Media

Iraqi and foreign reactions to Kurdish referendum plan

Source:Rudaw Date:10Jun2017

From Turkey’s perspective, the declaration by Iraqi Kurds to hold an independence referendum is yet another “Houston, we have a problem” moment.

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Turkey’s military presence may complicate Qatar solution

Source:RFI Date:09Jun2017

Ankara stepped in at Qatar’s side in the Gulf dispute, while pro-AKP press contends that   if Qatar capitulates,  Turkey will be next in line to come under pressure.

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Turkey arrests Amnesty International head and lawyers in Gulenist sweep

Source:The Guardian Date:07Jun2017

Turkey excels at  shooting itself at the foot.  Yet another blow to our reputation as a democracy.

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Germany Says Will Avoid Escalation of Turkey Row During Troop Pullout

Source:US News World Report Date:06Jun2017

The forgotten  topic amidst Turkey-Germany Incirlik row:  What happens to the enlarged Customs Union?

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Germany to move troops fighting Isil from Turkey air bases, as diplomatic row escalates

Source:The Telegraph Date:05Jun2017

I’ve always taken news of a thaw in Turkey-EU relations with a grain of salt, which is proven prescient after Germany decided to withdraw from Incirlik  Airbase.

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Iraq’s Iran-backed militias propose entering Syria to back Assad

Source:The New Arab Date:04Jun2017

This is will hugely aggravate Turkey, as well as changing the dynamics of the Syrian War. Is a Shia Crescent in the making? How will Hashdi Shaabi and PYD-YPG get along?

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Observation of the referendum on the constitutional amendments in Turkey

Source:PACE Date:31May2017

A damning report on the deficiencies and pro-Yes bias in Turkey’s presidential referandum by PACE monitors.

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Turkey Escalates Crackdown on Islamic State

Source:Voice of America Date:30May2017

That’s  welcome news, but  sleeper cells and jihadi actives go untouched.

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Turkey says purge of judiciary over after sacking 4,000

Source:Financial Times Date:27May2017

The cost?  “As far as I know, there is no comparable instance of such a judicial purge in recent history,” said Kerem Gulay, a Turkish researcher based at the University of Amsterdam’s law

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Expert View: The YPG, PKK and Turkey’s Options in Syria

Source:Syria Deeply Date:26May2017

Turkey opposed the U.S. decision to arm Syrian Kurds fighting ISIS due to the groups’ alleged ties to the Turkish-Kurdish PKK. But the relationships between these factions and foreign powers are

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