Turkey`s broadcasting watchdog has fined a TV station nearly one million lira ($266,000) over footage of young girls dancing in shorts in a talent competition after viewers complained of &quot;child abuse&quot;, a board member said on Thursday. 
 
Citing moral dangers for the children, it penalised TV8 channel for footage in the &quot;Yetenek Sizsiniz&quot; (&quot;You Got Talent&quot;) programme which showed a group of girls, aged from 7 to 11, who peformed in shorts and tank tops, the board member who did not want to be named told Reuters. 
 
The move by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) is likely to further anger government critics, who accuse President Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted ruling AK Party of trying to roll back secularism and civil rights for minorities, gay people and women. 
 
Last year, hundreds of Turkish women marched in Istanbul to protest against violence and threats from men demanding they dress more conservatively.

RTUK ruled that the footage had violated its ethical broadcast regulations and fined the channel 2 percent of its advertising revenues, amounting almost to 1 million lira. 
 
The regulations state that &quot;programmes which contain content that could harm the physical, mental and moral development of children and youth cannot be broadcast&quot;. 
 
RTUK said in a report that it had received complaints that the channel had exploited the children in an &quot;immoral&quot; show. 
 
&quot;There were reactions from citizens for making minor children, aged 7-8, dance half-naked for ratings, amounting to child abuse,&quot; the report said. 
 
Turkey`s Family and Social Policies Ministry said the children were &quot;dancing with clothes that were not appropriate for their age and development level.&quot; 
 
Hurriyet newspaper said RTUK also fined several music channels for broadcasting a music video which it described as &quot;one tick below an erotic film.&quot; 
 
The video of the &quot;Sifir Tolerans&quot; (&quot;Zero Tolerance&quot;) song by Belgium-born singer Hadise depicts the artist in intimate scenes with her male co-star. The video includes scenes of the singer in a bed with the male actor and in a bathtub.

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sui9MKrDnQk" width="560"></iframe>

"Yetenek Sizsiniz" ("You Got Talent") programme showed a group of girls, aged from 7 to 11, performing in shorts and tank tops

Turkey`s broadcasting watchdog has fined a TV station nearly one million lira ($266,000) over footage of young girls dancing in shorts in a talent competition after viewers complained of "child abuse", a board member said on Thursday. Citing moral dangers for the children, it penalised TV8 channel for footage in the "Yetenek Sizsiniz" ("You Got Talent") programme which showed a group of girls, aged from 7 to 11, who peformed in shorts and tank tops, the board member who did not want to be named told Reuters. The move by the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) is likely to further anger government critics, who accuse President Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted ruling AK Party of trying to roll back secularism and civil rights for minorities, gay people and women. Last year, hundreds of Turkish women marched in Istanbul to protest against violence and threats from men demanding they dress more conservatively. RTUK ruled that the footage had violated its ethical broadcast regulations and fined the channel 2 percent of its advertising revenues, amounting almost to 1 million lira. The regulations state that "programmes which contain content that could harm the physical, mental and moral development of children and youth cannot be broadcast". RTUK said in a report that it had received complaints that the channel had exploited the children in an "immoral" show. "There were reactions from citizens for making minor children, aged 7-8, dance half-naked for ratings, amounting to child abuse," the report said. Turkey`s Family and Social Policies Ministry said the children were "dancing with clothes that were not appropriate for their age and development level." Hurriyet newspaper said RTUK also fined several music channels for broadcasting a music video which it described as "one tick below an erotic film." The video of the "Sifir Tolerans" ("Zero Tolerance") song by Belgium-born singer Hadise depicts the artist in intimate scenes with her male co-star. The video includes scenes of the singer in a bed with the male actor and in a bathtub.

Turkish council fines TV channel over girls in shorts in talent show

At least 25 people, including 15 foreign nationals, have been detained by the police on Sunday in Istanbul and&nbsp;Ankara for alleged links with the Islamic State (IS).

The anti-terrorist police officials raided a number of different locations in Istanbul&#39;s three districts after being tipped off about individuals linked to IS leaders in Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;

In another operation in Ankara, police arrested five IS suspects who were foreigners in simultaneous raids at two other locations in Etimesgut district.

Among the ones detained were three Syrians, an Iraqi and a Chechen who had entered the country illegally.

The suspects were apparently planning attacks during New Year&#39;s Eve celebrations in the cities.&nbsp;

This incident comes after Turkish security forces suspended over 2,700 personnel for having suspected links with the IS group.

More than 300 people have lost their lives in IS-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terrorist&nbsp;organisation has targeted civilians in suicide bombings, and rocket and gun attacks.

At least 25 people, including 15 foreign nationals have been detained by the police on Sunday in Ankara for alleged links with the Islamic State

At least 25 people, including 15 foreign nationals, have been detained by the police on Sunday in Istanbul and Ankara for alleged links with the Islamic State (IS). The anti-terrorist police officials raided a number of different locations in Istanbul's three districts after being tipped off about individuals linked to IS leaders in Syria and Iraq. In another operation in Ankara, police arrested five IS suspects who were foreigners in simultaneous raids at two other locations in Etimesgut district. Among the ones detained were three Syrians, an Iraqi and a Chechen who had entered the country illegally. The suspects were apparently planning attacks during New Year's Eve celebrations in the cities. This incident comes after Turkish security forces suspended over 2,700 personnel for having suspected links with the IS group. More than 300 people have lost their lives in IS-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terrorist organisation has targeted civilians in suicide bombings, and rocket and gun attacks.

Turkey arrests 25 IS suspects in Istanbul and Ankara

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron will meet in Paris on January 5.&nbsp;

The two leaders are expected to discuss the Syrian crisis along with the Palestinian situation.&nbsp;

The Elysee source said &quot;the question of human rights will also be raised&quot; during the&nbsp;meeting.

Both Erdogan and Macron had previously expressed strong concerns over the ongoing Syrian conflict.

The Turkish President was seen criticising the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, earlier this week, calling him a terrorist.

He also noted that peace is difficult to reach Syria under Assad&#39;s rule.

Emmanuel Macron stressed on France&#39;s commitment toward initiating peace talks involving all parties in the six-year-old Syrian conflict, including al-Assad.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Erdogan and Macron are expected to discuss the Syrian crisis along with the Palestinian situation

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron will meet in Paris on January 5. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Syrian crisis along with the Palestinian situation. The Elysee source said "the question of human rights will also be raised" during the meeting. Both Erdogan and Macron had previously expressed strong concerns over the ongoing Syrian conflict. The Turkish President was seen criticising the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, earlier this week, calling him a terrorist. He also noted that peace is difficult to reach Syria under Assad's rule. Emmanuel Macron stressed on France's commitment toward initiating peace talks involving all parties in the six-year-old Syrian conflict, including al-Assad. (With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey and France to discuss Syrian crisis in Paris?

Turkey and Russia signed an accord on Friday under which the former will buy two S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries from Russia.

The agreement would facilitate cooperation, technological gains and joint development between both the nations.&nbsp;

The first delivery will be made by the first quarter of 2020, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) said on Friday.

The systems would be managed by Turkish personnel, rather than Russian advisors.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The agreement would facilitate cooperation, technological gains and joint development between both the nations

Turkey and Russia signed an accord on Friday under which the former will buy two S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries from Russia. The agreement would facilitate cooperation, technological gains and joint development between both the nations. The first delivery will be made by the first quarter of 2020, the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) said on Friday. The systems would be managed by Turkish personnel, rather than Russian advisors. (With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey to buy two missile batteries from Russia?

An EU agreement with Britain on relations after Brexit could serve as a model for ties with other countries that want to be as close as possible to the bloc but are not yet ready to join, such as Ukraine and Turkey, Germany&#39;s foreign minister said.

Britain secured the go-ahead from Brussels to start talks on its future relationship with the EU earlier this month, with London saying it aspires to a closer relationship as a former member than that of any other third country.

In an interview with the Funke newspaper group published on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said such a deal could offer a solution to the puzzle of how the bloc of 27 can manage its ties with two other large non-members.

&quot;I can&#39;t imagine Turkey or Ukraine becoming EU members in the next few years,&quot; he said. &quot;If we get a smart agreement with Britain regulating relations with Europe after Brexit, that could be a model for other countries - Ukraine and also Turkey.&quot;

Turkey, a candidate for EU membership for decades, already has a customs union with the EU which allows the trade of most goods without tariffs.

One possibility would be to offer Ankara a &quot;new, closer form of the customs union&quot;, Gabriel said, although he also said such a project would have to wait for changes in Turkey&#39;s political environment.

Thousands of people, including German citizens, have been detained in Turkey as part of a government crackdown since a failed coup in 2016.

An agreement between the EU and Ukraine on a &quot;deep and comprehensive free trade area&quot; formally came into force in September, aimed at allowing free trade of goods, services and capital, and visa-free travel for people for short stays.

Ukraine&#39;s desire for closer ties with the EU was one of the driving forces behind a popular revolt that toppled a pro-Russian president in 2014, leading Moscow to seize Ukraine&#39;s Crimea peninsula and back pro-Russian separatists in a still-unresolved conflict in the east of the country.

Gabriel&#39;s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is preparing for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel`s conservatives on governing together for another four years.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said such a deal could offer a solution to the puzzle of how the bloc of 27 can manage its ties with two other large non-members.

An EU agreement with Britain on relations after Brexit could serve as a model for ties with other countries that want to be as close as possible to the bloc but are not yet ready to join, such as Ukraine and Turkey, Germany's foreign minister said. Britain secured the go-ahead from Brussels to start talks on its future relationship with the EU earlier this month, with London saying it aspires to a closer relationship as a former member than that of any other third country. In an interview with the Funke newspaper group published on Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said such a deal could offer a solution to the puzzle of how the bloc of 27 can manage its ties with two other large non-members. "I can't imagine Turkey or Ukraine becoming EU members in the next few years," he said. "If we get a smart agreement with Britain regulating relations with Europe after Brexit, that could be a model for other countries - Ukraine and also Turkey." Turkey, a candidate for EU membership for decades, already has a customs union with the EU which allows the trade of most goods without tariffs. One possibility would be to offer Ankara a "new, closer form of the customs union", Gabriel said, although he also said such a project would have to wait for changes in Turkey's political environment. Thousands of people, including German citizens, have been detained in Turkey as part of a government crackdown since a failed coup in 2016. An agreement between the EU and Ukraine on a "deep and comprehensive free trade area" formally came into force in September, aimed at allowing free trade of goods, services and capital, and visa-free travel for people for short stays. Ukraine's desire for closer ties with the EU was one of the driving forces behind a popular revolt that toppled a pro-Russian president in 2014, leading Moscow to seize Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and back pro-Russian separatists in a still-unresolved conflict in the east of the country. Gabriel's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is preparing for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel`s conservatives on governing together for another four years.

