"Turkey's 'Smart' Islamist Challenge
By Soner Cagaptay and Yuksel Sezgin
May 22, 2007
On May 20, thousands of secular Turks demonstrated in the Black Sea port city of Samsun against the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has an Islamist pedigree. It was the most recent display of protest in a power struggle between the AKP and its opponents over determining a replacement for outgoing president Ahmet Necdet Sezer. In addition to the protestors and Sezer, the courts and the Turkish military have weighed in against the AKP. Far from backing down, as Turkey's Islamists would have done in the past, the AKP has stepped up the pressure by introducing a constitutional amendment package that calls for direct presidential elections to replace the current system of voting in parliament. President Sezer could decide the fate of this package, but the political crisis will continue."
More:www.washingtoninstitute.org
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Multiculturalism and Integration for Second-Generation European Muslims
"Multiculturalism and Integration for Second-Generation European Muslims
Esther - 5/22/2007
Ayter Köse is a 2nd generation Dutch Turk. She was born in the Netherlands and grew up there. Marrying a Turk, she came back to live in the Netherlands, though her husband would have preferred staying in Turkey. Now, they are going back.
She feels Dutch and see the Netherlands as her home. It is the only place she really knows. But she doesn't feel the Netherlands accepts her.
“I’m not truly discriminated against. Naturally I’ve been cursed at, but I’m accustomed to that. It’s more the feeling that I’m not accepted as a full Dutch citizen.” "
More:Global Politician
Esther - 5/22/2007
Ayter Köse is a 2nd generation Dutch Turk. She was born in the Netherlands and grew up there. Marrying a Turk, she came back to live in the Netherlands, though her husband would have preferred staying in Turkey. Now, they are going back.
She feels Dutch and see the Netherlands as her home. It is the only place she really knows. But she doesn't feel the Netherlands accepts her.
“I’m not truly discriminated against. Naturally I’ve been cursed at, but I’m accustomed to that. It’s more the feeling that I’m not accepted as a full Dutch citizen.” "
More:Global Politician
Turkey at the boiling point - International Herald Tribune
"Turkey at the boiling point
By James F. Hoge Jr. Tribune Media Services
Published: May 22, 2007
ISTANBUL:
Two simmering problems threaten to boil over in Turkey this summer with greater international consequences than ever before.
First is the relationship between the Islamic religion and the state that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded in 1923 and whose secular nature the army has protected ever since. Second is the raids against Turkish troops by terrorists from Turkey's minority Kurdish population who are now camped across the border in Iraq."
More:Turkey at the boiling point - International Herald Tribune
By James F. Hoge Jr. Tribune Media Services
Published: May 22, 2007
ISTANBUL:
Two simmering problems threaten to boil over in Turkey this summer with greater international consequences than ever before.
First is the relationship between the Islamic religion and the state that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded in 1923 and whose secular nature the army has protected ever since. Second is the raids against Turkish troops by terrorists from Turkey's minority Kurdish population who are now camped across the border in Iraq."
More:Turkey at the boiling point - International Herald Tribune
Turkey Blocking NATO-EU Cooperation On Kosovo
"Turkey Blocking NATO-EU Cooperation On Kosovo
Turkey is blocking plans to enhance cooperation between NATO troops and a future European Union police mission in Kosovo.
Turkey is blocking plans to enhance cooperation between NATO troops and a future European Union police mission in Kosovo in protest at its treatment by the EU, diplomats said on Tuesday.
The 27-nation bloc will take over policing of the breakaway Serbian province from the United Nations later this year if a U.N. plan granting Kosovo effective independence is passed."
More:Javno - World
Turkey is blocking plans to enhance cooperation between NATO troops and a future European Union police mission in Kosovo.
Turkey is blocking plans to enhance cooperation between NATO troops and a future European Union police mission in Kosovo in protest at its treatment by the EU, diplomats said on Tuesday.
The 27-nation bloc will take over policing of the breakaway Serbian province from the United Nations later this year if a U.N. plan granting Kosovo effective independence is passed."
More:Javno - World
Mayor: 4 killed, 56 hurt in Turkey blast - CNN.com
"Mayor: 4 killed, 56 hurt in Turkey blast
ANKARA, Turkey (CNN) -- Four people died and 56 were injured in an explosion in the Turkish capital of Ankara, Mayor Melih Gokchek told CNN Turk.
Police believe the most likely cause of the "major" explosion in the middle of a shopping district Tuesday was a bomb.
Ankara's governor, Kamal Onal, initially said the blast appeared to be an accident, but later said it could have been a bomb."
