Russia urged Turkey not to launch an offensive in northern Syria after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renewed threats of a military campaign targeting Kurdish terrorists.

Russia urges Turkey not to launch military action in Syria

Turkey has officially changed its name to Turkiye. Meanwhile, the United Nations has agreed to recognise the change while giving an approval on Thursday and said change will be immediate.

Turkey changes name to Turkiye; UN recognises the new name

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) the US-backed side in the Syrian war said on Thursday that Turkey's plans of new offensive in Syria may create humanitarian crisis.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said that all sides involved in the conflict should "prevent any new tragedies and support de-escalation". He warned that a fresh attack would lead to more displacement in the 11-year-long conflict.

Turkey, which has mounted four operations in northern Syria since 2016, has vowed a new offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia, the spearhead of the SDF, which controls swathes of territory at the Turkish border.

Turkey considers the Kurdish forces in Syria to be terrorists and a threat to national security. On the other hand the US views SDF as an ally &nbsp;that has helped drive Islamic State from vast areas of Syria.

Turkey is one of several powers drawn into the war in Syria, where Russia backs the government.

Russia, expressing alarm, said it hoped Turkey "refrains from actions which could lead to a dangerous deterioration of the already difficult situation in Syria".

A foreign ministry spokeswoman told Interfax news agency that if Ankara launched an attack it would represent a direct violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and provoke further escalation of tension.

Washington, whose support for the SDF has long been a point of tension in ties with its NATO ally Turkey, has expressed concern, saying any new offensive would put at risk U.S. troops - which have a presence in Syria - and undermine regional stability.

On a visit to the Turkish town of Hatay near the Syrian border, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reiterated US opposition to any military action.

"We think that nothing should be done to break the ceasefire lines that have already been established," Linda Thomas Greenfield said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) the US-backed side in the Syrian war said on Thursday that Turkey's plans of new offensive in Syria may create humanitarian crisis.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) the US-backed side in the Syrian war said on Thursday that Turkey's plans of new offensive in Syria may create humanitarian crisis. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said that all sides involved in the conflict should "prevent any new tragedies and support de-escalation". He warned that a fresh attack would lead to more displacement in the 11-year-long conflict. Turkey, which has mounted four operations in northern Syria since 2016, has vowed a new offensive against the Kurdish YPG militia, the spearhead of the SDF, which controls swathes of territory at the Turkish border. Turkey considers the Kurdish forces in Syria to be terrorists and a threat to national security. On the other hand the US views SDF as an ally that has helped drive Islamic State from vast areas of Syria. Turkey is one of several powers drawn into the war in Syria, where Russia backs the government. Russia, expressing alarm, said it hoped Turkey "refrains from actions which could lead to a dangerous deterioration of the already difficult situation in Syria". A foreign ministry spokeswoman told Interfax news agency that if Ankara launched an attack it would represent a direct violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and provoke further escalation of tension. Washington, whose support for the SDF has long been a point of tension in ties with its NATO ally Turkey, has expressed concern, saying any new offensive would put at risk U.S. troops - which have a presence in Syria - and undermine regional stability. On a visit to the Turkish town of Hatay near the Syrian border, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reiterated US opposition to any military action. "We think that nothing should be done to break the ceasefire lines that have already been established," Linda Thomas Greenfield said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US-backed force in Syria warns against Turkish plans of new attack

Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’

Turkey’s annual inflation rate hit a 24-year high of 73 per cent in May, data revealed on Friday, as the country battles Russia-Ukraine war-induced inflation, high energy prices and a tumbling lira that has not recovered since December last year.

According to data from the country’s statistical agency, the consumer price index rose 73.5 per cent year on year in May, the highest level since October 1998.

Food prices also rose 91.6 per cent year on year, while transport prices jumped by 107.6 per cent—a growing source of discontent among the Turkish public.

The source of the current economic crisis has been blamed on Erdogan's unorthodox policy of pushing for lower interest rates to combat price rises.

The central bank refused again last week to raise its main rate, keeping it at 14 per cent.

Rumours of military intervention in northern Syria further hit the value of the Turkish lira, which was at 16.49 to the dollar on Friday. The currency has lost nearly 48 percent in value over the past year, reports AFP.

