TURKEY: It is about the pandemic not the East Med dispute
The trajectory of the Covid-19 pandemic constitutes a much more tangible and immediate risk for Turkey’s economy than the Greek-Turkish dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean.The withdrawal of the Turkish seismic research vessel from the contested waters will allow Ankara to dodge… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail […]
GREECE: A tough summer, a tougher autumn
The increase in Covid-19 cases, poor returns from the re-opening of the tourism sector and tensions with Turkey in the East Med will continue to occupy Athens for weeks to come. The re-opening of schools is the most immediate matter that requires careful handling by the auth… Become a member to read the rest […]
TURKEY: A wider Coronavirus (and economic) calamity in the making?
The Turkish authorities confirmed 1,263 new cases of the novel coronavirus on 18 August, bringing the tally to 251,805. The death toll reached 6,016 as 20 more people lost their lives. New daily cases have been above 1,000 every day since 4 August. They were last at this level a… Become a member to […]
TURKEY: Erdogan’s showdown with social media platforms
Jointly prepared by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the social media bill passed the Parliamentary Justice Commission last week. It is now expected to be debated and approved by the General Assembly of the Parliament this w… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
TURKEY: Fight against “immoral” social media is now personal for Erdogan
President Tayyip Erdogan’s renewed threat to severely restrict social media platforms comes amid growing signs that his popular support is in long-term decline, particularly among young voters. Legislation requiring social media companies to establish a legal presence in the… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Usual tricks
Ankara declared on 20 May “mission accomplished” against the coronavirus outbreak, claiming that the pandemic had been contained. The health ministry has so far recorded 152,587 confirmed cases – which places Turkey in the global top 10 for infections according to a tally by Jo… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
TURKEY: Erdogan’s politics of survival
● Political considerations – not science or sound economic analysis – are driving the government’s approach to the Covid-19 outbreak and the related economic challenges. ● An erratic, politicized approach to the health emergency has undermined Covid-19 containment efforts but … Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Erdogan resists calls for a nationwide lockdown
● President Tayyip Erdogan continues to resist calls to enact a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19 – fearing the impact on the economy. ● Meanwhile, there are more signs that the country’s health system is struggling to cope with the outbreak amid growing misgi… Become a member to read the rest […]
TURKEY: Erdogan’s poorly conceived economic package
● Ankara announced on 19 March that the number of confirmed cases had nearly doubled over the previous 24 hours to 191. ● The lack of transparency and the government’s efforts to tighten the control of information over the Covid-19 outbreak raise concerns about the country’s a… Become a member to read the rest […]
TURKEY: Erdogan in a bind, but de-escalation with Russia is the only option
At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed and 32 wounded in the Syrian province of Idlib on 27 February in an escalating confrontation between Russian-backed Syrian forces on one side and Turkish forces and their Sunni militia allies on the other. Yesterday’s losses bring the numb… Become a member to read the rest of […]