The Saudi assassination squad that traveled to Istanbul and killed and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi arrived in Turkey using two private planes that belong to the Saudi monarchy. The information is courtesy of top secret documents obtained by CNN, as part of a Canadian civil lawsuit.
Tag: Turkey

Turkey — Propaganda Machine at Work
The president of Turkey Recep Erdogan is actively pushing his agenda and falsely claiming that Turkey has geopolitical, economic, scientific and technical prospects. The PR machine constantly produces “new” publications and social media posts to cater to the wide range of audience.

Turkey, NATO, and Opportunities
The Atlantic Council released its list of risks for 2021. According to the list, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and North Korea are considered as “Rogue” States. Thus far, Turkey purchased Russian anti-missile systems and threatened Greece. In addition, Turkey continues to meddle into Libya, Syria, and the Mediterranean.
Will There Be New War in Libya in 2021?
On December 27, The Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that Turkey is ready for the military actions against the Libyan National Army. The leader of the Libyan Army is Khalifa Haftar, who is supported by Russia. “Haftar and those who support him should know that they will be considered a legitimate target in any attempt to attack the Turkish military,” said Akar.

Why Does Erdogan Want Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan is celebrating 25 years of the country’s neutrality. Turkmenistan is the only officially neutral country in central Asia. Neutrality, in the practical sense, is perceived in Ashgabat as a status that allows the country to isolate itself as much as possible from its neighbors and the entire world.

Israel Suspicious of Erdogan’s Motives for Alliance
Israel is uncomfortable with Turkey’s motive for an alliance. This was revealed by a high-ranking Israeli diplomat who spoke to the Jerusalem Post this week. According to the official, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants closer economic ties between his country and Israel while maintaining a host of connections that are problematic for Israel and its allies.

2021 — Pessimism or Optimism
The 2020 has been the worst year of this century. The Coronavirus pandemic has crippled the majority of the global economies. The Covid-19 lockdowns still continue and there is a talk of the third wave coming in the spring of the 2021. The realism suggests that the position of the leaders of an individual states is not differing from the past experience.

Turkey — Approves Law Suppressing NGO Efforts
The Turkish parliament passed a law on Sunday, proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP party, which increases government oversight over non-governmental organizations, foundations, and associations, which will thus result in their limited freedoms.

Erdogan Contemplates New Turk Block
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been contemplating the idea to create the “Turk” military political block. The strategic decision has been made, after interference in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which resulted in the gain for the Azerbaijan.

Turkish Armed Forces to Stay in Libya
The Turkish Grand National Assembly announced an extension of the Turkish armed forces’ presence in Libya. According to a decree from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish military personnel will be stationed in Libya for the next 18 months. Former dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi was killed nine years ago in Libya.

Russia Looks to Eurasia in 2021
Russia continues to strengthen its partnerships with Eurasian nations. The main organizations are the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The actual “Eurasian” direction of development is mainly manifested in the framework of the integration of the associations and international organizations in which Russia operates.

Libya — Turkey Condemns Seizure of Vessel by LNA
Turkey has condemned the detention of one of its ships by eastern-based Libyan forces in the Mediterranean, saying the ship should be allowed to resume its voyage to western Libya, and warning of a possible act of retaliation. The ship, which was heading to the port of Misurata, was stopped off the coast of Ras Al Hilal.

RAND Releases Report on Ruining Russia
The Rand Corporation has published a repot on how to “contain Russia.” The purpose of the report is to provide recommendations to the newly-elected US President, Joe Biden. According to the report, the US will use any means necessary, except starting a militarized conflict with Russia.

Turkey- Condemns Murder of Iranian Scientist Fajrizadeh
“We regret that the Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh lost his life as a result of an armed attack in Tehran. We condemn this heinous murder and extend our condolences to the government of Iran and the family of the deceased,” said Turkey’s Foreign Ministry in a statement.

What is the Future of Armenia?
The escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the subsequent ceasefire, has been on the forefront of the news around the globe. Earlier this month, the ceasefire agreement was signed by Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. History tends to repeat itself, but the future of Armenia can be problematic.

Turkey Sentences Hundreds to Life After Coup Attempt
A Turkish court on Thursday sentenced 337 people, amongst them Air Force officers and pilots, for the failed coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government in 2016. It is the grand trial that has been ongoing in the nation’s capital city, Ankara, that culminated in the mass sentencing.

What is Stopping Erdogan from Meddling in Venezuela?
This week, the Venezuelan leader of the opposition, Juan Guaido, gave an interview regarding the continuation of the US’ bipartisan support of the Venezuelan opposition by the newly-elected US President, Joe Biden, and his administration. However, Venezuela can suffer the same fate as Syria, except the trajectory will differ.

