La Isla Bonita
Sixty thousand cross to Ceuta, most turn right back around, EU ministers blast Spain, then quietly walk it down.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
VİBRATÖR /VIBRATOR
The word of the week is vibratör (vibrator), because Turkey has reached that stage of public life where even a small vibrating object of adult pleasure may require a prosecutor’s attention. Here, a vibrator is not merely a device; it is a small object with the bad manners to expose the size of the state.
NOT A FILM, ALL TOO REAL: ERDAL BEŞİKÇİOĞLU ARRESTED TOO
Erdal Beşikçioğlu, mayor of Etimesgut, a satellite town of the capital, has been arrested. The charge against him is much the same as those leveled at other CHP mayors: 'Forming a criminal organization for the purpose of corruption.'
A THIRD-STAGE IMMUNITY OPERATION?
There's a Turkish saying for describing one misfortune piling on another: 'What happened to us didn't even happen to the boiled chicken'. The last three years for opposition leaders Özgür Özel and Ekrem İmamoğlu, and the 'Change Movement' they lead, bring that saying to mind.
TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING, PEACE BILL FINALLY REACHES PARLIAMENT
The long-awaited and kept-under-wraps framework bill that will start the return and release of PKK members was finally submitted to parliament, two years after the process was announced.
CRACKDOWN ON PRO-GOVERNMENT SCREEN FACES CONTINUES
After the detention of Cem Küçük, a prominent commentator on TV screens known for leaking information from judicial files, Tahir Sarıkaya, an anchor from the Beyaz TV channel owned by former Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek and his son Osman Gökçek, was arrested for blackmailing and spreading false information.
AKSA SIGNS 20-YEAR GAS POWER DEAL IN GHANA
Aksa Energy has signed a 20-year agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana to build and operate a natural gas plant in Takoradi.
THE REPUBLIC GOES ON HOLIDAY
Every summer, the apartment buildings of Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities begin to empty. Neighbors who have spent the winter sharing lifts, parking disputes, delivery couriers and the occasional suspicion that someone upstairs is moving furniture after midnight head off in different directions.
TURKEY CALLS FOR BLACK SEA SECURITY AFTER SHIP STRIKES
Turkey urged Russia and Ukraine to safeguard civilian navigation in the Black Sea after Turkish-owned cargo ships were hit by drones. Ankara refrained from blaming either side for the attack, instead calling on both warring parties to immediately ensure maritime security, on Aug. 4.
AKP PUSHES TO GAIN MORE SEATS IN ISTANBUL
The opposition's advantage in Istanbul's Municipal Council is decreasing while the ruling AKP and MHP are increasing their numbers.
BACK ON THE ROSTRUM, KILIÇDAROĞLU VOWS NOT TO STAND WITH THE CORRUPT
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was installed as the CHP's party chair by the court's absolute nullity ruling on May 21, addressed the parliamentary group on Aug. 4, more than two months after he was placed in this duty.
TATLIOĞLU REMAINS ERDOĞAN’S INDISPENSABLE CHOICE
Naval Forces Commander Admiral Tatlıoğlu will remain a candidate for a cabinet post in any upcoming reshuffle by President Erdoğan.