Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028. The results were made official late at night and revealed that Erdogan has won the presidency with 52.14 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;

The stunning victory has made Erdogan the most important figure in modern Turkish history, but his political journey, which led him to where he is now, hasn't been an easy one.&nbsp;

He was not projected to win, but the 69-year-old Erdogan emerged to be the ultimate political survivor. He defeated his secular opposition rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, by four percentage points.&nbsp;

He has overcome jail and a bloody 2016 coup attempt, economic development and political strife. Earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in February posed one of the toughest challenges ahead of the election.&nbsp;

He made several visits to the quake-hit zones where more than 50,000 died and also vowed to implement rapid reconstruction works and to punish builders who skirted building regulations. He accused the opposition of seeking advantage from a catastrophe.&nbsp;

Erdogan claims that he has introduced various reforms, but he is also accused of slipping into authoritarianism reminiscent of the Ottoman sultans and not abiding by Turkey's democratic foundations.&nbsp;

<h2>The early life of Erdogan</h2>

Erdogan was born in Istanbul on February 26, 1954, and graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School in 1965. He completed his high school education at Istanbul Imam Hatip School (Religious Vocational High School) in 1973.&nbsp;

Interest in politics was quite evident as Erdogan became known as a fiery orator in the cause of political Islam when he was in high school.&nbsp;

Apart from politics, he was also actively interested in football — a sport which taught him the significance of teamwork and spirit in his younger years. But his inclination towards politics was definitely more.&nbsp;

After being born in a working-class, Erdogan made his name in nascent Islamic movements that were challenging secular domination, becoming the city's mayor in 1994.&nbsp;

However, he was convicted and jailed for four months for inciting religious hatred when he recited a fiery poem that compared mosques to army barracks and called minarets "our bayonets", which led to cutting short of his mayoral term.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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But the setback did not affect his popularity and the way he was with people.&nbsp;

He also founded the AKP after an earlier Islamic party was banned, Erdogan spearheaded its 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later.&nbsp;

Erdogan grew up as the son of a coastguard&nbsp;on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Reports say&nbsp;that his father decided to move to Istanbul when he was 13.

As a child, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns to earn extra cash.&nbsp;

<h2>Part of NATO, but not so Western</h2>

Turkey is part of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — a military alliance majorly comprising&nbsp;the Western nations&nbsp;— but he never shied away from holding his ground.&nbsp;

Turkey played&nbsp;a crucial role&nbsp;in brokering a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing war, to an extent resolving the global food crisis. Turkey also put brakes on Sweden's plans to join the Western defensive alliance.&nbsp;

Turkey was handed US sanctions in December 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and had been criticised by Western allies over the move. Ankara has said it was forced to opt for Russian weapons because allies did not provide weapons on satisfactory terms.&nbsp;

However, in 2022, he said that it is unclear whether Turkey will buy more Russian arms because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Power and protests&nbsp;</h2>

Erdogan led the 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. His signature early achievements included a series of reforms — abolishing the death penalty and beginning a peace process with Kurdish militants.&nbsp;

Mass protests in 2013 over plans to turn an Istanbul park into a shopping mall marked the start of a more divisive era that included corruption allegations levelled against his inner circle.&nbsp;

Turkey's bid to join the EU faltered and peace talks with the Kurds imploded in 2015 when a Kurdish opposition party helped to wrest control of parliament from Erdogan for the first time.&nbsp;

Turkish military operations against Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq soon followed, creating new tensions with the West.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the challenges ahead?&nbsp;</h2>

From a crippling economic crisis to a diplomatic standoff with allies, Erdogan will face a myriad of challenges.&nbsp;

Turks are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with annual inflation running at around 40 per cent in April after officially peaking at 85 per cent last year.&nbsp;

Discussion over Sweden's NATO bid, efforts to reconcile with Syria, and earthquake reconstruction, are some of the burning issues that Erdogan will have to take action on.&nbsp;

Opponents accused him of turning a blind eye to corruption and lax building standards that allowed entire cities to crumble in the February 6 earthquake.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (May 28) that it's time to unite around "national goals", after winning a historic runoff election that guarantees his rule at least until 2028. The results were made official late at night and revealed that Erdogan has won the presidency with 52.14 per cent of the votes. The stunning victory has made Erdogan the most important figure in modern Turkish history, but his political journey, which led him to where he is now, hasn't been an easy one. He was not projected to win, but the 69-year-old Erdogan emerged to be the ultimate political survivor. He defeated his secular opposition rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, by four percentage points. He has overcome jail and a bloody 2016 coup attempt, economic development and political strife. Earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in February posed one of the toughest challenges ahead of the election. He made several visits to the quake-hit zones where more than 50,000 died and also vowed to implement rapid reconstruction works and to punish builders who skirted building regulations. He accused the opposition of seeking advantage from a catastrophe. Erdogan claims that he has introduced various reforms, but he is also accused of slipping into authoritarianism reminiscent of the Ottoman sultans and not abiding by Turkey's democratic foundations. The early life of Erdogan Erdogan was born in Istanbul on February 26, 1954, and graduated from Kasımpaşa Piyale Primary School in 1965. He completed his high school education at Istanbul Imam Hatip School (Religious Vocational High School) in 1973. Interest in politics was quite evident as Erdogan became known as a fiery orator in the cause of political Islam when he was in high school. Apart from politics, he was also actively interested in football — a sport which taught him the significance of teamwork and spirit in his younger years. But his inclination towards politics was definitely more. After being born in a working-class, Erdogan made his name in nascent Islamic movements that were challenging secular domination, becoming the city's mayor in 1994. However, he was convicted and jailed for four months for inciting religious hatred when he recited a fiery poem that compared mosques to army barracks and called minarets "our bayonets", which led to cutting short of his mayoral term. Watch this report: × But the setback did not affect his popularity and the way he was with people. He also founded the AKP after an earlier Islamic party was banned, Erdogan spearheaded its 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. Erdogan grew up as the son of a coastguard on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Reports say that his father decided to move to Istanbul when he was 13. As a child, Erdogan sold lemonade and sesame buns to earn extra cash. Part of NATO, but not so Western Turkey is part of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) — a military alliance majorly comprising the Western nations — but he never shied away from holding his ground. Turkey played a crucial role in brokering a grain deal between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing war, to an extent resolving the global food crisis. Turkey also put brakes on Sweden's plans to join the Western defensive alliance. Turkey was handed US sanctions in December 2020 over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems and had been criticised by Western allies over the move. Ankara has said it was forced to opt for Russian weapons because allies did not provide weapons on satisfactory terms. However, in 2022, he said that it is unclear whether Turkey will buy more Russian arms because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Power and protests Erdogan led the 2002 landslide election victory and became premier less than six months later. His signature early achievements included a series of reforms — abolishing the death penalty and beginning a peace process with Kurdish militants. Mass protests in 2013 over plans to turn an Istanbul park into a shopping mall marked the start of a more divisive era that included corruption allegations levelled against his inner circle. Turkey's bid to join the EU faltered and peace talks with the Kurds imploded in 2015 when a Kurdish opposition party helped to wrest control of parliament from Erdogan for the first time. Turkish military operations against Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq soon followed, creating new tensions with the West. What are the challenges ahead? From a crippling economic crisis to a diplomatic standoff with allies, Erdogan will face a myriad of challenges. Turks are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with annual inflation running at around 40 per cent in April after officially peaking at 85 per cent last year. Discussion over Sweden's NATO bid, efforts to reconcile with Syria, and earthquake reconstruction, are some of the burning issues that Erdogan will have to take action on. Opponents accused him of turning a blind eye to corruption and lax building standards that allowed entire cities to crumble in the February 6 earthquake. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenges not over

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany.<o:p></o:p>

This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader.<o:p></o:p>

<a name="_Hlk85918783">"</a>I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible," Erdogan said. "They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a></o:p>

These envoys had reportedly protested the detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala. They had claimed that his detention had “cast a shadow” over Turkey.<o:p></o:p>

The western ambassadors had urged Turkey to ensure "just and speedy resolution" in Kavala’s case.<o:p></o:p>

Erdogan, however, accused the foreign envoys of ‘indecency’ and ordered expulsion of these ten foreign ambassadors. He claims "we cannot have the luxury of hosting them in our country".