More:Mayor: 4 killed, 56 hurt in Turkey blast - CNN.com
ANKARA, Turkey (CNN) -- Four people died and 56 were injured in an explosion in the Turkish capital of Ankara, Mayor Melih Gokchek told CNN Turk.
Police believe the most likely cause of the "major" explosion in the middle of a shopping district Tuesday was a bomb.
Ankara's governor, Kamal Onal, initially said the blast appeared to be an accident, but later said it could have been a bomb."
More:Mayor: 4 killed, 56 hurt in Turkey blast - CNN.com
Fury at Turkish ban on bikini ads | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited
"Fury at Turkish ban on bikini ads
Helena Smith in Istanbul
Tuesday May 22, 2007
The Guardian
The bikini has become the latest item to offend the Islamic-oriented authorities in Turkey. After a bungled attempt to outlaw alcohol, municipal officials in Istanbul have set their sights on billboard advertisements of the skimpy swimsuit. The ban, revealed last week despite efforts by the mayor to play down the furore, has triggered outrage among swimsuit manufacturers."
More:Fury at Turkish ban on bikini ads | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited
Helena Smith in Istanbul
Tuesday May 22, 2007
The Guardian
The bikini has become the latest item to offend the Islamic-oriented authorities in Turkey. After a bungled attempt to outlaw alcohol, municipal officials in Istanbul have set their sights on billboard advertisements of the skimpy swimsuit. The ban, revealed last week despite efforts by the mayor to play down the furore, has triggered outrage among swimsuit manufacturers."
More:Fury at Turkish ban on bikini ads | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited
Women ‘becoming the tools’ of politics
"Women ‘becoming the tools’ of politics
Despite the fact that women's interest in politics is increasing and that almost all political parties have promised higher female representation in politics, women's organizations mostly appear to believe that these developments will not end in 'women deputies.'"
MoreŞTODAY'S ZAMAN
Despite the fact that women's interest in politics is increasing and that almost all political parties have promised higher female representation in politics, women's organizations mostly appear to believe that these developments will not end in 'women deputies.'"
MoreŞTODAY'S ZAMAN
American Chronicle: Islamic Extremist Propaganda by the Economist
"Islamic Extremist Propaganda by the Economist
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
May 21, 2007
In a previous article, we criticized a provocative forgery that was shamelessly published in the Economist (under a subversive title “The Meaning of Freedom”
http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9149827).
We rebuked the erroneous assumption that the Islamic headscarf is just an innocent piece of fabric that makes no problem in the proper function of a democratic society.
As we had long explained the incompatibility of that antihuman piece of fabric with Democracy, we re-published excerpts from an authoritative book describing daily life at the times of Harun al Rashid in Baghdad; this shows that authentic, historical, Islam was comfortable with tolerance towards free sexual life, appreciation of material pleasures, involving debauchery, cabarets, dance, concerts, excessive drinking of wine and other alcoholic drinks, etc – isolating then elements that prevailed throughout Islam over the past few centuries, and became the epicenter of a new, ahistorical Islam over the past decades."
More:American Chronicle: Islamic Extremist Propaganda by the Economist
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
May 21, 2007
In a previous article, we criticized a provocative forgery that was shamelessly published in the Economist (under a subversive title “The Meaning of Freedom”
http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9149827).
We rebuked the erroneous assumption that the Islamic headscarf is just an innocent piece of fabric that makes no problem in the proper function of a democratic society.
As we had long explained the incompatibility of that antihuman piece of fabric with Democracy, we re-published excerpts from an authoritative book describing daily life at the times of Harun al Rashid in Baghdad; this shows that authentic, historical, Islam was comfortable with tolerance towards free sexual life, appreciation of material pleasures, involving debauchery, cabarets, dance, concerts, excessive drinking of wine and other alcoholic drinks, etc – isolating then elements that prevailed throughout Islam over the past few centuries, and became the epicenter of a new, ahistorical Islam over the past decades."
More:American Chronicle: Islamic Extremist Propaganda by the Economist
Will France be obliged to carry Turkey to the EU ? - Turquie Européenne - Tuesday 22 May 2007 - Actualités de la Turquie et traductions de la presse t
"Will France be obliged to carry Turkey to the EU ?
Beril Dedeoğlu
Tuesday 22 May 2007 - 07:00
During electoral processes, sometimes a dichotomy can appear. When it becomes difficult to denominate the existing alignments, an external issue is discovered and electors are forced to take sides over this. On this, Turkey and France are very similar.
Every political party in France defends democracy, secularism, the people’s interests and a prosperous future; in other words, they are in favor of a European-style liberal democracy."