Nour: Khashoggi Threatened by Advisor to MBS
A friend of Jamal Khashoggi said today that the Saudi journalist received threats from an adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Twenty Saudis, including two relatives of MBS, are on trial in absentia in Istanbul for the assassination of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

Turkey’s Past, Present and Future Conflicts
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, made a statement that Turkey is part of Europe. Hence, making a claim that Turkey is part of Europe is a strategic move, and yet another attempt to join the European Union. President Erdogan has also been accused of wanting to restore the Ottoman Empire.

Erdogan Calls for “Two-State Solution” in Cyprus
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been frozen, for now. The ceasefire agreement was signed last week between Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is a loss for Armenia, due to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s failed leadership. As a result, Russian peacekeepers entered the region.

Pompeo: Europe, US Must Unite Against Erdogan
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Paris-based newspaper Le Figaro that the US and European governments must work together to address the policies pursued by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Middle East over the past few months. During his visit to Turkey, Secretary Pompeo refused to meet with the Turkish Foreign Minister.

The US and Iran in Geopolitics
Last week, US President Donald Trump asked his advisers about the possibilities of striking Iranian nuclear facilities. The Wall Street Journal published the information regarding Iran expanding its supply of low-enriched uranium. Trump has been hostile towards Iran since he took office.

Russian Peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh
A ceasefire agreement has been signed on November 9th by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ending the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The agreement came in force on the November 10th.

Armenians Greet Ceasefire With Unrest
A ceasefire agreement has been signed between Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan pertaining to the Nagorno-Karabakh Region. The agreement entails Russian peacekeepers overseeing the mission. Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he is in Armenia, and continues to fulfill his duties.

Election 2020 — Some World Leaders Remain Silent
Congratulations began pouring in from around the world in earnest after it emerged on Saturday that Democratic candidate Joe Biden had taken an insurmountable lead over President Donald Trump in the near-complete tally of Tuesday’s elections. Notably, however, some top world leaders have up to now remained silent.

Iraq- Two Killed in Anti-Government Protests in Baghdad
Iraqi prime minister called on police and security forces not to shoot at protesters, yet two young men were killed in police shootings during anti-government demonstrations in Baghdad and Basra. The young man killed in Baghdad has been one of the main figures in the protests.

Turkey Fines Social Media Platforms
Facebook Instagram, Twitter, Periscope, YouTube and TikTok platforms have been hit with heavy fines since a new law came into force in Turkey to tighten regulation of social networks. They were each fined 10 million liras ($1.174 million) for not naming their local representative at the appointed time.

France Bans “Gray Wolves,” Turkey Vows Response
The French government has announced a ban on and the disbanding of the Turkish nationalist group, the Gray Wolves, who are accused of hate speech and violence in France. Turkey’s response was swift, describing it as a “provocation.” Ankara furthermore promised a “firm response” to the moves by the French government.

Politics of France, What is Next?
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron launched and “leaked” an offensive against the “Islamic order.” This offensive has a utilitarian and local character, and hardly at all pulled on a new “crusade” that the French public would not imagine. However, as usual, in such cases, the result gives way to pure politics.

Turkey Earthquake — Child Rescued from Rubble
A three year old child has been rescued alive from the rubble following a powerful earthquake which hit Turkey on Friday. The death toll increased to 91 as more bodies were retrieved overnight and on Monday morning. The baby, Elif Perincek, was stuck under the debris for around 65 hours.

Global Gold Demand Slowed in Third Quarter
On October 29, the World Gold Council released a gold demand trend report showing that in the third quarter of this year, global gold demand declined. World Gold Council said that in the context of the epidemic, countries used gold reserves to support the domestic economy.

Turkey Earthquake Kills Dozens with Hundreds Injured
According to the latest news, the number of victims of the Turkish earthquake has reached 25 dead and 800 injured. Two people were killed and eight were injured on the Greek island of Samos. A magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook the Aegean Sea off the southwestern coast of Turkey near the tourist city of Hesar in Izmir province.

Indonesia Deports Three Uyghurs Back to China
A senior security source in Indonesia said that before US Secretary of State Pompeo visited Indonesia on Thursday (October 29), Indonesia deported three Uyghurs from prison to China. The source said that this action occurred before Pompeo arrived in Indonesia and met with Indonesian President Widodo.

