I was absolutely shocked when I came across the news about Erdogan slapping a child for not kissing his hand during a ceremony in Rize. At first, I thought it must be some kind of satire, like something out of The Onion, but sadly, it was all too real. This incident made me question the kind of leader Erdogan is portraying himself to be, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Watching the video of the incident, it was clear that this wasn’t a full-blown slap, but more of a tap on the cheek. Some even argued that it was a common gesture in Turkish culture, a way for him to assert his authority as a father/grandfather figure.… Continue reading
Turkey’s Erdogan threatening to invade Israel might seem like a headline straight out of a political thriller, but in reality, it’s just another bold move from a leader who thrives on stirring up controversy and flexing his muscles on the international stage. Erdogan has a knack for finding external distractions to divert attention away from his own domestic shortcomings, and this latest threat is no exception.
The idea of Turkey invading Israel sounds like a far-fetched scenario from a geopolitical fantasy – something that belongs in the realm of fiction rather than reality. Erdogan’s bluster and saber-rattling may play well to his hardcore nationalist and Islamist supporters, but in the grand scheme of things, it seems like an empty threat meant more for internal consumption than any actual military action.… Continue reading
Turkey advancing 15 kilometers into Kurdistan Region territory raises concerns and sheds light on the ongoing conflict in the region. As a NATO country, Turkey’s actions are under scrutiny, but it seems that there may not be a significant response from Europe. This situation underscores the longstanding desire for Kurds to have their own country, as they have faced oppression and abuse from Arab and Turkish groups continuously.
The invasion of Kurdistan by Turkey also brings to question the motives behind such military operations, especially considering Turkey’s vocal stance on issues like Israel and Gaza. It appears that Turkey is following in the footsteps of other countries with military interventions in neighboring regions, with little attention from the international community.… Continue reading
When I read about the Turkish airport workers refusing to refuel the El Al plane after an emergency landing, I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief. The fact that fuel was about to be provided due to humanitarian considerations, only for the captain to suddenly decide to leave on his own accord, raises some serious questions in my mind. Why would he make such a risky decision at a critical moment? Wouldn’t refueling the plane and getting it back on track after the emergency landing be the logical thing to do to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew?… Continue reading
Turkey’s Erdoğan recently made headlines with his controversial statement about the LGBTQ+ community, claiming that the ‘imposition of LGBT’ turns into ‘tyranny,’ surpassing ‘even fascism’. As I reflect on this, I can’t help but feel a range of emotions, from disbelief to frustration. It’s disheartening to see a world leader equate the simple request for recognition and respect with such extreme terms.
Instead of embracing diversity and accepting consenting adult relationships, Erdoğan seems to be fixated on turning the LGBTQ+ community into a scapegoat for broader issues. Blaming declining birth rates on the existence of LGBT people is not only illogical but also incredibly harmful.… Continue reading
Turkey simply relabels Russian oil products and exports them to Europe, research indicates. This revelation sheds light on the intricate web of international trade and the not-so-hidden practice of exploiting loopholes in sanctions to benefit all parties involved. The European Union, known for its stringent regulations and adherence to ethical standards, seems to turn a blind eye when it comes to sourcing oil from Russia through intermediaries like Turkey. The implications of this discovery raise questions about the integrity of global trade and the extent to which countries are willing to go for economic gains.
The EU’s import of 5.16 million tonnes of oil products valued at €3.1 billion from Turkish ports with no refining hubs, with a staggering 86% of those imports coming from Russia, is certainly eye-opening.… Continue reading
I woke up this morning to the news that Turkey has decided to halt all trade with Israel. This decision, according to two Turkish officials, comes amidst the escalating tensions between the two nations over the conflict in Gaza. It seems that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is utilizing this move to garner support among conservative voters in Turkey, especially after his party’s recent losses in various mayoral elections.
Trade between Turkey and Israel has been significant, with the two countries having a trade worth $6.8 billion in 2023. The bulk of this trade consisted of Turkish exports to Israel, with iron and steel being the most significant export from Turkey to Israel in 2023.… Continue reading
In Turkey, Istanbul mayor faces backlash after calling Hamas a ‘terrorist organization’
The world we live in is indeed a strange place, where stating the obvious fact that Hamas is a terrorist organization is met with controversy. The reality is that Hamas has committed heinous acts of terrorism, such as murdering innocent people at a music festival and abducting, torturing, and even raping individuals. The fact that their president is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group known for its extremist ideologies, further solidifies Hamas’ status as a terrorist organization.
It is crucial to distinguish between condemning an organization for its actions and criticizing an entire people.… Continue reading
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu made a bold statement on CNN when he unequivocally denounced Hamas as a terrorist organization that carries out terror. This remark comes as a breath of fresh air in a political landscape dominated by Erdogan’s support for Hamas under his Islamist agenda. The reality is that Hamas is not the peaceful organization that many in Turkey are led to believe. They are responsible for brutal acts of violence, intimidation, and rape against civilians. It is essential for leaders like İmamoğlu to speak the truth about Hamas and highlight the atrocities they commit in the name of politics.… Continue reading
‘Death to Israel’ in Turkish parliament during Erdogan speech
The recent uproar over the chanting of ‘Death to Israel’ in the Turkish parliament during Erdogan’s speech is a troubling development that has raised many eyebrows. The accusation by Erdogan that the failed coup attempt in 2016 was carried out by Zionist operators is not only surprising but also concerning. It seems like Erdogan is grasping at straws to maintain his grip on power, especially in the face of losing votes in the recent elections.
The situation begs the question: what happened to the modern and secular Turkey that Atatürk envisioned for his people?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood