Latest Articles about Turkey
Kurds May Ask the PKK to Lay Down Its Arms
The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has prepared a proposal to end terror attacks inside Turkey by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). It was first reported last December that the draft proposal included amnesty for PKK militants to return to Turkey and a provision... MORE
Turkish Economic Stimulus Package Foresees Temporary Tax Cuts in Automotive and Other Sectors
The Turkish government announced a comprehensive economic stimulus package on Friday. The decision comes against the background of deteriorating economic indicators that signal a serious recession and mounting pressure from market players for the government to act swiftly to alleviate the crisis. Industrial production showed... MORE
Shaking Down the Turkic Brother? Turkey’s AKP Government Obstructs Azerbaijan’s Gas Outlet to Europe
During a recent public debate in Brussels on Turkey's energy policies, several panelists advised Turkey's Energy Minister Hilmi Guler, who participated in the panel, that Ankara is "overplaying its hand" by setting unacceptable terms for the transit of Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Such tactics in... MORE
Turkish Prosecutor Indicts Another 56 Suspects in Ergenekon Investigation
On March 10 the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office submitted its long-awaited second indictment in the case of Ergenekon, a clandestine organization with members from various state agencies, including the military, charged with plotting to overthrow the government (all dailies and local news channels, March 10). Tuesday's... MORE
Some 100,000 People in Diyarbakir Celebrate the Birthday of Mohammad
On March 8 thousands of people gathered in the Kurdish city of Diyarbakir to celebrate "Mevlud'a Muhammedi" (birth of Mohammad), the Prophet Muhammad's 1,458th birthday. The event was organized by Ikra-Der and other Islamic associations that have formed a organization called Prophet Lovers' Union, which... MORE
Human Rights in Turkey: Old Wine in a New Bottle?
Turkish media coverage of the "U.S. State Department's 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" highlights how human rights issues might fall victim to domestic political discussions and strategic calculations. As in previous years the 2008 report on Turkey, despite identifying the progress achieved by... MORE
Would Iran Want Turkey as a Mediator for U.S.-Iranian Negotiations?
On the eve of possible talks between the United States and Iran, Ankara is encouraging Iranian leaders to seize the opportunity for peace now that a new administration that favors dialogue is in office in Washington (Today's Zaman, March 10). Turkish President Abdullah Gul went... MORE
Turkish-American “Strategic Partnership”: On the Way to Rejuvenation?
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Ankara on Saturday, the highest-level direct contact between the administration of President Barack Obama and the Turkish government so far, highlighted the value each side places on sustaining the Turkish-American partnership. In addition to her meetings with... MORE
Dokka Umarov Suffers Setback in Turkey
When Chechen refugees leave Russia to settle in foreign countries, they are mainly concerned with the physical safety of their family members. However, over the years, members of the Chechen Diaspora have become increasingly convinced that their status as political refugees has not given them... MORE
Why Does Turkey Love Omar al-Bashir?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. The ICC accused al-Bashir of being directly responsible for the attacks by pro-government militia in Sudan's Darfur province. Turkey hosted al-Bashir twice last year and his deputy Ali... MORE