Brexit deal could be template for EU ties to Ukraine, Turkey: German foreign minister

The Kashmir issue needs a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Security Council to ensure global and regional peace and stability, according to a joint declaration signed here by six countries, including Russia and China.

Speakers from the parliaments of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Turkey and host Pakistan held a two-day meet in Islamabad, which ended yesterday with the issuance of the joint declaration, Dawn News reported.

&quot;We agreed that for ensuring global and regional peace and stability, the issue of Jammu &amp; Kashmir needs a peaceful resolution by Pakistan and India in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions,&quot; states the declaration signed by top parliamentarians.

The report quoted sources as saying that the Russian delegation had expressed reservations over the inclusion of the Kashmir issue, which was then picked up by Iran and Afghanistan as well.

Iran, sources claimed, had objections over the language of the Kashmir-specific section.

However, the Pakistani side said that since Russia, Iran and Turkey included issues of political interest to them&nbsp;such as the crises in Iraq and Syria, the problems of the Middle East and Al-Quds, and Turkey&#39;s failed coup&nbsp;it would be impossible for Pakistan to leave out the Kashmir issue, the report said.

The report quoted sources as saying that the representatives from Afghanistan proved to be the hardest to convince.

National Assembly media director Mohammad Mohsin Iqbal said there was a difference of opinion among the delegates, which was settled.&nbsp;

Russian delegation had expressed reservations over the inclusion of Kashmir issue, which was then picked up by Iran and Afghanistan

The Kashmir issue needs a peaceful resolution in accordance with the UN Security Council to ensure global and regional peace and stability, according to a joint declaration signed here by six countries, including Russia and China. Speakers from the parliaments of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Turkey and host Pakistan held a two-day meet in Islamabad, which ended yesterday with the issuance of the joint declaration, Dawn News reported. "We agreed that for ensuring global and regional peace and stability, the issue of Jammu & Kashmir needs a peaceful resolution by Pakistan and India in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions," states the declaration signed by top parliamentarians. The report quoted sources as saying that the Russian delegation had expressed reservations over the inclusion of the Kashmir issue, which was then picked up by Iran and Afghanistan as well. Iran, sources claimed, had objections over the language of the Kashmir-specific section. However, the Pakistani side said that since Russia, Iran and Turkey included issues of political interest to them such as the crises in Iraq and Syria, the problems of the Middle East and Al-Quds, and Turkey's failed coup it would be impossible for Pakistan to leave out the Kashmir issue, the report said. The report quoted sources as saying that the representatives from Afghanistan proved to be the hardest to convince. National Assembly media director Mohammad Mohsin Iqbal said there was a difference of opinion among the delegates, which was settled.

'Kashmir issue needs peaceful resolution in accordance with UNSC'

Turkey will rebuild a ruined Ottoman port city on Sudan&#39;s Red Sea coast and construct a naval dock to maintain civilian and military vessels, Sudan&#39;s foreign minister said on Tuesday, as Ankara expands military and economic ties in Africa.

The restoration at Suakin was agreed during a visit to the ancient port by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said.

Making the first trip by a Turkish president to Sudan, Erdogan said Turkey had been temporarily granted part of Suakin so it could rebuild the area as a tourist site and a transit point for pilgrims crossing the Red Sea to Mecca.

He said the Suakin deal was one of several, worth $650 million in total, agreed with Sudan, which emerged from two decades of US sanctions in October and is seeking to attract international investment.

The countries also agreed &quot;to build a dock to maintain civilian and military vessels,&quot; Ghandour told reporters, adding that they had signed an agreement &quot;that could result in any kind of military cooperation&quot;.

The agreements come three months after Turkey formally opened a $50 million military training base in Somalia as it exerts increasing influence in the region.

Suakin was Sudan&#39;s major port when it was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, but fell into disuse over the last century after the construction of Port Sudan, 35 miles (60 km) to the north.

Speaking on Monday in Khartoum, Erdogan said the refurbished port city would attract Mecca-bound pilgrims who would want to see the island&#39;s history, helping Sudan`s tourism sector.

&quot;Imagine, people from Turkey wishing to go on pilgrimage will come and visit the historical areas on Suakin Island,&quot; Erdogan said. &quot;From there ... they will cross to Jeddah by boat.&quot;

The other agreements signed during Erdogan&#39;s visit include Turkish investment to build Khartoum&#39;s planned new airport and private sector investments in cotton production, electricity generation and building grain silos and meat slaughterhouses.&nbsp;

Erdogan and Bashir said they aimed for trade between the two countries to reach $10 billion, Turkey&#39;s Foreign Economic Relations Board said.

In October, the United States lifted a trade embargo and other penalties that had cut Sudan off from much of the global financial system.

Sudan`s state minister for investment has said he aims to attract investment of $10 billion a year, compared to $1 billion estimated by the United Nations for 2016.

Turkey will rebuild a ruined Ottoman port city on Sudan's Red Sea coast and construct a naval dock to maintain civilian and military vessels

Turkey will rebuild a ruined Ottoman port city on Sudan's Red Sea coast and construct a naval dock to maintain civilian and military vessels, Sudan's foreign minister said on Tuesday, as Ankara expands military and economic ties in Africa. The restoration at Suakin was agreed during a visit to the ancient port by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said. Making the first trip by a Turkish president to Sudan, Erdogan said Turkey had been temporarily granted part of Suakin so it could rebuild the area as a tourist site and a transit point for pilgrims crossing the Red Sea to Mecca. He said the Suakin deal was one of several, worth $650 million in total, agreed with Sudan, which emerged from two decades of US sanctions in October and is seeking to attract international investment. The countries also agreed "to build a dock to maintain civilian and military vessels," Ghandour told reporters, adding that they had signed an agreement "that could result in any kind of military cooperation". The agreements come three months after Turkey formally opened a $50 million military training base in Somalia as it exerts increasing influence in the region. Suakin was Sudan's major port when it was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, but fell into disuse over the last century after the construction of Port Sudan, 35 miles (60 km) to the north. Speaking on Monday in Khartoum, Erdogan said the refurbished port city would attract Mecca-bound pilgrims who would want to see the island's history, helping Sudan`s tourism sector. "Imagine, people from Turkey wishing to go on pilgrimage will come and visit the historical areas on Suakin Island," Erdogan said. "From there ... they will cross to Jeddah by boat." The other agreements signed during Erdogan's visit include Turkish investment to build Khartoum's planned new airport and private sector investments in cotton production, electricity generation and building grain silos and meat slaughterhouses. Erdogan and Bashir said they aimed for trade between the two countries to reach $10 billion, Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board said. In October, the United States lifted a trade embargo and other penalties that had cut Sudan off from much of the global financial system. Sudan`s state minister for investment has said he aims to attract investment of $10 billion a year, compared to $1 billion estimated by the United Nations for 2016.

Turkey to restore Sudanese Red Sea port, build naval dock

&nbsp;Turkey&#39;s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Sunday that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;would employ an additional 110,000 public servants in 2018 including teachers, medical and religious personnel.

Speaking in the southern border town of Kilis, Yildirim said that among the total, the government would hire an extra 36,000 medical personnel and 20,000 teachers.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that among the total, the government would hire an extra 36,000 medical personnel and 20,000 teachers

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Sunday that Turkey would employ an additional 110,000 public servants in 2018 including teachers, medical and religious personnel. Speaking in the southern border town of Kilis, Yildirim said that among the total, the government would hire an extra 36,000 medical personnel and 20,000 teachers.

Turkey to hire 110,000 new public servants in 2018

The foreign policy of India has taken many leaps in the last couple of decades, especially in the case of Israel-Palestine conflict. As a responsible country, it is essential that India must keep its stand clear.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said during the Non-Alignment Movement&rsquo;s Ministerial meeting, &ldquo;The path to Israel-Jerusalem peace clearly lay in an early negotiated solution between Israel and Palestine based on mutual recognition and security arrangements&rdquo;

&nbsp;

The message is clear, we must steer clear out of this issue. And, thus, without making much fuss or openly criticising the US and Israel, India silently voted against the US proposal to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The move of the US was purely driven by the policy of forceful expansion and, in my view, had no merit either.

&nbsp;

First of all, we must understand, Jerusalem had been a Holy City of the Jews, Christians as well as Muslims. It is considered as one of the holiest cities in the world. Its appeal is spiritual, cultural and historical. Not necessarily political or administrative.

&nbsp;

However, making Jerusalem the capital would invariably shift all elements of state politics to a city considered sacred. This is something like shifting India&rsquo;s capital to Haridwar or Varanasi and Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s capital from Riyadh to Mecca or Medina. Such decisions don&rsquo;t have good implications in the long term.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Secondly, we already know that the town of Jerusalem had been a bone of contention between the three religious communities. Till date, we have a rather stable and acceptable solution to the Israel-Palestine problem, it is not advised to disturb the status-quo. The same is applicable in the case of the Kashmir problem, and the international community accepts that. Till date not a single country has said that the entire Kashmir belongs to India.

&nbsp;

Thirdly, we must understand that the US himself had been sidelined much before the resolution was tabled itself. The two countries which presented the resolution were Yemen and Turkey. The involvement of Turkey makes it clear the anguish that has been created by the decision of the US on the matter. Historically, Turkey had been a trusted ally of the US and a NATO member. It receives billions of US Dollars in aid every year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan in his recent speech at Ankara said, &ldquo;Mr. Trump, you cannot buy Turkey&#39;s democratic will with your dollars&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Now that&rsquo;s quite a bit for the US ego.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fourthly, the UN resolution has nothing to say about the US. It talks generally about the Jerusalem and says, &quot;Any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void&nbsp;and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and in this regard, calls upon all States to&nbsp;refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the holy city of Jerusalem pursuant to Security Council resolution 478 (1980); It also demands that&nbsp;all states comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem and not recognise any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions&rdquo;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

My first point is mentioned by UN in its statement, and that too very loud and clear. Maintain the sanctity of a Holy City. In the large gathering of states, India knew that this resolution will win and, hence, it was a right decision to support it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While few of the people take it as India&rsquo;s support to Palestine, I think it is not the case. Being a responsible member of the UN, India must respect the sanctity of the UN resolution 478.

&nbsp;

India accepts Palestine as a country and the ties between the two countries have been old. In the times when the US was actively supporting Pakistan, Palestine was standing with India. We must respect this aspect too. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moreover, India should act as a responsible leader of the world. Being a future superpower of the world, India must balance out its foreign relations and policies which is not possible by taking sides of one group or the another. India&rsquo;s views about Palestine have always been independent and consistent, and were not driven by the influence or pressure of any third country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At last, I would like to say that our relationship with the US and Israel has a different dimension which cannot be altered by such minor actions. India-Israel-US constitutes a bulwark against terrorism and, we shall continue to fight the menace till it is wiped off the face of this planet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

India?s views about Palestine have always been independent and consistent, and were not driven by the influence or pressure of any third country.

