Turkey

[Don Giovanni]

After winning a 2017 constitutional referendum that greatly expanded his powers—a process marred by irregularities—Erdogan made his first public appearance at Selim’s tomb. Staged as a kind of pilgrimage, there Erdogan returned to the long-dead sovereign his kaftan and turban that had been stolen years before. This far-from-subtle first act after winning a referendum that gave him near-limitless power made clear who Erdogan’s role model is.

Selim died 500 years ago in 1520. It was during his lifetime that the Ottoman Empire grew from a strong regional power to a gargantuan global empire.

Selim offers a template for Turkey to become a global political and economic power, with influence from Washington to Beijing, crushing foreign and domestic challengers alike. He helps Erdogan too to make his case for Islam as a cultural and political reservoir of strength, a vital component of the glories of the Ottoman past, which he seeks to emulate in contemporary Turkey against the dominant elite secularism that has reigned since its founding.

[Reaper]

Even Taiwan not afraid to shoot down Chinese armed jets that violate its airspace..

Come Greece, show some sovereignty..

[JVC]

Turkey's last play....threaten to exit NATO, and join with Russia. Reports coming out September 17 Russia is sending naval ships to the Mediterranean, to take part in joint exercises with Turkish forces.

[Don Giovanni]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought the Russians were doing those naval exercises solely on their own. As I understand it, the Turkish navy made the announcement, but it was not their place to do that.

[JVC]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought the Russians were doing those naval exercises solely on their own. As I understand it, the Turkish navy made the announcement, but it was not their place to do that.

Yes you're correct....that's why I'm thinking Turkey is playing the Russian card. By doing so, they up the anti and the game becomes more intense.

[Don Giovanni]

Turkish media reported that tanks were being moved towards the Greek border. The Cumhuriyet newspaper said 40 tanks were being transported from the Syrian border to Edirne in northwest Turkey and carried photographs of armored vehicles loaded on trucks.

So much for NATO's technical talks.

[Brklyngrk]

The tanks is just propaganda. The Russians came out and said that Greece knows that we agree with them about the 12 nautical miles and that the exercise they did was for them alone, not taking any sides.

[aek66]

russia talking out of both sides of it's mouth...situation was/is serious enough to where turkey and greece want to know where russia stands on this. when russia informed turkey about the where and when so turkey could send a navtex concerning russian naval activity in cypriot waters, they aren't helping the hellenic cause.

the way i understand it, the russians also sent the same info to cyprus.

[tantra]

turkish media is bringing up liana kanelli's interview on tv


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYLrU6H701Y

[tantra]

turkish media is bringing up liana kanelli's interview on tv


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYLrU6H701Y

she blames EU & NATO

[Don Giovanni]

I can't stand her. As always she's airing opinions that don't help the image of Greece. I was shocked but not surprised when she got slapped by that Golden Dawn MP during a debate almost a decade ago. Not that I could ever condone violence against women, but if any man said any of the stuff she goes on about the man would get more than a slap in the face.

News programs, television networks, and major publications need to drown her out from voicing an opinion that will only embolden Erdogan's support. It's unacceptable one of our politicians goes on air and expresses these views. It is beyond counter-productive and frankly dangerous.

[tantra]

she deserved a slap in this interview

disgusting

[Don Giovanni]

Control of the Mediterranean is therefore a priority for Germany. In order to curb any reaction from Italy or even France, Germany is resorting to bargains concerning the Eurozone and fiscal adjustment. In other words, Germany is trying to intervene in the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, through the well-known “peaceful initiatives”. In this context, Germany undertook the failed initiative for Libyan peace in early 2020.

No doubt Germany and Turkey enjoy a special relationship. Is the above quote an accurate assessment? I'd say there is a good deal of truth to this, but I do think there are those in Germany who sincerely wish to create a proper European superstate inclusive of Turkey based on shared common values and security, but reality doesn't always go hand-in-hand with aspirations and I don't think anyone should take the Germans for fools when it comes to their interests. Nor should anyone ignore the reality Turkey seeks a level of independence that threatens the very existence and territorial integrity of neighboring countries, but also one that threatens to rival a European Union with an Islamic Caliphate/Union.

[Don Giovanni]

In an interview with “Phileleftheros” ahead of his visit to Nicosia on Tuesday, Sergei Lavrov expressed concern about developments in the eastern Mediterranean and noted that “we consider unacceptable any actions that may further increase its potential.” He stressed that the differences should be better settled at the negotiating table.

On the issue of occupied Famagusta in northern Cyprus and the moves by the Turkish side to colonize it, he referred to Moscow’s firm position, stressing that this issue must be resolved on the basis of existing UN Security Council resolutions and, first of all, 550 (1984) and 789 (1992).

His position on Russia-Turkey relations is also clear, emphasizing that:

“The deepening of Russian-Turkish co-operation, as well as the need for reciprocal action with Ankara on regional issues, does not and will not in any way affect our dialogue with Nicosia.”

Keep in mind that in Libya, Greece and Russia support the same side, but Russia may be happy to settle on terms with Turkey that sees Libya divided in a way Greece would find unacceptable. Relations between Turkey and Russia are far from cozy. When Putin entertained an Erdoyan visit, he had Tayeep sit in an area with murals of Russian forces defeating Ottomans. Russia has no defense commitments to Turkey since Turkey is still a member of NATO, but the Turks do buy Russian made anti-aircraft systems, something that strains relations with the US in a very negative way. I do believe Putin is willing to prop up Erdoyan to the extent the Turkish faux-Democratic dictator continues to strain relations between Turkey and her more traditional Western allies. He would be happy to see that domino fall.

[tantra]

i wonder what pre-emptive targets he is talking about