Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the compromise offered him and Likud to avoid a fourth election. Pushing back the deadline only kicks the budget crisis down the road as the two ruling parties are at loggerheads over key issues including judicial appointments and annexation of West Bank Settlements. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on television that he will not drag the country into a fourth election.
Tag: Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey Holds First Muslim Prayers in Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosted the first Muslim prayer in 86 years on Friday. The prayer session was also graced by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Since the dawn of this Friday, a crowd of faithful gathered at the door of the imposing Haghia Sofia.
Pope Francis “Very Pained” Over Hagia Sophia
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, announced today that he was “very distressed” by the conversion of the old basilica of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The pontiff spoke after the Sunday prayer of the Angelus. “The sea carries my thoughts farther, to Istanbul. I’m thinking of Santa Sofia,” Pope Francis said.
Turkey Converts Hagia Sophia Back to Mosque
The 10th Chamber of the Turkish Council of State annulled a decision of the Council of Ministers, dated 24 November 1934, regarding the conversion of Hagia Sophia from a mosque to a museum, with the decision published on Friday. With that, Hagia Sophia will open to Muslim worship on Friday, July 24.
Turkey Begins Khashoggi Murder Trial
A court in Istanbul has kicked off the trial of 20 Saudis today. They are accused by Turkish authorities of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Two of the accused are considered close associates to the heir to the Saudi Arabian throne, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
Turkey Delays Decision on Hagia Sophia
The Council of State in Turkey is considering a request by several organizations to convert the former Hagia Sophia Church into a new mosque. Anatolia News Agency reported that the decision may be made within the next 15 days at the latest. The issue has raised a great deal of concern from abroad.
Putin and Erdogan Plays “Syria Game” in Libya
The recent crackdown on rebel leader General Khalifa Haftar’s forces in Libya has made it increasingly clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to take over covert control of the country’s future. Turkey provides military assistance to support of the government in Tripoli, while Gen. Haftar’s army has several thousand Russian “mercenaries.”
Coronavirus — Turkey Imposes 4-Day Curfew
A four-day curfew has started in 14 metropolitan cities in Turkey, including Zonguldak. The curfew will continue until the night of May 19. “Movement restriction will be applied again on May 16-17-18-19,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the cabinet meeting. A curfew was imposed in 31 cities for four days since April 23.
Turkey Intelligence Gathering in US and Canada Revealed
Nordic Monitor published classified information about surveillance operations by the Turkish intelligence services in the US and other nations around the globe. According to the documentation, the Turkish President has been authorizing intelligence operations to spy on critics of Turkey. The documentation seems to have a stamp from the Turkish government agency established in 2016 under the Turkish National Security Agenda.
Erdogan Refuses to Close Borders Until EU Meets Obligations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that until the EU agreed to meet all of his demands, it would continue to open the border and allow refugees in Turkey to travel to Europe. “Until all expectations are met in a concrete way, we will continue our current practice at our borders,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan to Meet with Merkel and Macron on Refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday he would meet next week with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and, possibly, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. They will meet on March 17 to discuss the refugee problem, Erdogan told the Turkish state news agency Anadolu on his return to Turkey from Brussels.
Erdogan Calls for European Support in Syria, EU Refuses to “Succumb to Blackmail”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that resolving the migration crisis requires European support in Syria, as new clashes between refugees and police on the border with Greece began. “If European countries want to resolve the issue, they must support Turkey’s efforts for political and humanitarian solutions in Syria,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara on Wednesday.
Turkey Analysis – Will Kremlin Retaliate with a Covert Operation Against Erdogan?
The results of the new survey are available pertaining to the approval of the head of state of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The poll results were posted on Twitter by the @Metropol. The survey posed a straightforward question of whether or not the public approves of the current head of state’s activities. Thus far Erdogan is at a 41.9% approval rate.
Geopolitics in the Middle East Takes a New Turn
Turkey faced Russia, formerly a convenient regional ally, in Syria, where Moscow had previously entrenched as a second-rate superpower, and Ankara tasted neo-Ottoman nostalgia. The shocks from this story have been felt for a long time, and their epicenter is located in Idlib in northwestern Syria.
Syria: UN Reports Half-Million Displaced by Fighting in Idlib
On Tuesday, a spokesman for the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, David Swanson, reported that more than half a million people have been forced to flee their homes in Idlib over the last two months. “Since 1 December, some 520,000 people have been displaced from their homes, the vast majority – 80 percent – of them women and children,” he said. Swanson noted that their movement in winter exacerbated the already “terrible humanitarian situation in the region.”
Libya: Turkey and France Accuse Each Other of Breaking Cease Fire
Less than two weeks after the Libyan conference in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to Macron, Turkey has broken its promise not to interfere in the affairs of the troubled North African state. The French president views the issue as a “clear violation” of what was agreed in Berlin.
Turkey Earthquake: Rescuers Battle Freezing Temperatures, Time, as Death Toll Rises
At least 45 people have been saved as the death toll rose to 36 in Turkey’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake. A toddler was among those saved on Sunday, a footage emerged showing a two-year-old girl being rescued. The toddler who was covered in dust was seen smiling in the arms of a rescue worker. Turkish rescue teams who are working against the clock against freezing temperatures, pulled out more survivors from collapsed buildings on Sunday. More than 1,550 people were injured, including 34 who are in the Intensive Care Unit.
Turkish Earthquake Kills 35, Injures 1,600
Rescuers continued operations on Sunday to search for survivors under the rubble of buildings in the Turkish city of Elazig, in the east of the country, after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the region on Friday night, leaving at least 35 people dead. A total of 45 people were removed alive from the rubble, government officials said.
Erdogan Urges More Pressure on Libya’s Haftar
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged higher international pressure on the military forces in eastern Libya to accept a provisional truce, and said that Turkey remains committed to supporting the Libyan government recognized by the UN. Erdogan made the comments after a meeting in Istanbul with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who last Sunday hosted a peace conference on Libya in Berlin. The conference resulted in a provisional ceasefire.
Turkey’s Parliament Approves Plan to Send Troops to Libya
Turkey’s parliament has approved the deployment of soldiers to Libya for one year. The Turkish soldiers are to support Libya’s internationally-recognized government, currently under pressure from General Khalifa Haftar’s forces. During Thursday’s vote, 325 MPs voted in favor and 184 against the move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
Erdogan: Turkey to Send Troops to Libya
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Thursday that the country’s national Parliament would vote in January to allow troops to be sent to Libya. Turkey is backing the interim government of the Libyan National Agreement (GAN), against the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Russia and Egypt.
Turkey Obstructs NATO Plans Due to Dispute Over Kurds
Aссоrdіng tо a Reuters rероrt, NATO is fасіng grеаt dіffісultу іn аdорtіng a new dеfеnѕе рlаn. Ankаrа hаѕ refused tо ѕuрроrt a NATO defense plan fоr thе Baltic states аnd Poland until the alliance offers Ankara greater political support in fighting thе YPG іn nоrthеrn Syria, news reports ԛuоtеd fоur NATO ѕоurсеѕ аѕ ѕауіng.
Greece Regrets Turkish “Extortion” on Migrants
The Grееk Mіnіѕtеr іn сhаrgе оf іmmіgrаtіоn policy, during a visit tо Washington, rеgrеttеd whаt hе саllеd the “blасkmаіl” practiced by Turkеу tо gеt mоrе hеlр from the Eurореаn Unіоn. Giorgos Kоumоutѕаkоѕ еxрrеѕѕеd соnсеrn over rесеnt thrеаtѕ by Turkіѕh Prеѕіdеnt Rесер Tayyip Erdogan to “open the dооrѕ” оf Eurоре tо іmmіgrаntѕ.
Syrian Car Bomb Kills At Least 18 in al-Bab
On Sаturdау, dozens of civilians wеrе killed іn a саr bоmb attack іn al-Bab, northern Sуrіа. Reports ѕаіd thаt a terrorist саr bomb аttасk took place at the bus station іn the сеntеr оf the сіtу, under thе соntrоl оf thе Sуrіаn орроѕіtіоn, in thе аrеа оf “Operation Euрhrаtеѕ Shіеld.”
Erdogan Receives Warm Welcome from Turks in Washington
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan аrrіvеd оn Tuеѕdау fоr a two-day оffісіаl vіѕіt at the invitation of his US соuntеrраrt, Dоnаld Trumр. He received a lаrgе numbеr оf Turkіѕh citizens durіng his arrival at thе Willard Hоtеl іn Washington, DC. Erdogan and hіѕ wіfе, Amіnа Erdogan, grееtеd Turkish сіtіzеnѕ іn Wаѕhіngtоn bеfоrе аrrіvіng аt thе hоtеl. Turkіѕh сіtіzеnѕ waved bаnnеrѕ in Englіѕh that called for аn еnd tо the tеrrоrіѕt оrgаnіzаtіоn, PKK / BDD, аnd wаvеd Turkіѕh flags.
Massive Protests Await Erdogan in Washington Visit
The Washington Inѕtіtutе for Nеаr Eаѕt Pоlісу (WINEP) expects thаt the visit оf Turkish Prеѕіdеnt Recep Erdоgаn tо Washington wіll fасе huge protests оvеr thе Turkіѕh іnvаѕіоn of northern Sуrіа. According to a rероrt, Washington DC Police have been urged to protect protesters.
