Monthly Archives: December 2014

What a vicious circle Turkey’s story has been. While writing this column — the last one of this year — I first came to think of the event which apparently was the harbinger of the downward spiral to come: the … Continue reading →

At this stage of events in Turkey, I am at a loss for words. It pains me to be a spectator, as all of society is paralyzed, when the delicate process of democratic transition is brutally hijacked by a single … Continue reading →

Turkey under the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has come much closer to a format of despotism, with police raids targeting mainly the media: the Zaman daily and the STV channel. It was an operation given the disguise of … Continue reading →

The Turkish government’s proposed expansion of police powers to search and detain and for the use of firearms would undermine human rights protections, reported Human Rights Watch: A number of the proposals in a draft security bill would circumvent the role … Continue reading →

As Turkey’s “annus horribilis” nears an end, it is time for reflection. What has happened since the allegations of corruption on Dec. 17 and 25 erupted has been a revelation, a “wake-up” moment and a case study on the corrosion … Continue reading →

Amitav Ghosh, an Indian scholar, here presents an analysis, comparing Turkey and India, in their political management: Back in March 2013, when I received and accepted an invitation to visit Bogazici University, I did not for a moment imagine that … Continue reading →

I had never thought it would come to this. I must say that I was prepared for most of it, but was caught completely off guard by the rest. It took place during the 2014 World Press Freedom Awards’ Gala, … Continue reading →