Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
Turkish PM reaches 10 years in power this year. Reforms of early years still worth applauding. Cyprus, Armenian genocide, Kurdish issue are blots. Man himself is still popular, but critics see corrosive effect of power
Help the opposition to help (and arm) themselves. Turkey, with Nato at its back, should create and defend a safe haven in north-western Syria where anti-Assad forces could consolidate and train. Like Kurdish haven in Iraq
Excellent round-up. American-led order is collapsing. There will be "no good guys or bad guys, no 'rogue states' and 'moderates'. Each player is readjusting its policy on its own". Like the din before a concert as musicians tune up
Outstanding analysis of Arab uprisings, looking ahead to what may follow. "Revolutions devour their children. The spoils go to the resolute, the patient, who know what they are pursuing and how to achieve it"
Resignation of Turkey's top generals was symbolic protest at military's diminished role. But how committed to fully-fledged democracy is the civilian leadership? Who provides checks on the ever more powerful Erdogan now?
Good analysis of tension between the military and governing AKP. Problem is that the healthy process of asserting civilian control is being undertaken by a party that's intolerant of dissent and has been politicising the bureacracy
On the complicated history of Hatay. Province in south-east Turkey now. But old disputes and rivalries are being stirred up as Syrians flee over the border to escape their government's violent response to protests
AK Party of Recep Tayyip Erdogan won more than 50% of the vote this weekend, but fell short of a supermajority. Will now have to deal with "robust, colourful opposition" in attempting to change the constitution. Probably good news
Tayyip Erdogan looks set to win third term as Turkish PM. His rule has been bruising for democracy at home, but good for the economy and for Turkey's place in the world. Now it can deal with the EU from a position of strength
Profile of "Papa Tayyip" Erdogan, Turkey's populist and popular PM, soon to enter second decade in office. "Part Friday preacher, part neighborhood rabble-rouser, he styles himself as an underdog even as he holds unquestioned power"
Not the easiest read but a solid assessment of how Arab uprisings are shaking up the regional pecking order. Focuses on regional ambitions of Turkey and Iran, different ways they project themselves, and how they hope to benefit
Turkey's telecom regulator released a list of "obscene" words that cannot be used in web addresses. New obscenities include the name "Adrianne," and words like "animal," "gay," and the Turkish word for "high school student"
