Turkey

Global News Blog
Growing like gangbusters, Turkey says Western economies need 'serious reforms'

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan warned Friday that the US and Europe were not doing enough to resolve the core causes of the global economic slowdown.
Syria crisis enters 'new phase' after Assad ignores UN deadline

Turkey is likely to stir international leaders to stronger action after two Turkish officials were injured by cross-border gunfire. Envoy Kofi Annan said it was too early to say the UN cease-fire had failed.
Amid widening Syria violence, a new war-crimes charge (+video)

Syrian refugees say Assad's soldiers are forcing women and children to march in front of advancing tanks to prevent rebels from opening fire. International law forbids the use of human shields.
Tehran: Iran nuclear talks on for April 13, venue to be decided soon

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is meeting today with Turkey's prime minister to discuss the Iran nuclear program ahead of April 13 talks, which may be held in Istanbul.
Terrorism & Security
Turkey closes its Syria embassy, boosts aid to opposition

The embassy closure by such a key regional player is likely to increase pressure on the Syrian government. Turkey also pledged, along with the US, to increase 'non-lethal aid' to Syrian rebels.
Global News Blog
Silence in the souk: Turkey muzzles outdoor vendors

The cries of sellers hawking their wares in the markets of Istanbul are threatened by a new law banning vendors from shouting their sales pitch.
With wildlife corridor, Turkey tackles an ecological crisis

In Turkey, where conservation tends to get short shrift, environmentalists are excited about a plan to create a 58,000-acre wildlife corridor in hopes of bolstering dwindling populations of wolves, bears, and lynxes.
Is model Turkey sliding into authoritarianism?

The trial of prize-winning Turkish journalist Nedim Sener resumed today. His case, along with many others, are raising concerns about Turkey and its model democracy in the Middle East.
Turkish trial of journalists raises human rights concerns

Turkish journalists Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener appeared in court today in a trial that has some questioning the health of Turkey's democracy, long considered a model in the Muslim world.
Turkey earthquake rescue efforts push ahead despite ethnic tensions

Despite tensions between its Turkish majority and the Kurdish minority that reside in the east, people have come from all four corners of the country to help out with the Turkey earthquake rescue.
Terrorism & Security
Turkey's Erdogan heads to Egypt, unnerving an embattled Israel

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's North Africa tour comes at a critical time for Israel, whose diplomats were forced to flee Cairo this weekend after protesters attacked the Israeli embassy.
Terrorism & Security
Turkey-Israel ties fall to new low in response to UN flotilla report

Turkey expelled Israel's ambassador today in protest over a UN report that justified Israel's blockade of Gaza, though not the fatal raid on a mainly Turkish flotilla that sought to run it.
Turkish bombing campaign against PKK signals shift in strategy

The Turkish government's six-day campaign that has killed up to 100 Kurdish rebels in Iraq suggests emphasis on military might over diplomacy in dealing with the guerrillas.
How Turkey's military upheaval will affect NATO

The resignations of Turkey's top military brass, along with the detention of scores of officers, have sparked fears that the capability of NATO’s second-largest army is being eroded.
Turkey's dominant AKP set to win third term

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his AKP party have made Turkey wealthier and more powerful on the world stage. But some Turks are concerned about a loss of civil liberties.
Syrians flee to Turkey, fearing retribution

Assad's regime has vowed to avenge the death of 120 security personnel in Jisr al-Shughur, located near the Turkish border. The UN Security Council votes today on a resolution condemning Syria.
Global News Blog
Israel's navy trains for second major Gaza flotilla

Another Gaza flotilla will set sail next month with the Mavi Marmara flagship, which Israeli navy commandos raided last year, killing nine activists in violent clashes.
Poor, minorities push back against booming Turkey's urban renewal

The economic boom in Turkey that is driving urban renewal is also forcing many minorities and the poor from their homes. Now, some are fighting back with lawsuits.
Turkey grapples with spike in 'honor' killings

Recent government figures suggest the murders of women – including so-called honor killings – increased 14-fold in seven years, hitting nearly 1,000 in the first seven months of 2009.
Global News Blog
European leaders squabble over who's in charge on Libya

French President Sarkozy has been at odds with most European leaders on the question of what leadership role NATO should have in Libya.
Terrorism & Security
Who's rethinking support for Libya's no-fly zone – and why

After a few days of Western airstrikes on Libya, initial international support is beginning to fall apart as disputes arise about what levels of military action are authorized by Thursday's UN resolution.
Dams power Turkey's future, but drown its rich history

Cultural and natural sites are being submerged as Turkey races to double its power output by 2020.
Can Tunisia or Egypt find role model in Turkey?

Turkey has raised its voice for Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak to step aside, as it tries to burnish its credentials as the region’s 'model' democratic, modern, and Islam-leaning state.
Turkey releases report on flotilla incident, accusing Israel

Turkey publicizes its internal report on the flotilla debacle in response to Israel's Turkel Commission investigation report on Sunday.
Israel's Gaza flotilla probe findings could hurt Israel-Turkey ties

An Israeli investigation into last year's Gaza flotilla raid reinforces the government's position in a spat with Turkey that has brought bilateral ties between two US allies to the breaking point.