The foreign policy of India has taken many leaps in the last couple of decades, especially in the case of Israel-Palestine conflict. As a responsible country, it is essential that India must keep its stand clear. As External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said during the Non-Alignment Movement’s Ministerial meeting, “The path to Israel-Jerusalem peace clearly lay in an early negotiated solution between Israel and Palestine based on mutual recognition and security arrangements” The message is clear, we must steer clear out of this issue. And, thus, without making much fuss or openly criticising the US and Israel, India silently voted against the US proposal to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel. The move of the US was purely driven by the policy of forceful expansion and, in my view, had no merit either. First of all, we must understand, Jerusalem had been a Holy City of the Jews, Christians as well as Muslims. It is considered as one of the holiest cities in the world. Its appeal is spiritual, cultural and historical. Not necessarily political or administrative. However, making Jerusalem the capital would invariably shift all elements of state politics to a city considered sacred. This is something like shifting India’s capital to Haridwar or Varanasi and Saudi Arabia’s capital from Riyadh to Mecca or Medina. Such decisions don’t have good implications in the long term. Secondly, we already know that the town of Jerusalem had been a bone of contention between the three religious communities. Till date, we have a rather stable and acceptable solution to the Israel-Palestine problem, it is not advised to disturb the status-quo. The same is applicable in the case of the Kashmir problem, and the international community accepts that. Till date not a single country has said that the entire Kashmir belongs to India. Thirdly, we must understand that the US himself had been sidelined much before the resolution was tabled itself. The two countries which presented the resolution were Yemen and Turkey. The involvement of Turkey makes it clear the anguish that has been created by the decision of the US on the matter. Historically, Turkey had been a trusted ally of the US and a NATO member. It receives billions of US Dollars in aid every year. The Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan in his recent speech at Ankara said, “Mr. Trump, you cannot buy Turkey's democratic will with your dollars". Now that’s quite a bit for the US ego. Fourthly, the UN resolution has nothing to say about the US. It talks generally about the Jerusalem and says, "Any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and in this regard, calls upon all States to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the holy city of Jerusalem pursuant to Security Council resolution 478 (1980); It also demands that all states comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem and not recognise any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions” My first point is mentioned by UN in its statement, and that too very loud and clear. Maintain the sanctity of a Holy City. In the large gathering of states, India knew that this resolution will win and, hence, it was a right decision to support it. While few of the people take it as India’s support to Palestine, I think it is not the case. Being a responsible member of the UN, India must respect the sanctity of the UN resolution 478. India accepts Palestine as a country and the ties between the two countries have been old. In the times when the US was actively supporting Pakistan, Palestine was standing with India. We must respect this aspect too. Moreover, India should act as a responsible leader of the world. Being a future superpower of the world, India must balance out its foreign relations and policies which is not possible by taking sides of one group or the another. India’s views about Palestine have always been independent and consistent, and were not driven by the influence or pressure of any third country. At last, I would like to say that our relationship with the US and Israel has a different dimension which cannot be altered by such minor actions. India-Israel-US constitutes a bulwark against terrorism and, we shall continue to fight the menace till it is wiped off the face of this planet. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: India and the curious case of the UN Resolution on Jerusalem

One of the major Islamic countries of Europe, Turkey is the only Islamic country which is part of America-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. When Mustafa Kamal Ataturk fought the Turkish War of Independence, he himself did not think that the country would be in such a state after few decades. The country has been inhibited by Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and other communities before, finally, surrendering to Islamic invaders in the late eleventh century.

&nbsp;

Traditionally, Turkey had been considered as a moderate Islamic country but in the recent times, the inclination of this country, which acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia, had been overtly hard-line Islamic, making it a matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 1952, when the Cold War started and America wanted to isolate the then mighty USSR, it had no option but to include Turkey in the NATO.&nbsp; Particularly, because the country was virtually controlling every movement from the Black Sea and, indirectly,&nbsp; was restricting the entire USSR Navy to operate in global waters.

&nbsp;

During the initial phase of Cold War, Turkey got immensely benefited from the economic, political and diplomatic support of United States and emerged as one of the major allies of the European Union. Even after the Cold War ended, the Mediterranean country&rsquo;s importance did not reduce but because of its strategic location and active support to America in all perspectives, it flourished.

&nbsp;

Even till now, Turkey has the second biggest standing force in NATO with over 5 lakh soldiers. Not only this, it is governed by the nuclear weapon sharing programme with the US. Accordingly, the US has housed a total of 90 B61 Nuclear warheads at its Incirlik Air Base, out of which 40 are at the disposal of Turkish Air Force.

&nbsp;

In 1991, Turkey played an important role in establishing NATO footholds in the Central Asian countries, which were liberated out of erstwhile USSR since they share the same culture and linguistic heritage. Things were going fine but after the win of AKP in the elections in 2002, the situation started deteriorating. Earlier Turkey used to support every move of the United States but for the first time in 2003, a major part of the AKP legislatures joined the Opposition party to prevent the government from supporting US decision to invade Iraq from the Turkish Territory.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That was a game-changing moment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tayyip Recep Erdogan had been one of the founders of AKP and is considered a hardliner Islamic politician. Everyone feared that his becoming the President will negatively affect the secular nature of Turkey. And the fear came true when he took over the country as Prime Minister in 2003 and then as President in 2014.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Erdogan started affecting the country&rsquo;s politics soon after his party came to power. He negotiated the membership of Turkey with the European Union, made changes in the Constitution in 2007 and 2010 and curbed the powers of his military, anticipating any future coup.

&nbsp;

He actively supported some hardliner Islamic movements within the country and nurtured their leaders and this is what disturbs the West. The over-inclination of Erdogan with the hardliner Islamic elements, the ISIS factor, the recent statements of the Turkish government against the US are challenging the existence of the country as a major NATO ally.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are several other issues too.&nbsp; The US support to Kurdish fighters is a point of friction as is Turkey supporting some of the ISIS elements. Turkish government officials gave statements, indicating the US as their enemy in open forum. Turkey believes that the US supported FETO movement to the July 2016 Coup. Turkey&rsquo;s increasing inclination to Russia and its joining of Moscow-Beijing led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is another matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Turkey is not only doing joint military exercises with Russia but also procuring S-400 Anti-Missile system, which will be integrated with the NATO defence systems. This is a clear breach of trust. US has also included Turkey as a joint partner in F-35 Program, which is a sensitive military programme but with the current inclination of this country, a leakage of technology into wrong hands can&rsquo;t be ruled out. The support of Turkey to Pakistan and some of its terror elements is also a serious matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But what is compelling the US to keep Turkey as its major NATO ally? Because even keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What Erdogan thinks is that by playing this game, he can be in a win-win situation with respect to both the US and Russia. But if he would ever compare himself to these two countries, one led by a sharp businessman and other by an ex KGB operative, Erdogan is a novice and he must accept that.

&nbsp;

Ironically, Turkey is caught between his own moves and this would not lead the country anywhere. There are serious undercurrents in the government which was evident from the July 2016 Coup. Different governments have different ideologies and priorities which affect the nation to a great sense. The future has a lot in store for Turkey.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO.

One of the major Islamic countries of Europe, Turkey is the only Islamic country which is part of America-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. When Mustafa Kamal Ataturk fought the Turkish War of Independence, he himself did not think that the country would be in such a state after few decades. The country has been inhibited by Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and other communities before, finally, surrendering to Islamic invaders in the late eleventh century. Traditionally, Turkey had been considered as a moderate Islamic country but in the recent times, the inclination of this country, which acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia, had been overtly hard-line Islamic, making it a matter of concern. In 1952, when the Cold War started and America wanted to isolate the then mighty USSR, it had no option but to include Turkey in the NATO. Particularly, because the country was virtually controlling every movement from the Black Sea and, indirectly, was restricting the entire USSR Navy to operate in global waters. During the initial phase of Cold War, Turkey got immensely benefited from the economic, political and diplomatic support of United States and emerged as one of the major allies of the European Union. Even after the Cold War ended, the Mediterranean country’s importance did not reduce but because of its strategic location and active support to America in all perspectives, it flourished. Even till now, Turkey has the second biggest standing force in NATO with over 5 lakh soldiers. Not only this, it is governed by the nuclear weapon sharing programme with the US. Accordingly, the US has housed a total of 90 B61 Nuclear warheads at its Incirlik Air Base, out of which 40 are at the disposal of Turkish Air Force. In 1991, Turkey played an important role in establishing NATO footholds in the Central Asian countries, which were liberated out of erstwhile USSR since they share the same culture and linguistic heritage. Things were going fine but after the win of AKP in the elections in 2002, the situation started deteriorating. Earlier Turkey used to support every move of the United States but for the first time in 2003, a major part of the AKP legislatures joined the Opposition party to prevent the government from supporting US decision to invade Iraq from the Turkish Territory. That was a game-changing moment. Tayyip Recep Erdogan had been one of the founders of AKP and is considered a hardliner Islamic politician. Everyone feared that his becoming the President will negatively affect the secular nature of Turkey. And the fear came true when he took over the country as Prime Minister in 2003 and then as President in 2014. Erdogan started affecting the country’s politics soon after his party came to power. He negotiated the membership of Turkey with the European Union, made changes in the Constitution in 2007 and 2010 and curbed the powers of his military, anticipating any future coup. He actively supported some hardliner Islamic movements within the country and nurtured their leaders and this is what disturbs the West. The over-inclination of Erdogan with the hardliner Islamic elements, the ISIS factor, the recent statements of the Turkish government against the US are challenging the existence of the country as a major NATO ally. There are several other issues too. The US support to Kurdish fighters is a point of friction as is Turkey supporting some of the ISIS elements. Turkish government officials gave statements, indicating the US as their enemy in open forum. Turkey believes that the US supported FETO movement to the July 2016 Coup. Turkey’s increasing inclination to Russia and its joining of Moscow-Beijing led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is another matter of concern. Turkey is not only doing joint military exercises with Russia but also procuring S-400 Anti-Missile system, which will be integrated with the NATO defence systems. This is a clear breach of trust. US has also included Turkey as a joint partner in F-35 Program, which is a sensitive military programme but with the current inclination of this country, a leakage of technology into wrong hands can’t be ruled out. The support of Turkey to Pakistan and some of its terror elements is also a serious matter of concern. But what is compelling the US to keep Turkey as its major NATO ally? Because even keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO. What Erdogan thinks is that by playing this game, he can be in a win-win situation with respect to both the US and Russia. But if he would ever compare himself to these two countries, one led by a sharp businessman and other by an ex KGB operative, Erdogan is a novice and he must accept that. Ironically, Turkey is caught between his own moves and this would not lead the country anywhere. There are serious undercurrents in the government which was evident from the July 2016 Coup. Different governments have different ideologies and priorities which affect the nation to a great sense. The future has a lot in store for Turkey. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Erdogan's Turkey a threat or a trusted ally of NATO?

As the world gears up for bringing in the New Year, Turkish authorities announced they will not allow New Year celebrations at Istanbul&#39;s iconic Taksim Square for security reasons.&nbsp;

State media reported Wednesday quoting local officials, this ban comes as a security measure to avoid any <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/is-claims-responsibility-for-istanbul-nightclub-attack-10834" target="_blank">mishap</a> like last year.&nbsp;

Ismail Kilic, local police chief of Istanbul&rsquo;s Beyoglu district, said security measures had been doubled this year following a string of attacks over the past two years.

As reported by state-run news agency Anadolu, he said, &ldquo;Measures for New Year will be at the highest level.&quot;

Turkey has been at the epicentre of terror attacks attributed to Kurdish militants and the Islamic State group. Last year during New Year 2016-17 celebrations, in a mass shooting at a popular nightclub Reina, around 39 people were killed.&nbsp;

Police had earlier released<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-new-years-nightclub-attack-what-we-know-about-the-suspected-gunman-10862" target="_blank"> images</a> procured during a manhunt for the attacker that showed the&nbsp;IS gunman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-captures-suspected-istanbul-nightclub-attacker-11367" target="_blank">Abdulgadir Masharipov</a> clicked&nbsp;photos&nbsp;on Taksim Square with a selfie stick, before going to the waterside nightclub to carry out the attack.

Masharipov was captured after a police raid and it was revealed that the Uzbeki citizen confessed to shooting and looking for a new target place as the Taksim Square was not suitable for an attack. The accused later took a taxi for a tour along the shores of the Bosphorus and spotted Reina nightclub. He said,&nbsp;&ldquo;It didn&rsquo;t look like security measures were high.&rdquo;&nbsp;

The Islamic State group took responsibility for the attack, a first in Turkey. It led to the death of 39 people including 27 foreigners from countries like&nbsp;Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq and Morocco.

Last year in New Year 2016-17 party, mass shooting at a popular Istanbul nightclub Reina left 39 people dead

As the world gears up for bringing in the New Year, Turkish authorities announced they will not allow New Year celebrations at Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square for security reasons. State media reported Wednesday quoting local officials, this ban comes as a security measure to avoid any mishap like last year. Ismail Kilic, local police chief of Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, said security measures had been doubled this year following a string of attacks over the past two years. As reported by state-run news agency Anadolu, he said, “Measures for New Year will be at the highest level." Turkey has been at the epicentre of terror attacks attributed to Kurdish militants and the Islamic State group. Last year during New Year 2016-17 celebrations, in a mass shooting at a popular nightclub Reina, around 39 people were killed. Police had earlier released images procured during a manhunt for the attacker that showed the IS gunman Abdulgadir Masharipov clicked photos on Taksim Square with a selfie stick, before going to the waterside nightclub to carry out the attack. Masharipov was captured after a police raid and it was revealed that the Uzbeki citizen confessed to shooting and looking for a new target place as the Taksim Square was not suitable for an attack. The accused later took a taxi for a tour along the shores of the Bosphorus and spotted Reina nightclub. He said, “It didn’t look like security measures were high.” The Islamic State group took responsibility for the attack, a first in Turkey. It led to the death of 39 people including 27 foreigners from countries like Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq and Morocco.

Turkey bans New Year celebrations at Istanbul's Taksim Square

Turkey on Sunday slammed the incoming Austrian government, a coalition between conservatives and the far-right, for &quot;discrimination&quot; and &quot;racist approaches&quot; after its programme pledged Vienna would not agree to Ankara joining the Europian Union (EU).

The landmark coalition deal, marking the return to power in Austria of the Freedom Party (FPOe), has sparked ripples of concern throughout Europe after a year of successes for far-right movements.

The chancellor-elect, Sebastian Kurz of the conservative People&#39;s Party (OeVP), already has a deeply-fractious relationship with Ankara due to his staunch opposition to Turkey&#39;s EU bid while serving as foreign minister.

&quot;This baseless and short-sighted statement in the new Austrian government&#39;s programme, unfortunately, confirms concerns about a political trend based on discrimination and marginalisation,&quot; the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

Turkish EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik meanwhile said the incoming Austrian government had &quot;started attacking fundamental democratic values without delay.&quot;

In a barrage of tweets, he said Kurz was &quot;even more radical than the far right&quot;.

Slamming the EU for not condemning the government programme, he said: &quot;Ignoring the racist approaches in the Austrian government programme... is a weakness.&quot;

&quot;Islamophobic, antisemitic, xenophobic and anti-migrant parties are on the rise. Now, this movement is in power in Austria,&quot; Celik said. &quot;Austria should draw lessons from recent history.&quot;

Accusing the incoming government of &quot;dishonesty&quot;, the Turkish foreign ministry warned that if realised, the programme would bring Austria &quot;to the brink of losing Turkey&#39;s friendship&quot; and be met with &quot;the reaction that it deserves&quot;.

Turkey&#39;s decades-long ambition to join the EU has hit the buffers in recent months as the bloc sounded the alarm over the crackdown that followed the 2016 coup bid aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

While Austria has called for the accession process to be formally halted, this has met with opposition from key EU members, notably Germany.

Meeting Erdogan on his trip to Greece earlier this month -- the first by a Turkish president in 65 years -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also backed Turkey&#39;s EU bid.

But last month, the EU cut funds destined to Turkey in the 2018 budget, citing doubts about Ankara&#39;s commitment to democracy and human rights in a move supported by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The landmark coalition deal, marking the return to power in Austria of the Freedom Party (FPOe), has sparked ripples of concern throughout Europe after a year of successes for far-right movements

Turkey on Sunday slammed the incoming Austrian government, a coalition between conservatives and the far-right, for "discrimination" and "racist approaches" after its programme pledged Vienna would not agree to Ankara joining the Europian Union (EU). The landmark coalition deal, marking the return to power in Austria of the Freedom Party (FPOe), has sparked ripples of concern throughout Europe after a year of successes for far-right movements. The chancellor-elect, Sebastian Kurz of the conservative People's Party (OeVP), already has a deeply-fractious relationship with Ankara due to his staunch opposition to Turkey's EU bid while serving as foreign minister. "This baseless and short-sighted statement in the new Austrian government's programme, unfortunately, confirms concerns about a political trend based on discrimination and marginalisation," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. Turkish EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik meanwhile said the incoming Austrian government had "started attacking fundamental democratic values without delay." In a barrage of tweets, he said Kurz was "even more radical than the far right". Slamming the EU for not condemning the government programme, he said: "Ignoring the racist approaches in the Austrian government programme... is a weakness." "Islamophobic, antisemitic, xenophobic and anti-migrant parties are on the rise. Now, this movement is in power in Austria," Celik said. "Austria should draw lessons from recent history." Accusing the incoming government of "dishonesty", the Turkish foreign ministry warned that if realised, the programme would bring Austria "to the brink of losing Turkey's friendship" and be met with "the reaction that it deserves". Turkey's decades-long ambition to join the EU has hit the buffers in recent months as the bloc sounded the alarm over the crackdown that followed the 2016 coup bid aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While Austria has called for the accession process to be formally halted, this has met with opposition from key EU members, notably Germany. Meeting Erdogan on his trip to Greece earlier this month -- the first by a Turkish president in 65 years -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also backed Turkey's EU bid. But last month, the EU cut funds destined to Turkey in the 2018 budget, citing doubts about Ankara's commitment to democracy and human rights in a move supported by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Turkey accuses new Austria government of 'racist approaches'

Turkey&#39;s leader is seeking to spearhead Islamic reaction to the US declaration on Jerusalem, but it is uncertain if he can coordinate a meaningful response among often disunited Muslim nations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, had fulminated against President Donald Trump&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital even before it was officially announced this week.

Erdogan described the status of the city, whose eastern sector Palestinians see as the capital of their future state, as a &quot;red line&quot; for Muslims.

With Trump disregarding such warnings, the Turkish president used his position as the current chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to call a summit of the pan-Islamic group.

&quot;He is seeking to garner an international response,&quot; said Ziya Meral, resident fellow at the British Army&#39;s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, noting Erdogan had spoken to Muslim allies and non-Islamic leaders.

&quot;What Turkey can do tangibly next is far from clear and responses have risks for Erdogan and Turkey,&quot; he told AFP.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, had fulminated against President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital even before it was officially announced this week

Turkey's leader is seeking to spearhead Islamic reaction to the US declaration on Jerusalem, but it is uncertain if he can coordinate a meaningful response among often disunited Muslim nations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, had fulminated against President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital even before it was officially announced this week. Erdogan described the status of the city, whose eastern sector Palestinians see as the capital of their future state, as a "red line" for Muslims. With Trump disregarding such warnings, the Turkish president used his position as the current chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to call a summit of the pan-Islamic group. "He is seeking to garner an international response," said Ziya Meral, resident fellow at the British Army's Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, noting Erdogan had spoken to Muslim allies and non-Islamic leaders. "What Turkey can do tangibly next is far from clear and responses have risks for Erdogan and Turkey," he told AFP.

Turkey's Erdogan seeks to lead Muslim response on Jerusalem

US President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-committed-to-middle-east-peace-process-tillerson-26062">Trump said the move to name Jerusalem</a> as Israel&#39;s capital was &quot;long overdue&quot;.

&quot;I think it&rsquo;s long overdue. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-will-lead-to-escalation-of-tension-china-26028">Many presidents have said they want </a>to do something and they didn&rsquo;t do it,&quot; Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House.

&nbsp;&quot;Whether it&#39;s courage or they changed their mind, I can&#39;t tell you,&quot; the president added.

Trump had earlier called allies in the Middle East to tell them his decision on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the US administration&#39;s intent to move its embassy there.

A Palestinian envoy told Reuters that the decision was a &quot;declaration of war&quot; in the Middle East. Pope Francis called for Jerusalem&#39;s &quot;status quo&quot; to be respected, saying new tension would further inflame world conflicts.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had told Parliament earlier that she would be speaking to the US president on his decision on Jerusalem.

