Monthly Archives: December 2014
Turkey’s annus horribilis
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
Turkish media: Only worse, as the debacle deepens
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: Media clampdown foretold
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
Turkey: Security Bill Undermines Rights
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
Turkey’s year of self-destruction
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
Erdoğan and Modi: Parallel journeys for Turkey and India?
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
Rock bottom for Turkish media?
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