrian migrant back

Big News Network.com
Sunday 22nd May, 2016

ATHENS, Greece - Greek judges have ruled that a Syrian refugee should not be sent back to Turkey.

Amnesty International has said that migrants in Turkey are not safe as they do not have basic human rights and could be taken to Syria.

More:Greek judge says Turkey is unsafe rules against sending Syrian migrant back

Friday, May 20, 2016

Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy - GÜNEŞ KÖMÜRCÜLER

Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy

A young population has played a crucial role in Turkey’s economic story in a bid to positively differentiate itself in the region. The country, however, faces the serious risk of losing this advantage in a substantial way unless some crucial steps are taken immediately to increase the quality of education and labor productivity.

More:Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy - GÜNEŞ KÖMÜRCÜLER

Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy - GÜNEŞ KÖMÜRCÜLER

Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy

A young population has played a crucial role in Turkey’s economic story in a bid to positively differentiate itself in the region. The country, however, faces the serious risk of losing this advantage in a substantial way unless some crucial steps are taken immediately to increase the quality of education and labor productivity.

More:Educational and labor productivity problems in Turkey’s economy - GÜNEŞ KÖMÜRCÜLER

Turkish parliament passes bill stripping MPs of immunity | Middle East Eye

Turkish parliament passes bill stripping MPs of immunity

Majority of MPs back bill targeted at pro-Kurdish deputies which passes without need for a referendum, leaving 138 MPs facing prosecution

More:Turkish parliament passes bill stripping MPs of immunity | Middle East Eye

Why the EU migrant deal matters to Turkey’s Erdogan - even if it fails

Why the EU migrant deal matters to Turkey’s Erdogan - even if it fails
Anthony Skinner, Director and Head of Political Strategy, Verisk Maplecroft
OMMENTSStart the Discussion

A deal which involves Turkey controlling the flow of Syrian migrants to Europe entered a new phase of volatility on 5th May, just a day after the European Commission recommended visa-free travel for Turkish nationals seeking to go to Europe. News broke that Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had been forced to resign.

More:Why the EU migrant deal matters to Turkey’s Erdogan - even if it fails

In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve | Europe | DW.COM | 20.05.2016

In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve

Turkish nationals eager to travel to Europe untrammelled by wads of visa applications appear to have had their hopes dashed by a power struggle in the ruling party. Tom Stevenson reports from Istanbul.

More:In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve | Europe | DW.COM | 20.05.2016

In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve | Europe | DW.COM | 20.05.2016

In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve

Turkish nationals eager to travel to Europe untrammelled by wads of visa applications appear to have had their hopes dashed by a power struggle in the ruling party. Tom Stevenson reports from Istanbul.

More:In Turkey, European travel hopes dissolve | Europe | DW.COM | 20.05.2016

Turkey to Encourage Visits from 1 Million Chinese in 2016 Through Better Tourism : News : Yibada

Turkey to Encourage Visits from 1 Million Chinese in 2016 Through Better Tourism

Sarah Sincero | May 20, 2016 03:40 AM EDT

Turkey sets its goal to woo over 1 million Chinese tourists as a solution to the decreasing number of European and Russian visitors this year.

More:Turkey to Encourage Visits from 1 Million Chinese in 2016 Through Better Tourism : News : Yibada

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Turkey anger over EU envoy remarks on migrant deal | News | DW.COM | 19.05.2016

Turkey anger over EU envoy remarks on migrant deal

Hansjoerg Haber altered an old German proverb to describe how the EU migrant deal had run into trouble. His remarks were criticized by the Ankara government.

More:Turkey anger over EU envoy remarks on migrant deal | News | DW.COM | 19.05.2016

It doesn’t really matter who the next Turkish prime minister is. Erdogan is the only man in town | Voices | The Independent

It doesn’t really matter who the next Turkish prime minister is. Erdogan is the only man in town

As Erdogan attempts to become the next Atatürk, he risks the future relations with the West

Robert Ellis

On Sunday Turkey’s ruling AK (Justice and Development) Party will hold an extraordinary convention to elect a new chairman and prime minister. But don’t hold your breath, party loyalist, Binali Yildirim, has been nominated and there is no reason to believe he will not be elected with acclaim.