Trump said many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn?t do it

US President Donald Trump said the move to name Jerusalem as Israel's capital was "long overdue". "I think it’s long overdue. Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn’t do it," Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House. "Whether it's courage or they changed their mind, I can't tell you," the president added. Trump had earlier called allies in the Middle East to tell them his decision on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the US administration's intent to move its embassy there. A Palestinian envoy told Reuters that the decision was a "declaration of war" in the Middle East. Pope Francis called for Jerusalem's "status quo" to be respected, saying new tension would further inflame world conflicts. British Prime Minister Theresa May had told Parliament earlier that she would be speaking to the US president on his decision on Jerusalem.

Decision on Jerusalem long overdue: Trump

A senior Turkish government official on Monday warned of a &quot;major catastrophe&quot; if the United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital despite a flood of warnings from the Arab world.

&quot;If the (current) status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken ... that would be a major catastrophe,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said during a televised press conference.

&quot;It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest.&quot;

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world.

Most of the international community, including the US as well as Turkey, does not formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved through final status negotiations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a champion of the Palestinian cause, often criticises Israel over its actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, despite a 2016 reconciliation deal after years of severed ties following Israel&#39;s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound ship.&nbsp;

Bozdag, also government spokesman, on Monday said a US step to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital would benefit &quot;neither Israel ... nor the region.&quot;

&quot;It would not benefit anything. Rather than open new doors, it would drag the region into a new disaster.&quot;

President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world

A senior Turkish government official on Monday warned of a "major catastrophe" if the United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital despite a flood of warnings from the Arab world. "If the (current) status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken ... that would be a major catastrophe," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said during a televised press conference. "It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest." The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world. Most of the international community, including the US as well as Turkey, does not formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved through final status negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a champion of the Palestinian cause, often criticises Israel over its actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, despite a 2016 reconciliation deal after years of severed ties following Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound ship. Bozdag, also government spokesman, on Monday said a US step to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital would benefit "neither Israel ... nor the region." "It would not benefit anything. Rather than open new doors, it would drag the region into a new disaster."

Turkey warns of 'catastrophe' if US recognises Jerusalem as Israel capital

Prosecutors in Turkey have issued detention orders to over 300 soldiers suspected of having associations to US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was responsible for last year&#39;s attempted coup, media reports said.&nbsp;

According to reports, the suspects included 333 soldiers and 27 civilians - also termed as &quot;secret-imams&quot;. Out of the total accused, seven military members sought were pilots.&nbsp;

It was also reported that two soldiers were detained in Zonguldak and will be taken to Istanbul, where the inquiry will be carried out.

Turkey blamed Gulen behind the July 15, 2016, failed overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gulen had reportedly denied the claims.

Since last July, over 50,000 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the movement which Turkey has dubbed the &ldquo;Fethullah Terrorist Organization&rdquo; (FETO).

Gulen, living in self-imposed exile in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, insists his group is peaceful and has no links to terror.

Almost everyday, the authorities announce detentions of alleged Gulenists, over 16 months after the coup, media reports say.

According to reports, the suspects included 333 soldiers and 27 civilians - also termed as "secret-imams"

Prosecutors in Turkey have issued detention orders to over 300 soldiers suspected of having associations to US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was responsible for last year's attempted coup, media reports said. According to reports, the suspects included 333 soldiers and 27 civilians - also termed as "secret-imams". Out of the total accused, seven military members sought were pilots. It was also reported that two soldiers were detained in Zonguldak and will be taken to Istanbul, where the inquiry will be carried out. Turkey blamed Gulen behind the July 15, 2016, failed overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gulen had reportedly denied the claims. Since last July, over 50,000 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the movement which Turkey has dubbed the “Fethullah Terrorist Organization” (FETO). Gulen, living in self-imposed exile in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, insists his group is peaceful and has no links to terror. Almost everyday, the authorities announce detentions of alleged Gulenists, over 16 months after the coup, media reports say.

Turkey arrests over 300 soldiers for links with US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen

Turkey on Monday began a day of mourning for 305 people killed in the Sinai mosque massacre despite strained ties with Egypt.

The Turkish prime minister&#39;s office also condemned the &quot;heinous terror attack&quot; at the North Sinai Rawda mosque which no group has yet claimed.

Flags are being flown at half-mast in government buildings inside and outside Turkey until sunset.

Ties between Turkey and Egypt have been tense since the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.&nbsp;

Erdogan denounced the move and called Morsi&#39;s ouster a &quot;coup&quot;.

Morsi&#39;s Muslim Brotherhood is outlawed in Egypt but members of the group have sought refuge in Turkey.

Last week, Egypt&#39;s public prosecutor ordered 29 people to be detained for 15 days pending a probe into claims they spied for Turkey and joined a &quot;terrorist&quot; group.

Turkish officials were quick to offer condolences and support following the assault, including Erdogan who put the blame on Islamic State for the &quot;treacherous attack&quot;.

&quot;Daesh (Islamic State) terror is inhuman, it has once again shown its un-Islamic face. Turkey stands with its Egyptian brothers and sisters,&quot; Erdogan said on Saturday.

It is not known why the mosque was targeted but it is assumed in Egypt that it happened because Sufi Muslims worshipped at the mosque.

Up to 30 militants in camouflage flying the black banner of the Islamic State extremist group surrounded the mosque and killed worshippers during weekly Friday prayers, Egyptian authorities said.

Flags are being flown at half-mast in government buildings inside and outside Turkey until sunset

Turkey on Monday began a day of mourning for 305 people killed in the Sinai mosque massacre despite strained ties with Egypt. The Turkish prime minister's office also condemned the "heinous terror attack" at the North Sinai Rawda mosque which no group has yet claimed. Flags are being flown at half-mast in government buildings inside and outside Turkey until sunset. Ties between Turkey and Egypt have been tense since the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan denounced the move and called Morsi's ouster a "coup". Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood is outlawed in Egypt but members of the group have sought refuge in Turkey. Last week, Egypt's public prosecutor ordered 29 people to be detained for 15 days pending a probe into claims they spied for Turkey and joined a "terrorist" group. Turkish officials were quick to offer condolences and support following the assault, including Erdogan who put the blame on Islamic State for the "treacherous attack". "Daesh (Islamic State) terror is inhuman, it has once again shown its un-Islamic face. Turkey stands with its Egyptian brothers and sisters," Erdogan said on Saturday. It is not known why the mosque was targeted but it is assumed in Egypt that it happened because Sufi Muslims worshipped at the mosque. Up to 30 militants in camouflage flying the black banner of the Islamic State extremist group surrounded the mosque and killed worshippers during weekly Friday prayers, Egyptian authorities said.

Turkey mourns Egypt mosque attack victims

A telephone call on Friday between U.S. and Turkish leaders marked a turning point in strained relations between the two countries, but Washington must honor a pledge to end weapons provisions to Syrian Kurdish fighters, Turkey said on Monday.

&quot;The &#39;We will not give weapons&#39; remarks from a U.S. president for the first time is important, but it will lose value if it is not implemented. It would be deceiving the world,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said.

The White House said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump informed Turkey&#39;s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Washington was adjusting the military support to partners on the ground in Syria.

The Syrian Kurdish YPG spearheads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias fighting Islamic State with the help of a U.S.-led coalition.

A spokesperson for the coalition said on Sunday that it was looking at &quot;adjustments&quot; to the support it provides to the SDF, ranging from the number of advisers to training and artillery.

Weapons provided to Syrian YPG have been limited and mission specific, the spokesperson added.

Ankara has been infuriated by Washington&#39;s support for the YPG militia, seen by Turkey as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a decades-long insurgency in Turkey and is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the United States, and European Union.

'The 'We will not give weapons' remarks from a U.S. president for the first time is important, but it will lose value if it is not implemented. It would be deceiving the world,' said the Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag

A telephone call on Friday between U.S. and Turkish leaders marked a turning point in strained relations between the two countries, but Washington must honor a pledge to end weapons provisions to Syrian Kurdish fighters, Turkey said on Monday. "The 'We will not give weapons' remarks from a U.S. president for the first time is important, but it will lose value if it is not implemented. It would be deceiving the world," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said. The White House said on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump informed Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Washington was adjusting the military support to partners on the ground in Syria. The Syrian Kurdish YPG spearheads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias fighting Islamic State with the help of a U.S.-led coalition. A spokesperson for the coalition said on Sunday that it was looking at "adjustments" to the support it provides to the SDF, ranging from the number of advisers to training and artillery. Weapons provided to Syrian YPG have been limited and mission specific, the spokesperson added. Ankara has been infuriated by Washington's support for the YPG militia, seen by Turkey as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a decades-long insurgency in Turkey and is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the United States, and European Union.

Trump must keep pledge on not arming YPG militia: Turkey

An Istanbul district authority has banned a one-day festival that had been set to showcase short films on gay issues on Saturday, claiming the event posed a threat to public order.

The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province.

The Istanbul event, co-organised by Turkish gay rights group Pink Life LGBT Solidarity Association and the British Council, had been set to screen 10 short films at Pera Museum in the popular district of Beyoglu on the European side of the city.

But the Beyoglu district governor&#39;s office said on Friday the event would not be allowed to take place, in a bid to &quot;protect public order and safety, others&#39; rights and freedoms, and to prevent crime&quot;.

In a statement, the governor&#39;s office said the planned &quot;events may be against constitutional order or public morality&quot;.

It also said the event organisers had not sought the necessary permission to stage the event.

The Pera Museum meanwhile said the event had been postponed, though it did not give a new date.

Earlier this month, a similar ban was imposed on another planned screening by the Pink Life group in Ankara.

And last week, authorities banned all LGBT cultural events in Ankara until further notice, to &quot;maintain public order&quot;.

The Istanbul ban will add to growing concern among gay rights activists in Turkey that their right to freedom of expression is being curtailed under the Islamic-rooted government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

While homosexuality has been legal since the creation of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, LGBT individuals often say they are subject to harassment, rape and abuse.

The once hugely popular annual gay pride rally in Istanbul has been blocked by authorities for three years in a row now.

The authorities insist they are acting to ensure the security of citizens but activists claim the government is seeking to impose a conservative morality.

Earlier this month, Erdogan criticised a quota for gays on a neighbourhood committee, saying it was at odds with the nation&#39;s values.

