Podcasts about aykan erdemir

"From the Frontlines" is an ADL podcast which brings listeners to the frontline in the battle against antisemitism and hate. In this battle, data is critical. At ADL, we talk a lot about how data drives policy. It gives us what we need to approach elected officials, university presidents, community leaders and so many others to say, we have a problem with antisemitism, and here is the proof. Please act. This podcast has focused much attention on the Audit of antisemitic incidents and the survey of antisemitic attitudes which are ADL's primary vehicles for presenting data on the state of antisemitism in the US. However, ADL is not just concerned about antisemitism in this country. It is a worldwide problem, and we need worldwide data. That is why in 2014, ADL launched the Global 100, the most comprehensive survey of attitudes of people in more than 100 countries towards Jews that had ever been compiled. Since then, ADL has carefully updated many of those country surveys, but we have never gone back and resurveyed all of the countries. On this, the 10th anniversary of the Global 100, and in the wake of 10/7, ADL decided to once again do a full survey. The results were just released, and they are dramatic. The guest on this podcast is Dr. Aykan Erdemir who offers all of the details about thos year's Global 100. He is ADL's Director of Global Research and Diplomatic Affairs and a former member of the Turkish Parliament. He is also an audience favorite. There are over 130 “From the Frontlines” podcasts in the archive, and his are some of the most listened-to. For the full report on this groundbreaking research, visit: https://www.adl.org/adl-global-100-index-antisemitism. Also discussed on this podcast is the ADL Global ATLAS, which can be found at this link: https://atlas.adl.org/#/. This conversation was recorded for podcast in January 2025.

Recent findings from the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Global 100 study reveal that while global antisemitism has surged across the world over the last decade, Greece is bucking this trend. In fact, it recorded the largest decrease in antisemitic attitudes globally, with a 19-point drop. Aykan Erdemir, the Senior Director for Global Research and Diplomatic Affairs at the ADL, joins Thanos Davelis to break down the key takeaways from the ADL's study, looking at this global trend of rising antisemitism, and contrasting it to the progress Greece has made over the last decade.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece makes strides in global fight against antisemitism, study findsUS air force looks to upgrade Cyprus airbase as humanitarian staging post for the Middle EastIonian, Aegean marine parks plan pushed to mid-2025

"From the Frontlines" is an ADL podcast. It is hosted by ADL New York/New Jersey Director Scott Richman and focuses on ADL's efforts to fight antisemitism and all forms of hate in the United States and around the world. In the battle against hate, we often focus domestically - on antisemitism in the United States, but ADL is also tracking antisemitic attitudes in countries around the world via something called the Global 100. What is the Global 100, and what does it say about the state of international antisemitism today is the subject of this show. To help us understand this critical tool, Dr. Aykan Erdemir joined this show. He is ADL's Director of International Affairs Research and a former member of the Turkish Parliament. His last show is one of the most popular in the archive. To view the full ADL Global 100 index, visit https://global100.adl.org/map. This podcast originally aired as a radio show on July 18, 2023 on WVOX 1460 AM.

"From the Frontlines" is an ADL podcast. It is hosted by ADL New York/New Jersey Director Scott Richman and focuses on ADL's efforts to fight antisemitism and all forms of hate in the United States and around the world. In this battle, ADL's efforts are worldwide, including in Turkey. Since the earthquake there that brought so much destruction and loss of life, this is a country that has certainly been on the minds of so many. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is ADL's Director of International Affairs Research, but he is also a former member of the Turkish Parliament. He joined "From the Frontlines" to talk about his country, its views on Jews and his incredible human rights work then and now. To read about ADL's Task Force on Middle East Minorities, which was referenced in the show, visit: https://www.adl.org/adls-task-force-middle-east-minorities. This podcast originally aired as a radio show on February 14, 2023 on WVOX 1460 AM.

TDBI President, Rev. Dr. Rob Schenck, talks with an extraordinary advocate of religious freedom and universal human rights, Dr. Aykan Erdemir, about increased anti-Semitism in the U.S. and globally. Rob and Aykan have known each other since they met at a symposium in Oxford, England, seven years ago. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is a former member of the Turkish Parliament, Director of International Affairs Research at Anti-Defamation League, and steering group member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB). Award winning analyst on Turkish politics, economy, and foreign policy with twenty-five-years of experience in academia, think tanks, and politics. Outspoken advocate for democracy, pluralism, rule of law, minority rights, and freedom of religion or belief in the Middle East and beyond. Frequent contributor to debates in global media outlets on foreign policy, security, illicit finance, sanctions, radical Islam, terrorism, extremism, and hate crimes. Resources: TDBI on Facebook TDBI on Instagram Visit Dr. Erdemir's Website Learn More about the Anti-Defamation League

Alevis constitute the largest religious minority in Turkey and have faced persistent obstacles to the exercise of their religious freedom. In October 2022, the Turkish government announced its plan to create a new state-run Alevi institution—the Alevi Bektashi Culture and Cemevi Directorate—which officials say will oversee and address issues faced by Turkey's Alevi community. The decision, however, has sparked controversy as the government itself has long refused to grant Alevis the recognition and rights that it has granted to other communities. Many observers view the decision as a politically motivated move intended to win over voters ahead of 2023 elections.In its 2022 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department place Turkey on its Special Watch List for the Turkish government's severe violations of religious freedom. In March 2022, USCIRF staff visited Turkey and met with several religious and nonbelief communities, including Alevis, to learn more about ongoing challenges for religious freedom.Aykan Erdemir, the Anti-Defamation League's Director for International Affairs Research and a former member of the Turkish parliament, joins us today to discuss the Turkish government's creation of an official Alevi agency, the range of issues Alevis continue to face, and broader challenges for religious minorities throughout the country.With Contributions from:Keely Bakken, Supervisory Policy Analyst, USCIRFVeronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Associate, USCIRF

As Turkey and Israel restore full diplomatic relations, HALC Executive Director Endy Zemenides and Dr. Aykan Erdemir, director of international affairs research at the Anti-Defamation League, discuss what prompted the move and the implications for the region.

Turkish weaponry, primarily its drones, have made headlines as Ukraine has reportedly used them quite effectively against Russian troops. Turkish weapons have also shaped the outcomes of several recent clashes in the Middle East and beyond. This is a result of Turkey's efforts to develop an indigenous defense industry, a key goal of President Erdogan. Expert Aykan Erdemir joins our host Thanos Davelis to discuss the recent trends in Turkey's defense industry and identify the policy challenges it presents for the United States and its allies. We also look at the links between Turkish business tycoons like Ethem Sancak and the defense industry, and discuss Sancak's role in facilitating the Kremlin's influence operations in the West by promoting an anti-Western worldview that mirrors Russia's talking points.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former member of the Turkish parliament.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest publications here: Engines of InfluenceMeet the Turkish Oligarch Who's Pushing Kremlin Talking PointsYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:EU fund backs early repayment of Greek bailout loans to IMFEU seeks end to golden passport schemes, halt to sales of visas to Russians

Photo:  Peacde Song #Ukraine: Rumors of peace in Ankara. Aykan Erdemir @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/20/ukraine-russia-peace-deal-close-says-turkey-despite-western-scepticism Dr Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet.

Demokrasileri Savunma Vakfı Türkiye Programı Direktörü ve CHP eski Milletvekili Aykan Erdemir, Rusya'nın Ukrayna sonrası yaşanan gelişmeleri ve ABD-Türkiye ilişkilerini, '12 Dakika' programında Ahval Genel Yayın Yönetmeni Yavuz Baydar'a değerlendiriyor

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor CBS Audio Network @Batchelorshow #Turkey: Israel visits Erdogan. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1@AykanErdemir @ FDD Dr. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of Foundation for Defense of Democracy's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee. https://www.fdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fdd-events-erdogans-diplomatic-u-turn-prospects-pitfalls-turkish-israeli-relations.pdf https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-meets-erdogan-in-landmark-visit-as-israel-and-turkey-attempt-detente/

Israel and Turkey need to re-establish trust and harmony in their relations if they are going to achieve the aim of bolstering ties and strengthening security cooperation in the region, said Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Erdemir spoke in comments for Ahval's 12 Minutes podcast after a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Turkey's capital Ankara on Wednesday. Herzog held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the first visit by an Israeli head of state since 2007.