More:It doesn’t really matter who the next Turkish prime minister is. Erdogan is the only man in town | Voices | The Independent

Erdogan’s march to absolute power has Berlin’s blessing — FT.com

Erdogan’s march to absolute power has Berlin’s blessing

The president’s choice of Yildirim for prime minister will not check his aims, writes Marc Pierini

More:Erdogan’s march to absolute power has Berlin’s blessing — FT.com

Erdogan Tightens Grip on Turkey as Loyalist Set to Be Premier - Bloomberg

Erdogan Tightens Grip on Turkey as Loyalist Set to Be Premier
Onur Ant

Binali Yildirim, a close ally of Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is set to become the country’s new prime minister -- an appointment that will significantly strengthen the president’s grip on power.

More:Erdogan Tightens Grip on Turkey as Loyalist Set to Be Premier - Bloomberg

Turkey Project | Center for Strategic and International Studies

Turkey Project

The Turkey Project tracks Turkish domestic politics, foreign policy, and the economy through publications and high-level meetings.

More:Turkey Project | Center for Strategic and International Studies

What did the West get wrong about Turkey? - MURAT YETKİN

What did the West get wrong about Turkey?

An experienced analyst, who has for years worked on Turkey monitoring the investment environment for a major international financial entity, was disappointed after speaking to a number of decision-makers in Istanbul’s financial world. The analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he asked all of them about the situation of the free press in the country, but observed that it was not on their radar as a big risk. “We manage risks for investments,” he added, saying he believed that problems of the free press and free judiciary should be of concern to all.

More:What did the West get wrong about Turkey? - MURAT YETKİN

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

CDR (Commercial Dispute Resolution) - In search of a smart judiciary in Turkey and Europe by Mehmet Gun ▪ Gün + Partners - Articles

In search of a smart judiciary in Turkey and Europe
Mehmet Gun ▪ Gün + Partners 18 May, 2016

Mehmet Gün, senior partner at Gün + Partners, Istanbul, traverses the gaps in Turkish and continental civil procedure, where inefficient disclosure rules are choking an overloaded justice system arguably leading to double procedural standards and high budgetary costs for some EU member states.

More:CDR (Commercial Dispute Resolution) - In search of a smart judiciary in Turkey and Europe by Mehmet Gun ▪ Gün + Partners - Articles

Will Turkey let UN officials snoop in the southeast? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Will Turkey let UN officials snoop in the southeast?

Turkey’s US and European allies continue to maintain a near silence over the country’s steady descent into a human rights nightmare, even as respected global watchdogs chronicle the abuses taking place there on an almost daily basis. Whether it is silencing the media, torture during detention or mass violence against civilians in the mainly Kurdish southeast, according to rights defenders, Turkey is beginning to resemble the Middle East dictatorships that it was once touted as a model for them to follow.

More:Will Turkey let UN officials snoop in the southeast? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Investors growing concerned about Turkey's new policy team | Reuters

Investors growing concerned about Turkey's new policy team
ISTANBUL | By Asli Kandemir and Nevzat Devranoglu

Reuters/Murad Sezer

With just days left until Turkey is due to name a new cabinet, President Tayyip Erdogan's advisers have renewed the call for lower interest rates - a sign, some investors fear, of a more populist policy team to come.

More:Investors growing concerned about Turkey's new policy team | Reuters

German Court Bans Bulk of Satirical Poem About Turkish Leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan - WSJ

German Court Bans Bulk of Satirical Poem About Turkish Leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Judges in Hamburg say TV sketch aired by comedian Jan Böhmermann violated Turk’s rights

More:German Court Bans Bulk of Satirical Poem About Turkish Leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan - WSJ

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Can we see Turkey’s tourism as a brand? - FATİH ÇEKİRGE

Can we see Turkey’s tourism as a brand?

Turkey is a brand. In fact, all the countries in the world are a brand in this huge stock exchange of humanity. They are a brand with their science, human resources and production. Each country is a value with the television, mobile phone and automobile brands it produces.

More:Can we see Turkey’s tourism as a brand? - FATİH ÇEKİRGE

Turkey parliament to begin debating hotly-contested immunity bill - Times LIVE

Turkey parliament to begin debating hotly-contested immunity bill
AFP | 17 May, 2016 08:48

The Turkish parliament begins debating a hugely controversial bill that would strip dozens of deputies of their parliamentary immunity and which pro-Kurdish deputies say is directly aimed at driving them out of the legislature.

More:Turkey parliament to begin debating hotly-contested immunity bill - Times LIVE

The risks of Erdogan’s pursuit of one-man rule - FT.com

The risks of Erdogan’s pursuit of one-man rule

The EU has a huge stake in Turkey’s social and economic stability

More:The risks of Erdogan’s pursuit of one-man rule - FT.com

Nobel laureate Sancar to donate Nobel medal replica to Istanbul University - SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Nobel laureate Sancar to donate Nobel medal replica to Istanbul University

ISTANBUL

Aziz Sancar will donate a replica of his Nobel Prize in Chemistry medal and certificate to Istanbul University, from which he graduated back in 1969.

More:Nobel laureate Sancar to donate Nobel medal replica to Istanbul University - SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Turkish president’s blame game on refugees irritates the West - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

Turkish president’s blame game on refugees irritates the West

Syrian refugees first started coming to Turkey in limited numbers in 2011. By January 2012, the number was close to 10,000.

More:Turkish president’s blame game on refugees irritates the West - BARÇIN YİNANÇ

EU, Turkey row over terror puts deal at risk - EUROPE

EU, Turkey row over terror puts deal at risk

VIENNA / COPENHAGEN

A row between Turkey and the European Union over the former’s anti-terror law has put a deal between the parties to curb migrant flows into the bloc in exchange for visa liberalization at risk.

More:EU, Turkey row over terror puts deal at risk - EUROPE

Istanbul jumped into the 8th position in ICCA rankings

Istanbul jumped into the 8th position in ICCA rankings

Istanbul has solidified its place in “The World’s Top 10 Congress Destinations” since 2010, hosting 148 congresses in 2015, 18 congresses increase over 2014, making the city the 8th most popular congress destination worldwide. This result points to 14% rise comparing to 2014 which 130 congresses were held.

More:Istanbul jumped into the 8th position in ICCA rankings

Monday, May 16, 2016

Has Europe had enough of Erdogan? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Has Europe had enough of Erdogan?

The collision between Turkey and the European Union (EU) was not unexpected, arriving as it did before mid-May. Now, attention has turned to the next looming crisis, between Ankara and Berlin.

More:Has Europe had enough of Erdogan? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Daily chart: Sykes-Picot 100 years on | The Economist

Sykes-Picot 100 years on
May 16th 2016, 16:41 by DATA TEAM

Timekeeper

THE MODERN frontiers of the Arab world only vaguely resemble the blue and red grease-pencil lines secretly drawn on a map of the Levant on May 16th 1916, at the height of the first world war. Sir Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot were appointed by the British and French governments respectively to decide how to apportion the lands of the Ottoman empire, which had entered the war on the side of Germany and the central powers. The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Sazonov, was also involved.

More:Daily chart: Sykes-Picot 100 years on | The Economist

Turkish Police Blocked Entry to a Party Meeting That Threatened Erdogan's Presidential Plans | VICE News

Turkish Police Blocked Entry to a Party Meeting That Threatened Erdogan's Presidential Plans

By Tess Owen
May 15, 2016 | 10:50 pm

Turkish police sealed off a hotel in Ankara on Sunday to prevent dissident members of an opposition party from holding a snap meeting, which, if it went ahead, could potentially thwart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's plans to expand his power and authority.