The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province

An Istanbul district authority has banned a one-day festival that had been set to showcase short films on gay issues on Saturday, claiming the event posed a threat to public order. The ban came after a similar decision on all LGBT cultural events in Ankara province. The Istanbul event, co-organised by Turkish gay rights group Pink Life LGBT Solidarity Association and the British Council, had been set to screen 10 short films at Pera Museum in the popular district of Beyoglu on the European side of the city. But the Beyoglu district governor's office said on Friday the event would not be allowed to take place, in a bid to "protect public order and safety, others' rights and freedoms, and to prevent crime". In a statement, the governor's office said the planned "events may be against constitutional order or public morality". It also said the event organisers had not sought the necessary permission to stage the event. The Pera Museum meanwhile said the event had been postponed, though it did not give a new date. Earlier this month, a similar ban was imposed on another planned screening by the Pink Life group in Ankara. And last week, authorities banned all LGBT cultural events in Ankara until further notice, to "maintain public order". The Istanbul ban will add to growing concern among gay rights activists in Turkey that their right to freedom of expression is being curtailed under the Islamic-rooted government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While homosexuality has been legal since the creation of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, LGBT individuals often say they are subject to harassment, rape and abuse. The once hugely popular annual gay pride rally in Istanbul has been blocked by authorities for three years in a row now. The authorities insist they are acting to ensure the security of citizens but activists claim the government is seeking to impose a conservative morality. Earlier this month, Erdogan criticised a quota for gays on a neighbourhood committee, saying it was at odds with the nation's values.

Istanbul district bans gay film festival

I grew up in the 1990s when superheroes meant only Superman, Batman and Spiderman. The DC comic stars were the introduction to the superhero universe for a lot of us. As we grew up and read the Marvel and DC comic books, we got introduced to many more. In the cinematic universe, there were films made on Superman and Batman and it was easy to pick your favourite superhero.&nbsp; 
 
With changing times, the superhero universe got bigger cinematically and while Marvel adapted, modified to the changing times, DC comic universe somewhat stuck to its conventional ways. In the past few years, there has been a gamut of Marvel movies - each enjoyable and highly entertaining while post-Nolan&#39;s Batman series, there has been a serious void from the DC Comic universe on the big screen. Some would argue that there have been the Superman series but were those films even a patch on what Marvel factory was churning?&nbsp; 
 
Zack Snyder, who is credited for Man Of Steel and 300, created a disastrous, melodramatic Batman Vs Superman in 2016. Perhaps learning a few things from his past mistakes, Snyder&#39;s latest - The Justice League, attempts at salvaging the now sinking DC comic cinematic universe. But the film only manages to do so in parts.&nbsp; 
 
The film takes off from where Batman Vs Superman ended. With Superman dead, Batman and Wonder Woman are left to defend an evil gigantic force who goes by the name of Steppenwolf. The half man-half bull has acquired the three mother boxes- which basically stores all of the universe&#39; energy - which when brought together can cause excessive destruction the world over. So the two &#39;veterans&#39; decide to rope in three rookie superheroes- Cyborg, The Flash and Aquaman. And when these five realise that their collective forces aren&#39;t enough to fight the villain, they bring back Superman from the dead. Yes, literally.&nbsp; 
 
To its credit, Justice League has an impressive set of actors playing their parts well. They also infuse an underlying humour which creates some genuinely funny moments but when you think of the film in its entirety, there is so much more that could have been done with the film. 
 
Among the actors, its Ezra Miller- as The Flash, who stands out with his quirky lines. Miller gets to say the best lines in the film and you find yourself rooting for him the most. Its also refreshing to see a superhero so openly discussing what all he is afraid of and Miller makes The Flash quite nonchalant and cool. There is also the wonderful Gal Gadot as the Wonder Woman who at many moments literally saves the film from becoming a drag.&nbsp; 
 
The narrative takes too much time to establish the real plot and second half is quite a drag except for the scenes where Miller sparkles as the star-struck superhero fan. In fact, Miller and Affleck&#39;s scenes will sort of remind you of Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr&#39;s scenes in Captain America: Civil War. See what DC is doing here?

The plot is predictable like all superhero film plots are. The action scenes lack freshness and the background score is just about average. One can&#39;t help but draw comparisons to the thoroughly entertaining Thor: Ragnarok which released just two weeks back. And Justice League fails in comparison to a lot of other superhero films but it isn&#39;t necessarily a bad film. It is tedious but is also enjoyable in parts. But then why should ardent DC comics fans settle for something average. The film should be mindbogglingly awesome, no?

Rating: 2.5/3 
&nbsp;

A Turkish court sentenced a journalist from opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet to three years in prison on Tuesday on a charge of spreading terrorist propaganda over a tweet which the paper briefly posted in May, state media said

I grew up in the 1990s when superheroes meant only Superman, Batman and Spiderman. The DC comic stars were the introduction to the superhero universe for a lot of us. As we grew up and read the Marvel and DC comic books, we got introduced to many more. In the cinematic universe, there were films made on Superman and Batman and it was easy to pick your favourite superhero. With changing times, the superhero universe got bigger cinematically and while Marvel adapted, modified to the changing times, DC comic universe somewhat stuck to its conventional ways. In the past few years, there has been a gamut of Marvel movies - each enjoyable and highly entertaining while post-Nolan's Batman series, there has been a serious void from the DC Comic universe on the big screen. Some would argue that there have been the Superman series but were those films even a patch on what Marvel factory was churning? Zack Snyder, who is credited for Man Of Steel and 300, created a disastrous, melodramatic Batman Vs Superman in 2016. Perhaps learning a few things from his past mistakes, Snyder's latest - The Justice League, attempts at salvaging the now sinking DC comic cinematic universe. But the film only manages to do so in parts. The film takes off from where Batman Vs Superman ended. With Superman dead, Batman and Wonder Woman are left to defend an evil gigantic force who goes by the name of Steppenwolf. The half man-half bull has acquired the three mother boxes- which basically stores all of the universe' energy - which when brought together can cause excessive destruction the world over. So the two 'veterans' decide to rope in three rookie superheroes- Cyborg, The Flash and Aquaman. And when these five realise that their collective forces aren't enough to fight the villain, they bring back Superman from the dead. Yes, literally. To its credit, Justice League has an impressive set of actors playing their parts well. They also infuse an underlying humour which creates some genuinely funny moments but when you think of the film in its entirety, there is so much more that could have been done with the film. Among the actors, its Ezra Miller- as The Flash, who stands out with his quirky lines. Miller gets to say the best lines in the film and you find yourself rooting for him the most. Its also refreshing to see a superhero so openly discussing what all he is afraid of and Miller makes The Flash quite nonchalant and cool. There is also the wonderful Gal Gadot as the Wonder Woman who at many moments literally saves the film from becoming a drag. The narrative takes too much time to establish the real plot and second half is quite a drag except for the scenes where Miller sparkles as the star-struck superhero fan. In fact, Miller and Affleck's scenes will sort of remind you of Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr's scenes in Captain America: Civil War. See what DC is doing here? The plot is predictable like all superhero film plots are. The action scenes lack freshness and the background score is just about average. One can't help but draw comparisons to the thoroughly entertaining Thor: Ragnarok which released just two weeks back. And Justice League fails in comparison to a lot of other superhero films but it isn't necessarily a bad film. It is tedious but is also enjoyable in parts. But then why should ardent DC comics fans settle for something average. The film should be mindbogglingly awesome, no? Rating: 2.5/3

Turkish opposition journalist sentenced to three years over tweet: Report

At least 14 terrorists belonging to the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party or PKK insurgent group were killed by the Turkish forces in southeastern Diyarbakir province on Saturday.

According to the Anadolu Agency, the Governor`s office in a statement said that another two were caught alive.

The operation launched on November 16 in Kulp district of the province is still underway.

A large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation.

Earlier, the forces killed 68 terrorists after they conducted 1,476 operations against terrorist organizations between October 30 and November 6.

The Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party or the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey.

In the recent past, the clashes between the security forces and the PKK terrorists have intensified, in which more than 1,200 people, including members of security forces and civilians, have lost their lives.&nbsp;

A Large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation

At least 14 terrorists belonging to the Kurdistan Workers' Party or PKK insurgent group were killed by the Turkish forces in southeastern Diyarbakir province on Saturday. According to the Anadolu Agency, the Governor`s office in a statement said that another two were caught alive. The operation launched on November 16 in Kulp district of the province is still underway. A large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation. Earlier, the forces killed 68 terrorists after they conducted 1,476 operations against terrorist organizations between October 30 and November 6. The Kurdistan Workers' Party or the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey. In the recent past, the clashes between the security forces and the PKK terrorists have intensified, in which more than 1,200 people, including members of security forces and civilians, have lost their lives.

Turkey forces kill 14 Kurdistan Workers' Party terrorists

Turkey&rsquo;s Turksat 5A and 5B satellites will be launched by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said on Thursday.

&ldquo;Our friends decided to launch our satellites with the Falcon 9 rockets of Airbus&rsquo; subcontractor, SpaceX,&rdquo; Arslan said at an event in Istanbul. The agreement to build and launch satellites will be worth around $500 million, Turksat Chairman said during his speech at the same event.

In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021.

Elon Musk, chief executive of American electric car maker Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX, met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday and discussed cooperation between Tesla, SpaceX, and Turkish firms. Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX plans a manned mission to Mars by 2024 and a rocket capable of carrying passengers from one continent to another in less than an hour.

In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021.

Turkey’s Turksat 5A and 5B satellites will be launched by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said on Thursday. “Our friends decided to launch our satellites with the Falcon 9 rockets of Airbus’ subcontractor, SpaceX,” Arslan said at an event in Istanbul. The agreement to build and launch satellites will be worth around $500 million, Turksat Chairman said during his speech at the same event. In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021. Elon Musk, chief executive of American electric car maker Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX, met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday and discussed cooperation between Tesla, SpaceX, and Turkish firms. Musk’s SpaceX plans a manned mission to Mars by 2024 and a rocket capable of carrying passengers from one continent to another in less than an hour.

Now, SpaceX to launch Turkish satellites

Turkish police have detained 101 people over suspected links to Islamic State in Ankara and have arrest warrants for a total of 245 suspects in the capital, state-run Anadolu news agency said on Thursday.

It said 1,500 police officers were taking part in the operation across Ankara province, raiding 250 addresses.

No further details were immediately available.

Turkish police have detained 101 people over suspected links to Islamic State in Ankara and have arrest warrants for a total of 245 suspects in the capital, state-run Anadolu news agency said on Thursday

Turkish police have detained 101 people over suspected links to Islamic State in Ankara and have arrest warrants for a total of 245 suspects in the capital, state-run Anadolu news agency said on Thursday. It said 1,500 police officers were taking part in the operation across Ankara province, raiding 250 addresses. No further details were immediately available.

Turkey detains more than 100 Islamic State suspects

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel for the informal talks in Antalya, both sides said in statements on Twitter.

Berlin has been outraged by the detention of German nationals under Turkey&#39;s state of emergency imposed after last year&#39;s failed coup, while Ankara has accused Germany of meddling in its affairs.

The meeting is the first between the two diplomats since tensions reached a new peak in the run-up to the German elections on September 24.

&quot;I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations,&quot; Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The German foreign ministry issued a similar statement.

