SCANDAL WIDENS FROM AMMUNITION TO MEDIA PAYOFFS
The scandal surrounding Özyurt Arms is no longer limited to unauthorized ammunition production but also about corruption in the media.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
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.
'PAID EXTRAS' SCANDAL THAT TURNED TURKISH MEDIA INTO BIT PLAYERS
A report by journalist Ebru Çelik of BirGün, who followed the story in person based on a tip and witnessed the events firsthand, proved that extras were gathered to act as supporters for a CHP party meeting for 950 lira (roughly $20) each. The story laid bare a case of manipulation between media and politics.
LOSING WTO CASE OVER CHINESE EV CURBS
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against Turkey in a trade dispute brought by Beijing, declaring Turkish tariffs and severe import restrictions on Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles incompatible with global trade rules.
HIGHWAY PRIVATIZATION AT A CROSSROADS: ONE BUNDLE OR SEPARATE PACKAGES
The government plans to privatize state-operated highways and bridges under a 25-year transfer of operating rights model, while officials weigh whether to sell the assets as a single bundle or divide them into separate packages.
THE FIRE SEASON
This summer, Turkey’s coast mostly held. A fire near Fethiye, a scare in Antalya’s Kepez district, a few homes emptied as a precaution and their residents returned to within a day. After last year, it has the feel of a reprieve, which is the most dangerous weather the region knows. Because we have all seen what the season can do.
CYPRUS TALKS: WHAT NEXT?
Based on his experience as the British government’s Cyprus coordinator, Lord David Hannay once said: “No one has ever lost money betting against a Cyprus settlement.”
LIVE SIGNING GLITCH DISRUPTS ERDOĞAN’S IRAQI SUMMIT
A live signing ceremony crowning Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's visit to Ankara was disrupted when a Development Road agreement went unsigned, prompting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to intervene on camera and Al Zaidi to confront his own transport minister.
TURKEY WEIGHS ENDING TEMPORARY PROTECTION FOR SYRIANS IN FAVOR OF EASIER VISAS
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi signaled a new way to accelerate the voluntary return of Syrians from Turkey, saying the government is considering lifting their temporary protection status and easing visa rules instead.
THE FRAMEWORK OF ABDULLAH ÖCALAN
Amid the noise and turmoil within the CHP, it did not attract much public attention, but traffic around the Kurdish Peace Process has intensified in recent days. A DEM delegation traveled to İmralı and returned with a message from Abdullah Öcalan.
ÖCALAN UNTIES THE KNOT
The “framework law” that will provide the legal basis for the PKK’s disarmament process appears set to be enacted after nearly five months of waiting. Öcalan’s view that “even if it is incomplete and inadequate, a step needs to be taken” proved instrumental in overcoming the disputes surrounding the law. In a sense, it was Öcalan who untied the knot.
TURKEY'S DEFENSE EXPORT SUCCESS NEEDS A RESPONSIBILITY CHECK
The NATO summit in Ankara provided an important opportunity for Turkey to showcase the progress of its defense industry. By now, few can have missed the fact that Turkey has become the world's 11th-largest arms exporter.