More:Turkish Police Blocked Entry to a Party Meeting That Threatened Erdogan's Presidential Plans | VICE News

Turkish Military’s Influence Rises Again - WSJ

Turkish Military’s Influence Rises Again

A force that once ousted civilian leaders now shapes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s moves in Syria and against Kurdish insurgents at home

More:Turkish Military’s Influence Rises Again - WSJ

How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact

Following Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s announcement May 5 that he was resigning as head of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and giving up the premiership, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to consolidate power.

More:How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Merkel Accused of Opening Germany to Turkish 'Blackmail'

Merkel Accused of Opening Germany to Turkish 'Blackmail'
By Reuters On 5/15/16 at 11:09 PM

German politicians accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of making Europe overly dependent on Turkey in the migrant crisis, leaving the bloc vulnerable to blackmail by President Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Merkel Accused of Opening Germany to Turkish 'Blackmail'

Comment: ‘The media in Turkey is deeply divided’ | SBS News

Comment: ‘The media in Turkey is deeply divided’

Was the shooting attempt on Can Dündar just ‘a piece of theatre’ or a serious attack on press freedom? SBS Turkish Radio Producer Ismail Kayhan analyses coverage on both sides of the Turkish media.

More:Comment: ‘The media in Turkey is deeply divided’ | SBS News

Davutoglu’s Demise | Chronicles Magazine

Davutoglu’s Demise View all posts from this blog

By:Srdja Trifkovic | May 16, 2016

Ahmet Davutoglu has served Recep Tayyip Erdogan loyally for over a decade, first as his chief advisor (2003-2009), then as foreign minister (2009-2014), and finally as prime minister until his forced resignation on May 5. Loyalty is no longer enough: Erdogan now demands unquestioning obedience from his team, and Davutoglu’s willingness to provide it has become uncertain.

More:Davutoglu’s Demise | Chronicles Magazine

Is the Islamic State Trying to Draw Turkey into Syria?

Is the Islamic State Trying to Draw Turkey into Syria?
S.G. Grimaldi and Selim Koru
May 13, 2016

There is a duel going on in Turkey’s southern province of Kilis. Since the beginning of the year, forces of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have fired katyusha rockets into Kilis. The Turkish Armed Forces (Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri, TSK) have responded with artillery fire and airstrikes, reportedly killing at least 862 ISIL fighters this year. Still, rockets have landed in Kilis every day in May. According to a combination of data from Metin Gurcan and Aaron Stein, as of May 8, 21 people have been killed and at least 88 wounded on the Turkish side of the border this year. There is growing anger at the local and national government over the disruption to daily life. Simultaneously, ISIL released a statement that it will soon show the consequences for Turkish state actions in a video featuring a TSK soldier captured in July 2015. Both sides appear to be escalating their reactions, culminating on the night of May 8, with the Turkish military for the first time announcing it had conducted a ground incursion into Syria. According to the pro-government daily Yeni Şafak, 15 to 20 Turkish special forces units entered ISIL-controlled territory to target rocket launchers. The raid was followed by airstrikes from coalition forces and with the knowledge of the United States and Russia.

More:Is the Islamic State Trying to Draw Turkey into Syria?

Live Q&A: What impact will the Istanbul summit have on humanitarian response? | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Live Q&A: What impact will the Istanbul summit have on humanitarian response?

Join an expert panel on Thursday 19 May, 1-3pm to discuss the opportunities for change at the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit

If there is one thing the sector can agree on, it is that the need for serious discussion about humanitarian response has never been greater. Over the past decade the number of people affected by humanitarian crisis has almost doubled. At the same time the money needed to resource effective action is dangerously lacking with a shortfall of billions. Many argue that the system is broken and it is time for creative, and even radical, reform.

More:Live Q&A: What impact will the Istanbul summit have on humanitarian response? | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Migrants from the Caribbean fly 6,000 miles to Turkey in bid to enter Europe | Daily Mail Online

Now hundreds of migrants from the Caribbean fly 6,000 miles to Turkey in bid to enter Europe while posing as being from Somalia

They fly to Istanbul then perilously cross Aegean Sea to Greek islands
On arrival some claim to be from Somalia, Syria or even Afghanistan
They say there are cheap flights and they don’t need visas for Turkey

By Tom Kelly In Lesbos For The Daily Mail

Hundreds of migrants from the Caribbean are travelling more than 6,000 miles to enter the European Union through Greece, the Mail can reveal.

More:Migrants from the Caribbean fly 6,000 miles to Turkey in bid to enter Europe | Daily Mail Online

JURIST - Turkish authorities prevent opposition party congress

Turkish authorities prevent opposition party congress
Sunday 15 May 2016 at 1:13 PM ET by Miracle Jones
tp
© WikiMedia (turkish government)

[JURIST] Turkish state police on Sunday prevented members from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) [official site, in Turkish] from holding a party congress in direct opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan [official profile], by sealing off a hosting hotel. Police put up barricades and sealed the hotel to prevent party members from gaining access to the hotel where they had planned to hold a congress to challenge the allegedly growing power [Reuters report] of Erdogan.

More:JURIST - Turkish authorities prevent opposition party congress

Pulling no punches: Turkey’s Kurds 2016-05-16 | Espresso

Pulling no punches: Turkey’s Kurds

This week lawmakers will vote on rescinding parliamentary immunity, enabling the prosecution of dozens of politicians from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on charges of supporting banned militant groups. The HDP says President Recep Tayyip Erdogan simply wants to crush Turkey’s most vocal political opposition. The issue has already led to brawls: silver-haired MPs throwing punches, leg kicks and water bottles. Violence outside parliament is still more ominous.

More:Pulling no punches: Turkey’s Kurds 2016-05-16 | Espresso

Turkey’s Balkan Role Uncertain After Davutoglu :: Balkan Insight

Turkey’s Balkan Role Uncertain After Davutoglu

The resignation of Premier Ahmet Davutoglu - architect of Turkey’s assertive foreign in the Balkans - raises questions about who will now fill this role in future.

More:Turkey’s Balkan Role Uncertain After Davutoglu :: Balkan Insight

World cities meet in Turkey for joint efforts to tackle extremism - LOCAL

World cities meet in Turkey for joint efforts to tackle extremism

Güneş Kömürcüler - ANTALYA

Some 170 city administrators and authorities from 25 countries shared their experiences in fighting against violent extremism and building social cohesion in a bid to prevent radicalism in the first Strong Cities Network (SCN) Summit in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya on May 11-12.

More:World cities meet in Turkey for joint efforts to tackle extremism - LOCAL

Turkey and Ukraine sign joint plane manufacturing project - Daily Sabah

Turkey and Ukraine sign joint plane manufacturing project
DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL
Published 10 hours ago

Previously, Turkey’s domestic airplane production project, TRJET’s, introduction to the international press was made at the Paris Air Show 2015 Aviation Fair. Previously, Turkey’s domestic airplane production project, TRJET’s, introduction to the international press was made at the Paris Air Show 2015 Aviation Fair.
Turkey and Ukraine reached an official agreement for the joint manufacturing of passenger and cargo planes. The agreement also involves areas such as industry, technology, energy, agriculture and transport

More:Turkey and Ukraine sign joint plane manufacturing project - Daily Sabah

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Pakistan -Tukey Military Cooperation: Turkey to modernise PAF’s F-16 fleet

T
Pakistani Air-force F16's
hTe multi-faceted relations between Turkey and Pakistan are burgeoning in defence field as the former has agreed to modernise the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fleet which will cost Islamabad $75 million, said a senior official of Turkey-Asia Pacific Councils of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) on Saturday.

Both countries have struck a deal in an aviation project under which Istanbul will modernise Pakistan’s air fighter planes and some of them have already been flown to Turkey, said regional coordinator Volkan Yuzer while giving briefing to a group of visiting journalists hailing from Asia-Pacific countries.

He said Turkey was manufacturing engines of the F-16 jets, besides making some of their spare parts as well.

Questioned on the great business opportunities in Pakistan, he said, at least 100 Turkish companies were already doing successful business in Pakistan. These companies have invested $2.7 billion on various projects in Pakistan until 2014.