With elections around the corner in June 2023, the opposition and many economists have accused the national statistics agency of deliberately underestimating the magnitude of inflation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan claimed he was embarking on a new economic model that would harness a cheap lira and a boom in exports to bring down inflation by eliminating the country’s longstanding trade deficit.

Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati on Monday brushed aside concerns, saying that the current inflationary trend was fleeting and would “not spread over the long term and be permanent”.

“We will increase the welfare and purchasing power of our citizens over the past level,” AFP quoted Nebati as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey’s annual inflation rate hit a 24-year high of 73 per cent in May, data revealed on Friday, as the country battles Russia-Ukraine war-induced inflation, high energy prices and a tumbling lira that has not recovered since December last year.

Turkey’s annual inflation rate hit a 24-year high of 73 per cent in May, data revealed on Friday, as the country battles Russia-Ukraine war-induced inflation, high energy prices and a tumbling lira that has not recovered since December last year. According to data from the country’s statistical agency, the consumer price index rose 73.5 per cent year on year in May, the highest level since October 1998. Food prices also rose 91.6 per cent year on year, while transport prices jumped by 107.6 per cent—a growing source of discontent among the Turkish public. The source of the current economic crisis has been blamed on Erdogan's unorthodox policy of pushing for lower interest rates to combat price rises. The central bank refused again last week to raise its main rate, keeping it at 14 per cent. Rumours of military intervention in northern Syria further hit the value of the Turkish lira, which was at 16.49 to the dollar on Friday. The currency has lost nearly 48 percent in value over the past year, reports AFP. With elections around the corner in June 2023, the opposition and many economists have accused the national statistics agency of deliberately underestimating the magnitude of inflation. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan claimed he was embarking on a new economic model that would harness a cheap lira and a boom in exports to bring down inflation by eliminating the country’s longstanding trade deficit. Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati on Monday brushed aside concerns, saying that the current inflationary trend was fleeting and would “not spread over the long term and be permanent”. “We will increase the welfare and purchasing power of our citizens over the past level,” AFP quoted Nebati as saying. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Turkey’s annual inflation spirals to 24-year high at 73%

There is a strange controversy brewing between Pakistan and Turkey. Hashtags like Pakistani perverts and Pakistani get out have started trending on Turkey's social media platforms. This comes after several videos had emerged allegedly showing Pakistani men sharing inappropriate videos of women and children

Pakistan men seen stalking Turkish women in TikTok videos

We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a &nbsp;popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down.

Protesters outside the court waved banners bearing slogans such as "You will never walk alone!" and "We will stop women's murders", alongside the families of women murdered by men. &nbsp;

Hundreds of women rallied outside the court in Istanbul in support of women.

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Ipek Bozkurt, the lawyer for We Will Stop Femicide Platform, said femicides were "political" -- and so was the lawsuit.&nbsp;

"This is a move against the platform which strongly condemned the withdrawal from the Istanbul convention.

Therefore in our defence, we will explain to the judges why this case lacks legal grounds," she said.&nbsp;

Almost 300 lawyers from across Turkey expressed an interest in defending the group.&nbsp;

Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender. We Will Stop Femicide group has been working in order to raise awareness for this issue since 2010.&nbsp;

Aysun Kilic, from the bar association in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, said We Will Stop Femicide was conducting a careful, up-to-date study about murdered women.&nbsp;"This is actually the duty of the state," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"While this is the case, we find the lawsuit unlawful, dangerous for women's rights and an attempt to undermine a study on women's killings. This case is harming us and our fight for women's rights," she said.&nbsp;

Social conservatives in Turkey believe that the We Will Stop Femicide group supports homosexuality and works against traditional family values.&nbsp;

Melek Onder, another spokesperson of the group, remained defiant. "This legal action empowers us rather than weakens us," she told AFP.

"It's impossible to shut down this platform when women are still becoming victims of femicide," she said.&nbsp;"We are not desperate at all because we know that they cannot stop our struggle."

&nbsp;

[ With inputs from agencies] 
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We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down.

We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down. Protesters outside the court waved banners bearing slogans such as "You will never walk alone!" and "We will stop women's murders", alongside the families of women murdered by men. Hundreds of women rallied outside the court in Istanbul in support of women. Ipek Bozkurt, the lawyer for We Will Stop Femicide Platform, said femicides were "political" -- and so was the lawsuit. "This is a move against the platform which strongly condemned the withdrawal from the Istanbul convention. Therefore in our defence, we will explain to the judges why this case lacks legal grounds," she said. Almost 300 lawyers from across Turkey expressed an interest in defending the group. Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender. We Will Stop Femicide group has been working in order to raise awareness for this issue since 2010. Aysun Kilic, from the bar association in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, said We Will Stop Femicide was conducting a careful, up-to-date study about murdered women. "This is actually the duty of the state," she told AFP. "While this is the case, we find the lawsuit unlawful, dangerous for women's rights and an attempt to undermine a study on women's killings. This case is harming us and our fight for women's rights," she said. Social conservatives in Turkey believe that the We Will Stop Femicide group supports homosexuality and works against traditional family values. Melek Onder, another spokesperson of the group, remained defiant. "This legal action empowers us rather than weakens us," she told AFP. "It's impossible to shut down this platform when women are still becoming victims of femicide," she said. "We are not desperate at all because we know that they cannot stop our struggle." [ 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.

Anti-femicide group goes on trial in Turkey, hundreds of women gather in support

The process to change Turkey’s name into “Türkiye” started back in December last year after a memorandum from president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on Thursday, it received the seal of approval from the United Nations. Following the official request from the country, the UN has decided to change the name of Turkey at the organisation. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced that the letter written by Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was received on Wednesday and he made it clear that the change of the name became valid from the moment that the official letter was received.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-spent-2-months-locked-up-but-china-bans-media-from-calling-it-a-lockdown-484410">Shanghai spent 2 months 'locked' up, but media can't call it a 'lockdown'</a>

Earlier, on Tuesday, Cavusoglu said that an official letter requesting a change of name has been sent to the UN and other major bodies around the world. “Together with our Directorate of Communications, we have been successful in preparing a good ground for this,” said the letter according to Associated Press.

The current government has been trying hard for the name Turkey to be changed to “Türkiye” (tur-key-YAY) as it is spelled and pronounced in Turkish. The name actually dates back to 1923 as the country was called “Türkiye” right after its independence before changing it to Turkey.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-controls-about-20-per-cent-of-ukraine-says-president-volodymyr-zelensky-484449" hreflang="en">Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Zelensky</a>

Currently, according to the new directive, “Made in Türkiye” is being used instead of “Made in Turkey” on exported products and the name change has also taken place on official documents.

Turkey’s English-language state broadcaster TRT World also explained the decision saying that the word “turkey” shows “a muddled set of images, articles, and dictionary definitions that conflate the country with Meleagris – otherwise known as the turkey, a large bird native to North America – which is famous for being served on Christmas menus or Thanksgiving dinners” on Google.

The process to change Turkey’s name into “Türkiye” started back in December last year after a memorandum from president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on Thursday, it received the seal of approval from the United Nations.

The process to change Turkey’s name into “Türkiye” started back in December last year after a memorandum from president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on Thursday, it received the seal of approval from the United Nations. Following the official request from the country, the UN has decided to change the name of Turkey at the organisation. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced that the letter written by Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was received on Wednesday and he made it clear that the change of the name became valid from the moment that the official letter was received. Also read | Shanghai spent 2 months 'locked' up, but media can't call it a 'lockdown' Earlier, on Tuesday, Cavusoglu said that an official letter requesting a change of name has been sent to the UN and other major bodies around the world. “Together with our Directorate of Communications, we have been successful in preparing a good ground for this,” said the letter according to Associated Press. The current government has been trying hard for the name Turkey to be changed to “Türkiye” (tur-key-YAY) as it is spelled and pronounced in Turkish. The name actually dates back to 1923 as the country was called “Türkiye” right after its independence before changing it to Turkey. Also read | Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Zelensky Currently, according to the new directive, “Made in Türkiye” is being used instead of “Made in Turkey” on exported products and the name change has also taken place on official documents. Turkey’s English-language state broadcaster TRT World also explained the decision saying that the word “turkey” shows “a muddled set of images, articles, and dictionary definitions that conflate the country with Meleagris – otherwise known as the turkey, a large bird native to North America – which is famous for being served on Christmas menus or Thanksgiving dinners” on Google.

Turkey To Become ‘Türkiye’? United Nations approve request for name change

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey was halting talks with Greece, partly over a dispute with the Greek prime minister and what Ankara calls airspace violations, marking the latest reversal in the neighbours` long-testy relationship.

Last year, after a five-year hiatus, the two NATO members resumed talks to address their differences in the Mediterranean Sea and other bilateral issues. The talks have made little progress and the countries have frequently traded barbs.

Erdogan said Turkey had cancelled a bilateral cooperation platform, dubbed the High-Level Strategic Council, with Greece, adding in a speech to lawmakers from his ruling party that Ankara wanted foreign policy that "had strong character".

"You keep putting on shows for us with your planes," Erdogan said, referring to a dispute about airspace over islands in the Aegean Sea. "What are you doing? Pull yourself together. Do you not learn lessons from history?"

"Don`t try to dance with Turkey. You`ll get tired and stuck on the road. We are no longer holding bilateral talks with them. This Greece will not see reason," he said.

The countries have long been at odds over a host of issues such as maritime boundaries, overlapping claims over their continental shelves, airspace, migrants and ethnically split Cyprus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-air-defense-system-to-cost-2-per-missile-interception-says-israeli-prime-minister-484214" hreflang="en">New air-defense system to cost $2 per missile interception, says Israeli prime minister</a>

Tensions flared again last week when Erdogan said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis "no longer exists" for him, accusing him of trying to block sales of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit to the United States.

On Tuesday, Mitsotakis told reporters after a European Union summit that he had briefed his EU counterparts over Turkey`s "aggressiveness" and "provocations which cannot be tolerated by Greece or the European Union".

"I will not be involved in a game of personal insults...," he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday Greece was violating international agreements that determine the demilitarised status of islands in the Aegean, warning that if Athens did not change course Ankara would launch challenges over the islands` status.

Greece`s Foreign Ministry said Cavusoglu`s comments showed Turkey was threatening Athens.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey was halting talks with Greece, partly over a dispute with the Greek prime minister and what Ankara calls airspace violations, marking the latest reversal in the neighbours` long-testy relationship.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday Turkey was halting talks with Greece, partly over a dispute with the Greek prime minister and what Ankara calls airspace violations, marking the latest reversal in the neighbours` long-testy relationship. Last year, after a five-year hiatus, the two NATO members resumed talks to address their differences in the Mediterranean Sea and other bilateral issues. The talks have made little progress and the countries have frequently traded barbs. Erdogan said Turkey had cancelled a bilateral cooperation platform, dubbed the High-Level Strategic Council, with Greece, adding in a speech to lawmakers from his ruling party that Ankara wanted foreign policy that "had strong character". "You keep putting on shows for us with your planes," Erdogan said, referring to a dispute about airspace over islands in the Aegean Sea. "What are you doing? Pull yourself together. Do you not learn lessons from history?" "Don`t try to dance with Turkey. You`ll get tired and stuck on the road. We are no longer holding bilateral talks with them. This Greece will not see reason," he said. The countries have long been at odds over a host of issues such as maritime boundaries, overlapping claims over their continental shelves, airspace, migrants and ethnically split Cyprus. Also read | New air-defense system to cost $2 per missile interception, says Israeli prime minister Tensions flared again last week when Erdogan said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis "no longer exists" for him, accusing him of trying to block sales of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit to the United States. On Tuesday, Mitsotakis told reporters after a European Union summit that he had briefed his EU counterparts over Turkey`s "aggressiveness" and "provocations which cannot be tolerated by Greece or the European Union". "I will not be involved in a game of personal insults...," he said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday Greece was violating international agreements that determine the demilitarised status of islands in the Aegean, warning that if Athens did not change course Ankara would launch challenges over the islands` status. Greece`s Foreign Ministry said Cavusoglu`s comments showed Turkey was threatening Athens.

Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan halts talks with Greece as tensions flare again

In the last few years Turkey has reported a steep rise in fires at its plastic recycling factories. It all started when China stopped importing plastic trash from Europe and Turkey rose to the occasion. This led to the set up of illegal factories which got more garbage import than the country could handle

Toxic smoke and suspicious plastic plant fires in Turkey

Israel's security agencies have warned its citizens to immediately leave Turkey due to Iranian threats. Security officials have directly called and advised more than 100 Israeli citizens living in Turkey to return to Israel.

Report: Israel warns 100 of its citizens to leave Turkey over threat from Iran

A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper.

The incident took place in front of the historic Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district of the city on Tuesday afternoon. A clip of the man engulfed in flames as people witness the horrific incident in disbelief went viral on social media.

According to Turkish media reports, it was unclear what prompted him to carry out the horrific act, and it is not known how seriously he was injured.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene.

Even though his identity has not been released, it was reported that the man belonged to Konya province.

According to local news outlet A3Haber, the distressed man, who has not been named, was seen walking around with a sickle and gasoline in his hand for a long period.

Footage shared online appears to show people taking selfies with the burning figure in the background.

A man and a woman are seen holding a phone aloft with their backs to the heartbreaking scene unfolding behind them. While a few other people immediately intervened and extinguished the flames.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/28-year-old-man-arrested-for-trespassing-buckingham-palace-told-staff-want-to-see-the-queen-484000" hreflang="en">28-year-old man arrested for trespassing Buckingham Palace</a>

It has been reported that the man has suffered second and third degree burns and his condition is said to be serious.

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One person rued on&nbsp;Twitter, "A person burned himself in front of the Galata tower because of what he had been through…While the event was taking place, there were children, those who took selfies, and those who drank their lemonade in the cafe.”

"Where there were so many people and shopkeepers, there was no one to stop or prevent a person's desperation before the event."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper.

A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper. The incident took place in front of the historic Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district of the city on Tuesday afternoon. A clip of the man engulfed in flames as people witness the horrific incident in disbelief went viral on social media. According to Turkish media reports, it was unclear what prompted him to carry out the horrific act, and it is not known how seriously he was injured. Police and paramedics were called to the scene. Even though his identity has not been released, it was reported that the man belonged to Konya province. According to local news outlet A3Haber, the distressed man, who has not been named, was seen walking around with a sickle and gasoline in his hand for a long period. Footage shared online appears to show people taking selfies with the burning figure in the background. A man and a woman are seen holding a phone aloft with their backs to the heartbreaking scene unfolding behind them. While a few other people immediately intervened and extinguished the flames. Also read | 28-year-old man arrested for trespassing Buckingham Palace It has been reported that the man has suffered second and third degree burns and his condition is said to be serious. Also read | Two killed and 20 injured as two colliding cars ram into crowd in Nebraska One person rued on Twitter, "A person burned himself in front of the Galata tower because of what he had been through…While the event was taking place, there were children, those who took selfies, and those who drank their lemonade in the cafe.” "Where there were so many people and shopkeepers, there was no one to stop or prevent a person's desperation before the event." (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.

Man sets himself on fire in Istanbul as bystanders click selfies

In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.

The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care.

Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful.

However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it.

Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere.

The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations.

The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle.

Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up.

Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge.

If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity.

If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside.

It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia.

In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds.

The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance.

The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.

In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases. The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care. Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful. However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it. Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere. The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations. The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle. Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up. Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge. If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity. If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside. It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia. In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds. The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance. The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey shows what NATO really is

Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited Israel as part of ongoing efforts to improve ties between the two countries. Turkish FM met Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid during his two-day visit.

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu visits Israel to bury differences

Turkey & Israel are trying to be friends. The Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu recently visited Jerusalem to 'open a new chapter' in diplomatic ties. Reports say Turkey is eyeing Israeli gas. Where does this leave Palestine? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Turkish FM visits Israel, tries to fix diplomatic ties

Swedish and Finnish delegations are in Turkey to discuss their differences regarding their membership bids to join NATO after Ankara voiced concerns over the Nordic countries’ support for terrorist groups.

Swedish, Finnish delegations in Turkey to discuss NATO bids

This is the second day of the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's two-day trip to Israel and Palestinian territories. Top diplomats of Israel and turkey have said that they hope to expand the economic ties they also seek to put an end to more than a decade of the strange ties.

Israel, Turkey to expand economic ties, aim to ease strained relationships

The foreign minister of Turkey is on an historic visit to Israel making this the first senior-level visit to the country in 15 years, WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen has filed this report

Turkey FM's Israel visit expected to help in rebuilding ties

On Thursday, exiled Afghan warlords and politicians announced the formation of a High Council of National Resistance against the Taliban, urging the Taliban to adopt a more inclusive administration or face civil war.

Since the Taliban reclaimed power last year following a quick pullout of US soldiers, there have been only intermittent attempts to defy their rule.

However, on the invitation of former Afghan vice-president and warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, who sought asylum in Turkey when Kabul fell in August, 40 political players convened in Ankara on Tuesday.

Participants said their council should pave the path for Afghanistan's "liberation," according to a statement released to AFP on Thursday.

"We urge that the Taliban stop their damage and begin discussions to find answers to Afghanistan's current challenges," they added.

The Taliban should "learn from history's lessons" that "no organisation can create a stable rule by acts of force and pressure," according to the council.

Former Balkh province governor Atta Mohammad Noor, Shia Hazara community leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, and Ahmad Wali Massoud of the National Resistance Front (NRF), the primary group now waging an armed insurgency against the government, are among the council's founding members.

Long-time Taliban opponent and warlord Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf is also a signatory.

The council’s aim is "to try to solve the problems of Afghanistan through talks," a spokesman for Dostum told AFP.

"The Taliban should accept that they can’t run the government or rule alone," otherwise "Afghanistan will experience civil war once again," he said.

At the beginning of the week, the Taliban announced the creation of a commission that would contact politicians in exile.

Taliban officials have said they hope to convene an assembly of citizens, tribal leaders and religious heads to discuss the topic of "national unity."

However, after making promises for an inclusive government, Taliban in September formed an executive comprised exclusively of Taliban members, and almost entirely from the ethnic Pashtun group.

The new rulers in Kabul are already facing attacks from the NRF led by Ahmad Massoud - son of late commander Ahmad Shah Massoud - who has stepped up assaults in his former Panjshir valley stronghold.

In its statement, the council said it considers armed resistance to the Taliban "legitimate."

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On Thursday, exiled Afghan warlords and politicians announced the formation of a High Council of National Resistance against the Taliban, urging the Taliban to adopt a more inclusive administration or face civil war.

On Thursday, exiled Afghan warlords and politicians announced the formation of a High Council of National Resistance against the Taliban, urging the Taliban to adopt a more inclusive administration or face civil war. Since the Taliban reclaimed power last year following a quick pullout of US soldiers, there have been only intermittent attempts to defy their rule. However, on the invitation of former Afghan vice-president and warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, who sought asylum in Turkey when Kabul fell in August, 40 political players convened in Ankara on Tuesday. Participants said their council should pave the path for Afghanistan's "liberation," according to a statement released to AFP on Thursday. "We urge that the Taliban stop their damage and begin discussions to find answers to Afghanistan's current challenges," they added. The Taliban should "learn from history's lessons" that "no organisation can create a stable rule by acts of force and pressure," according to the council. Former Balkh province governor Atta Mohammad Noor, Shia Hazara community leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, and Ahmad Wali Massoud of the National Resistance Front (NRF), the primary group now waging an armed insurgency against the government, are among the council's founding members. Long-time Taliban opponent and warlord Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf is also a signatory. The council’s aim is "to try to solve the problems of Afghanistan through talks," a spokesman for Dostum told AFP. "The Taliban should accept that they can’t run the government or rule alone," otherwise "Afghanistan will experience civil war once again," he said. At the beginning of the week, the Taliban announced the creation of a commission that would contact politicians in exile. Taliban officials have said they hope to convene an assembly of citizens, tribal leaders and religious heads to discuss the topic of "national unity." However, after making promises for an inclusive government, Taliban in September formed an executive comprised exclusively of Taliban members, and almost entirely from the ethnic Pashtun group. The new rulers in Kabul are already facing attacks from the NRF led by Ahmad Massoud - son of late commander Ahmad Shah Massoud - who has stepped up assaults in his former Panjshir valley stronghold. In its statement, the council said it considers armed resistance to the Taliban "legitimate." 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.

Exiled Afghan warlord organising group in Turkey against Taliban

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO, held phone calls with the Sweden and Finland leaders. He has raised concerns about Ankara.