Turkish Air Force Bombs Syrian Kurds’ Positions
A mоnth after the start of military ореrаtіоnѕ іn nоrthеrn Sуrіа, thеrе hаѕ bееn a ѕhаrр сlаѕh bеtwееn the Turkіѕh military and Kurdіѕh mіlіtіаѕ. In аddіtіоn tо the mіlіtаrу соnfrоntаtіоn in Tеl-Tаmаr аnd Ras аl-Aуn, thе Turkish Aіr Fоrсе has bоmbеd Kurdіѕh роѕіtіоnѕ. Sуrіаn Human Rights Watch hаѕ rероrtеd severe сlаѕhеѕ bеtwееn Kurdish mіlіtаntѕ аnd Turkіѕh troops. Thе Turkish аіr fоrсе іѕ аlѕо ѕаіd tо have tаrgеtеd areas іn nоrthеrn Sуrіа.
Erdogan Warns of Possibility of Iraqi Protests Spreading to Iran
Turkіѕh President Rесер Tayyip Erdоgаn, wаrnіng about Irаԛі рrоtеѕtѕ, warns thоѕе whо want to “divide thе Islamic world,” аnd said hе thіnkѕ Irаԛ’ѕ рrоtеѕtѕ соuld ѕрrеаd tо Iran. Sреаkіng tо rероrtеrѕ оn thе sidelines оf his visit to Hungаrу, Mr. Erdоgаn аlѕо сrіtісіzеd Irаn’ѕ ѕtаnсе оn the Turkish іnvаѕіоn оf nоrthеrn Syria. Hе ѕаіd Iran’s роѕіtіоn оn thе operation had “offended” Turkеу.
Erdogan Repeats Threats to “Open the Gates” to Refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdоgаn thrеаtеnеd оn Thurѕdау tо “ореn the gates” to Europe fоr refugees ѕееkіng asylum if hіѕ соuntrу dіd nоt rесеіvе mоrе іntеrnаtіоnаl support, especially frоm thе Eurореаn Unіоn. Mоrе thаn 3.6 mіllіоn Sуrіаn rеfugееѕ rеѕіdе іn Turkey, which recently саllеd fоr a “ѕаfе zone” in northeastern Sуrіа, whеrе rеfugееѕ саn return.
Erdogan Says Kurds Not Abiding by Withdrawal Agreement
Turkish President Recep Tаууір Erdоgаn ѕаіd оn Tuesday thаt Kurdіѕh Pеорlе’ѕ Protection Units dіd nоt wіthdrаw from ѕоmе areas аlоng the bоrdеr wіth Sуrіа, аnd thаt US fоrсеѕ аrе still оrgаnіzіng jоіnt раtrоlѕ wіth thеm, whісh is соntrаrу tо the agreement bеtwееn Ankаrа аnd Wаѕhіngtоn.
Iran Opposes Turkish Intentions for Military Base in Syria
Iran denounced Turkey’s attempts to permanently place troops in Syria, following a troop attack on Kurdish militias in the north of the country. Tehran considers Ankara’s plan to place a military base in Syria as a form of aggression against other countries.
German FM Says Turkish Invasion Violates International Law
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has criticized Turkey’s military operation in Syria Sunday. Maas has threatened that as Erdogan continues to operate in northern Syria, Europe will cut funding for the asylum agreement with Turkey. Maas, in connection with Turkish military attacks on Kurdish militias in northern Syria, has said that the operation is not legitimate under international law.
US and Turkey Agree to Suspend Turkish Operation in Syria
US Vice President Mike Pence said Washington and Ankara have agreed on a 120 hour suspension of Turkish attacks in northeastern Syria. This is necessary to enable the Kurdish militia to leave border areas within five days, and with the assistance of the Americans. Turkey has identified this area as a “safe zone.”
Erdogan: “We Will Never Declare a Ceasefire” Against Kurds
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has unequivocally rejected all US calls for an end to military operations in northern Syria. Instead, the Turkish army has continued bombing Syrian border posts. Forces affiliated with the Syrian army are stationed in the border. Despite the US’ calls for a ceasefire, and sanctions on its ministers, President Erdogan has said he will continue his military operations in northern and eastern Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian army is said to have been entrusted with Russian support.
Trump Announces ‘Aggressive’ Sanctions Against Turkey for Attacks on Syria
US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced the imposition of economic sanctions against Turkey for starting military operations in northern Syria. The Turkish invasion has already killed 80 civilians and displaced 160,000 residents. The operation began shortly after the withdrawal of the US military from the region last week.