Photo:  Discomfitting seat. CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor CBS Audio Network @Batchelorshow #Ukraine: Erdogan on the fence. @AykanErdemir @FDD. https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2022/03/03/erdogans-balancing-act-russia-ukraine/ https://en.protothema.gr/turkey-closes-bosphorus-straits-for-warships-invasion-of-ukraine-unacceptable/

Turkey designated the Russian invasion as a “war” over the weekend, giving it the right under the 1936 Montreux Convention to close the Bosporus Strait - a move that's been seen as supportive of Ukraine. Aside from this move, however, Turkey has been reluctant to join its NATO allies in taking punitive measures against Moscow such as imposing sanctions or shutting its airspace to Russian aircraft, and Turkey's President Erdogan has reiterated that he can neither abandon Russia nor Ukraine. At the same time, Ankara has joined Moscow's crackdown on Western media outlets. Expert Aykan Erdemir joins our host Thanos Davelis to explore the delicate balancing act that Turkey's Erdogan is playing between Moscow, Ukraine, and the West and answer the question of where Turkey stands in the Russia-Ukraine war. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest analysis here: Erdogan's Balancing Act Between Russia and UkraineYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PM meets with Egypt's Al-Sisi to discuss energy linkGreece lifts mask-wearing outdoors as COVID infections recedePassenger location form to be abolished as of March 15

Photo: #Ukraine: Militarizing the Black Sea Basin. Aykan Erdemir @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/feb/28/russia-ukraine-war-latest-news-update-conflict-belarus-putin-nuclear-deterrence-order-kyiv-russian-invasion-live-updates?page=with:block-621d1fc08f08a5262b5439b6 Dr Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government will not join the West in implementing punitive measures on Russia even after opposing Moscow's decision to formally recognise two breakaway states in eastern Ukraine, said Aykan Erdemir, senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C. Erdemir, who is head of the FDD's Turkey programme, said NATO member Turkey's reaction to Russia's actions, which have also included ordering troops into the region, was rhetorical and there were no hints of political or economic repercussions.

Photo: #Turkey:  The significance of Erdogan to UAE.  Aykan Erdemir – Turkey Dr. Aykan Erdemir  @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet. As an outspoken defender of pluralism, minority rights, and religious freedoms in the Middle East, Aykan has been at the forefront of the struggle against religious persecution, hate crimes, and hate speech in Turkey. He is a founding member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and a drafter of and signatory to the Oslo Charter for Freedom of Religion or Belief (2014), as well as a signatory legislator to the London Declaration on Combating Antisemitism. ·         https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2022/02/11/embattled-erdogan-signals-turkish-israeli-thaw/ ·         https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2022/02/04/turkey-closer-suspension-council-of-europe/ ·         https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/will-turkey-help-washington-if-russia-invades-ukraine

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit Ankara in mid-March, which would make him the first Israeli president to visit Turkey since 2007. This trip comes as Turkish President Erdogan attempts to mend relations with countries in the region - such as Israel, Egypt, and the UAE - in order to end Ankara's diplomatic isolation and give a much needed boost to the Turkish economy. Israel, however, is treading carefully, and will expect to see Turkey address key concerns such as Ankara's support for Hamas and Erdogan's frequent antisemitic rhetoric. Israel has also made it clear that any potential improvement in relations with Turkey will not come at the expense of its alliance with Greece and Cyprus. Expert Aykan Erdemir joins our host Thanos Davelis to talk about Turkey's relations with Israel and the potential for a thaw in relations. We also look at Erdogan's recent visit to the UAE and Turkey's efforts to normalize relations with the Gulf state.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's analysis here: Embattled Erdogan Signals Turkish-Israeli ThawYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan threatens ‘highest-level warning' over Aegean islandsFM responds to Turkish escalations over status of Greek islandsEU border agency to help Cyprus with migrant repatriations

Turkey's efforts to normalise ties with Armenia and Israel are a tactical shift in diplomacy rather than a value-based commitment to cordial relations, said Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C. Turkey and Armenia have appointed special envoys for re-establishing diplomatic relations, broken since the early 1990's, and re-opening their common border. They held their first meeting in Moscow on Jan. 14. Israeli President Isaac Herzog may meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara next month after Tel Aviv cautiously welcomed Turkey's calls to repair ties ruptured by regional policy differences and the Palestinian problem.