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-remain-under-fatf-grey-list-turkey-jordan-mali-also-added-422835">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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Kavala, a 64-year-old civil society leader, has been behind the bars since 2017 without any conviction. He has been accused with several charged which are linked to infamous anti-government protests in 2013 and 2016’s failed military coup.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement comes at a time when Turkey has been pushed to the FATF "grey list" with other countries such as Pakistan, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Erdogan’s country has been placed in "grey list" due to money laundering and terrorist financing issues.<o:p></o:p>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany. This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany. This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader. "I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible," Erdogan said. "They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey." Also read | FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' These envoys had reportedly protested the detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala. They had claimed that his detention had “cast a shadow” over Turkey. The western ambassadors had urged Turkey to ensure "just and speedy resolution" in Kavala’s case. Erdogan, however, accused the foreign envoys of ‘indecency’ and ordered expulsion of these ten foreign ambassadors. He claims "we cannot have the luxury of hosting them in our country". WATCH | Kavala, a 64-year-old civil society leader, has been behind the bars since 2017 without any conviction. He has been accused with several charged which are linked to infamous anti-government protests in 2013 and 2016’s failed military coup. This announcement comes at a time when Turkey has been pushed to the FATF "grey list" with other countries such as Pakistan, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Erdogan’s country has been placed in "grey list" due to money laundering and terrorist financing issues.

'Indecency': Turkey's Erdogan orders expulsion of 10 ambassadors

The trend of US-Turkey cease-fire in Syria is still uncertain as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, analysts said Saturday in Istanbul.

The trend of US-Turkey cease-fire in Syria is still uncertain as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, analysts said Saturday in Istanbul. The US and Turkey on Thursday reached an agreement on imposing a five-day truce to build a safe zone in northern Syria, where the Turkish forces had been fighting against the Kurdish militia. Selcuk Colakoglu, director, Turkish Center for Asia Pacific Studies, said the two countries are under pressure from the international community to reach the agreement. "Turkey and US are allies in NATO and also have very deep cooperation in fields of security, defence and others. So they should and they must find ground for making consensus for that. Two governments are under pressure of international public to end ongoing operation," said Colakoglu. The agreement was reached following Erdogan's meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence who announced that United States will help facilitate an "orderly withdrawal" of Kurdish-led troops from what Turkey has termed as a "safe zone" on the Syrian-Turkish border. Analysts said the situation is not certain as Turkey is still cautious about the US promises. Erdogan's meeting with Putin on Tuesday will add murk to an already muddy situation. "Turkey announced that Turkey will monitor weather these promises are kept or not. Why? Because they have a really bad experience in the promises made by America to Turkey. So Turkey would like to see if this would end operation or not," said Filiz Katman, assistant professor, Istanbul Aydin University. "And this state is very much related to the meeting plan with Russian President Putin. Then it's October 22. If the promises are not kept, Turkey will continue with Russia," said Katman.

US-Turkey ceasefire agreement uncertain as Erdogan meets Putin

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday fiercely denounced Israel for the bombing of a building housing Turkey's state news agency Anadolu in Gaza.

"We strongly condemn Israel's attack against Anadolu Agency’s office in Gaza," Erdogan said on Twitter.

"Turkey and Anadolu Agency will continue to tell the world about Israeli terrorism and atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine despite such attacks," he wrote.

Anadolu reported that the building collapsed after being hit.

Staff were evacuated shortly before the strike which was preceded by a warning shot, the agency said, adding that none of its journalists had been hurt.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu added: "Targeting of @AnadoluAgency #Gaza office is new example of Israel's unrestrained aggression.

"Israeli violence against innocent people w/out distinction is a crime against humanity. Those who encourage Israel are also guilty. Will keep defending #Palestinian cause, even if alone," he said.

Gaza militants on Saturday fired some 200 rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes that killed four Palestinians including a baby and her pregnant mother, according to officials, as a fragile ceasefire faltered and a further escalation was feared.

The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire.

The destruction of the Anadolu offices risks a new surge of tension between Turkey and Israel.

Turkey has repeatedly criticised Israeli policies even though the two countries in 2016 ended a six-year rift triggered by the Israeli storming of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead.

Erdogan, an ardent defender of the Palestinian cause, and Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu frequently exchange barbs, notably during election campaigns.

Last month, Erdogan called the Israeli leader a "tyrant" after Netanyahu called him a "dictator" and a "joke".