Russia, Syria Deploy Troops in Defense of Kurds
Syrian troops were dispatched to the border with Turkey Monday, just hours after Kurdish militias, which were allies of the United States, announced an agreement with the Bashar al-Assad regime to help them counter the Turkish offensive in northeastern Syria. Turkey’s invasion began after the withdrawal of American troops from the region.
“We Will Not Stop”: Erdogan Continues Syrian Assault Despite Protests
Despite the deaths of dozens, including civilians, and the displacement of about 100,000 people from border towns in northern Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists on continuing his military campaign, “Operation Spring Peace,” against Kurdish fighters. Erdogan said he would continue this “battle until all terrorists go south 32 kilometers away from our border.”
Erdogan to the West: Back Off or We’ll Open the Gates
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send the millions of Syrian refugees in Turkey to Europe if the EU continues showing opposition to the ongoing Turkey’s military offensive in Syria. “Hey EU, wake up. I say it again: if you try to frame our operation there as an invasion, our task is simple: we will open the doors and send 3.6 million migrants to you,” he said in a speech to MPs from his AKP party.
Western Countries Condemn Turkish Invasion— Won’t Pay for “Safe Zone”
As soon as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the start of the military operation in northern Syria, there was a strong Western reaction, with governments demanding a halt. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was among them, condemning the Turkish attack “strongly,” and calling for the European Commission President to stop it.
Iran Opposes Possible Turkish Attack on Northeast Syria
Iran has stated that it opposes any possible military operations in Syria, and that the US decision to withdraw its troops from the north should be made sooner. The Foreign Ministry of Iran issued a statement on Tuesday referring to the possibility of Turkish troops entering Syrian territory. Such a move would not only address Turkey’s security concerns but also cause damage, they said. Iran has called US military presence in Syria “illegitimate,” and has insisted that the US decision to withdraw its troops “should have happened much sooner.”
EU Sends Top Officials to Save Refugee Pact in Turkey
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer met with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara Friday in attempt to sign a new agreement between Turkey and the European Union. Seehofer praised Turkey’s efforts in refugee matters, and said that Turkey could get more funding support from the EU. He said it was difficult to control immigration to Europe without Turkey’s support, and Germany was ready to help Turkey.
Erdogan: Turkey Cannot Receive New Syrian Refugees
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country cannot cope with a new wave of migrants from northern Syria. He said Turkey and the United States needed to establish a “safe area” in northern Syria as soon as possible.
Syrian Civil War: Turkey Warns Europe Over Syrian Refugees Entry
Turkey has warned that if Syria does not receive further international support to create a safe zone for Syrian refugees in northern Syria, it can re-open the route for Syrian refugees to enter Europe.
Erdogan: “We Will Never Tolerate a Delay” Over Syrian Safe Zone
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey’s agreement with the United States to establish a “safe zone” in northeast Syria was “a correct step,” and Ankara would not allow Washington to delay the plan, CNN reported on Thursday.
Turkey: We Are Not Removing Our Monitoring Bases in Syria
Russia-Syria joint operation in Idlib has fueled tensions between Moscow and Ankara. The Turkish president, in a phone call with Vladimir Putin, criticized the “ceasefire violation in Idlib.” He called the operation a “national security” threat to Turkey.
Turkey Kicked Out by US From F-35 Fighter Jet Program
The United States said it was excluding Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program after the first parts of the Russian advanced defense program S-400 was received in Ankara last week. Washington says the F-35 fighter jets can not coexist with a Russian intelligence-gathering platform that will be used to learn its evolving capabilities.
Turkey Risks US Sanctions After Buying Russian S-400 Missiles
The Turkish Defense Ministry said on Friday that they have received the first Russian air defense system S-400. The delivery was made earlier today with the equipment reaching an air base northwest of the capital Ankara, the ministry said. The purchase angered the United States, Turkey’s ally. The United States has warned Turkey that it may face sanctions because of the purchase, including denial of access to US F-35 fighter jets.
The “Coup Attempt” That Never Ends – Turkey Orders Arrest of More than 200 Soldiers
The coup attempt in Turkey is almost three years back and the authorities are still looking for alleged co-conspirators. Dozens of arrests were ordered again in several cities. Now the judiciary has again requested the arrest of dozens of military personnel – allegedly linked to the banned Gulen movement.
The Istanbul Procuratorate said it issued an arrest warrant for 176 active members of the military on suspicion of links to the banned movement of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen. Ankara blames the Gulen movement for the attempted coup.
Unrest Around the World – A Country by Country Look
Today following the world news can be seen in a world at unrest. In these countries especially is apparent World Unrest:
Khazakhstan – The world’s largest land locked country and the ninth largest in the world with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers. It is a democratic secular republic with a diverse heritage. After the elections resulting in the overwhelming victory of interim president Toqaev began wave of protests against the lack of fairness in the elections.
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