EGF Turkey File, 1 June — 15 June 2013

Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics

1 June — 15 June 2013

By John VanPool, EGF Turkey and Black Sea Regional Analyst

Key Points:

• Despite heavy police action to clear Taksim Square, the protests continue.
• Erdogan's hard line stance towards the demonstrations is opening a rift inside the AKP, with one camp supportive of President Abdullah Gul's conciliatory approach towards protesters.
• The prime minister hints at foreign and domestic plots behind the Gezi Park situation, making him look increasingly out of touch with the reality on the ground in Istanbul.
• Turkey's play in Syria falters as Sunni extremists come to the fore of the opposition. Meanwhile Bashar alAssad"s forces secure victories against the fractured opposition.
• Exxon and TPAO in talks to secure an exploration block for shale gas in the Black Sea.
• Tensions in Iraqi Kurdistan ebb as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visits Erbil.