Halkbank of Turkey's legal appeal at the U.S. supreme court represents a latest attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to scupper the prosecution of the bank for its alleged role in helping Iran evade sanctions, Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Ahval on Tuesday.

Late last week a US appeals court put the federal government's prosecution of Turkish state-owned lender Halkbank on hold while the bank appeals to the US Supreme Court. This decision means Halkbank can appeal without having to defend itself in a Manhattan federal court for its alleged role in helping Iran evade US sanctions. Halkank is accused of helping Iran secretly transfer $20 billion of restricted funds, including $1 billion laundered through the US financial system, and converting oil revenue into gold and then cash to benefit Iranian interests. Expert Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to look into this latest development and explain why this decision is a win for Turkish President Erdogan in his continued attempts to delay a potentially embarrassing jury trial.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest policy brief for FDD here: Halkbank's Supreme Court Appeal Will Delay Iran Sanctions-Evasion CaseYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Athens and Ankara seek positive agendaUS academics use radar to help seek missing in split Cyprus

Dr. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet. As an outspoken defender of pluralism, minority rights, and religious freedoms in the Middle East, Aykan has been at the forefront of the struggle against religious persecution, hate crimes, and hate speech in Turkey. He is a founding member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and a drafter of and signatory to the Oslo Charter for Freedom of Religion or Belief (2014), as well as a signatory legislator to the London Declaration on Combating Antisemitism. He has edited seven books, including Rethinking Global Migration: Practices, Policies, and Discourses in the European Neighbourhood (KORA) and Social Dynamics of Global Terrorism: Risk and Prevention Policies (IOS Press). He is co-author of the 2016 book Antagonistic Tolerance: Competitive Sharing of Religious Sites and Spaces (Routledge). On April 27, 2016, Aykan was awarded the Stefanus Prize for Religious Freedom in recognition of his advocacy for minority rights and religious freedoms. In March 2015, he was awarded a distinguished fellowship at the Oxford Centre for the Study of Law and Public Policy. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, The Hill, Politico Europe, The Huffington Post, The National Interest, War On The Rocks, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Turkish Policy Quarterly, Hurriyet Daily News, Ahram Online, and The Times of Israel. After completing his BA in International Relations at Bilkent University, Ankara, Aykan received an MA in Middle Eastern Studies and PhD in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University, where his doctoral dissertation was entitled, “Incorporating Alevis: The Transformation of Governance and Faith-based Collective Action in Turkey.” He also worked as a doctoral fellow at Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a research associate at the University of Oxford's Center on Migration, Policy and Society. He previously addressed the Westminster Institute on the subjects of Hagia Sophia: The Latest Target of Erdogan's Supremacist Policies (2020) and How Erdogan Consolidates Power: The Weaponization of Turkish Media and the Scapegoating of Minorities (2018).

Turkey is unlikely to take advantage of financial assistance offered to emerging markets by the International Monetary Fund because President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is reluctant to abandon his influence over autonomous state institutions, Aykan Erdemir, senior program director for Turkey at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD), said in an interview for Ahval's podcast series 12 Minutes on Tuesday.

Photo:  Turkish officer and view of trenches Erdogan and three capitals: Moscow, Tehran and Washington.  Aykan Erdemir @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADI https://www.wsj.com/articles/turkeys-borrowing-costs-soar-as-crisis-enters-new-phase-11640015497?mod=hp_lead_pos6 Dr. Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet.

As Turkey increasingly drifts from the West, we've seen Turkey and Russia have moved closer. In a recently published report for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a team of experts look at Russia-Turkey relations under Presidents Putin and Erdogan, where they document how the Erdogan and Putin regimes have managed to compartmentalize their relationship, mixing competition with substantial cooperation across a range of areas. The authors also offer a nuanced set of policy recommendations for the US and its transatlantic allies, highlighting how they should react to Turkey's drift from the West under Erdogan. Aykan Erdemir and John Hardie, two of the authors of this report, join The Greek Current to break down their work, titled “Collusion or Collision? Turkey-Russia Relations Under Erdogan and Putin”. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.John Hardie is the research manager at FDD, and his own research focuses on Russian foreign and security policy, U.S. policy toward Russia, and transatlantic relations.Make sure to read their report here: Collusion or Collision? Turkey-Russia Relations Under Erdogan and PutinYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:ECB: Monetary policy decisionsEuropean Central Bank to taper pandemic stimulus, but gentlyTurkish lira dips to new low after another interest rate cutTurkey's lira tumbles after central bank cuts rates

Although the Biden administration would like to continue a pragmatic relationship with Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's regime is too toxic across the U.S. political spectrum, Aykan Erdemir, a senior program director for Turkey at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) and a former opposition member of the Turkish parliament said in an interview on Thursday for Ahval's podcast series ‘12 Minutes'.

Josh Schumacher reports on the Postal Service plan to slow mail deliveries just in time for Christmas; Mary Reichard talks to Aykan Erdemir about Turkey's cozy relationship with Russia; and Myrna Brown talks to Kim Henderson about the last installment of her four-part series on a case of abuse in a small Mississippi town. Plus: commentary from Cal Thomas, beauty-obsessed camels, and the Thursday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate. Additional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network, a group of faith-driven investors who finance private companies led by gospel-advancing entrepreneurs. More at ambassadorsimpact.com. From Christianbook.com. Great gifts to help you bring on the joy. Christianbook.com. And from Samaritan Ministries, connecting Christians who care for one another spiritually and financially when a medical need arises. More at samaritanministries.org/worldpodcast

Europe's leading human rights body, The Council of Europe, has initiated rarely used infringement proceedings against Turkey after Ankara's failure to release businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala despite a European Court of Human Rights' judgement ordering his immediate release. This may eventually lead to withholding Turkey's voting rights in the council or even suspension of its membership. This process has only been initiated once before, and experts say this indicates the flagrant nature of Turkey's disregard for human rights and for the commitments it has made to other European states. Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to break down the significance of the Council of Europe's decision for Turkey, pro-democracy Turks, and Ankara's relations with Europe and the West.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Council of Europe initiates action against Turkey over Kavala detentionExpert Q&A – The Council of Europe v. Turkey: Will Erdoğan's Political Detentions Cost Turkey Its Membership?A weary pope urges Greek, Turkish Cypriots to heal divisionPope to ‘touch some wounds' on trip to divided CyprusNicosia's top diplomat says Pope visiting ‘front line State' in migrant crisis'I'm bullish' on trajectory of growth: Greek PM

Photo:   A British armoured railway wagon behind a railcar on which two Arab hostages are seated, Palestine Mandate, 1936 Erdogan the Hostage-Taker.  @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/11/29/turkey-collateral-damage-hostage-diplomacy/ Dr. Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet.

The Turkish lira's meltdown on Tuesday was a “train crash” long in the making caused by the unorthodox Islamist economic views of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said Aykan Erdemir, senior program director for Turkey at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) and a former opposition member of the Turkish parliament. The free-fall in the lira has been caused by a series of policy mistakes that started during the term of former Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, who is Erdoğan's son-in-law, Erdemir said in an interview on Tuesday for Ahval's new podcast series ‘12 Minutes'. Albayrak resigned in November last year.