More:Will France be obliged to carry Turkey to the EU ? - Turquie Européenne - Tuesday 22 May 2007 - Actualités de la Turquie et traductions de la presse turque
Beril Dedeoğlu
Tuesday 22 May 2007 - 07:00
During electoral processes, sometimes a dichotomy can appear. When it becomes difficult to denominate the existing alignments, an external issue is discovered and electors are forced to take sides over this. On this, Turkey and France are very similar.
Every political party in France defends democracy, secularism, the people’s interests and a prosperous future; in other words, they are in favor of a European-style liberal democracy."
More:Will France be obliged to carry Turkey to the EU ? - Turquie Européenne - Tuesday 22 May 2007 - Actualités de la Turquie et traductions de la presse turque
Poll Says Passage Of Armenian Resolution Will Worsen Turks' Opinion About The U.S.
"Poll Says Passage Of Armenian Resolution Will Worsen Turks' Opinion About The U.S.
Published: 5/21/2007
WASHINGTON - According to a new nationwide public opinion survey recently conducted by Terror Free Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization, the adoption of a resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide allegations by the American congress would worsen Turks' opinion on the United States, hurting U.S. interests, and deal a major blow on efforts towards reaching a compromise between Turkey and Armenia."
More:Poll Says Passage Of Armenian Resolution Will Worsen Turks' Opinion About The U.S.
Published: 5/21/2007
WASHINGTON - According to a new nationwide public opinion survey recently conducted by Terror Free Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization, the adoption of a resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide allegations by the American congress would worsen Turks' opinion on the United States, hurting U.S. interests, and deal a major blow on efforts towards reaching a compromise between Turkey and Armenia."
More:Poll Says Passage Of Armenian Resolution Will Worsen Turks' Opinion About The U.S.
160,000 Turks Living In Belgium
"160,000 Turks Living In Belgium
Published: 5/21/2007
BRUSSELS - Nearly 160,000 Turks are living in Belgium, according to figures of Belgian Institute of Statistics."
More:160,000 Turks Living In Belgium
Published: 5/21/2007
BRUSSELS - Nearly 160,000 Turks are living in Belgium, according to figures of Belgian Institute of Statistics."
More:160,000 Turks Living In Belgium
IMF's warning targets next Turkish government - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
"IMF's warning targets next Turkish government
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The IMF completed the long-awaited sixth review of Turkey's three-year, $10 billion standby arrangement on Friday. As it released the latest tranche of $1.1 billion in its loan to Turkey, an IMF official encouraged both the current administration and the next administration to adhere to any IMF policies in oder to ensure that Turkey's economy continues to strengthen."
More:IMF's warning targets next Turkish government - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The IMF completed the long-awaited sixth review of Turkey's three-year, $10 billion standby arrangement on Friday. As it released the latest tranche of $1.1 billion in its loan to Turkey, an IMF official encouraged both the current administration and the next administration to adhere to any IMF policies in oder to ensure that Turkey's economy continues to strengthen."
More:IMF's warning targets next Turkish government - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
Slovak news: Kubiš confirms Slovakia's support for Turkey's EU membership
"Kubiš confirms Slovakia's support for Turkey's EU membership
Foreign Affairs Minister Ján Kubiš said during a meeting with the deputy state secretary of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ertugrul Apakan, that Slovakia's current government supports Turkey's bid for EU membership once it has fulfilled the necessary requirements."
More:Slovak news: Kubiš confirms Slovakia's support for Turkey's EU membership
Foreign Affairs Minister Ján Kubiš said during a meeting with the deputy state secretary of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ertugrul Apakan, that Slovakia's current government supports Turkey's bid for EU membership once it has fulfilled the necessary requirements."
More:Slovak news: Kubiš confirms Slovakia's support for Turkey's EU membership
Public opinion polls not taken seriously
"Public opinion polls not taken seriously
Ilnur Cevik
22 May 2007
ilnurcevik@yahoo.com
Political analyst Erhan Goksel who spoke to The New Anatolian in an exclusive interview in today's paper is one of the king makers in Turkey. He has been in this profession since Turgut Ozal gave prominence to public surveys and tried to introduce western style political campaigns in Turkey.
He has acted as a consultant for various companies, parties, governments and even the Turkish military. His public opinion company Verso has come up with rather impressive and reliable polls in the past."
More:The New Anatolian
Ilnur Cevik
22 May 2007
ilnurcevik@yahoo.com
Political analyst Erhan Goksel who spoke to The New Anatolian in an exclusive interview in today's paper is one of the king makers in Turkey. He has been in this profession since Turgut Ozal gave prominence to public surveys and tried to introduce western style political campaigns in Turkey.
