MECCA PACT IN PRACTICE WITHOUT PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL
Turkey is putting its defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan into effect before securing necessary approval from parliament.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
TURKISH AEROSPACE PASSES TWO MILESTONES
TA began delivery of T625 Gökbey helicopters to the police, while also completing the first flight of the serial produced Hürjet jet trainer.
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS 10% TAX ON CORPORATE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Finance Ministry has finalized preliminary work to redirect short-term capital inflows toward long-term, productive investments, according to a report by Bloomberg HT.
UKRAINE-RUSSIA WAR COULD COST TURKEY $20 BILLION IN THREE MONTHS
Maritime trade in the Black Sea has come to a near halt due to Russian and Ukrainian strikes, creating a major economic threat for Turkey, according to a shipping executive.
POLITICAL DICTIONARY OF LAW
On Aug. 10, Turkey’s parliament passed what many will call an amnesty for PKK members, on the strict condition that no one call it that. The word appears nowhere in the law, which is titled, in Turkish, the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration.
A PEACE PROCESS DEVOID OF DEMOCRATIZATION
The first concrete step has been taken in the PKK's disarmament process, a subject Turkey has been discussing for nearly 22 months. The law that will form the legal groundwork for the group's disarmament passed parliament with what has been called a 'historic consensus.' Next comes implementation. But the real question is will this process, dubbed 'Terror-Free Turkey,' contribute to the country's democratization?
OSMAN KAVALA’S UNENDING TORMENT
Osman Kavala will turn 70 next year. He has been in prison for nine years. During those nine years, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled three times that his detention and conviction violated his rights and called for his “immediate release.” Most recently, just three days ago, the ECHR once again called on Turkey to “release him.”
FRAMEWORK LAW PASSES, ATTENTION SHIFTS TO NEW CONSTITUTION
Following the framework law's acceptance by a high vote of 467 in parliament — legislation expected to end a half-century-long conflict in relation to the Kurdish issue— now eyes are on the next steps the government will take.
TREASURY PAYS RECORD RATES IN BACK-TO-BACK BOND AUCTIONS
Turkey has become the world's most expensive borrower in local currency, agreeing to pay interest rates exceeding 41% during back-to-back domestic bond auctions this week.
YRP AND SAADET PARTY TALKS GAIN MOMENTUM
Two parties that once stood as rivals, both claiming the legacy of Necmettin Erbakan — the founding leader of political Islam in Turkey under the name of National View— are continuing merger talks.
MINERS DETAINED OUTSIDE ENERGY MINISTRY AS THEY CONTINUE PROTESTS OVER UNPAID WAGES
Police forcibly intervened on Aug. 13 against striking miners outside the Energy Ministry in Ankara, detaining union leaders and multiple workers on the fourth day of their protest over unpaid wages.
OPERATION TARGETS SÜLEYMANCI GROUP
A financial crimes operation targeting the Süleymancı religious sect, led by Alihan Kuriş, whose given name is Ali Erhan Kuriş, 46, was carried out across 17 provinces. Detention orders were issued for 49 people, including Kuriş.