Pictures showed the two men, dressed in jackets without ties, chatting informally under blue skies in Antalya, Cavusoglu&#39;s home region.

The meeting comes just over a week after German activist Peter Steudtner was released following his arrest along with members of Amnesty International in July on disputed terror charges.

Another German citizen, who was not identified, was also released in a separate case but cannot leave the country, the German foreign ministry said Friday.

But nine Germans still remain behind bars in Turkey including most prominently Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in February, and German journalist Mesale Tolu.

Gabriel had last month thanked former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who retains warm personal ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for helping broker the releases.

But Ankara denied any such deal.

The tensions have risen into one of the worst ever crises between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish minority. Berlin has repeatedly expressed scepticism about the future of Turkey&#39;s EU membership bid.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged a cut in EU funding linked to Turkey&#39;s membership talks to signal the bloc&#39;s unhappiness over the crackdown in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup.

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel for the informal talks in Antalya, both sides said in statements on Twitter. Berlin has been outraged by the detention of German nationals under Turkey's state of emergency imposed after last year's failed coup, while Ankara has accused Germany of meddling in its affairs. The meeting is the first between the two diplomats since tensions reached a new peak in the run-up to the German elections on September 24. "I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations," Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter. The German foreign ministry issued a similar statement. Pictures showed the two men, dressed in jackets without ties, chatting informally under blue skies in Antalya, Cavusoglu's home region. The meeting comes just over a week after German activist Peter Steudtner was released following his arrest along with members of Amnesty International in July on disputed terror charges. Another German citizen, who was not identified, was also released in a separate case but cannot leave the country, the German foreign ministry said Friday. But nine Germans still remain behind bars in Turkey including most prominently Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in February, and German journalist Mesale Tolu. Gabriel had last month thanked former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who retains warm personal ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for helping broker the releases. But Ankara denied any such deal. The tensions have risen into one of the worst ever crises between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish minority. Berlin has repeatedly expressed scepticism about the future of Turkey's EU membership bid. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged a cut in EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks to signal the bloc's unhappiness over the crackdown in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup.

Germany, Turkey top diplomats hold talks amid tensions

Archaeologists have unearthed a tomb beneath the ruins of an ancient church in Turkey which they believe&nbsp;contains the remains of Saint Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus.&nbsp;

According to Newsweek, the tomb contains an undamaged grave at a site in the St&nbsp;Nicholas Church located in&nbsp;Turkey&rsquo;s southern Antalya province.&nbsp;

The church is in the Demre district of Turkey which is known to be the Christian saint&#39;s birthplace.&nbsp;

As reported by Newsweek, the head of&nbsp;Antalya&rsquo;s Monument Authority, Cemil Karabayram, told the Turkish press the shrine was discovered during electronic surveys that showed gaps beneath the church.

He said,&nbsp;&ldquo;We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor.&rdquo;

Archaeologists currently working on the excavation process will have to&nbsp;loosen each tile from the mosaics and remove them together in a mould.

There are various stories behind the Saint&#39;s 1674-year-old remains, some even tracing his place of rest to as far away as Italy and Ireland.&nbsp;

At the time of his death in 343 A.D., Saint Nicholas was interred at the Church in Demre, formerly known as Myra, where he lay undisturbed until the 11th century. According to reports from Italy, his remains were&nbsp;taken during the crusades to either Venice or Bari, Italy.&nbsp;

As per the report, most Catholic and Orthodox Christians accept that the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, is the final resting place of Santa Claus&rsquo;s remains. However, Turkish experts are now claiming the wrong bones were removed and those taken abroad belong to an anonymous priest.

Talking about the excavation,&nbsp;Karabayram&nbsp;said that he is very optimistic about uncovering Saint Nicholas&rsquo;s remains -- with researchers from eight differing fields of study&nbsp;involved in the process of uncovering the grave.

Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas became a figure associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas in the 16th century. He became popular in Europe when he became Father Christmas, known for giving presents to young children.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

St Nicholas's church is in Turkey's Demre district, which is known to be the Christian saint's birthplace

Archaeologists have unearthed a tomb beneath the ruins of an ancient church in Turkey which they believe contains the remains of Saint Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus. According to Newsweek, the tomb contains an undamaged grave at a site in the St Nicholas Church located in Turkey’s southern Antalya province. The church is in the Demre district of Turkey which is known to be the Christian saint's birthplace. As reported by Newsweek, the head of Antalya’s Monument Authority, Cemil Karabayram, told the Turkish press the shrine was discovered during electronic surveys that showed gaps beneath the church. He said, “We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor.” Archaeologists currently working on the excavation process will have to loosen each tile from the mosaics and remove them together in a mould. There are various stories behind the Saint's 1674-year-old remains, some even tracing his place of rest to as far away as Italy and Ireland. At the time of his death in 343 A.D., Saint Nicholas was interred at the Church in Demre, formerly known as Myra, where he lay undisturbed until the 11th century. According to reports from Italy, his remains were taken during the crusades to either Venice or Bari, Italy. As per the report, most Catholic and Orthodox Christians accept that the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, is the final resting place of Santa Claus’s remains. However, Turkish experts are now claiming the wrong bones were removed and those taken abroad belong to an anonymous priest. Talking about the excavation, Karabayram said that he is very optimistic about uncovering Saint Nicholas’s remains -- with researchers from eight differing fields of study involved in the process of uncovering the grave. Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas became a figure associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas in the 16th century. He became popular in Europe when he became Father Christmas, known for giving presents to young children.

Archaeologists find Santa Claus's tomb, in ancient Turkish church

A private jet crashed on landing and burst into flames while making an emergency landing yesterday at Istanbul&#39;s main international airport, leaving four injured, officials said.

The incident forced the temporary closure of Ataturk International Airport and while it later reopened passengers were still experiencing delays.

Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said the Cessna Citation plane had two pilots on board, one crew member and one passenger, all Turkish citizens.

&quot;Their condition is good, there were no fatalities and they are undergoing treatment at the hospital,&quot; he said, quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

&quot;It has affected flights for a short time but now it has been returning to normal,&quot; he added.

Sahin said that the plane sped off the runway and caught fire but its occupants were able to climb out of the aircraft themselves.

The chairman of Turkey&#39;s flag carrier Turkish Airlines Bilal Eksi wrote on Twitter that traffic resumed with a single runway in operation and now both were being used.

The airport&#39;s website showed some delays continuing, in particular for incoming flights.

The Dogan news agency (DHA) said the plane had taken off from the airport to fly to the breakaway statelet of northern Cyprus, which is only recognised by Turkey.

But it had turned back to land at the airport due to a technical problem where it came off the runway and caught fire.

There were no further details on the cause of the plane&#39;s troubles.

Images showed the stricken wreck of the plane on the airport apron, covered in fire fighting foam and apparently split in two.

Other pictures showed a plume of black smoke rising up from the airport.

Ataturk Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Europe, handling up to 1,500 arrivals and departures a day.

Air traffic has grown exponentially in Turkey in the last years and the airport is operating at full capacity.

The authorities plan to open a giant new airport for Istanbul next year that will eventually replace Ataturk International. (AFP)

The plane was making an emergency landing

A private jet crashed on landing and burst into flames while making an emergency landing yesterday at Istanbul's main international airport, leaving four injured, officials said. The incident forced the temporary closure of Ataturk International Airport and while it later reopened passengers were still experiencing delays. Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said the Cessna Citation plane had two pilots on board, one crew member and one passenger, all Turkish citizens. "Their condition is good, there were no fatalities and they are undergoing treatment at the hospital," he said, quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency. "It has affected flights for a short time but now it has been returning to normal," he added. Sahin said that the plane sped off the runway and caught fire but its occupants were able to climb out of the aircraft themselves. The chairman of Turkey's flag carrier Turkish Airlines Bilal Eksi wrote on Twitter that traffic resumed with a single runway in operation and now both were being used. The airport's website showed some delays continuing, in particular for incoming flights. The Dogan news agency (DHA) said the plane had taken off from the airport to fly to the breakaway statelet of northern Cyprus, which is only recognised by Turkey. But it had turned back to land at the airport due to a technical problem where it came off the runway and caught fire. There were no further details on the cause of the plane's troubles. Images showed the stricken wreck of the plane on the airport apron, covered in fire fighting foam and apparently split in two. Other pictures showed a plume of black smoke rising up from the airport. Ataturk Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Europe, handling up to 1,500 arrivals and departures a day. Air traffic has grown exponentially in Turkey in the last years and the airport is operating at full capacity. The authorities plan to open a giant new airport for Istanbul next year that will eventually replace Ataturk International. (AFP)

VIDEO: Pvt jet crashes at main Istanbul airport, bursts into flames

Turkey&nbsp;on Thursday welcomed an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;parliament move to reject a referendum&nbsp;on&nbsp;Kurdish&nbsp;independence.

The parliament in Baghdad authorised the prime minister to &quot;take all measures&quot; to preserve Iraq&#39;s unity in response to the move to hold an independence&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;in Iraq&#39;s semi-autonomous Kurdish&nbsp;region on Sept. 25.

Kurdish&nbsp;leader Massoud Barzani vowed to press ahead with the vote, calling it &quot;a natural right&quot;.

&quot;Barzani&#39;s&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;decision is a historic mistake.&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;will follow policies that take Iraq&#39;s territorial integrity as a basis,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said.

&quot;The northern Iraq&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;must be cancelled, if not it will have a cost and retribution,&quot; he said, adding the move would erode the region&#39;s peace and bring security risks.

Turkey&nbsp;has the region&#39;s largest&nbsp;Kurdish&nbsp;population and fears a &#39;Yes&#39; vote could fuel separatism in its southeast where&nbsp;Kurdish&nbsp;militants have waged an insurgency for three decades in which more than 40,000 people have been killed.

Ankara has built solid ties with Barzani&#39;s administration, founded on strong economic and energy links as well as Ankara and Erbil&#39;s shared suspicions of other&nbsp;Kurdish&nbsp;groups and Iraq&#39;s central government.

Iran and Syria also oppose the vote, fearing it could fan separatism among their own&nbsp;Kurdish populations.

Western powers worry the plebiscite - which would include the oil-producing city of Kirkuk - could ignite conflict with the central government in Baghdad and divert attention from the war against Islamic State militants.

Turkey&#39;s Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Thursday, said: &quot;We find the (Iraqi&nbsp;Kurdish) leadership&#39;s insistent stance regarding the&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;and its increasingly emotional statements worrying.

&quot;It should be noted that this insistence will definitely have a cost,&quot; it added. &quot;We call on them to act with good sense and abandon this erroneous approach immediately.&quot;

The parliament in Baghdad authorised the prime minister to "take all measures" to preserve Iraq's unity in response to the move to hold an independence?referendum?in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish?region on Sept. 25.

Turkey on Thursday welcomed an Iraqi parliament move to reject a referendum on Kurdish independence. The parliament in Baghdad authorised the prime minister to "take all measures" to preserve Iraq's unity in response to the move to hold an independence referendum in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region on Sept. 25. Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani vowed to press ahead with the vote, calling it "a natural right". "Barzani's referendum decision is a historic mistake. Turkey will follow policies that take Iraq's territorial integrity as a basis," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said. "The northern Iraq referendum must be cancelled, if not it will have a cost and retribution," he said, adding the move would erode the region's peace and bring security risks. Turkey has the region's largest Kurdish population and fears a 'Yes' vote could fuel separatism in its southeast where Kurdish militants have waged an insurgency for three decades in which more than 40,000 people have been killed. Ankara has built solid ties with Barzani's administration, founded on strong economic and energy links as well as Ankara and Erbil's shared suspicions of other Kurdish groups and Iraq's central government. Iran and Syria also oppose the vote, fearing it could fan separatism among their own Kurdish populations. Western powers worry the plebiscite - which would include the oil-producing city of Kirkuk - could ignite conflict with the central government in Baghdad and divert attention from the war against Islamic State militants. Turkey's Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Thursday, said: "We find the (Iraqi Kurdish) leadership's insistent stance regarding the referendum and its increasingly emotional statements worrying. "It should be noted that this insistence will definitely have a cost," it added. "We call on them to act with good sense and abandon this erroneous approach immediately."

Iraqi Kurdish referendum historic mistake: Turkey

Iraq&#39;s parliament voted on Tuesday to reject an Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum planned for Sept. 25, authorising the prime minister to take all measures to preserve Iraq&#39;s unity, a lawmaker said.

&quot;Kurdish lawmakers walked out of the session but the decision to reject the referendum was passed by a majority,&quot; Mohammed al-Karbouli said.

Kurdish lawmaker Majid Shingali said Kurds would reject the decision.

&quot;This decision has no value and we will not implement it,&quot; he told Reuters.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi&rsquo;s government had previously rejected the referendum as unilateral and unconstitutional.

The United States and other Western nations fear the September vote in Iraqi Kurdistan could ignite a new conflict with Baghdad and possibly neighboring countries, diverting attention from the war against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey, along with Iraq, Iran and Syria, also opposes the idea of Iraqi Kurdish independence, fearing separatism could spread to their own Kurdish populations.

Kurds have sought an independent state since at least the end of World War I, when colonial powers divided up the Middle East and left Kurdish-populated territory split between modern-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

"Kurdish lawmakers walked out of the session but the decision to reject the referendum was passed by a majority," Mohammed al-Karbouli said.

Iraq's parliament voted on Tuesday to reject an Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum planned for Sept. 25, authorising the prime minister to take all measures to preserve Iraq's unity, a lawmaker said. "Kurdish lawmakers walked out of the session but the decision to reject the referendum was passed by a majority," Mohammed al-Karbouli said. Kurdish lawmaker Majid Shingali said Kurds would reject the decision. "This decision has no value and we will not implement it," he told Reuters. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s government had previously rejected the referendum as unilateral and unconstitutional. The United States and other Western nations fear the September vote in Iraqi Kurdistan could ignite a new conflict with Baghdad and possibly neighboring countries, diverting attention from the war against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Turkey, along with Iraq, Iran and Syria, also opposes the idea of Iraqi Kurdish independence, fearing separatism could spread to their own Kurdish populations. Kurds have sought an independent state since at least the end of World War I, when colonial powers divided up the Middle East and left Kurdish-populated territory split between modern-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Iraqi parliament rejects Iraqi Kurdish referendum

Turkey&#39;s foreign minister will travel to Bangladesh to hold meetings about the fighting in northwestern Myanmar, sources from the ministry said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-modis-visit-to-myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-under-pressure-to-end-rohingya-crisis-19884">Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations</a> to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after at least 400 people were killed and nearly 125,000 fled to Bangladesh in the deadliest bout of violence targeting the minority group in decades.

Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Bangladesh from Baku on Wednesday evening, the sources said. President Tayyip Erdogan has said the death of Rohingya Muslims constituted a genocide.

Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations

Turkey's foreign minister will travel to Bangladesh to hold meetings about the fighting in northwestern Myanmar, sources from the ministry said on Tuesday. Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with large Muslim populations to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims after at least 400 people were killed and nearly 125,000 fled to Bangladesh in the deadliest bout of violence targeting the minority group in decades. Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Bangladesh from Baku on Wednesday evening, the sources said. President Tayyip Erdogan has said the death of Rohingya Muslims constituted a genocide.

Turkish foreign minister to visit Bangladesh to discuss Myanmar issue: Sources

By:&nbsp;Tridivesh Singh Maini &amp; Sandeep Sachdeva*

New Delhi,&nbsp;while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and (P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India&rsquo;s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;

During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance&nbsp;to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan&nbsp;for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">500-km rail line</a> from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. &quot;It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves,&quot; said PM Modi with regard to the corridor.

India&rsquo;s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India&rsquo;s entry into the <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">APTTA</a>&nbsp;(Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

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<h5>Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability.</h5>
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There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The <a href="https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.firstpost.com/india/chabahar-port-why-future-of-india-iran-project-hinges-on-outcome-of-narendra-modi-donald-trump-meet-3722647.html/amp">companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals</a> were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards&nbsp;Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in <a href="http://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iran-india-trade-charges-on-delay-of-chabahar-port/articleshow/56990454.cms">loan disbursement of $ 150 million</a>&nbsp;with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani&rsquo;s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated:

&quot;India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months.&quot;

US-Iran ties

India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump&rsquo;s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani&#39;s exact words were:&nbsp;&quot;Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions.&quot;

Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson,&nbsp;however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tillerson-iran-idUSKBN1AH5E7">Tillerson </a>subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable.&nbsp;

Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability. 
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Iran-Pakistan ties&nbsp;

New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran&rsquo;s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump&rsquo;s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying:

&quot;What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.&rdquo;

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<h5>Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.</h5>
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Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;

Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-pakistan-security-idUSKBN1840SY">Major General Mohammad Baqeri</a>, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, &ldquo;If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
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Middle East

New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the <a href="#vgi=11831571547160704589&amp;amp=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.al-monitor.com%252Fpulse%252Fen%252Foriginals%252F2017%252F08%252Firan-zarif-jubeir-saudi-fm-handshake-istanbul-shamkhani-deal.amp.html&amp;ampidx=0&amp;ampct=1504066232985">foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia</a> met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-iran-military-idUSKCN1AW1PT">Major-General Mohammad Baqeri</a> paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again.&nbsp;

While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India.&nbsp;

While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China,&nbsp;a close watch should be kept on Iran&rsquo;s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on&nbsp;its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries.&nbsp;

*Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.

Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.

By: Tridivesh Singh Maini & Sandeep Sachdeva* New Delhi, while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and (P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India’s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a 500-km rail line from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. "It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves," said PM Modi with regard to the corridor. India’s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India’s entry into the APTTA (Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. × There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in loan disbursement of $ 150 million with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani’s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated: "India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months." US-Iran ties India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump’s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani's exact words were: "Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions." Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state Tillerson subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. Iran-Pakistan ties New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran’s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump’s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying: "What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.” Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. × Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army. Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. Major General Mohammad Baqeri, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, “If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.” Middle East New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, Major-General Mohammad Baqeri paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again. While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India. While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China, a close watch should be kept on Iran’s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries. *Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.

India should be careful about Iran's softening of stance towards Pakistan and China

An Istanbul court has placed under arrest nine journalists on suspicion of links to the alleged mastermind of the failed 2016 coup, the latest in a series of measures against Turkish media workers that have alarmed the West.

Turkish authorities had on August 10 issued arrest warrants for 35 media employees accused of using the Bylock messaging app allegedly used by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen to mobilise followers in Turkey and of belonging to a &quot;terror&quot; group.

A total of 11 were detained at the time and late yesterday an Istanbul court placed nine under arrest ahead of trial and released two under judicial supervision, the state- run Anadolu news agency said.

Among the nine remanded in custody is the website editor at the leftist opposition Birgun daily Burak Ekici and the former news editor of the TV channel of Turkish football side Fenerbahce, Yasir Kaya.

Those released include a prominent former columnist for the Turkiye daily, Ahmet Sagirli. Anadolu said searches are continuing for the remaining 24 suspects, who are likely to have fled abroad.

The latest arrests come amid growing alarm over press freedom in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in particular under the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup and which remains in place.

Gulen, an Islamic preacher who lives in the US state of Pennsylvania, denies any link to the botched putsch.

Turkey ranks 155 on the latest Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders) world press freedom index, below Belarus and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the latest figures from the P24 press freedom website, there are 164 journalists behind bars in Turkey, most of whom were detained under the state of emergency.

In one of the highest profile cases, 17 staff from the Cumhuriyet daily -- one of the few voices in the media in Turkey to oppose Erdogan -- last month went on trial for aiding &quot;terror&quot; groups.

Turkish authorities had on August 10 issued arrest warrants for 35 media employees accused of using the Bylock messaging app allegedly used by Fethullah Gulen to mobilise followers

An Istanbul court has placed under arrest nine journalists on suspicion of links to the alleged mastermind of the failed 2016 coup, the latest in a series of measures against Turkish media workers that have alarmed the West. Turkish authorities had on August 10 issued arrest warrants for 35 media employees accused of using the Bylock messaging app allegedly used by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen to mobilise followers in Turkey and of belonging to a "terror" group. A total of 11 were detained at the time and late yesterday an Istanbul court placed nine under arrest ahead of trial and released two under judicial supervision, the state- run Anadolu news agency said. Among the nine remanded in custody is the website editor at the leftist opposition Birgun daily Burak Ekici and the former news editor of the TV channel of Turkish football side Fenerbahce, Yasir Kaya. Those released include a prominent former columnist for the Turkiye daily, Ahmet Sagirli. Anadolu said searches are continuing for the remaining 24 suspects, who are likely to have fled abroad. The latest arrests come amid growing alarm over press freedom in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in particular under the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup and which remains in place. Gulen, an Islamic preacher who lives in the US state of Pennsylvania, denies any link to the botched putsch. Turkey ranks 155 on the latest Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders) world press freedom index, below Belarus and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the latest figures from the P24 press freedom website, there are 164 journalists behind bars in Turkey, most of whom were detained under the state of emergency. In one of the highest profile cases, 17 staff from the Cumhuriyet daily -- one of the few voices in the media in Turkey to oppose Erdogan -- last month went on trial for aiding "terror" groups.

Turkey: Nine journalists arrested for alleged links to Gulen

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