EGF Turkey File, January — February 2016

Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics

January — February 2016

By John VanPool, EGF Turkey and Black Sea Guest Analyst

Key Points:

• The Turkish government closes down another opposition newspaper, continuing its run as one of the worst countries in the world for press freedom.

• Open combat has broken out between the Turkish Security Forces and Kurdistan Workers Party in south-eastern Turkey. The chances for peace after three decades of violence appear as dim as ever.

• Turkey holds a strong negotiating position with EU countries as European countries seek assistance in stemming the human tide fleeing unrest in the Middle East.