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday fiercely denounced Israel for the bombing of a building housing Turkey's state news agency Anadolu in Gaza. "We strongly condemn Israel's attack against Anadolu Agency’s office in Gaza," Erdogan said on Twitter.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday fiercely denounced Israel for the bombing of a building housing Turkey's state news agency Anadolu in Gaza. "We strongly condemn Israel's attack against Anadolu Agency’s office in Gaza," Erdogan said on Twitter. "Turkey and Anadolu Agency will continue to tell the world about Israeli terrorism and atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine despite such attacks," he wrote. Anadolu reported that the building collapsed after being hit. Staff were evacuated shortly before the strike which was preceded by a warning shot, the agency said, adding that none of its journalists had been hurt. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu added: "Targeting of @AnadoluAgency #Gaza office is new example of Israel's unrestrained aggression. "Israeli violence against innocent people w/out distinction is a crime against humanity. Those who encourage Israel are also guilty. Will keep defending #Palestinian cause, even if alone," he said. Gaza militants on Saturday fired some 200 rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes that killed four Palestinians including a baby and her pregnant mother, according to officials, as a fragile ceasefire faltered and a further escalation was feared. The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire. The destruction of the Anadolu offices risks a new surge of tension between Turkey and Israel. Turkey has repeatedly criticised Israeli policies even though the two countries in 2016 ended a six-year rift triggered by the Israeli storming of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead. Erdogan, an ardent defender of the Palestinian cause, and Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu frequently exchange barbs, notably during election campaigns. Last month, Erdogan called the Israeli leader a "tyrant" after Netanyahu called him a "dictator" and a "joke".

Erdogan condemns Israeli Gaza bombing of Turkish news agency offices

Bashar al-Assad has won his war for political survival but as Syria's conflict enters its ninth year, his country is fractured, cash-strapped, and pray to both friend and foe.

The civil war reaches its eighth anniversary this month with more than 360,000 people killed, millions more displaced, and devastation worth $400 billion.

As the war winds down, Syrians in regime-held areas may no longer have to worry about bombardment, but they face fuel shortages, frequent power cuts, unemployment, and rampant poverty.

From the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests in 2011, the war spiraled into a complex conflict involving jihadists.

Syria's president may have reversed the initial gains of the armed opposition and jihadists, but foreign powers have entered his turf.

"The Syrian conflict is more complicated because there are now powerful foreign actors that control large zones inside Syria," said Nicholas Heras, an analyst at the Centre for a New American Security.

"And these foreign actors are not likely to leave Syria any time soon."

Backed by Russia and Iran, Assad's forces now control almost two-thirds of the country.

But key areas remain beyond his control, including a swathe of the oil-rich northeast held by US-backed Kurdish-led forces fighting the Islamic State group.

The northwestern region of Idlib, held by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, is protected by a ceasefire deal, which has seen Turkish troops deployed to the area.

And Ankara's Syrian rebel proxies hold several northern cities near the border.

Joshua Landis, of the University of Oklahoma, painted a grim picture.

"The Syrian map is one of division and despair," he said.

"Over 30 percent of the country is occupied by foreign governments who have built and funded local militaries."

- Return on investment -

Various foreign powers are competing to reap a return on years of military investment or protect their interests.

Russia has backed Assad with troops and air strikes since 2015, while Iran has dispatched advisers as well as Shiite fighters from Lebanon and Iraq.

"Russia wants to stabilize Assad to keep a steady local partner to guard its expanding bases in Syria" and project power region-wide, Heras said.

Iran wants a foothold in Syria, in case of a war between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel to the southwest, he said.

Both allies hope to play a key role in reconstruction and have signed deals including for electricity, oil and infrastructure projects.

Turkey and the United States, who have traditionally backed non-state actors, have other interests.

President Recep Tayyip "Erdogan wants to rip the Kurds out of America's embrace" and impose Turkey in northern and eastern Syria, Heras said.

Washington backs Kurdish-led fighters who control a large and oil-rich northeastern swathe and has US troops in Syria as part of the anti-IS fight drawing to a close near the Iraqi border.

Turkey views Kurdish fighters as "terrorists" and has long threatened to attack the Kurds south of its border.

Washington is to dial down its presence to 200 "peace-keeping" troops after IS is expelled from its last pocket.

As well as shielding the Kurds from Turkey, a US presence piles pressure on Assad.

"Assad needs the water and wheat that the United States controls in eastern Syria," Heras said.

But "it is US policy to keep these resources from him and force the economy of Assad's statelet to collapse around him," he added.