Russia-Ukraine war: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan calls Swedish & Finnish leaders

Tensions over Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bid simmer. Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has held talks with Sweden & Finland where he detailed his concerns. Now despite support from all other NATO nations, the Sweden-Finland membership bid has been facing a major roadblock from Turkey

Sweden & Finland's NATO membership bid faces roadblock from Turkey

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has opposed Sweden and Finland joining NATO, held phone calls with the Sweden and Finland leaders. He has also raised concerns about Ankara.

NATO Bid: Erdogan holds talks with Sweden & Finland leaders, raises Ankara's concerns

Turkey is blocking NATO's expansion. Turkey's President Recep Erdogan has said that he planning to reject Finland and Sweden's application to join the security alliance. What does Erdogan stand to gain? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion

Nordic countries Sweden and Finland have applied for NATO membership. However, Turkey is the lone roadblock to their NATO bids. US President Biden said that new NATO members are not a threat.

US President Joe Biden: New NATO members are not a threat

The conundrum over NATO entry continues. US, NATO are ready to welcome Sweden & Finland into the alliance but Turkey is blocking their applications. Analysts say that Turkey is using its position in NATO to extract compensations. There will be political pressure on Turkey if it blocks the applications. Turkey’s veto may be used as leverage against existing NATO members. What does Turkey want?

Turkey, NATO & US: The big chaos over Sweden & Finland alliance bids

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden and Finland have mulled applying for NATO membership. However, Turkey has blocked their early vote to join the NATO alliance.

Turkey blocks Sweden and Finland's early vote to join NATO

After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries.

"The United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression" while their bid is considered, Biden said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-blocks-talks-with-finland-sweden-on-nato-membership-report-480173">Also Read |&nbsp;Turkey blocks talks with Finland, Sweden on NATO membership: Report</a>

Sweden and Finland had jointly bid for NATO's membership on Tuesday. Biden said he strongly supports the "historic applications".

President Erdogan has however criticised both countries of harbouring terrorists referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which Ankara has designated a terrorist organisation.

Watch: Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids

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Erodgan went a step further and had asked the officials of the two countries not to "bother" coming to Turkey for talks.

Sweden and Finland had maintained neutral status in European conflicts for decades, however, after President Putin ordered the "special military operation" against Ukraine pressure grew on both countries to join NATO.

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken had earlier backed Sweden and Finland's bid to join the European military alliance as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asserted the process will be "swift and smooth".

(With inputs from Agencies)

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After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries.

After reports claimed Turkey President Erdogan had blocked talks with Finland and Sweden to join NATO, US President Biden backed the bids from the Nordic countries. "The United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression" while their bid is considered, Biden said. Also Read | Turkey blocks talks with Finland, Sweden on NATO membership: Report Sweden and Finland had jointly bid for NATO's membership on Tuesday. Biden said he strongly supports the "historic applications". President Erdogan has however criticised both countries of harbouring terrorists referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which Ankara has designated a terrorist organisation. Watch: Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids Erodgan went a step further and had asked the officials of the two countries not to "bother" coming to Turkey for talks. Sweden and Finland had maintained neutral status in European conflicts for decades, however, after President Putin ordered the "special military operation" against Ukraine pressure grew on both countries to join NATO. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken had earlier backed Sweden and Finland's bid to join the European military alliance as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg asserted the process will be "swift and smooth". (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is about to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Wednesday, the latest step in the process of repairing ties between the two NATO allies.

Turkish foreign minister to meet US Secretary of State in Washington

Turkey opposed NATO's plan to admit Sweden and Finland as members of the military alliance. Is Erdogan using the opportunity to secure concessions from the West? What is the West willing to offer Turkey? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey derails NATO's Nordic expansion

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has restarted his opposition to Finland and Sweden joining the NATO. Turkey has also asked both countries to extradite suspected PKK members.

Turkey threatens to block Sweden, Finland NATO bids

Hours after Sweden and Finland confirmed intentions to join NATO, the membership plans have hit a road block. The opposition is Turkey whose President has said that he would not approve either bids. Sweden and Finland need all of NATO's 30 members to approve the applications.

Sweden, Finland's NATO bids hit a snag; 'Don't bother to come,' says Turkey

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