Latest News from Turkey
Press freedom concerns made clear to Ankara: EU envoy
This fall the attention of the EU was focused on the refugee issue, while at the same time shortcomings in human rights and media freedom (mentioned in the EU Progress Report on Turkey) in Turkey were also mentioned by all EU leaders to their Turkish interlocutors at a recent EU-Turkey Summit in Brussels, said Ambassador Hansjörg Haber, the head of the Delegation of the European Commission to T
The sad situation of the media
Turkish journalism is passing through a very difficult period, but I don't really recall when it wasn't in a difficult situation. However, the current period is particularly difficult. The atmosphere of fear, intimidation and abeyance to the absolute authority has reached such a dimension that journalists, unfortunately, might steer clear of discussions where problems are discussed.
A 'transactional' EU membership?
Good news! New chapters may soon open in Turkey's looming membership in the European Union. The news came as spy/terrorist-journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül finished their 11th day in their prison cells. But why not speed up the membership process?
'Make America McCarthyistic Again'
Donald Trump, the American businessman turned presidential hopeful, threw out another provocation the other day. He argued there must be a "total and complete shutdown" of Muslims entering the United States "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." He, in other words, advanced a religion-based exclusion to normally one of freest countries in the world.
Circumstances not quite suitable for reforms
The new government has submitted the temporary budget to parliament. It is also making the last preparations on the reforms. Statements are expected in a couple of days.
Being on the wrong side of history
Nowadays Turkey and Russia are in a serious crisis. If this crisis continues with only mutual economic sanctions and not military escalation, we will almost be happy for that.
Since we cannot turn time back and choose the option of not downing the plane, it is good for all of us to foresee the future in the light of this reality.
On both sides of the Bosphorus with Turkish and Russian flags in our hands
What did the Russian soldier holding a missile on the deck of a Russian warship on the waters of the Bosphorus Strait symbolize?
My answer is that it symbolized the "look at the bird" distraction policy of the Kremlin, which seems to think we are naïve?
Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he sees it, will draw attention to the straits?
Only ISIL wins in Turkey's crises with Russia and Iraq
The pace of developments in our neighborhood is so fast and intense that neither diplomats nor academics and journalists can spare additional time to analyze individual incidents or make good assessments before establishing sound policies and reporting about them.
Six migrant children drown off Turkey’s coast
Six children drowned on Tuesday morning after a rubber boat carrying Afghan refugees to Greece sank off Turkey’s Aegean coast, the Associated Press (AP) reported citing Anadolu Agency, Turkey’s state-run news agency.
Five migrants were rescued by the coast guard, while a search was underway for two missing people.
Spiegel reveals who provides ISIS Internet access
A survey presented by Spiegel reveals that European companies are the ones that provide satellite Internet to ISIS fighters.
Number of Turkish troops in Iraq will be set through talks: Ankara
Turkey said in a written statement on Dec. 8 that the number of its troops training volunteers near Mosul would be set following talks between the two countries' defense ministers, in a bid to defuse three days of tension between the two neighboring countries.
Iraqi Kurdish leader to visit Turkey to discuss anti-ISIL coordination
Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani will visit Turkey on Dec. 9 to discuss coordination in the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as the recent rift between Turkey and Iraq over the deployment of Turkish forces on Iraqi soil.
CHP calls on AKP to back bill to prevent journalists' arrest
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu has called on Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu to support a recent bill proposed by his party to ensure trials without arrest for journalists facing press-related charges.
Turkey's Justice Ministry denies 'isolation' of imprisoned journalists Dündar, Gül
Turkey's Justice Ministry has denied media reports claiming that Cumhuriyet editor-in-chief Can Dündar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gül are being held in "isolation" during their ongoing pre-trial detention.
Foreign Ministry bazaar raises funds for students
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wives Association (DMEDD) held an annual bazaar on Dec 5 at the CerModern Art Center, with proceeds set to be allocated to a scholarship for 200 students. Nearly 30 foreign missions serving in Ankara and around 140 Turkish representations abroad contributed to the traditional DMEDD Charity Bazaar.