He has acted as a consultant for various companies, parties, governments and even the Turkish military. His public opinion company Verso has come up with rather impressive and reliable polls in the past."
More:The New Anatolian
Reuters AlertNet - Kurd rebels kidnap two men in SE Turkey - army
"Kurd rebels kidnap two men in SE Turkey - army
22 May 2007 06:23:13 GMT
TUNCELI, Turkey, May 22 (Reuters) - Kurdistan Workers' Party guerrillas kidnapped two men in the eastern Turkish province of Bingol on Sunday, the Army General Staff said on its Web site.
The seized men were forest workers cutting trees legally when they were taken. The PKK, which uses eastern Turkey's rugged terrain to hide from security forces, had said last year that anyone cutting down forests would be punished."
More:Reuters AlertNet - Kurd rebels kidnap two men in SE Turkey - army
22 May 2007 06:23:13 GMT
TUNCELI, Turkey, May 22 (Reuters) - Kurdistan Workers' Party guerrillas kidnapped two men in the eastern Turkish province of Bingol on Sunday, the Army General Staff said on its Web site.
The seized men were forest workers cutting trees legally when they were taken. The PKK, which uses eastern Turkey's rugged terrain to hide from security forces, had said last year that anyone cutting down forests would be punished."
More:Reuters AlertNet - Kurd rebels kidnap two men in SE Turkey - army
EU faces delicate tightrope in Turkish political crisis - International Herald Tribune
"EU faces delicate tightrope in Turkish political crisis
BRUSSELS, Belgium: In the battle for control of Turkey between the secular opposition and an Islamic-rooted government, it might seem that the secularists would have a natural ally in the European Union — which is weighing Turkey's bid for membership."
More:EU faces delicate tightrope in Turkish political crisis - International Herald Tribune
BRUSSELS, Belgium: In the battle for control of Turkey between the secular opposition and an Islamic-rooted government, it might seem that the secularists would have a natural ally in the European Union — which is weighing Turkey's bid for membership."
More:EU faces delicate tightrope in Turkish political crisis - International Herald Tribune
IMF approves Turkey's letter of intent - 22-05-2007
"IMF approves Turkey's letter of intent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved Turkey's recent letter of intent and review, releasing a loan worth US$1.14 billion (£0.53 billion)."
More:IMF approves Turkey's letter of intent - 22-05-2007
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved Turkey's recent letter of intent and review, releasing a loan worth US$1.14 billion (£0.53 billion)."
More:IMF approves Turkey's letter of intent - 22-05-2007
Turks on the rise in European Parliament - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
"Turks on the rise in European Parliament
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Bulgarian Movement for Rights and Freedoms, with the majority of its members being Turks, earns the right to send five deputies to the European Parliament, increasing the number of parliamentarians of Turkish origin in the Strasbourg-based parliament"
More:Turks on the rise in European Parliament - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Bulgarian Movement for Rights and Freedoms, with the majority of its members being Turks, earns the right to send five deputies to the European Parliament, increasing the number of parliamentarians of Turkish origin in the Strasbourg-based parliament"
More:Turks on the rise in European Parliament - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
Ankara to host youth project fair next month - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
"Ankara to host youth project fair next month
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Turkish capital will host a �Project Fair� on June 7 as part of activities marking European Youth Week. Apart from the fair, a seminar will be held to present samples of youth projects. The program will continue with an event titled �Youth Education for Europe� in the eastern Anatolian province of Elazığ from June 11-15 followed by an education program for bilateral, trilateral and multilateral youth exchanges in the U.K. on July 25-29."
Ankara to host youth project fair next month - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Turkish capital will host a �Project Fair� on June 7 as part of activities marking European Youth Week. Apart from the fair, a seminar will be held to present samples of youth projects. The program will continue with an event titled �Youth Education for Europe� in the eastern Anatolian province of Elazığ from June 11-15 followed by an education program for bilateral, trilateral and multilateral youth exchanges in the U.K. on July 25-29."
Ankara to host youth project fair next month - Turkish Daily News May 22, 2007
A book that sheds light on the past and future of Cyprus - Turkish Daily News May 21, 2007
"A book that sheds light on the past and future of Cyprus
Monday, May 21, 2007
If there was a genre such as academic journalism, Kızılyürek's book ‘Glafkos Clerides: The Course of a Country’ would certainly be considered a good example"
More:A book that sheds light on the past and future of Cyprus - Turkish Daily News May 21, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
If there was a genre such as academic journalism, Kızılyürek's book ‘Glafkos Clerides: The Course of a Country’ would certainly be considered a good example"
More:A book that sheds light on the past and future of Cyprus - Turkish Daily News May 21, 2007
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