More Turkish investment, he said, was expected in energy, infrastructure and beverages projects. He disclosed that Turkish Coca Cola Company was expected to bring in $250 million investment in Pakistan in next three years.

Responding to a question, he said there was a great potential for investment in Pakistan’s dairy industry as it was one of leading milk-producing countries in the world. He said Fontera company, a big name in this industry, was interested to make investment in the dairy industry but he did not divulge more details.

To a question on signing of the Free Trade Agreement by September this year, he said both sides were working out details of the agreement. When asked how would it impact trade between the two countries which now hovers around $600 million, he said it was expected to increase to $1 billion, besides seeing a surge in Turkish investment in Pakistan.
Read more: Turkey to modernise PAF’s F-16 fleet | DailyTimes

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Eurovision Song Festival: Jamala’s ‘political’ song wins Eurovision for Ukraine in Stockholm

Music, kitsch and politics took centre stage at the 61st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm on Saturday night.

The competition was won by Ukraine with 534 points.

The country’s candidate, 32-year-old jazz singer Jamala, had called on Europeans to support her to show they were “not indifferent to suffering” in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

She said her song, “1944”, was not only about the deportation of the Crimean Tatar population during World War II, but also about the events of the past two years in the peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Australia came second with 511 points with “The Sound of Silence” by Dami Im, while Russia – a pre-contest favourite, was third with Sergei Lazarev’s “You Are The Only One” on 491 points.

The final was broadcast to an estimated 200 million viewers in Europe and beyond – including, for the first time, in the United States.

Read more: Jamala’s ‘political’ song wins Eurovision for Ukraine in Stockholm | euronews, world news

Friday, May 13, 2016

Turkish Tourism Ministry: "Turkey will build 10 hotels in Iran"

10 Turkish hotels allowed to be build in Iran
Turkish investors will be allowed to build at least 10 hotels in Iran, a Turkish tourism ministry official said on Friday, as the two countries look to increase bilateral trade after international sanctionson Iran were lifted in January.

The hotels would be built in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz and Mashhad, the official said, under the terms of an agreement with Iran signed during a Turkish delegation's visit to Tehran that started on Thursday.

The agreement includes incentives for investment and allows more charter flights between the neighboring countries, he said.

Read more: Tourism ministry: Turkey will build 10 hotels in Iran - eTurboNews.com

Turkish Airlines Interested in Buying Croatia Airlines

Turkish Airlines, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, on Tuesday started with direct flights between Istanbul and Dubrovnik. Abdulkerim Cay, director of human resources at Turkish Airlines, took part in the inaugural flight ceremonies. According to him, Turkish nAirlines is seriously considering buying Croatia Airlines, reports tportal.hr on May 13, 2016.

Read more: Turkish Airlines Interested in Buying Croatia Airlines

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Merkel vs. Erdogan: A Clinic in Modern Clan Conflict - Forbes

Merkel vs. Erdogan: A Clinic in Modern Clan Conflict

Stratfor

Editor’s Note: The Global Affairs column is curated by Stratfor’s editorial board, a diverse group of thinkers whose expertise inspires rigorous and innovative thought in our analyses. Though their opinions are their own, they inform and sometimes even challenge our beliefs. We welcome that challenge, and we hope our readers do too.

More:Merkel vs. Erdogan: A Clinic in Modern Clan Conflict - Forbes

Erdogan is not the prince of Europe | Europe | For Europe, Against the EU | spiked

Erdogan is not the prince of Europe

Tom Slater

Bashing Turkey distracts us from the crisis of European values.

ews of Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s resignation has renewed concerns that Turkey is edging ever closer to outright dictatorship. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling AKP Party reclaimed its majority last year, has for years been trying to give the largely ceremonial Turkish presidency binding executive power. Davutoglu, while paying lip service to Erdogan’s plan, was thought to be reluctant to push for the new system. And, in what has been called a ‘palace coup’, Davutoglu’s now been ousted, with Erdogan’s son-in-law, Berat Albayrak, a likely successor.

More:Erdogan is not the prince of Europe | Europe | For Europe, Against the EU | spiked