Pentagon: U.S. Not Abandoning Kurds in Face of Turkish Attack

ROBERT BURNS and LOLITA C. BALDOR / The Associated Press Oct 11, 2019 "U.S. troops remain with [our Kurdish partner forces] in other parts of Syria," according to Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

As Impeachment Looms, GOP Revolts Against Trump on Syria

STEVE PEOPLES / The Associated Press Oct 7, 2019 Sen. Lindsey Graham calls it "a disaster"; other Republicans express deep concerns, and Syria's Kurds accuse the U.S. of turning its back on allies. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Erdogan Defends Istanbul Vote Redo; Critics See Power Grab

SUZAN FRASER / The Associated Press May 7, 2019 The Turkish president insists that rerunning the Istanbul mayoral vote that was won by the opposition will strengthen democracy. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Erdogan: Turkish Ruling Party Emerges as Winner

The Associated Press Mar 31, 2019 Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party emerges the winner of Turkey's municipal elections, but loses the mayoral seat of Ankara after 25 years. Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

Trump Concedes Khashoggi Likely Dead, Threatens Consequences

MATTHEW LEE and DARLENE SUPERVILLE / The Associated Press Oct 18, 2018 The president's warning comes as the administration toughens its response to the disappearance of the Saudi journalist, which has sparked global outrage. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Turkish-Backed Forces Seize Syrian-Kurdish City of Afrin

Donald Kaufman / Truthdig Mar 19, 2018 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan achieves an important objective by taking control of a key area from Kurdish fighters. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Trump Sends Troops to the Turkish-Syrian Border

By Juan Cole / Informed Comment May 1, 2017 The president is in the position of trying to separate—and make peace between—a major military power and a band of leftist Kurds. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Erdogan Claims Ultimate Power in Turkey After a Razor-Thin Referendum Victory

By Lauren McCauley / Common Dreams Apr 17, 2017 As an opponent noted: "Threats, oppression, imprisonment, censorship, defamation—and yet [nearly] half of the people of Turkey" voted against expanding the president's authority. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Russian Ambassador to Turkey Killed by Gunman

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Dec 19, 2016 “We die in Aleppo, you die here," the shooter of Ambassador Andrei Karlov reportedly said. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Turks Briefly Block Access to U.S. Air Base and Nuclear Bombs in Turkey

By Common Dreams staff Aug 1, 2016 Troops, police and citizens blockaded the Incirlik air base for several hours after intelligence raised suspicions of another coup being plotted in the wake of the failed attempt in mid-July. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Turkish People-Power Foils Attempted Coup

Juan Cole / Truthdig Jul 16, 2016 Among the reasons for the failure of the overthrow attempt by Turkey's military was the determined stance of the people, who stood up for their democracy even though about half of them deeply dislike President Erdogan. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Turkey’s War Against Journalism

Donald Kaufman / Truthdig Mar 17, 2016 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to expand the definition of "terror crime" to include media reports deemed to support or praise acts of violence. "Democracy, freedom and the rule of law" no longer have any value, he declares. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )