Sanctions, scarves, deficits

TURKEY - Report 09 Oct 2022 by Murat Ucer and Atilla Yesilada

After the US, EU, too, is threatening Turkey with retaliation on suspicion of helping Russian entities to circumvent sanctions through Turkish partners. While there is no “smoking gun” to prove this type of conduct, circumstantial evidence is piling up.

The first essay in the politics section grapples with two questions. First, is there enough evidence for the West to impose sanctions? Second, even if there is, will the West dare do so, given Erdogan’s threat of blocking NATO expansion, and other considerations?

The CHP leader and presidential hopeful Kemal Kilicdaroglu is in the headlines again with his initiative to protect the right to wear turban, or Islamic headscarf. The proposal drew heavy fire from his own camp, as well as forcing Erdogan to respond by proposing constitutional amendments to protect turban and to restrict lifestyle choices of LGBTQIA+. Which side will win this battle of absurdity, and does it really matter to the election outcome?

Now read on...

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