Turkey
Turkey removes HDP mayors amid impending military attack on Syria
By Ulas Atesci, 20 August 2019
The Turkish government removed mayors belonging to the Kurdish nationalist party as it plans a renewed attack on Kurdish YPG militias in Syria.
Amid Turkish war threats, Ankara and Washington to build “safe zone” in Syria
By Ulas Atesci, 8 August 2019
The Turkish government is seeking US approval to invade Syria and target Kurdish nationalist militias that serve as key US proxies in the Middle East.
Turkish government prepares to deport Syrian refugees living in Istanbul
By Çetin Akın and Ulas Atesci, 24 July 2019
Ankara has announced that Syrian refugees not registered in Istanbul have until August 20 to return to the cities in Turkey where they are registered or face deportation.
US, EU hail election of İstanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu
By Ulas Atesci, 4 July 2019
Whatever hopes workers and youth are encouraged to place in İmamoğlu and his political allies will be rapidly disappointed.
Turkish ruling elite whips up chauvinism against Syrian war refugees
By Barış Demir, 27 June 2019
Before the re-run of the Istanbul elections on Sunday, politicians from every major bourgeois party tried to whip up hostility against Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Turkey’s ruling AKP defeated in re-run of İstanbul mayoral election
By Ulas Atesci, 24 June 2019
The candidate of Erdoğan’s AKP, Binali Yıldırım, conceded the election Sunday night. The AKP forced the cancellation of the first election result on March 31 after suffering a narrow defeat.
As Washington threatens to punish Ankara over Russian S-400 missile purchase
US-Turkey conflict nears breaking point
By Ulas Atesci, 20 June 2019
Ankara’s S-400 purchase is a flashpoint for more significant and intractable geopolitical differences with Washington, including over the US war drive against Iran.
Istanbul public meeting calls for the defence of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
By our correspondents, 30 May 2019
Leading members of Sosyalist Eşitlik and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality addressed the meeting, which adopted a resolution calling for the freedom of Assange and Manning.
Socialist Equality Group to hold public meeting in Turkey to demand freedom for Assange and Manning
By the Sosyalist Eşitlik, 22 May 2019
The meeting is part of the ICFI’s ongoing international campaign to defend Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange and whistleblower Chelsea Manning.
Acceding to Erdoğan’s demand
Turkish election authorities order re-vote in Istanbul
By Ulas Atesci and Keith Jones, 10 May 2019
If Erdoğan went to such lengths to overturn the Istanbul mayoral election results, it is because he fears any weakening of his control of the state apparatus under conditions of deepening economic and geopolitical crisis.
Turkey’s political crisis escalates after mob attack on CHP leader
By Ulas Atesci, 24 April 2019
The near lynching of the head of the main opposition party is the outcome of a bellicose nationalist campaign mounted by President Erdogan, his AKP, and their far-right MHP allies.
Opposition leader named Istanbul mayor, but election dispute continues amid multiple crises
By Ulas Atesci and Keith Jones, 19 April 2019
Even as its support among the urban poor has been seriously eroded, Turkey’s Islamist populist government is moving to impose a savage new round of capitalist austerity.
Defying US threats, Turkey vows to deploy Russian air-defence system
By Keith Jones, 12 April 2019
In a New York Times op-ed, senior Democratic and Republican leaders have signaled bipartisan Congressional support for the Trump administration’s threats to roil Turkey’s economy if it deploys the S-400.
US escalates threats against Turkey, leverages election controversy
By Keith Jones, 5 April 2019
The conflict over Ankara’s S-400 air defence purchase is a flashpoint for larger geopolitical conflicts arising from Washington’s turn to “strategic conflict” with Russia and China.
Ruling AKP retains majority, loses large cities in Turkish local elections
By Alex Lantier and Ulas Atesci, 1 April 2019
Workers' anger is growing over the economic crisis and the Justice and Development Party (AKP's) policies, but this opposition can find no expression within Turkey’s bankrupt political system.
US threatens Turkey over Russian S-400 air defence purchase
By Jordan Shilton, 28 March 2019
Despite Washington’s threats of sanctions and a downgrade in US-Turkish military security ties, Erdogan has vowed to proceed with the purchase and deployment of the S-400.
Turkish economy falls into recession, amid fears of further US economic reprisals
By Baris Demir, 26 March 2019
The Turkish lira depreciated by more than 5 percent last Friday, just nine days before nationwide local elections in which the ruling AKP is expected to suffer significant losses.
After fascist terror attack, New Zealand and Australia stoke tensions with Turkey
By Tom Peters, 25 March 2019
The Australian and New Zealand governments responded furiously to statements by Turkey’s president linking the massacre of Muslims in Christchurch with the Allies’ World War I campaign against the Ottoman Empire.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 9
Three Turkish films (A Tale of Three Sisters, Daughters of Two Worlds, Oray)—Hoping for a better life
By Bernd Reinhardt, 25 March 2019
Three films at the Berlinale exude a humanistic spirit of enlightenment and dialogue. They suggest that everyone, regardless of their ethnic, religious or cultural background, has the right to a better life.
Amid deepening economic and political crisis, Turkey holds local elections
By Ulas Atesci, 21 March 2019
The ruling AKP faces bitter tensions with Washington and Turkey’s other NATO allies and an economic crisis triggered by the Trump administration’s trade war measures.
Halil Celik, a fighter for socialism (1961-2018)
By Peter Schwarz, 1 February 2019
On December 31, 2018, Halil Celik, founder and leader of the group Sosyalist Eşitlik, which supports the International Committee of the Fourth International in Turkey, died of cancer at the age of 57. This obituary presents an overview of his life.
US ratchets up threats against Iran, Turkey amid Syria withdrawal plans
By Bill Van Auken, 15 January 2019
While the timetable for US troops to pull out of Syria remains unclear, Washington is steadily escalating tensions in the region.
US, Turkey clash over Turkish plan to buy Russian S-400 missiles
By Baris Demir, 15 January 2019
The US team is expected to warn Ankara that Washington will not tolerate a Turkish purchase of Russian air defence systems.
US-Turkish tensions rise over Syria withdrawal plan
By Bill Van Auken, 9 January 2019
Turkey’s president denounced statements by national security adviser John Bolton on the Syrian Kurds after refusing to meet with a US delegation.
Turkey threatens to invade Syria amid tensions with Washington
By Barış Demir, 20 December 2018
Trump’s call yesterday for a US withdrawal from Syria reflected growing conflicts between Ankara and Washington over the bloody proxy war in Syria.
Trump rules out further action against Saudi regime over Khashoggi’s murder
By James Cogan, 21 November 2018
Trump’s only real concern is US “national interest”—namely, lucrative economic relations with the Saudi monarchy and Saudi support for US aggression in the Middle East.
US imposes limited sanctions on Saudi officials over Khashoggi’s murder
By Mike Head, 16 November 2018
The announcement’s timing points to the White House seeking to shore up the latest Saudi version of the events, which protects Crown Prince Mohammed.
US, Turkey risk direct military clash as they escalate war in Syria
By Barış Demir, 8 November 2018
Ankara is threatening an outright military occupation of large parts of Syria, which could provoke a direct clash with US forces.
Turkish ruling parties break planned election alliance
By Barış Demir, 2 November 2018
The AKP and MHP broke their alliance in the 2019 elections amid mounting differences on social anger among workers over the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump scrambles to cover for Saudi regime as crisis over Khashoggi murder mounts
By Barry Grey, 19 October 2018
Pompeo’s meetings with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed were aimed at signaling continued US support while making a pretense of seeking a full accounting of Khashoggi’s disappearance.
Trump backs Saudi Arabia, suggesting “rogue killers” murdered Khashoggi
By Peter Symonds, 16 October 2018
While Trump’s remarks are absurd, the hypocrisy of his critics in American ruling circles, given their long support for the murderous Saud regime, is staggering.
US, European powers threaten Saudi crown prince after Khashoggi murder
By Alex Lantier, 15 October 2018
Evidence that America’s closest Arab Middle East ally murdered a well known journalist exposes the criminality of the entire global financial aristocracy.
As evidence mounts of Khashoggi’s murder
Trump rejects calls for US to end arms sales to Saudi monarchy
By Jordan Shilton, 13 October 2018
The imperialist powers, with the US in the lead, are up to their necks in the blood-soaked repression of the Saudi regime, which has been exposed once again by the apparent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Murder in Istanbul
By Bill Van Auken, 11 October 2018
The apparent brutal assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul exposes the criminality not only of the Saudi regime, but also its principal patron, US imperialism.
Turkish government steps up attack on jailed airport construction workers
By our reporter, 10 October 2018
The arrests and the police-state methods of the Turkish government are an attack on workers not only in Turkey, but internationally.
The disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the hypocrisy of the New York Times
By Jordan Shilton, 10 October 2018
If true, the murder of Khashoggi will join a long list of savage crimes by the Saudi regime, very few of which have troubled the Times.
Journalist reported tortured and slain in Saudi consulate in Istanbul
By Bill Van Auken, 9 October 2018
The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi a week ago is further confirmation of the barbaric character of Washington’s closest ally in the Arab world.
Turkish president visits Berlin as US-European conflict in Middle East rises
By Alex Lantier, 28 September 2018
Erdogan went to Germany seeking an ally against Trump’s trade war measures and increasingly hostile policy toward Turkey in the Syrian war crisis.
Release the framed-up Istanbul airport workers!
No to pressure and intimidation against the working class!
By the Socialist Equality Group of Turkey, 25 September 2018
Construction workers framed by the government should be released instantly, and their demands for humane and decent working conditions granted.
WSWS demands Turkey release Max Zirngast, Hatice Göz and Mithatcan Türetken
By the World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 25 September 2018
Zirngast, an Austrian graduate student and journalist, was arrested September 11 together with the two Turkish leftists on trumped-up terrorism charges.
“It is not a crime for workers to seek their rights”
Turkish government frames up airport construction workers
By Jean Shaoul, 20 September 2018
More than 40 workers face severe charges, while hundreds remain detained after the government crackdown on construction workers protesting deadly conditions at a new airport site.
Hundreds arrested as construction workers at Turkish airport clash with security forces
By Jerry White, 17 September 2018
Thousands of workers downed their tools Friday after the latest in a series of fatal and near-fatal accidents at a construction site near Istanbul.
US escalates trade war against Turkey as Ankara moves to attack workers
By Alex Lantier, 17 August 2018
Washington is waging trade war on Turkey even as the financial collapse of the lira currency tears apart the Turkish economy.
Turkish crisis hits working people
By Halil Celik, 16 August 2018
The Turkish lira’s free-fall against the US dollar and the euro is having immediate repercussions on prices of goods and services.
The global implications of the Turkish lira crisis
By Nick Beams, 16 August 2018
Ten years after the 2008 financial crisis, the growing intensity of economic warfare threatens to collapse the financial house of cards created by the multi-trillion-dollar bailout of the global banking system.
The Turkish crisis and the threat of world war
By Bill Van Auken, 15 August 2018
Underlying the reckless and punishing attack by Washington on Turkey’s economy are predatory geostrategic aims that are threatening to drag humanity into a new world war.
Erdogan charges US “stab in the back” as Turkey crisis deepens
By Bill Van Auken, 14 August 2018
The Turkish president vowed to retaliate against “traitors” undermining the economy as the lira slid again precipitously on Monday.
World markets brace for impact of Turkish lira crisis
By Nick Beams, 13 August 2018
The European Central Bank has put on watch major European banks that are heavily exposed to Turkish debt.
Turkish lira plunges as US trade war measures strangle Turkish economy
By Alex Lantier and Halil Celik, 11 August 2018
President Trump is trying to use trade tariffs to compel Ankara to step up attacks on the working class and totally subordinate its foreign policy to US imperialism’s demands.
Erdogan wins Turkish elections with reduced majority
By Halil Celik, 25 June 2018
The electoral success of Erdogan and his AKP is mainly due to the bankruptcy and anti-working-class character of the opposition.
On the eve of Turkish elections: Erdogan prepares new intrigues and a major crackdown
By Halil Celik, 20 June 2018
In a short video, Erdogan asks his cadres to secure AKP majorities on ballot box monitoring committees, to “finish the job in Istanbul before it has even started.”
Support the Socialist Equality group in Turkey!
Statement of the SE group, in sympathy with the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), on the snap elections in Turkey
14 June 2018
On June 24, more than 59 million voters will go to the polls in snap parliamentary and presidential elections called by the Turkish government.
Turkish sympathizing group of the ICFI adopts new name
By the Socialist Equality Group (Turkey), 8 June 2018
Toplumsal Esitlik (TE–the Social Equality Group) has changed its name to Sosyalist Esitlik (SE–Socialist Equality Group).
Turkey’s petty-bourgeois left lines up behind bourgeois pro-NATO opposition
By Halil Celik, 26 May 2018
Turkish pseudo-left parties and organisations are lining up behind the pro-NATO and pro-EU bourgeois opposition parties in the upcoming election.
Statement of the Turkish supporters of the ICFI on the Israeli massacre of Palestinians in Gaza
By Toplumsal Eşitlik, 19 May 2018
The Toplumsal Eşitlik (Social Equality) group condemns the massacre carried out by Israeli troops, as well as the cynical attempts of the Turkish government to pose as defenders of the Palestinian people.
US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal drives Ankara into a corner
By Halil Celik, 14 May 2018
Washington’s reimposition of punishing economic sanctions on Iran, and its plans to force other countries to follow suit, threatens to roil the already crisis-ridden Turkish economy.
Turkish government calls snap election for June 24
By Halil Celik, 21 April 2018
Amid a deepening economic crisis, the Erdogan government has decided to hold parliamentary and presidential elections 17 months ahead of schedule.
Turkish, Russian and Iranian presidents meet in Ankara
By Halil Celik, 10 April 2018
The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran came together in Ankara April 4 to discuss developments in Syria as well as the relations between the three countries.
Stop the prosecution of left-wing anti-war students in Turkey
Statement of Toplumsal Esitlik—the ICFI’s Turkish supporters, 28 March 2018
The crackdown against Bogazici University students is part of broader repression against the workers and youth by President Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party.
Turkey’s seizure of Afrin and the growing threat of a regional war in the Middle East
By Halil Celik, 21 March 2018
While drifting away from its NATO partners, Ankara has forged closer relations, including both trade and military ties, with Russia and Iran, two main targets of US imperialism.
Trade disputes further erode Turkish-US-relations
By Halil Celik, 12 March 2018
New US tariffs threaten the economy of Turkey, whose steel exports to the US were worth $1.2 billion last year, while aluminum exports reached $78.5 million.
Turkish government escalates crackdown on opposition as toll of Afrin invasion mounts
By Halil Celik, 9 March 2018
More than 200 Turkish journalists are behind bars, while another 2,500 have lost their jobs following a media purge by the Erdogan government.
Tensions over Syria further undermine Turkish-NATO relations
By Halil Celik, 28 February 2018
Turkish government officials insist that the UN’s ceasefire resolution does not apply to Ankara’s invasion of the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin, which they claim is directed against “terrorists”.
Syrian government offensive prompts calls for intensified US military intervention
By Jordan Shilton, 22 February 2018
US media outlets have seized on the escalation of violence to call for the expansion of Washington’s illegal military intervention.
Syrian conflict further escalates as pro-Syrian forces enter Afrin
By Halil Celik, 22 February 2018
The multi-sided conflict in Syria is becoming increasingly complex and entangled, with Turkish, Syrian Kurdish and Syrian forces now facing each other in the same small area.
Tillerson declares US-Turkey relations in “crisis”
By Jordan Shilton and Halil Celik, 17 February 2018
The announcement of a joint initiative to manage conflicting interests in Syria could not conceal the deep rift between the two NATO allies.
Russians reported killed in US strikes in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 10 February 2018
The reports of Russian casualties came as Turkey resumed its own air strikes against the Kurdish enclave of Afrin.
US threat to escalate Syria war over alleged gas attacks
By Bill Van Auken, 7 February 2018
Washington’s threat to retaliate over alleged use of chemical weapons comes amid a steady widening of the multi-sided war in Syria.
Turkish employers grant pay raises in hopes of appeasing metalworkers
By Halil Celik, 2 February 2018
With social tensions growing along with opposition to the Turkish invasion of Syria, the employers association granted a 24.6 percent wage increase to 130,000 metalworkers.
US escalates war for annexation of Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 25 January 2018
In Syria, the Pentagon’s declared shift from the “war on terror” to great power conflict has already been realized in bloody facts on the ground.
Ankara cracks down on opposition to Turkish invasion of Syria
By Halil Celik, 24 January 2018
As Turkey’s military operation against US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria entered its fourth day, at least 50 people had been arrested across Turkey.
Turkey invades Syria to attack US-backed Kurdish forces
By Halil Celik and Alex Lantier, 22 January 2018
The Turkish invasion points to a historic breakdown of the NATO alliance, of which the United States and Turkey are both members.
US announces indefinite deployment of military forces in Syria
By James Cogan, 19 January 2018
The pretext that the motive of the US in Syria was to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been cast aside.
Turkish attack on Syrian Kurds marks major escalation in Middle East
By Halil Celik, 19 January 2018
The attack on Syria’s Afrin region is Turkey’s hostile response to the US announcement that it will continue supporting Kurdish forces as its key proxies in Syria.
US indicts Turkish banker Mehmet Atilla amid mounting US-Turkish tensions
By Halil Celik, 6 December 2017
The case poses a direct threat to Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan, amid mounting divisions over US wars in Syria and Iraq, and US threats against Iran.
Russia, Turkey, Iran meet on Syria at Sochi Summit
By Halil Celik, 23 November 2017
The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran met at a summit in Sochi, a Black Sea resort town, to discuss the political future of Syria.
Crisis erupts as Turkey is labelled a hostile power in NATO military exercise
By Halil Celik, 21 November 2017
Ankara has demanded apologies after NATO technicians labelled the Turkish president an “enemy collaborator” and the founder of the Republic of Turkey a “hostile leader.”
US, Turkey suspend visa services in diplomatic row
By Halil Celik, 10 October 2017
The move comes amid deterioration in ties between the two NATO allies and the Trump administration’s war threats against North Korea and Iran.
Washington condemns Kurdish referendum as Iraq mobilizes its army
By Halil Celik, 3 October 2017
Washington has long promoted the KRG, but views its current independence bid as an obstacle to US plans to escalate military-strategic confrontation with Iran.
Turkey threatens Iraqi Kurdish government with war
By Halil Celik, 27 September 2017
Turkish President Erdogan has warned Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government that its bid to create an independent state could trigger “ethnic war.”
Iraqi Kurdish referendum stokes Mideast war tensions
By Jean Shaoul and Jordan Shilton, 25 September 2017
Washington has long served as a patron of the Kurdish Regional Government but opposed the referendum fearing it would create greater regional instability.
Turkey threatens war over Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum
By Halil Celik, 25 September 2017
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq have all made clear that they view the Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum as a dire threat to their territorial integrity.
Berlin intensifies agitation against Turkey
By Johannes Stern, 25 August 2017
Foreign policy relations between Berlin and Ankara have reached a new low amid hysterical denunciations of the Turkish government by German politicians.
Turkey launches mass trial of officers charged in July 2016 coup attempt
By Halil Celik, 4 August 2017
On August 1, Ankara’s Fourth Criminal Court launched a trial of 486 defendants accused of complicity in the attempted coup in Turkey on July 15 of last year.
German government escalates confrontation with Turkey
By Johannes Stern, 24 July 2017
Last week, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel announced a realignment in the government’s policy toward Turkey.
Turkish-Russian missile deal escalates Turkey-NATO conflict
By Halil Celik, 21 July 2017
By obtaining its first long-range air and anti-missile defense system from Russia, Turkey could conceivably close its skies to NATO fighters if necessary.
Preface to the Turkish edition of The Heritage We Defend
By David North, 23 June 2017
A Turkish language edition of The Heritage We Defend by David North will be released next month by Mehring Yayıncılık, the publishing house of the Socialist Equality Group (Toplumsal Esitlik), the Trotskyist organization in Turkey working in political solidarity with the International Committee of the Fourth International. The Heritage We Defend was originally published in 1988. We are posting the preface for the Turkish edition written by David North.
Turkey prepares to send troops to Qatar in conflict with Saudi Arabia
By Halil Celik and Alex Lantier, 9 June 2017
With the tacit consent of imperialist powers in Europe, Turkey is siding with Qatar in a conflict with Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration.
Germany to withdraw military aircraft from Turkey
By Johannes Stern, 8 June 2017
The German government has responded to deepening tensions with Turkey, nominally its NATO ally, by withdrawing its military assets from the country’s Incirlik airbase.
Erdogan’s White House visit papers over US-Turkish tensions
By Bill Van Auken, 17 May 2017
While the Turkish leader publicly condemned the US arming of Syrian Kurdish fighters, there appeared no prospect that he would shift the Pentagon’s policy.
US bombs kill 11 civilians in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 12 May 2017
The Pentagon has stepped up airstrikes, inflicting a growing toll in civilian lives, in preparation for a siege of the Syrian city of Raqqa.
US-Turkish tensions mount over plan to arm Syrian Kurdish militia
By Bill Van Auken, 11 May 2017
The announcement that the Pentagon will begin directly arming the Syrian Kurdish YPG came just a week before President Erodgan is set to visit the White House.
Turkish government launches crackdown on Internet, opposition parties
By Halil Celik, 5 May 2017
In the aftermath of its extremely narrow victory in the April 16 constitutional referendum, Ankara is banning Wikipedia and threatening Turkey’s principal bourgeois opposition party.
Turkish warplanes hit Washington’s Kurdish proxy forces in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 27 April 2017
At least 70 people were reported killed in the Turkish airstrikes, which also struck Kurdish positions in neighboring Iraq.
Media and politicians agitate against Turks living in Germany
By Ulrich Rippert, 22 April 2017
While the extreme-right AfD has used the Turkish referendum vote to launch a “Turks out” campaign, some of the worst witch-hunting comes from the Left Party and the ostensibly left-liberal political milieu.
Mounting political tensions in aftermath of Turkish referendum
By Halil Celik, 18 April 2017
Sunday’s constitutional referendum in Turkey has intensified the political crisis within the country and further complicated Ankara’s already tense relations with Europe.
Ballot dispute erupts as Erdogan declares a “Yes” victory in Turkish constitutional referendum
By Halil Celik, 17 April 2017
According to results posted last night, the constitutional referendum of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won 51.4 percent of the vote.
Turkey to vote on constitutional referendum Sunday
By Halil Celik, 15 April 2017
On Sunday, more than 55 million Turkish citizens will participate in a referendum on the constitutional amendments proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party.
Turkish government presses for military escalation in Syria
By Halil Celik, 12 April 2017
Top Turkish officials are insisting that last week’s US strike on Syria will have no impact unless Washington follows it up with a broader military campaign.
Vote “no” on Turkey’s constitutional referendum! For the United Socialist States of Europe and the Middle East!
Statement of Toplumsal Esitlik
5 April 2017
Toplumsal Esitlik (TE, the Social Equality Group), in political sympathy with the International Committee of the Fourth International, calls for a “no” vote in the referendum on April 16.
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