- 'Three jobs' to get by - 
Along with the European Union, the United States has ramped up sanctions on Syrian officials and companies, including by seeking to prevent oil shipments to the country.

Landis said those measures were compounding post-war challenges, chief among them relaunching a devastated economy.

"The US is imposing one of the strictest sanctions regimes on Syria which will continue to deepen the misery of the people," he added.

Plus "the worst characteristics of the regime have been strengthened in the struggle to win the civil war: corruption, violence, and the absence of the rule of law," he said.

Shadi Abbas, 40, is struggling to return to a normal life after a routine military service lasted a whole eight years.

"I feel I have to work three jobs" to make ends meet, he said.

"Even if I found some money and work, who will give me back my youth," he said.

But after years of war, Assad has secured his capital, regained control of key commercial arteries, and started a timid comeback on the Arab scene.

Much to the despair of the fragmented opposition, several countries have called for Syria to be reintegrated into the Arab League, from which it was suspended as the death toll mounted in 2011.

Remaining rebels and jihadists are largely confined to Idlib after being ferried out of other parts of the country retaken by the regime.

The political opposition is scattered abroad and has failed to end the bloodshed in numerous rounds of abortive peace talks.

Whatever the challenges, "revolution is on low flame, and that is a win for Assad," Heras said.

Bashar al-Assad has won his war for political survival but as Syria's conflict enters its ninth year, his country is fractured, cash-strapped, and pray to both friend and foe.

Bashar al-Assad has won his war for political survival but as Syria's conflict enters its ninth year, his country is fractured, cash-strapped, and pray to both friend and foe. The civil war reaches its eighth anniversary this month with more than 360,000 people killed, millions more displaced, and devastation worth $400 billion. As the war winds down, Syrians in regime-held areas may no longer have to worry about bombardment, but they face fuel shortages, frequent power cuts, unemployment, and rampant poverty. From the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests in 2011, the war spiraled into a complex conflict involving jihadists. Syria's president may have reversed the initial gains of the armed opposition and jihadists, but foreign powers have entered his turf. "The Syrian conflict is more complicated because there are now powerful foreign actors that control large zones inside Syria," said Nicholas Heras, an analyst at the Centre for a New American Security. "And these foreign actors are not likely to leave Syria any time soon." Backed by Russia and Iran, Assad's forces now control almost two-thirds of the country. But key areas remain beyond his control, including a swathe of the oil-rich northeast held by US-backed Kurdish-led forces fighting the Islamic State group. The northwestern region of Idlib, held by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, is protected by a ceasefire deal, which has seen Turkish troops deployed to the area. And Ankara's Syrian rebel proxies hold several northern cities near the border. Joshua Landis, of the University of Oklahoma, painted a grim picture. "The Syrian map is one of division and despair," he said. "Over 30 percent of the country is occupied by foreign governments who have built and funded local militaries." - Return on investment - Various foreign powers are competing to reap a return on years of military investment or protect their interests. Russia has backed Assad with troops and air strikes since 2015, while Iran has dispatched advisers as well as Shiite fighters from Lebanon and Iraq. "Russia wants to stabilize Assad to keep a steady local partner to guard its expanding bases in Syria" and project power region-wide, Heras said. Iran wants a foothold in Syria, in case of a war between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel to the southwest, he said. Both allies hope to play a key role in reconstruction and have signed deals including for electricity, oil and infrastructure projects. Turkey and the United States, who have traditionally backed non-state actors, have other interests. President Recep Tayyip "Erdogan wants to rip the Kurds out of America's embrace" and impose Turkey in northern and eastern Syria, Heras said. Washington backs Kurdish-led fighters who control a large and oil-rich northeastern swathe and has US troops in Syria as part of the anti-IS fight drawing to a close near the Iraqi border. Turkey views Kurdish fighters as "terrorists" and has long threatened to attack the Kurds south of its border. Washington is to dial down its presence to 200 "peace-keeping" troops after IS is expelled from its last pocket. As well as shielding the Kurds from Turkey, a US presence piles pressure on Assad. "Assad needs the water and wheat that the United States controls in eastern Syria," Heras said. But "it is US policy to keep these resources from him and force the economy of Assad's statelet to collapse around him," he added. - 'Three jobs' to get by - Along with the European Union, the United States has ramped up sanctions on Syrian officials and companies, including by seeking to prevent oil shipments to the country. Landis said those measures were compounding post-war challenges, chief among them relaunching a devastated economy. "The US is imposing one of the strictest sanctions regimes on Syria which will continue to deepen the misery of the people," he added. Plus "the worst characteristics of the regime have been strengthened in the struggle to win the civil war: corruption, violence, and the absence of the rule of law," he said. Shadi Abbas, 40, is struggling to return to a normal life after a routine military service lasted a whole eight years. "I feel I have to work three jobs" to make ends meet, he said. "Even if I found some money and work, who will give me back my youth," he said. But after years of war, Assad has secured his capital, regained control of key commercial arteries, and started a timid comeback on the Arab scene. Much to the despair of the fragmented opposition, several countries have called for Syria to be reintegrated into the Arab League, from which it was suspended as the death toll mounted in 2011. Remaining rebels and jihadists are largely confined to Idlib after being ferried out of other parts of the country retaken by the regime. The political opposition is scattered abroad and has failed to end the bloodshed in numerous rounds of abortive peace talks. Whatever the challenges, "revolution is on low flame, and that is a win for Assad," Heras said.

