In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement. This was disclosed by Bloomberg. It is also revealed now that these countries are soon entering into manufacture of missiles and fighter jets and in this regard. Officials from Pakistan and Turkey have been holding meetings for the last several months. Pakistan Defence Secretary Mia Mohammad Hilal Hussain met the Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar in December 2020 to give final shape to the upcoming deal. More specifically, the deal would entail long-range Siper missiles and TF-X fighter jets.

Defence experts reckon that with this emerging defence cooperation, Istanbul will be part of the JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets that currently Pakistan develops with China. As it is, Turkey and Pakistan look up to each other as reliable strategic allies, and this is very likely to take their relationship to newer heights. Turkish President has most recently described that such a dependable strategic relationship has serious potential between the two countries. However, the US is believed to have taken note of this development and as it has already imposed sanctions on Turkey for the latter’s decision two years ago to buy Russian S-400 missiles system which is an eyesore to the US.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-us-foreign-policy-and-its-middle-east-conundrum-367054">Opinion: US foreign policy and its Middle East conundrum</a>

It may be recollected&nbsp;that Turkey had snapped its deal with China to procure missiles and subsequently reaching out to Russia for getting this military hardware.

As this news is getting under circulation, analysts have started pondering over this. Pakistan has been cosying up to Turkey and the latter too has been reciprocating in good measure. Erdogan’s more than one visit to Pakistan each year in the recent past has not gone unnoticed. Every time he comes or Prime Minister Imran Khan goes to Istanbul, fresh commitments are signed.

Exceeding his niceties as head of a sovereign country, Erdogan has been repeating his offers of militarily intervening in Kashmir to express his solidarity with Pakistan. Pakistan derives extraordinarily hollowed satisfaction by such assurances which are bereft of any substance or logic especially when India and Pakistan are believed to have revived a cease-fire deal of 2003 to end the hostilities. Erdogan has been playing a divisive role to abet animus which is unfortunately not a sign of a good leader.

Another implication of the Turkey Pakistan military cooperation would mean an arms race in the region. The US is likely to have a dim view of the issue particularly when President Biden is closely watching Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan sadly doesn’t comprehend that Turkey is not the best choice as its ally.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-turkey-signals-sweeping-regional-ambitions-365427">Opinion: Turkey signals sweeping regional ambitions</a>

Erdogan has a clear agenda of propelling himself as a Muslim leader of global level and he also wants to slight Saudi Arabia in this regard. Since Riyadh is not favourably inclined towards Pakistan anymore and the relations are more than sour, Imran Khan is placing all his eggs into Erdogan’s basket.&nbsp;

This suits Erdogan who is always trying to run down Saudi led Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and by default befriends Pakistan. Also, by warming upto Pakistan through a defence cooperation for manufacturing lethal weaponry, Turkey and Pakistan are encouraging security perils in the region which have far-reaching devastating consequences. Assuming and rightly so that such production of deadly military hardware will deter India - the South Asia giant, they are erroneously mistaken. Every country with self-esteem is bound to defend its borders and sovereignty with all its might even militarily. She let there be no illusions on such utopian dreams, and that’s what the experts also say.

Pakistan and Turkey are also enjoying fantasy films like Ertugrul, based on a tribal character who is thought to have existed during the Ottoman Empire. Films on him are watched widely and are full of violence and bloodshed. That shows the priorities of the leaders of the two countries who are perhaps living under false notions of chivalry. It is also known now that Pakistan and Turkish passport holders can have dual nationalities which is understandable but displays a more vibrant equation between the two countries.

The roles of Turkey and Pakistan have been under close scrutiny for their support to Azerbaijan during its military conflict with Armenia last year. By the upcoming military cooperation of joint manufacturing enterprise, it would mean that in any other future skirmishes or full-scale war, both Pakistan and Turkey will not be inhibited to militarily intervene and take sides according to one’s own whims and fancies. World at large is hoping that it does not happen and all eyes are trained in the new US administration.

Meanwhile, knowledgeable Pakistan watchers say that religious intolerance is high in Pakistan. The Pakistan Taliban has been reunified. Terrorists have successfully targeted a number of civilians in addition to several casualties amongst the military and paramilitary personnel. Nobel Laureate and activist, Malala Yousafzai, who had providentially survived an assassination attempt in the past, had received death threat again in the recent past. Afsandyar Mir, a security analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Internal Security and Cooperation opines that reunification of a splintered militancy remains dangerous news for Pakistan.

Hence, it would appear in the larger interest of peace in the region, joint arms manufacture or anti tranquil defence enterprises will prove counterproductive adding more security uncertainties to the people of South Asia.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement.

In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement. This was disclosed by Bloomberg. It is also revealed now that these countries are soon entering into manufacture of missiles and fighter jets and in this regard. Officials from Pakistan and Turkey have been holding meetings for the last several months. Pakistan Defence Secretary Mia Mohammad Hilal Hussain met the Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar in December 2020 to give final shape to the upcoming deal. More specifically, the deal would entail long-range Siper missiles and TF-X fighter jets. Defence experts reckon that with this emerging defence cooperation, Istanbul will be part of the JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets that currently Pakistan develops with China. As it is, Turkey and Pakistan look up to each other as reliable strategic allies, and this is very likely to take their relationship to newer heights. Turkish President has most recently described that such a dependable strategic relationship has serious potential between the two countries. However, the US is believed to have taken note of this development and as it has already imposed sanctions on Turkey for the latter’s decision two years ago to buy Russian S-400 missiles system which is an eyesore to the US. Also Read | Opinion: US foreign policy and its Middle East conundrum It may be recollected that Turkey had snapped its deal with China to procure missiles and subsequently reaching out to Russia for getting this military hardware. As this news is getting under circulation, analysts have started pondering over this. Pakistan has been cosying up to Turkey and the latter too has been reciprocating in good measure. Erdogan’s more than one visit to Pakistan each year in the recent past has not gone unnoticed. Every time he comes or Prime Minister Imran Khan goes to Istanbul, fresh commitments are signed. Exceeding his niceties as head of a sovereign country, Erdogan has been repeating his offers of militarily intervening in Kashmir to express his solidarity with Pakistan. Pakistan derives extraordinarily hollowed satisfaction by such assurances which are bereft of any substance or logic especially when India and Pakistan are believed to have revived a cease-fire deal of 2003 to end the hostilities. Erdogan has been playing a divisive role to abet animus which is unfortunately not a sign of a good leader. Another implication of the Turkey Pakistan military cooperation would mean an arms race in the region. The US is likely to have a dim view of the issue particularly when President Biden is closely watching Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan sadly doesn’t comprehend that Turkey is not the best choice as its ally. Also Read | Opinion: Turkey signals sweeping regional ambitions Erdogan has a clear agenda of propelling himself as a Muslim leader of global level and he also wants to slight Saudi Arabia in this regard. Since Riyadh is not favourably inclined towards Pakistan anymore and the relations are more than sour, Imran Khan is placing all his eggs into Erdogan’s basket. This suits Erdogan who is always trying to run down Saudi led Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and by default befriends Pakistan. Also, by warming upto Pakistan through a defence cooperation for manufacturing lethal weaponry, Turkey and Pakistan are encouraging security perils in the region which have far-reaching devastating consequences. Assuming and rightly so that such production of deadly military hardware will deter India - the South Asia giant, they are erroneously mistaken. Every country with self-esteem is bound to defend its borders and sovereignty with all its might even militarily. She let there be no illusions on such utopian dreams, and that’s what the experts also say. Pakistan and Turkey are also enjoying fantasy films like Ertugrul, based on a tribal character who is thought to have existed during the Ottoman Empire. Films on him are watched widely and are full of violence and bloodshed. That shows the priorities of the leaders of the two countries who are perhaps living under false notions of chivalry. It is also known now that Pakistan and Turkish passport holders can have dual nationalities which is understandable but displays a more vibrant equation between the two countries. The roles of Turkey and Pakistan have been under close scrutiny for their support to Azerbaijan during its military conflict with Armenia last year. By the upcoming military cooperation of joint manufacturing enterprise, it would mean that in any other future skirmishes or full-scale war, both Pakistan and Turkey will not be inhibited to militarily intervene and take sides according to one’s own whims and fancies. World at large is hoping that it does not happen and all eyes are trained in the new US administration. Meanwhile, knowledgeable Pakistan watchers say that religious intolerance is high in Pakistan. The Pakistan Taliban has been reunified. Terrorists have successfully targeted a number of civilians in addition to several casualties amongst the military and paramilitary personnel. Nobel Laureate and activist, Malala Yousafzai, who had providentially survived an assassination attempt in the past, had received death threat again in the recent past. Afsandyar Mir, a security analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Internal Security and Cooperation opines that reunification of a splintered militancy remains dangerous news for Pakistan. Hence, it would appear in the larger interest of peace in the region, joint arms manufacture or anti tranquil defence enterprises will prove counterproductive adding more security uncertainties to the people of South Asia. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Is Turkey wooing Pakistan through defence cooperation? 

Turkish President Erdogan wants to change election rules. Why? Because he fears a defeat in the 2023 elections. He is promising to build a new 'civilian constitution'. Will the promise work?

Gravitas: Erdogan wants to change election rules

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show.&nbsp;

This show is now getting bad reviews. So, Erdogan wants to change the rules. The poll numbers for Erdogan are dropping and supporters of his party are disenchanted. They are drifting away because economic growth has slowed.&nbsp;

The Lira has nose-dived and Erdogan's allies are breaking away to form rival parties. According to a compilation of 15 recent opinion polls, support for Erdogan's Islamist-rooted justice and development party or AKP has fallen to 36% from 42% in the last election. This is a significant drop for a ruling party, especially for one that has been in power for 17 years and one that has been on a losing spree in 2019.&nbsp;

Municipal polls were held in Turkey and Erdogan's party suffered defeat in three very important cities, Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.&nbsp;

These are three of the largest cities in Turkey. The elections here were won by opposition parties. It's been more than a year and there are growing fears that these embarrassing losses could transform into a wider nationwide loss in the 2023 elections. Pollsters say the Turkish President should be worried and it seems he is, which is why President Erdogan is trying to change the election rules.&nbsp;

In a recent public address, he said, “We are starting extensive work regarding changing political party and election regulations to improve democratic participation.”&nbsp;

What does it mean? The Turkish President did not bother to explain. His party officials have anonymously revealed that these plans include two primary things, one dividing large urban electoral districts into smaller constituencies and two, reducing the threshold for entering Parliament from 10% to 7%.&nbsp;

The first move could significantly boost the number of lawmakers from Erdogan's party and the second one will set barriers for opposition parties in entering Parliament.&nbsp;

It's quite a smart strategy and Erdogan is already laying the groundwork for it. He is trying to win public support ahead of these planned changes. He has eased coronavirus restrictions, lifted night-time curfews for weekends and promised measures to improve human rights, press freedoms, freedom of expression and new policies to curb violence against women. Erdogan says these measures would be implemented in the next two years with the ultimate aim of drafting a new constitution.&nbsp;

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president, Turkey, said, "In order to enhance standards related to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, we are developing measures aimed at easing the professional activities of journalists."&nbsp;

"We are educating law-enforcement officials as well as shopping district and neighbourhood guards on issues that constitute ill-treatment. We are removing the statute of limitations concerning disciplinary investigations over torture allegations."&nbsp;

"The ultimate aim of our (human rights) action plan is a new and civilian constitution."&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has controlled Turkey for 17 long years. First as prime minister and now as president. In 17 years, he has made Turkey an autocracy, a one-man show. This show is now getting bad reviews. So, Erdogan wants to change the rules. The poll numbers for Erdogan are dropping and supporters of his party are disenchanted. They are drifting away because economic growth has slowed. The Lira has nose-dived and Erdogan's allies are breaking away to form rival parties. According to a compilation of 15 recent opinion polls, support for Erdogan's Islamist-rooted justice and development party or AKP has fallen to 36% from 42% in the last election. This is a significant drop for a ruling party, especially for one that has been in power for 17 years and one that has been on a losing spree in 2019. Municipal polls were held in Turkey and Erdogan's party suffered defeat in three very important cities, Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. These are three of the largest cities in Turkey. The elections here were won by opposition parties. It's been more than a year and there are growing fears that these embarrassing losses could transform into a wider nationwide loss in the 2023 elections. Pollsters say the Turkish President should be worried and it seems he is, which is why President Erdogan is trying to change the election rules. In a recent public address, he said, “We are starting extensive work regarding changing political party and election regulations to improve democratic participation.” What does it mean? The Turkish President did not bother to explain. His party officials have anonymously revealed that these plans include two primary things, one dividing large urban electoral districts into smaller constituencies and two, reducing the threshold for entering Parliament from 10% to 7%. The first move could significantly boost the number of lawmakers from Erdogan's party and the second one will set barriers for opposition parties in entering Parliament. It's quite a smart strategy and Erdogan is already laying the groundwork for it. He is trying to win public support ahead of these planned changes. He has eased coronavirus restrictions, lifted night-time curfews for weekends and promised measures to improve human rights, press freedoms, freedom of expression and new policies to curb violence against women. Erdogan says these measures would be implemented in the next two years with the ultimate aim of drafting a new constitution. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president, Turkey, said, "In order to enhance standards related to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, we are developing measures aimed at easing the professional activities of journalists." "We are educating law-enforcement officials as well as shopping district and neighbourhood guards on issues that constitute ill-treatment. We are removing the statute of limitations concerning disciplinary investigations over torture allegations." "The ultimate aim of our (human rights) action plan is a new and civilian constitution."

To regain control, Turkish President pushes for reforms 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to bolster <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/practice-what-you-preach-this-is-indias-message-to-turkey-366292">Turkey's </a>judicial and&nbsp;economic system while initiating the "human rights action plan"&nbsp;to protect freedom of expression.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/targeted-by-president-erdogan-lgbtq-groups-face-hate-in-turkey-365667/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-jails-three-for-aiding-carlos-ghosn-escape-from-japan-365948">Turkey's</a> government plans to strengthen civil liberties after criticism from Western allies over erosion and suppression of human rights.

"Our aim is to strengthen even more the concept of a state of law based on human rights. We will regularly review legislation and implementation accordingly and will take all necessary precautions. Thereby, we are speeding up talks with the European Union, especially on issues that we expect to encounter in the visa liberalisation dialogue," the Turkey president said.

Erdogan outlined several new measures centering around several areas, with focus on the speeding up of trial proceedings and observation of human rights condition in prisons&nbsp;and easing the professional activities of journalists.

The Turkish&nbsp;president also spoke about improved press freedoms and freedom of expression in Turkey, which would guarantee minorities the right to take paid leave during non-Muslim holidays.

In order to curb violence against women, &nbsp;special investigation bureaus will be established, which will investigate violent crimes against women. The plan also ensures law-enforcement officials are trained in observing human rights.

The measures would be implemented in the next two years and Erdogan said that his government's ultimate goal would be to draft a new constitution.

Erdogan's pledge&nbsp;to improve the country's troubled record on human rights come ahead of a key meeting over the country's EU accession hopes.

Human rights violations have been a key obstacle to Turkey's ongoing attempts to join the bloc, with negotiations taking place on a stop-start basis since a meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen in 2002.

The bloc’s leaders will meet this month to review its relationship with Ankara, which has been further strained by a dispute over Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to bolster Turkey's judicial and economic system while initiating the "human rights action plan" to protect freedom of expression.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to bolster Turkey's judicial and economic system while initiating the "human rights action plan" to protect freedom of expression. Watch: Turkey's government plans to strengthen civil liberties after criticism from Western allies over erosion and suppression of human rights. "Our aim is to strengthen even more the concept of a state of law based on human rights. We will regularly review legislation and implementation accordingly and will take all necessary precautions. Thereby, we are speeding up talks with the European Union, especially on issues that we expect to encounter in the visa liberalisation dialogue," the Turkey president said. Erdogan outlined several new measures centering around several areas, with focus on the speeding up of trial proceedings and observation of human rights condition in prisons and easing the professional activities of journalists. The Turkish president also spoke about improved press freedoms and freedom of expression in Turkey, which would guarantee minorities the right to take paid leave during non-Muslim holidays. In order to curb violence against women, special investigation bureaus will be established, which will investigate violent crimes against women. The plan also ensures law-enforcement officials are trained in observing human rights. The measures would be implemented in the next two years and Erdogan said that his government's ultimate goal would be to draft a new constitution. Erdogan's pledge to improve the country's troubled record on human rights come ahead of a key meeting over the country's EU accession hopes. Human rights violations have been a key obstacle to Turkey's ongoing attempts to join the bloc, with negotiations taking place on a stop-start basis since a meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen in 2002. The bloc’s leaders will meet this month to review its relationship with Ankara, which has been further strained by a dispute over Turkish drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

Erdogan unveils 'human rights action plan' to protect freedom of expression in Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to bolster Turkey's judicial and economic system. He has initiated with Human Rights action plan to protect the freedom of expression.

Erdogan aim's to bolster Turkey's judicial system

Practice what you preach', this is India's message to Turkey. Ankara at the behest of Islamabad raised the Kashmir issue once again at UNHRC. But this time India pulled no punches & responded without mincing any words. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: India puts Turkey in its place on Kashmir

Turkey was hit by a wave of student protests last month after Erdogan appointed a loyalist as the head of Bogazici University.

LGBTQ+ groups face rising hate in Turkey

The LGBTQ+ community is facing rising waves of hatred, with rising homophobic discourse this vibrant community is struggling to find its place in Turkey. In the face of growing government hostility, many have taken off in search of a more accepting space.

Targeted by President Erdogan LGBTQ+ groups face hate in Turkey

President Of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wants American sanctions on Bahrain to lifted while he also sees the recent development as a window of opportunities for both Iran and the US.

WION Dispatch: Turkey's Prez Erdoğan wants US sanctions to be lifted

A nationalist Turkish television station with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dug up a 12-year-old map that projects Turkey’s sphere of influence in 2050 as stretching from South-eastern Europe on the northern coast of the Mediterranean and Libya on its southern shore across North Africa, the Gulf and the Levant into the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Buoyed by last year’s Azerbaijani defeat of Armenia, TGRT, a subsidiary of Ihlas Holding, a media and construction conglomerate that has won major government tenders, used the map to advance a policy that has long constituted the agenda of some of Mr Erdogan’s closest advisors.

The broadcasting of the map, first published in a book authored by George Freidman, the founder of Stratfor, an influential American corporate intelligence group, followed calls by pan-Turkic daily Turkiye, Ihlas’ daily newspaper that has the fourth-largest circulation in Turkey, to leverage the Azerbaijani victory to create a military alliance of Turkic states.

In a country that ranks only second to China as the world’s foremost jailer of journalists, Ihlas Holding media would not be pushing a pan-Turkic, Islam-laced Turkish regional policy without tacit government approval at the very least.

The media group’s push reflects Turkish efforts to capitalize on the fact that Turkey’s latest geopolitical triumph with Azerbaijan’s Turkish-backed victory is already producing tangible results. The military victory has positioned Azerbaijan, and by extension Turkey, as an alternative transportation route westwards that would allow Central Asian nations to bypass corridors dominated by either Russia or Iran.

Turkmenistan, recognizing the changing geopolitical map, rushed in January to end a long-standing dispute with Azerbaijan and agree on the joint exploitation of Caspian Sea oil deposits. The agreement came on the heels of a deal in December for the purchase from ENI Turkmenistan of up to 40,000 tonnes of petroleum a month by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

The agreement could boost the completion of a Trans-Caspian natural gas pipeline (TPC) that would feed into the recently operational Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), bypass Russia and Iran, and supply Greece and Bulgaria via the former Soviet republic.

Last month, Azerbaijan agreed with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to develop the Lapis Lazuli transport corridor that would link the war-ravaged country to Turkey. At about the same time, Kazakhstan began exporting copper cathodes to Turkey via Azerbaijan in a first step intended to capitalize on the Caucasian nation’s position as a transit hub.

Azerbaijan and Turkey’s newly found advantage has rung alarm bells among Russian and Iranian analysts with close ties to their respective governments even though the TGRT broadcast may have been primarily intended to whip up nationalist fervour at home and test regional responses.

Russian and Iranian politicians and analysts appeared to take the broadcast in that vein. Nonetheless, they were quick to note that Friedman’s projection includes Russia’s soft underbelly in the northern Caucasus as well as Crimea while Iranians took stock of the fact that the Turkish sphere of influence would border on Iran to the north, south and west.

Turkey and Ukraine have in recent months agreed to cooperate in the development of technologies with military applications related to engines, avionics, drones, anti-ship and cruise missiles, radar and surveillance systems, robotics, space, and satellites. Turkey has refused to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, home to Crimean Tartars, and criticized Russian support for Ukrainian rebels.

Most Russian commentators sought to downplay the significance of the map, leaving Andrei Krasov, deputy chairman of the defence committee of the Russian parliament’s lower house to warn that “if they (the Turks) want to test the strength of the Russian spirit and our weapons, let them try.”

With Iran excluded from TGRT and Stratfor’s projection of Turkey’s emerging sphere of influence, Iranian officials and analysts have largely not responded to the revival of the map.

Yet, Iran’s actions on the ground suggest that the Islamic republic has long anticipated Turkish moves even though it was caught off guard by last year’s Azerbaijani-Armenian war.

For one, Iran has in the past year sought to bolster its military presence in the Caspian Sea and forge close naval ties with the basin’s other littoral states - Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

Viewed from Tehran, TGRT’s broadcasting of the Stratfor map was the latest in a series of provocative Turkish moves.

They include Mr. Erdogan’s recital of a nationalist poem while attending a military parade in Azerbaijan that calls for reuniting two Iranian ethnic Azeri provinces with the former Soviet republic and publication by state-run Turkish Radio and Television’s Arabic service of a map on Instagram, depicting Iran’s oil-rich province of Khuzestan with its large population of ethnic Arabs as separate from Iran.

The Instagram posting came days after the disclosure that Habib Chaab, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, or ASMLA, had been kidnapped in Istanbul by an Iraqi Kurdish drug baron in cooperation with Iranian intelligence and transported to Iran.

While senior Iranian officials talked down the Turkish provocations, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency left little doubt about what Iran’s true sentiments were.

“Those who have greedy eyes on the territories this side of the Aras River had better study history and see that Azerbaijan, specifically the people of Tabriz, have always pioneered in defending Iran. If Iran had not helped you on the night of the coup, you would have had a fate like that of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi,’ protesters chanted in front of the Turkish consulate in Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

The protesters were responding to Mr. Erdogan’s poem recital and referring to the failed military coup against him in 2016 as well as the toppling of Mr. Morsi in 2013 in a takeover by the Egyptian armed forces.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

A nationalist Turkish television station with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dug up a 12-year-old map that projects Turkey’s sphere of influence in 2050 as stretching from South-eastern Europe on the northern coast of the Mediterranean and Libya on its southern shore across North Africa, the Gulf and the Levant into the Caucasus and Central Asia.

A nationalist Turkish television station with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dug up a 12-year-old map that projects Turkey’s sphere of influence in 2050 as stretching from South-eastern Europe on the northern coast of the Mediterranean and Libya on its southern shore across North Africa, the Gulf and the Levant into the Caucasus and Central Asia. Buoyed by last year’s Azerbaijani defeat of Armenia, TGRT, a subsidiary of Ihlas Holding, a media and construction conglomerate that has won major government tenders, used the map to advance a policy that has long constituted the agenda of some of Mr Erdogan’s closest advisors. The broadcasting of the map, first published in a book authored by George Freidman, the founder of Stratfor, an influential American corporate intelligence group, followed calls by pan-Turkic daily Turkiye, Ihlas’ daily newspaper that has the fourth-largest circulation in Turkey, to leverage the Azerbaijani victory to create a military alliance of Turkic states. In a country that ranks only second to China as the world’s foremost jailer of journalists, Ihlas Holding media would not be pushing a pan-Turkic, Islam-laced Turkish regional policy without tacit government approval at the very least. The media group’s push reflects Turkish efforts to capitalize on the fact that Turkey’s latest geopolitical triumph with Azerbaijan’s Turkish-backed victory is already producing tangible results. The military victory has positioned Azerbaijan, and by extension Turkey, as an alternative transportation route westwards that would allow Central Asian nations to bypass corridors dominated by either Russia or Iran. Turkmenistan, recognizing the changing geopolitical map, rushed in January to end a long-standing dispute with Azerbaijan and agree on the joint exploitation of Caspian Sea oil deposits. The agreement came on the heels of a deal in December for the purchase from ENI Turkmenistan of up to 40,000 tonnes of petroleum a month by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). The agreement could boost the completion of a Trans-Caspian natural gas pipeline (TPC) that would feed into the recently operational Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), bypass Russia and Iran, and supply Greece and Bulgaria via the former Soviet republic. Last month, Azerbaijan agreed with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to develop the Lapis Lazuli transport corridor that would link the war-ravaged country to Turkey. At about the same time, Kazakhstan began exporting copper cathodes to Turkey via Azerbaijan in a first step intended to capitalize on the Caucasian nation’s position as a transit hub. Azerbaijan and Turkey’s newly found advantage has rung alarm bells among Russian and Iranian analysts with close ties to their respective governments even though the TGRT broadcast may have been primarily intended to whip up nationalist fervour at home and test regional responses. Russian and Iranian politicians and analysts appeared to take the broadcast in that vein. Nonetheless, they were quick to note that Friedman’s projection includes Russia’s soft underbelly in the northern Caucasus as well as Crimea while Iranians took stock of the fact that the Turkish sphere of influence would border on Iran to the north, south and west. Turkey and Ukraine have in recent months agreed to cooperate in the development of technologies with military applications related to engines, avionics, drones, anti-ship and cruise missiles, radar and surveillance systems, robotics, space, and satellites. Turkey has refused to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, home to Crimean Tartars, and criticized Russian support for Ukrainian rebels. Most Russian commentators sought to downplay the significance of the map, leaving Andrei Krasov, deputy chairman of the defence committee of the Russian parliament’s lower house to warn that “if they (the Turks) want to test the strength of the Russian spirit and our weapons, let them try.” With Iran excluded from TGRT and Stratfor’s projection of Turkey’s emerging sphere of influence, Iranian officials and analysts have largely not responded to the revival of the map. Yet, Iran’s actions on the ground suggest that the Islamic republic has long anticipated Turkish moves even though it was caught off guard by last year’s Azerbaijani-Armenian war. For one, Iran has in the past year sought to bolster its military presence in the Caspian Sea and forge close naval ties with the basin’s other littoral states - Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. Viewed from Tehran, TGRT’s broadcasting of the Stratfor map was the latest in a series of provocative Turkish moves. They include Mr. Erdogan’s recital of a nationalist poem while attending a military parade in Azerbaijan that calls for reuniting two Iranian ethnic Azeri provinces with the former Soviet republic and publication by state-run Turkish Radio and Television’s Arabic service of a map on Instagram, depicting Iran’s oil-rich province of Khuzestan with its large population of ethnic Arabs as separate from Iran. The Instagram posting came days after the disclosure that Habib Chaab, a leader of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, or ASMLA, had been kidnapped in Istanbul by an Iraqi Kurdish drug baron in cooperation with Iranian intelligence and transported to Iran. While senior Iranian officials talked down the Turkish provocations, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency left little doubt about what Iran’s true sentiments were. “Those who have greedy eyes on the territories this side of the Aras River had better study history and see that Azerbaijan, specifically the people of Tabriz, have always pioneered in defending Iran. If Iran had not helped you on the night of the coup, you would have had a fate like that of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi,’ protesters chanted in front of the Turkish consulate in Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. The protesters were responding to Mr. Erdogan’s poem recital and referring to the failed military coup against him in 2016 as well as the toppling of Mr. Morsi in 2013 in a takeover by the Egyptian armed forces. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Turkey signals sweeping regional ambitions

Erdoğan told his Iranian counterpart that he saw a window of opportunity for Iran and the United States after recent statements on sanctions.

'Hope US lifts restrictions on Iran', says Turkish President Erdogan

After numerous weeks of stiff relationship with the US, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wants to establish a "win-win" relationship with Washington.

Turkey's Erdogan aims for 'win-win' relationship with Biden administration

After numerous weeks of stiff relationship with the US, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wants to establish a "win-win" relationship with Washington.

The Turkish President is hoping to diminish the fractious ties between the two NATO allies that have been ongoing for years.

He stressed that while the two countries have their differences, "the common interests of Turkey and the United States outweigh the differences".

His statement with a warmer tone has come days after the leader had hesitantly welcomed Biden in his new role of the US President. However, despite Biden's hardened approach towards Turkey and its policies, Erdogan said he hopes "to reinforce our cooperation with the new American administration on a win-win basis".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-faces-his-first-foreign-policy-challenge-364131">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-faces-his-first-foreign-policy-challenge-364131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden's administration, upon taking office, quickly rebuked Turkey on its homophobic stance in the country that had led to several incidents of student demonstrations.

The US also urged the release of the prominent civil society leader Osman Kavala.

For now, the US is hesitant about the first possible handshake as the issue of S-400 still persists. Erdogan had bought Russia's S-400 missile system despite warnings that the purchase can jeopardise its role in the NATO alliance. This had led to sanctions from the US on the Turkish defence industry.

Recently, too, Turkey had accused Washington of supporting "terrorists" and had summoned its ambassador as the US had declined to back Ankara's claim that PKK Kurdish "terrorists" were responsible for the execution of 13 Turks in Iraq. However, Washington had later accepted Ankara's claim.&nbsp;

"We expect a clear attitude from all our allies after the cowardly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of our 13 nationals," Erdogan said.

After numerous weeks of stiff relationship with the US, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he wants to establish a "win-win" relationship with Washington. The Turkish President is hoping to diminish the fractious ties between the two NATO allies that have been ongoing for years. He stressed that while the two countries have their differences, "the common interests of Turkey and the United States outweigh the differences". His statement with a warmer tone has come days after the leader had hesitantly welcomed Biden in his new role of the US President. However, despite Biden's hardened approach towards Turkey and its policies, Erdogan said he hopes "to reinforce our cooperation with the new American administration on a win-win basis". WATCH| Biden's administration, upon taking office, quickly rebuked Turkey on its homophobic stance in the country that had led to several incidents of student demonstrations. The US also urged the release of the prominent civil society leader Osman Kavala. For now, the US is hesitant about the first possible handshake as the issue of S-400 still persists. Erdogan had bought Russia's S-400 missile system despite warnings that the purchase can jeopardise its role in the NATO alliance. This had led to sanctions from the US on the Turkish defence industry. Recently, too, Turkey had accused Washington of supporting "terrorists" and had summoned its ambassador as the US had declined to back Ankara's claim that PKK Kurdish "terrorists" were responsible for the execution of 13 Turks in Iraq. However, Washington had later accepted Ankara's claim. "We expect a clear attitude from all our allies after the cowardly terrorist attack which claimed the lives of our 13 nationals," Erdogan said.

Cyprus hit out at Turkey on Friday for acts it said were behind the creation of a new migration route that had "disproportionally burdened" it with the EU's highest percentage of asylum-seekers.

The Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union since 2004, has seen a surge in asylum-seekers in recent weeks and months.

Many enter by illegally crossing the UN-patrolled buffer zone that divides the island between the Greek-majority south and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north.

Cyprus said it has had the highest proportion of asylum applications in the EU for four consecutive years, at four percent of its population compared with the bloc's average of close to one percent.

"The overwhelming majority of migration flows originated from Turkey, a country that fails to implement all agreements regarding migration towards Cyprus," its foreign and interior ministries said in a joint statement.

"In fact, Turkey's stance has led to the creation, rather than prevention, of a new migration route in the eastern Mediterranean, which disproportionally burdens Cyprus, and places enormous strain on the national asylum system."

Nicosia would raise "the extent of the migration crisis faced by Cyprus" in Brussels to ensure it "receives the assistance required to effectively address it", the statement said.

It said there was an "urgent need" for the European Commission and international organisations to assist Cyprus to stop illegal migrant flows and ensure legal returns.

At a meeting on Thursday, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and Interior Minister Nikos Nouris had highlighted "the gravity and scale" and "disproportional weight Cyprus shoulders from migration flows", it added.

They agreed to ensure migration features prominently on their agendas ahead of a March 15 teleconference of EU foreign and home affairs ministers, as well as "upcoming discussions on Turkey at EU level".

Cyprus has the highest number of first-time asylum applications in the EU relative to its population, according to the bloc's latest statistics.

The republic registered 1,640 first-time asylum applications in the third quarter of 2020, a figure representing 1,848 per million of its population, Eurostat said.

In December, Nouris said that in 2019, Cyprus received approximately 17,000 asylum applications, an increase of more than 500 percent compared with 2015.

Cyprus hit out at Turkey on Friday for acts it said were behind the creation of a new migration route that had "disproportionally burdened" it with the EU's highest percentage of asylum-seekers.

Cyprus hit out at Turkey on Friday for acts it said were behind the creation of a new migration route that had "disproportionally burdened" it with the EU's highest percentage of asylum-seekers. The Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union since 2004, has seen a surge in asylum-seekers in recent weeks and months. Many enter by illegally crossing the UN-patrolled buffer zone that divides the island between the Greek-majority south and a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north. Cyprus said it has had the highest proportion of asylum applications in the EU for four consecutive years, at four percent of its population compared with the bloc's average of close to one percent. "The overwhelming majority of migration flows originated from Turkey, a country that fails to implement all agreements regarding migration towards Cyprus," its foreign and interior ministries said in a joint statement. "In fact, Turkey's stance has led to the creation, rather than prevention, of a new migration route in the eastern Mediterranean, which disproportionally burdens Cyprus, and places enormous strain on the national asylum system." Nicosia would raise "the extent of the migration crisis faced by Cyprus" in Brussels to ensure it "receives the assistance required to effectively address it", the statement said. It said there was an "urgent need" for the European Commission and international organisations to assist Cyprus to stop illegal migrant flows and ensure legal returns. At a meeting on Thursday, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and Interior Minister Nikos Nouris had highlighted "the gravity and scale" and "disproportional weight Cyprus shoulders from migration flows", it added. They agreed to ensure migration features prominently on their agendas ahead of a March 15 teleconference of EU foreign and home affairs ministers, as well as "upcoming discussions on Turkey at EU level". Cyprus has the highest number of first-time asylum applications in the EU relative to its population, according to the bloc's latest statistics. The republic registered 1,640 first-time asylum applications in the third quarter of 2020, a figure representing 1,848 per million of its population, Eurostat said. In December, Nouris said that in 2019, Cyprus received approximately 17,000 asylum applications, an increase of more than 500 percent compared with 2015.

Cyprus slams Turkey over asylum-seeker 'burden'

US President Joe Biden is facing his first foreign policy challenge - Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the US of supporting Kurdish militants - after 13 citizens were killed. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Joe Biden faces his first foreign policy challenge

In a tented camp on a hilltop above the city of Afrin, 300 Syrian families struggle to keep warm in the rain and mud. Displaced three times since they fled their farms near Damascus seven years ago, they survive on slim handouts and send the children out to scavenge.

“The situation is very bad, rain comes into the tent,” said Bushra Sulaiman al-Hamdo, 65, lifting the ground sheet to show the sodden earth where her bedridden husband lay. “There’s not enough food, there is no assistance organization, no drinking water.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey was widely criticized by the United Nations and Western leaders three years ago when he ordered Turkish troops across the Syrian border into Afrin, an action seen as opportunistic and destabilizing. Thousands of Kurdish families fled the Turkish invasion, along with the Kurdish fighters. In their place came hundreds of thousands of Syrians from other areas, who have swollen the population, taking over homes and camping on farming land.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-accuses-us-of-backing-terrorists-in-iraq-363811">Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq</a>

Another Turkish intervention in 2019, farther east in Syria, met still more opprobrium amid accusations of human rights violations under Turkey’s watch.

But as an end to the decadelong Syrian civil war still confounds the world, Turkey has become the only international force on the ground protecting some five million displaced and vulnerable civilians. Today, the Turkish soldiers are all that stand between them and potential slaughter at the hands of President Bashar Assad’s forces and those of his Russian allies.

Turkish officials recently escorted journalists on a rare visit to Afrin, a district of northwestern Syria, where Turkey has created its own de facto safe zone along the border. The Turks were keen to show their achievements in infrastructure, education and health services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-missiles-350017">US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles</a>

But they also did not hide the continuing plight of the Syrians under their charge, who despite their evident hardship made clear that they were glad the Turks were there, at least for now.

“Here, at least I can stay alive,” said Amar Muhammad, 35, a porter in the market in Afrin. A former rebel fighter from Damascus, he said he risked death or detention by the Syrian government. “There, I would be dead. There, I would be thinking all the time, ‘Will they arrest me?’”

The Turkish intervention in Afrin was not selfless. Turkey always had its own interests in mind. Its main aim was to root out Kurdish forces it considers a security threat and provide a space for the residual rebel forces fighting against Assad, a loathed rival. The Syrians who settled around Afrin have fled Syrian government forces.

Muhammad and his cousin Muhammad Amar were among the rebel fighters evacuated in a convoy of buses from the Damascus suburb of Ghouta and brought to Afrin under a peace deal arranged between Russia and Turkey three years ago.

“We were forcibly displaced,” Muhammad said. Refused a chance to join the Turkish-backed security forces, they were demobilized and left to make a living how they could. “I swear to God some people go to sleep hungry. We don’t know how we are surviving.”

Turkey has set up its own administration, trained and incorporated friendly Syrian militias into a military police force and set up compliant local Syrian councils to run things. The city has been connected to the Turkish electricity grid, ending years of blackouts; uses Turkish cellphones and currency; and has registered 500 Syrian companies for cross-border trade.

“Our main aim is to make their life more normal,” said Orhan Akturk, deputy governor of the adjoining Turkish province of Hatay, who is also responsible for Afrin. “Keep schools open, and hospitals working so people can resume their lives.”

But Turkey is also in Syria so that the Syrians do not end up in Turkey. Already the host of the largest Syrian refugee community in the world — 3.6 million Syrians are registered inside Turkey — Erdogan has long called for the establishment of a no-fly zone, or an internationally protected safe zone, in northern Syria.

As it stands, his forces have carved it out for themselves. While the U.N. supplies much of the assistance to the Syrians, Turkey has forced out many international aid groups to keep closer control itself.

Turkey first intervened in Syria in 2016 in a joint operation with the U.S. Army against the Islamic State group, then in Afrin in 2018, and again in 2019, after then-President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew U.S. forces from the region.

Erdogan’s agreement with Trump allowed Russia and the Syrian government to regain a footing in northeastern Syria, which was disastrous for the opposition. But then Ankara took an unexpected stand against a Russian and Syrian government offensive last year in the province of Idlib, showing the Turkish military was not only willing but able to defend the line.

Setting a red line in Idlib turned Turkey from a bad actor in the region to a good one, or at least one that shares mutual interests with Washington, said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a Washington-based organization involved in advocacy for Syria.

He called for the Biden administration to restart military-to-military communication with Turkey and provide it with logistical and intelligence support to bolster its defense of the part of Idlib that is still in rebel hands.

“Northwest Syria and Idlib is key to the whole,” he said. With 4 million people, 1 million of them children, crammed into an ever shrinking space, Idlib represents both a humanitarian and strategic necessity, he said. “Idlib alone, if attacked, would double the refugees in Europe.”

The Turks’ control, though welcomed by many Syrians who have fled from Assad’s government, is not uncontested. Turkey’s task in Afrin, in fact, has since been bedeviled by persistent terror attacks — 134 in 2 1/2 years — including four car bombs in the region this month. Security forces have thwarted hundreds more, Akturk said.

The Turkish police chief in Afrin said 99% of the attacks were the work of the PKK, the Kurdish separatist movement, and its affiliate in Syria, the YPG, which is allied with U.S. forces in combating the Islamic State.

The recent car bombs were concealed in trucks brought in from the Kurdish-controlled area of Manbij by unwitting traders, one of whom lost his own son in an explosion in Afrin’s industrial area, Akturk said.

Turkey will raise the issue of U.S. support for the Kurdish militia as a priority with the Biden administration, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said last week.

In Afrin the Turks have handled security like any NATO force, surrounding their administration building with high concrete blast walls and sealing off a “green zone” that encompasses the main shopping street in the center of the city.

The Syrian shopkeepers complain that business has dwindled as a consequence.

“We are surviving, but it is very difficult,” said Ibrahim Haji Khalil, owner of the Five Stars Ice Cream shop. Customers dropped dramatically after a massive fuel truck bomb hit the market last April, he said. “We used to have people in lines up the street but now there is no one.”

Said Sulaiman, the leader of the local council, pleaded for more assistance beyond what Turkey can provide. “We need more international support and more nongovernmental organizations to help,” he said.

For millions though, Turkey offers the only opportunity.

Syrian students are busy learning the Turkish language and seeking ways to get to Turkey to study or work, said Nour Hallak, a Syrian activist living in the Turkish-controlled part of Aleppo province. “It’s something that makes me laugh and cry at the same time,” he said. “Turkish language is spreading, it’s the choice of the people.”

For the families in the tented camp above the city, seeking protection from Turkey was their only option.

“We are 16 in one tent. Everything is very hard, to find wood, and food,” said Rasmia Hunan al-Abdullah, carrying a toddler in her arms. Her husband is bedridden and blind, she said. “Sometimes the children work and collect plastic.”

Families pressed forward asking for help in tracing relatives detained in the vast Syrian government prison system. Almost everyone had a family member detained by the Assad government, the camp organizer said.

“If we were not scared, we would not have come here,” said Jarir Sulaiman, one of a group of elders leaning on canes outside their communal tent.

Once a wealthy landowner, he said the Syrian government had cut down his olive groves after seizing control of their village, Khiara, south of Damascus. He ruled out returning home while Assad remained in power.

“We won’t go back to our villages until Turkey gives us protection,” he said. “Without the Turks we cannot survive.”

In a tented camp on a hilltop above the city of Afrin, 300 Syrian families struggle to keep warm in the rain and mud. Displaced three times since they fled their farms near Damascus seven years ago, they survive on slim handouts and send the children out to scavenge.

In a tented camp on a hilltop above the city of Afrin, 300 Syrian families struggle to keep warm in the rain and mud. Displaced three times since they fled their farms near Damascus seven years ago, they survive on slim handouts and send the children out to scavenge. “The situation is very bad, rain comes into the tent,” said Bushra Sulaiman al-Hamdo, 65, lifting the ground sheet to show the sodden earth where her bedridden husband lay. “There’s not enough food, there is no assistance organization, no drinking water.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey was widely criticized by the United Nations and Western leaders three years ago when he ordered Turkish troops across the Syrian border into Afrin, an action seen as opportunistic and destabilizing. Thousands of Kurdish families fled the Turkish invasion, along with the Kurdish fighters. In their place came hundreds of thousands of Syrians from other areas, who have swollen the population, taking over homes and camping on farming land. Also read| Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq Another Turkish intervention in 2019, farther east in Syria, met still more opprobrium amid accusations of human rights violations under Turkey’s watch. But as an end to the decadelong Syrian civil war still confounds the world, Turkey has become the only international force on the ground protecting some five million displaced and vulnerable civilians. Today, the Turkish soldiers are all that stand between them and potential slaughter at the hands of President Bashar Assad’s forces and those of his Russian allies. Turkish officials recently escorted journalists on a rare visit to Afrin, a district of northwestern Syria, where Turkey has created its own de facto safe zone along the border. The Turks were keen to show their achievements in infrastructure, education and health services. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles But they also did not hide the continuing plight of the Syrians under their charge, who despite their evident hardship made clear that they were glad the Turks were there, at least for now. “Here, at least I can stay alive,” said Amar Muhammad, 35, a porter in the market in Afrin. A former rebel fighter from Damascus, he said he risked death or detention by the Syrian government. “There, I would be dead. There, I would be thinking all the time, ‘Will they arrest me?’” The Turkish intervention in Afrin was not selfless. Turkey always had its own interests in mind. Its main aim was to root out Kurdish forces it considers a security threat and provide a space for the residual rebel forces fighting against Assad, a loathed rival. The Syrians who settled around Afrin have fled Syrian government forces. Muhammad and his cousin Muhammad Amar were among the rebel fighters evacuated in a convoy of buses from the Damascus suburb of Ghouta and brought to Afrin under a peace deal arranged between Russia and Turkey three years ago. “We were forcibly displaced,” Muhammad said. Refused a chance to join the Turkish-backed security forces, they were demobilized and left to make a living how they could. “I swear to God some people go to sleep hungry. We don’t know how we are surviving.” Turkey has set up its own administration, trained and incorporated friendly Syrian militias into a military police force and set up compliant local Syrian councils to run things. The city has been connected to the Turkish electricity grid, ending years of blackouts; uses Turkish cellphones and currency; and has registered 500 Syrian companies for cross-border trade. “Our main aim is to make their life more normal,” said Orhan Akturk, deputy governor of the adjoining Turkish province of Hatay, who is also responsible for Afrin. “Keep schools open, and hospitals working so people can resume their lives.” But Turkey is also in Syria so that the Syrians do not end up in Turkey. Already the host of the largest Syrian refugee community in the world — 3.6 million Syrians are registered inside Turkey — Erdogan has long called for the establishment of a no-fly zone, or an internationally protected safe zone, in northern Syria. As it stands, his forces have carved it out for themselves. While the U.N. supplies much of the assistance to the Syrians, Turkey has forced out many international aid groups to keep closer control itself. Turkey first intervened in Syria in 2016 in a joint operation with the U.S. Army against the Islamic State group, then in Afrin in 2018, and again in 2019, after then-President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew U.S. forces from the region. Erdogan’s agreement with Trump allowed Russia and the Syrian government to regain a footing in northeastern Syria, which was disastrous for the opposition. But then Ankara took an unexpected stand against a Russian and Syrian government offensive last year in the province of Idlib, showing the Turkish military was not only willing but able to defend the line. Setting a red line in Idlib turned Turkey from a bad actor in the region to a good one, or at least one that shares mutual interests with Washington, said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a Washington-based organization involved in advocacy for Syria. He called for the Biden administration to restart military-to-military communication with Turkey and provide it with logistical and intelligence support to bolster its defense of the part of Idlib that is still in rebel hands. “Northwest Syria and Idlib is key to the whole,” he said. With 4 million people, 1 million of them children, crammed into an ever shrinking space, Idlib represents both a humanitarian and strategic necessity, he said. “Idlib alone, if attacked, would double the refugees in Europe.” The Turks’ control, though welcomed by many Syrians who have fled from Assad’s government, is not uncontested. Turkey’s task in Afrin, in fact, has since been bedeviled by persistent terror attacks — 134 in 2 1/2 years — including four car bombs in the region this month. Security forces have thwarted hundreds more, Akturk said. The Turkish police chief in Afrin said 99% of the attacks were the work of the PKK, the Kurdish separatist movement, and its affiliate in Syria, the YPG, which is allied with U.S. forces in combating the Islamic State. The recent car bombs were concealed in trucks brought in from the Kurdish-controlled area of Manbij by unwitting traders, one of whom lost his own son in an explosion in Afrin’s industrial area, Akturk said. Turkey will raise the issue of U.S. support for the Kurdish militia as a priority with the Biden administration, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said last week. In Afrin the Turks have handled security like any NATO force, surrounding their administration building with high concrete blast walls and sealing off a “green zone” that encompasses the main shopping street in the center of the city. The Syrian shopkeepers complain that business has dwindled as a consequence. “We are surviving, but it is very difficult,” said Ibrahim Haji Khalil, owner of the Five Stars Ice Cream shop. Customers dropped dramatically after a massive fuel truck bomb hit the market last April, he said. “We used to have people in lines up the street but now there is no one.” Said Sulaiman, the leader of the local council, pleaded for more assistance beyond what Turkey can provide. “We need more international support and more nongovernmental organizations to help,” he said. For millions though, Turkey offers the only opportunity. Syrian students are busy learning the Turkish language and seeking ways to get to Turkey to study or work, said Nour Hallak, a Syrian activist living in the Turkish-controlled part of Aleppo province. “It’s something that makes me laugh and cry at the same time,” he said. “Turkish language is spreading, it’s the choice of the people.” For the families in the tented camp above the city, seeking protection from Turkey was their only option. “We are 16 in one tent. Everything is very hard, to find wood, and food,” said Rasmia Hunan al-Abdullah, carrying a toddler in her arms. Her husband is bedridden and blind, she said. “Sometimes the children work and collect plastic.” Families pressed forward asking for help in tracing relatives detained in the vast Syrian government prison system. Almost everyone had a family member detained by the Assad government, the camp organizer said. “If we were not scared, we would not have come here,” said Jarir Sulaiman, one of a group of elders leaning on canes outside their communal tent. Once a wealthy landowner, he said the Syrian government had cut down his olive groves after seizing control of their village, Khiara, south of Damascus. He ruled out returning home while Assad remained in power. “We won’t go back to our villages until Turkey gives us protection,” he said. “Without the Turks we cannot survive.”

In Turkey’s safe zone in Syria, security and misery go hand in hand

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern accused Australia of abdicating its responsibilities by cancelling the citizenship of a woman detained in Turkey and accused of having links to the Islamic State.

WION Fineprint: New Zealand PM slams Australia over dual citizen detained in Turkey

Turkey said on Sunday militants from the outlawed PKK executed the captives, including Turkish military and police personnel, amid a military operation against the group.

US reassures Turkey over executions after Erdogan calls response 'a joke'

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has&nbsp;detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants&nbsp;it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq.

Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said.

Turkey&nbsp;launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on February&nbsp;10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said.

The governor of Malatya province in southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-accuses-us-of-backing-terrorists-in-iraq-363811">Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;accused the United States of siding with "terrorists"&nbsp;who executed Turkish forces in Iraq.

The PKK has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that is believed to have left tens of thousands dead.

The United States and Turkey's other Western allies recognise the PKK as a terror group. But Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-missiles-350017">US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missile</a>

"The statement made by the United States is a farce," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident.

"You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in televised remarks.

The US State Department on Sunday it "deplores the death of Turkish citizens" but was waiting for further confirmation that Ankara's account of the 13 men's death was true.

The PKK said the 13 died when Turkish forces bombed the cave where the men were being kept.

"If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organisation, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the State Department said in a statement.

Erdogan said Turkey's NATO allies had to pick sides.

"After this, there are two options. Either act with Turkey with no ifs or buts, without questioning, or they will be a partner to every murder and bloodshed," he said.

"The terrorist organisation on our doorstep, on our borders, is killing innocents."

&nbsp;'Revenge'

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by&nbsp;Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

In the last two years&nbsp;Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border.

The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses".

"Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad".

In 2017,&nbsp;Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq.

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq. Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said. Turkey launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on February 10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said. The governor of Malatya province in southeast Turkey named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya. Also read: Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq Earlier, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" who executed Turkish forces in Iraq. The PKK has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that is believed to have left tens of thousands dead. The United States and Turkey's other Western allies recognise the PKK as a terror group. But Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missile "The statement made by the United States is a farce," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident. "You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in televised remarks. The US State Department on Sunday it "deplores the death of Turkish citizens" but was waiting for further confirmation that Ankara's account of the 13 men's death was true. The PKK said the 13 died when Turkish forces bombed the cave where the men were being kept. "If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organisation, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the State Department said in a statement. Erdogan said Turkey's NATO allies had to pick sides. "After this, there are two options. Either act with Turkey with no ifs or buts, without questioning, or they will be a partner to every murder and bloodshed," he said. "The terrorist organisation on our doorstep, on our borders, is killing innocents." 'Revenge' The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. In the last two years Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border. The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as Turkey mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses". "Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad". In 2017, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

Turkey detains 718 over alleged Kurdish militant links in Iraq execution

An Iranian consulate employee in Istanbul was remanded in custody on Friday in connection with a probe into the assassination of an Iranian dissident in Turkey in 2019.

The employee, identified by Turkey's Anadolu state news agency by his initials M.R.N., is suspected of providing forged travel documents for the assassination's alleged mastermind, allowing him to return to Iran.

The investigation concerns the gangland-style killing in Istanbul on November 14, 2019 of Masoud Molavi, who had helped run a channel on Telegram called "Black Box" since March 2018.

The encrypted social media channel published corruption allegations against members of the Iranian government, judiciary and intelligence services.

Police at the time said Molavi, who claimed to have contacts within Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was killed by an assassin who fired a dozen shots.

In a tweet posted a few months before his death, Molavi warned that he was in danger of being killed before he could "eradicate the leaders of this corrupt mafia".

The detention threatens to shake Turkey's close relations with Iran.

The neighbours enjoy robust trade and diplomatic ties despite a series of regional disputes, including in Syria.

The consulate employee's initial detention on Thursday was revealed by Turkey's pro-government Daily Sabah, which named the suspect as Muhammad Reza Naserzadeh, 43.

According to the paper, the man who used the forged travel documents to escape Turkey is called Ali Esfanjani, the alleged "mastermind" of the killing.

Iran's intelligence services are known to have a sizeable presence in Turkey, where many exiled Iranians live, and many more come on vacation.

In December, Turkey's MIT intelligence Service detained 11 Turks on suspicion of spying and kidnapping another dissident, Habib Chaab, on behalf of Iran.&nbsp;

Tehran accuses Chaab, who was based in Sweden, of being a leading figure of an Arab separatist group known as the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), which Iran has designated as a terrorist organisation.

In April 2017, Said Karimian, the owner of a leading Persian-language satellite entertainment channel, GEM TV, was shot dead in his car by unknown individuals in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Karimian was a British citizen of Iranian origin, and ran GEM TV from Dubai, offering Western programmes to Persian-speaking audiences, including US game shows and Turkish soaps.

An Iranian consulate employee in Istanbul was remanded in custody on Friday in connection with a probe into the assassination of an Iranian dissident in Turkey in 2019.

An Iranian consulate employee in Istanbul was remanded in custody on Friday in connection with a probe into the assassination of an Iranian dissident in Turkey in 2019. The employee, identified by Turkey's Anadolu state news agency by his initials M.R.N., is suspected of providing forged travel documents for the assassination's alleged mastermind, allowing him to return to Iran. The investigation concerns the gangland-style killing in Istanbul on November 14, 2019 of Masoud Molavi, who had helped run a channel on Telegram called "Black Box" since March 2018. The encrypted social media channel published corruption allegations against members of the Iranian government, judiciary and intelligence services. Police at the time said Molavi, who claimed to have contacts within Iran's Revolutionary Guard, was killed by an assassin who fired a dozen shots. In a tweet posted a few months before his death, Molavi warned that he was in danger of being killed before he could "eradicate the leaders of this corrupt mafia". The detention threatens to shake Turkey's close relations with Iran. The neighbours enjoy robust trade and diplomatic ties despite a series of regional disputes, including in Syria. The consulate employee's initial detention on Thursday was revealed by Turkey's pro-government Daily Sabah, which named the suspect as Muhammad Reza Naserzadeh, 43. According to the paper, the man who used the forged travel documents to escape Turkey is called Ali Esfanjani, the alleged "mastermind" of the killing. Iran's intelligence services are known to have a sizeable presence in Turkey, where many exiled Iranians live, and many more come on vacation. In December, Turkey's MIT intelligence Service detained 11 Turks on suspicion of spying and kidnapping another dissident, Habib Chaab, on behalf of Iran. Tehran accuses Chaab, who was based in Sweden, of being a leading figure of an Arab separatist group known as the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), which Iran has designated as a terrorist organisation. In April 2017, Said Karimian, the owner of a leading Persian-language satellite entertainment channel, GEM TV, was shot dead in his car by unknown individuals in Istanbul. Karimian was a British citizen of Iranian origin, and ran GEM TV from Dubai, offering Western programmes to Persian-speaking audiences, including US game shows and Turkish soaps.

Turkey detains Iran consulate employee in murder probe

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days.

"We are going to repatriate our compatriots," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the Anadolu state news agency.

"They are in good health," he said without providing details about the crew's release.

The Mozart had been en route from the Nigeria's economic capital Lagos to Cape Town in South Africa when it was boarded on January 23.

The unidentified armed men killed an Azerbaijani sailor and wounded several of the Liberian-flagged vessel's crew.

The ship then sailed on to Gabon before contact was officially lost.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader had spoken to the ship's acting captain shortly after the attack to make sure the remaining crew were safe.

The head of the shipping company operating the Mozart told Turkish television that the crew would fly home after undergoing health checkups in Nigeria.

Pirate attacks on ships worldwide jumped 20 percent last year driven by a record spate of kidnappings off West Africa, the International Maritime Bureau said last month.

Out of 135 sailors abducted globally last year, 130 were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea -- the highest ever number of crew members kidnapped in the area stretching thousands of kilometres (miles) from Senegal to Angola.

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days.

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days. "We are going to repatriate our compatriots," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the Anadolu state news agency. "They are in good health," he said without providing details about the crew's release. The Mozart had been en route from the Nigeria's economic capital Lagos to Cape Town in South Africa when it was boarded on January 23. The unidentified armed men killed an Azerbaijani sailor and wounded several of the Liberian-flagged vessel's crew. The ship then sailed on to Gabon before contact was officially lost. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader had spoken to the ship's acting captain shortly after the attack to make sure the remaining crew were safe. The head of the shipping company operating the Mozart told Turkish television that the crew would fly home after undergoing health checkups in Nigeria. Pirate attacks on ships worldwide jumped 20 percent last year driven by a record spate of kidnappings off West Africa, the International Maritime Bureau said last month. Out of 135 sailors abducted globally last year, 130 were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea -- the highest ever number of crew members kidnapped in the area stretching thousands of kilometres (miles) from Senegal to Angola.

Turkey says 15 sailors kidnapped off Nigeria are free

The EU is planning to give Turkey more time to adhere to its commitments on tax evasion, sources said on Friday.

Turkey is accused of failing to comply with international standards on the automatic exchange of tax information.

Ties between the EU and Turkey have been fraught, especially after Ankara pushed gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean last year, infuriating Cyprus and Greece. Tensions have, however, been eased with the diplomacy of Germany.

Berlin is sensitive to keep Turkey compliant with a migration pact that keeps a tight control on the Turkish border with the EU.

According to AFP, the EU's 27 member states, to this end, will next week accept to once again delay the blacklisting of Turkey, which was already given a break a year ago. The delay, however, could come with an understanding that putting off the decision any further will no longer be tolerated, with a deadline set for later this year.

The blacklist was first drawn up in 2017 in the wake of several scandals, including the Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, which pushed Brussels into doing more to fight tax evasion by multinationals and the rich.

EU member countries cannot be on the list and blacklisted countries face only limited sanctions, consisting of freezing them out of European aid or development funding.&nbsp;

The list currently holds: Anguilla, American Samoa, Barbados, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Panama, Samoa, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago, the US Virgin Islands and Vanuatu.

The deadline for Turkey was still under negotiation among the 27 member states on Friday with hopes that it would not have to be argued over by EU finance ministers at talks next week.

(with inputs from AFP)

The EU is planning to give Turkey more time to adhere to its commitments on tax evasion, sources said on Friday. Turkey is accused of failing to comply with international standards on the automatic exchange of tax information.

The EU is planning to give Turkey more time to adhere to its commitments on tax evasion, sources said on Friday. Turkey is accused of failing to comply with international standards on the automatic exchange of tax information. Ties between the EU and Turkey have been fraught, especially after Ankara pushed gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean last year, infuriating Cyprus and Greece. Tensions have, however, been eased with the diplomacy of Germany. Berlin is sensitive to keep Turkey compliant with a migration pact that keeps a tight control on the Turkish border with the EU. According to AFP, the EU's 27 member states, to this end, will next week accept to once again delay the blacklisting of Turkey, which was already given a break a year ago. The delay, however, could come with an understanding that putting off the decision any further will no longer be tolerated, with a deadline set for later this year. The blacklist was first drawn up in 2017 in the wake of several scandals, including the Panama Papers and LuxLeaks, which pushed Brussels into doing more to fight tax evasion by multinationals and the rich. EU member countries cannot be on the list and blacklisted countries face only limited sanctions, consisting of freezing them out of European aid or development funding. The list currently holds: Anguilla, American Samoa, Barbados, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Panama, Samoa, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago, the US Virgin Islands and Vanuatu. The deadline for Turkey was still under negotiation among the 27 member states on Friday with hopes that it would not have to be argued over by EU finance ministers at talks next week. (with inputs from AFP)

EU to spare Turkey from tax blacklist, sources say

A metal monolith that mysteriously appeared and disappeared on a field in southeastern Turkey turned out to be a gimmick worked about before a government event Tuesday during which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a space programme for the country.

The three-meter-high (about 10-foot-high) metal slab bearing an ancient Turkic script -- meaning “Look at the sky, you will see the moon”, was found Friday by a farmer in Sanliurfa province. It was discovered near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gobekli Tepe.

The shiny structure, however, was reported gone Tuesday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-monolith-pops-up-near-turkish-world-heritage-site-362233">Also read |&nbsp;Mysterious monolith pops up near Turkish world heritage site</a>

An image of the monolith was later projected on a screen as Erdogan presented Turkey’s space programme during the televised event.

“I now present to you Turkey’s 10-year vision, strategy and aims and I say: ‘look at the sky, you will see the moon,’” Erdogan said.

Earlier, security forces were called to the scene as curious locals sought to get a look at the monolith, which resembled a mysterious object which appeared in a desert in Utah in America last year, but then vanished.

Other mysterious monoliths have popped up and some have disappeared in numerous countries in recent months.

A metal monolith that mysteriously appeared and disappeared on a field in southeastern Turkey turned out to be a gimmick worked about before a government event Tuesday during which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a space programme for the country.

A metal monolith that mysteriously appeared and disappeared on a field in southeastern Turkey turned out to be a gimmick worked about before a government event Tuesday during which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a space programme for the country. The three-meter-high (about 10-foot-high) metal slab bearing an ancient Turkic script -- meaning “Look at the sky, you will see the moon”, was found Friday by a farmer in Sanliurfa province. It was discovered near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gobekli Tepe. The shiny structure, however, was reported gone Tuesday morning. Also read | Mysterious monolith pops up near Turkish world heritage site An image of the monolith was later projected on a screen as Erdogan presented Turkey’s space programme during the televised event. “I now present to you Turkey’s 10-year vision, strategy and aims and I say: ‘look at the sky, you will see the moon,’” Erdogan said. Earlier, security forces were called to the scene as curious locals sought to get a look at the monolith, which resembled a mysterious object which appeared in a desert in Utah in America last year, but then vanished. Other mysterious monoliths have popped up and some have disappeared in numerous countries in recent months.

Mystery metal monolith in Turkey turns out to be a govt gimmick

Turkey on Thursday rejected a US call to release jailed civil society leader Osman Kavala, accusing Washington of interference.

Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist who has been imprisoned for more than three years without a conviction, is being tried on charges related to a 2016 coup attempt and 2013 protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The 63-year-old was acquitted in a case related to the 2013 protests last February.

Following this, he was immediately rearrested and charged with the 2016 coup plot. A Turkish court last month also overturned his earlier acquittal and a judge last week combined the two cases into one.

The US State Department on Wednesday called the charges against Kavala "specious" and demanded his "immediate release".

The Turkish foreign ministry fired back at Washington by demanding that it "respect" the independence of its courts.

"Turkey is a state governed by the rule of law," the ministry said in a statement. "No country or person can give orders to Turkish courts."

Erdogan developed a personal friendship with former US President Donald Trump that helped shield Ankara from sanctions. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Senate confirmation hearing last month that Turkey "is not acting as an ally should" and represented "a very significant challenge".

(with inputs from AFP)

Turkey on Thursday rejected a US call to release jailed civil society leader Osman Kavala, accusing Washington of interference. Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist who has been imprisoned for more than three years without a conviction, is being tried on charges related to a 2016 coup attempt and 2013 protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey on Thursday rejected a US call to release jailed civil society leader Osman Kavala, accusing Washington of interference. Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist who has been imprisoned for more than three years without a conviction, is being tried on charges related to a 2016 coup attempt and 2013 protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The 63-year-old was acquitted in a case related to the 2013 protests last February. Following this, he was immediately rearrested and charged with the 2016 coup plot. A Turkish court last month also overturned his earlier acquittal and a judge last week combined the two cases into one. The US State Department on Wednesday called the charges against Kavala "specious" and demanded his "immediate release". The Turkish foreign ministry fired back at Washington by demanding that it "respect" the independence of its courts. "Turkey is a state governed by the rule of law," the ministry said in a statement. "No country or person can give orders to Turkish courts." Erdogan developed a personal friendship with former US President Donald Trump that helped shield Ankara from sanctions. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Senate confirmation hearing last month that Turkey "is not acting as an ally should" and represented "a very significant challenge". (with inputs from AFP)

Turkey rejects US appeal to release rights leader

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