SYRIA: Graphic footage surfaces after Daraa clashes **************** Turkey and the ambivalent, reluctant military intervention over Libya by Gülnur Aybet by Gülnur Aybet LONDON — Turkey is a country that has never been comfortable with getting involved in regional conflicts in its neighboring Middle East. In fact, the principle of non-involvement in regional conflicts was … Read more
When things were good between Sarkozy and Gaddafi… Nato to take control in Libya after US, UK and France reach agreement by Nick Hopkins, Nicholas Watt, Ian Traynor ? Nato to assume day-to-day military command in Libya ? Obama and Cameron: Substantial progress made Britain, France and the US have agreed that Nato will take … Read more
Still here in Turkey, many people rely on scepticism on western intentions, while “muslim” Gaddafi murders muslim Libyan citizens…. France send warplanes against Libya after Gaddafi’s forces enter Benghazi from Wash Post Europe by Liz Sly, Karen DeYoung and Sudarsan Raghavan Sarkozy confirms no-fly zone, says Libyan leader attacked civilians with “murderous madness”; rebel warplane … Read more
Whether named as a military dictatorship, an autocratic rule, a despotic state, or kleptocracy; the regime in Libya is becoming visibly senile. Does this mean democracy will soon be blossoming in the Maghreb and the Mashrek of the Arab world? Only the most naive utopian can believe in such accelerated progress. But as of now, … Read more
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (R) greet their supporters during the inauguration ceremony of a hospital funded by Turkey in Sidon, southern Lebanon, November 25, 2010.? Read more » REUTERS/ Sharif Karim Why is Erdoğan so popular in Lebanon? by Ruşen Çakır While watching Prime Minister Recep … Read more
Sarkozy to journalists: ‘See you tomorrow, paedophile friends’ from FP Pasaport by Joshua Keating Sarko’s temper flares again in response to a reporter’s question about allegations that he took kickbacks from a weapons deal with Pakistan to fund his presidential campaign: Access to scientific data: European Court of Human Rights judgement from Ideas on Europe … Read more
Turkish protesters marching in Istanbul against Israel?s takeover of the Gaza flotilla in May. Photo by: AP Israel should compensate Gaza flotilla victims – Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News Israel can take several steps to defuse tensions between itself and Turkey. By Shlomo Avineri The waves caused by the raid on the Gaza-bound Turkish … Read more
MAIN FOCUS: Nato faces decision on change of direction | 19/11/2010 from euro|topics At the two-day Nato summit that begins in Lisbon today, the heads of state and government will be negotiating over a new strategy for the military alliance and a planned missile defence shield with Russia. Commentators believe Nato urgently needs a change … Read more
Turkey?s judiciary: how much sense does the European Commission make? from istanbul notes There were few surprises in the European Commission?s 2010 progress report for Turkey, which was published on November 9th. On the issue that has most divided Turkey over the past year?the effect of September?s constitutional reforms on the judiciary?the Commission?s report formalises … Read more
Axis of Turkey and new routes of Turkish Airlines! from U.S.A.K. Blog by USAK ABDULHAMİT BİLİCİ 13 November 2010 It is no secret that Washington is the capital where debate on Turkey?s axis is hottest, particularly after Turkey?s ?no? vote at the UN Security Council and the Mavi Marmara incident. This confusion, amplified especially by … Read more
Turkey sets five priorities for Council of Europe from Hurriyet Dailynews As Turkey takes the reins of one of Europe?s top institutions, the Council of Europe, for a six-month term, representatives outline five main focus areas for their work: reform, reducing workloads, fighting discrimination, empowering institutions and facilitating the EU?s decision to join the European … Read more
What currency wars mean for the eurozone by Centre for European Reform By Simon Tilford The dollar has now fallen to $1.40 against the euro. This is still below the low of almost $1.60 that it reached in the middle in July 2008, but it represents a steep decline from under $1.20 in early June. … Read more
Europe, World – The Independent
“Merkel and Sarkozy unite to end Blair’s European dream
Former prime minister’s bid for EU presidency founders as continent’s most powerful leaders announce they would prefer candidate from smaller country