Eight years on, Assad clings on but beleaguered

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in Istanbul rose to 21 Saturday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said authorities have "lessons to learn" from the incident.

The eight-storey block in the Kartal district on the Asian side of the city collapsed on Wednesday but the cause is not yet clear.&nbsp;

Erdogan, visiting the site Saturday, said: "We have a great number of lessons to learn from this. We will take the necessary measures."

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, meanwhile, told reporters that the toll from the building collapse had risen to 21 dead and 14 injured.

It was the third time the toll figures were updated during the day.

"We estimate that there were 35 people trapped under the rubble and we have now accounted for 35," he said while stressing that search operations would continue as before.

Dozens of rescuers were working at the site with a crane lifting huge blocks of concrete to clear the rubble.

President Erdogan also visited a hospital to talk to survivors, before attending the funeral of the nine members of one family who lost their lives in the disaster.

Turkish authorities said 43 people were registered as living in the building.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum, who accompanied Erdogan, said the block had housed 14 apartments and three businesses.

Turkish media said three of the eight floors had been illegally built -- a common practice in the metropolis of around 15 million people.

The collapse fanned criticism of a government amnesty granted last year to people accused of illegal building -- a measure announced ahead of municipal elections this March.

Engineers and architects regularly sound the alarm against illegal additional storeys to buildings which they say weaken the constructions' structure, and put them at greater risk in the event of an earthquake.

A four-storey structure in Istanbul crumbled last year following violent thunderstorms. In January 2017, two people died when another building collapsed in a working class part of the city.

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in Istanbul rose to 21 Saturday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said authorities have "lessons to learn" from the incident.

The death toll from the collapse of an apartment building in Istanbul rose to 21 Saturday, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said authorities have "lessons to learn" from the incident. The eight-storey block in the Kartal district on the Asian side of the city collapsed on Wednesday but the cause is not yet clear. Erdogan, visiting the site Saturday, said: "We have a great number of lessons to learn from this. We will take the necessary measures." Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, meanwhile, told reporters that the toll from the building collapse had risen to 21 dead and 14 injured. It was the third time the toll figures were updated during the day. "We estimate that there were 35 people trapped under the rubble and we have now accounted for 35," he said while stressing that search operations would continue as before. Dozens of rescuers were working at the site with a crane lifting huge blocks of concrete to clear the rubble. President Erdogan also visited a hospital to talk to survivors, before attending the funeral of the nine members of one family who lost their lives in the disaster. Turkish authorities said 43 people were registered as living in the building. Environment Minister Murat Kurum, who accompanied Erdogan, said the block had housed 14 apartments and three businesses. Turkish media said three of the eight floors had been illegally built -- a common practice in the metropolis of around 15 million people. The collapse fanned criticism of a government amnesty granted last year to people accused of illegal building -- a measure announced ahead of municipal elections this March. Engineers and architects regularly sound the alarm against illegal additional storeys to buildings which they say weaken the constructions' structure, and put them at greater risk in the event of an earthquake. A four-storey structure in Istanbul crumbled last year following violent thunderstorms. In January 2017, two people died when another building collapsed in a working class part of the city.

Death toll from Turkey building collapse rises to 21