Hungary’s Orban Causes Row with Russia
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued as statement pertaining to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s comments. Namely, statements by Prime Minister Orban about the Red Army grossly distort the historical truth, while it was Hungary that was an ally of Adolf Hitler during the Second World War.

France Arrests Man with Ties to Nice Attacker
French authorities have detained a man suspected of having contacted the perpetrator of Thursday’s attack in Nice, France, which killed three people at a local Catholic church. As per preliminary investigations, the 47-year-old man is suspected of having kept in touch with the attacker, and was taken into police custody on Thursday night.

Armenia — Pashinyan Continues to Fail in Nagorno-Karabakh
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to escalate. Thus far, three ceasefire agreements have been violated. The latest was on this Sunday. Many issues are due to the President of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. Yesterday, President Pashinyan fired another high ranking military official.

France Talks Tough With Turkey on Values
France “will never renounce its principles and values,” in regard to its recent tough stance on Muslims, despite what it terms as “attempts at destabilization and intimidation” by Turkey. This has been said Wednesday by the spokesman for the Franch president, Gabriel Attal, who also underscored “a strong European unity.”

Turkey’s Lira Hits Another Low
Following the Coronavirus epidemic, Turkey’s currency has depreciated by a record amount against the dollar due to Turkey’s dispute with its NATO allies. In a recent speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forged bitter relations with several other countries, including France and the United States.

Muslim Countries Boycott French Goods Over Macron Comments
Dissatisfied with French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement on Muslims and Islam, some Arab countries have begun to boycott French goods. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an appeal to stop the boycott, and President Macron has also responded.

Erdogan Calls for Boycott of French Products
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, implored the citizens of his country Monday not to buy products from France. His remarks came in retaliation for the strong position taken by France against Islamic groups, following the beheading of one of its teachers by a radical Muslim young man.

Kurz, Borrell Condemn Erdogan’s Attacks on Macron
The Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, and the European Union’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, have strongly condemned the insults of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. On his part, the Chancellor made his thoughts known on Twitter.

Nagorno Karabakh Conflict- Did Armenia Fail Itself?
The escalation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict happened in September and continues today. The President of Turkey, Recep Erdogan is supporting Azerbaijan. The conflict is pertaining the Nagorno Karabakh region. Azerbaijan believes the territories should be returned to them.

Is Turkey Becoming a Problem for the NATO?
Turkey made an official statement pertaining the refusal of the contract termination with Russia. The S-400 anti aircraft systems will be supplied to Turkey. It has been in service with the Russian Armed Forces since 2007. The announcement came directly from the president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Is the EU Allowing Erdogan to Attack?
The European Union discussed (but failed to agree on) sanctions against Turkey over the weekend, Euronews reported. Several countries want to punish Turkey for violating the sovereign rights of Greeks and Cypriots in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Malta blocked the proposal.

Tensions Between Russia and Turkey Escalate
Erdogan made a statement that he does not recognize the Crimea as part of Russia. The Kremlin representative said that the Union of Russia and Turkey is impossible after Erdogan’s words about Crimea. “Erdogan has his own agenda. We can’t even talk about any ‘Union’,” Pushkov said.

SVR: Turkey Openly Siding with Azerbaijan
Russia SVR made a public statement that Turkey is supporting Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey’s open and unequivocal support for Azerbaijan is a fundamentally new external factor that affects the nature of the current aggravation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, SVR head Sergey Naryshkin said to Tass.

Turkey — Totals Tell Tale of Terrible Trade Troubles
Last Wednesday, the Turkish Statistical Institute published data pertaining to the nation’s foreign trade. The situation looks troublesome. Turkey has been on the forefront of the news for the past week, regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s support of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Iran to Aid Armenia in the Nagorno Karabakh Conflict
Iran declared its intention to support Armenia and began transferring tanks and artillery. The Iranian defense Ministry has begun an emergency transfer of its artillery and heavy armored vehicles to the border with Azerbaijan, preparing to support Armenia if necessary. We know about the transfer of at least two dozen field howitzers and three dozen T-72 tanks to the borders of Azerbaijan.

Turkey Indicts Six More Saudis in Khashoggi Murder
An Istanbul prosecutor on Monday indicted six new Saudis suspected of having had a hand in the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 brutal murder. The prosecutor asked for a life sentence for two of the suspects involved and five years for the remaining four defendants.

Azerbaijan and Armenia at War
On Sunday September 27, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Armenian foreign Minister Z. G. Mnatsakanyan. The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was discussed, and Sergey Lavrov expressed serious concern over the ongoing large-scale fighting on the contact line, as well as information about the dead and wounded.