Photo:  Ottoman officers sitting in front of debris of destroyed house in Maydos Erdogan promotes hate-speech thinking.  Dr. Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @aykan_erdemir  @FDD  @ADL Task Force on #MidEast, senior director of FDD's Turkey program, is a former member of the Turkish Parliament (2011 to 2015) who served in the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, EU Harmonization Committee, and the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee on the IT Sector and the Internet.  ·         https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/11/15/erdogans-veneer-blatant-antisemitism/ ·         https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/after-israeli-couple-release-dont-fall-into-turkey-appeasement-trap-analysis-685339 ·         https://nationalinterest.org/feature/turkey-about-assault-syria%E2%80%99s-kurds-196297

CHP eski Milletvekili ve Demokrasileri Savunma Vakfı Türkiye Programı Direktörü Aykan Erdemir, bundan böyle ‘12 Dakika' isimli yeni bir programla Ahval izleyicilerinin karşısında olacak. Erdemir, hem güncel siyaset konularını hem de ABD-Washington hattındaki gelişmeleri yorumlayacak. Türkiye'nin ABD ile yürüttüğü F-16 savaş uçağı satın alma görüşmelerini yorumlayan Erdemir, “Putin'in yürüttüğü bir satranç oyununda Erdoğan hükümeti piyon rolünde. Çünkü, Putin, S-400'leri Türkiye'ye dikte ettirirken, bunun sadece Türkiye-ABD ilişkilerinde bir sorun olacağını öngörmüyor aynı zamanda NATO içinde de önemli bir gerilim kaynağı olacağını da biliyordu” dedi.

Earlier this week it was reported that the EU was considering taking measures against Turkish Airlines over the latter's alleged role in trafficking migrants to Belarus. Turkish Airlines denied wrongdoing in a statement on Wednesday. On Thursday, however, Bloomberg reported that Turkey agreed with the EU that it would monitor flights headed to Belarus in an effort to prevent them from being used to ferry migrants toward the Polish border, and Turkish Airlines reportedly will no longer allow passengers from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen on its flights to Minsk. Expert Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to discuss his latest policy briefing that looks into Turkish airlines' alleged role in the Poland-Belarus crisis, and this latest development. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest policy brief for the FDD: Turkish Airlines in EU Crosshairs for Facilitating Lukashenko's “Hybrid Warfare” With Belarus FlightsYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkish Airlines risks EU ban over Poland border crisisTurkish Airlines denies fueling Belarus-Poland migration crisisTurkey Agrees to Curb Migrant Flows to Belarus Under EU PressureTurkey says it rejects efforts to portray it as part of Belarus migrant problemLukashenko threatens EU with gas cutoff as border tensions riseBelarus accused of orchestrating border crisis with PolandTurkish lira sinks to record lows against the US dollar

Photo:  S-400 Triumf missile system, the source of the row. Erdogan sanction buster.  Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @FDD Intl Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief.  https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/10/26/sanctions-ruling-against-turkish-lender/ The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Turkey on Monday (14 December 2020) over its multibillion-dollar acquisition of a Russian missile system. In 2017, Turkish President Recep Erdogan brokered a deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile system. The S-400 system is said to pose a risk to the NATO alliance as well as the F-35, America's most expensive weapons platform. Permissions: S-400 Triumf SAM  Date | August 2011  /  Source | http://vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/384 Author | Vitaly V. Kuzmin  http://www.vitalykuzmin.net/?q=node/353 This file comes from http://vitalykuzmin.net and is copyrighted. Note: All photos on http://vitalykuzmin.net, unless otherwise noted, were licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licence until 30 August 2017. -------------------------------------------------- Attention! This template is only valid for files that have been available at that website before 30 August 2017. For any file uploaded to Commons after that date, it has to be demonstrated that the file was already available at http://vitalykuzmin.net before that date. | This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. | You are free: to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix – to adapt the workUnder the following conditions: attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. ..

Photo:  Early map of Lake Tuz, anciently known as Lake Tatta,               AP: "Turkey's Lake Tuz dries up due to climate change, farming." Erdogan and the Greens at Lake Tuz.  Aykan Erdemir, @aykanerdemir  @FDD Intl Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief.  https://apnews.com/article/climate-science-business-droughts-environment-137e6f52a8fe14db981a45d19e8907d1

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Paris-based global money laundering and terror financing watchdog, added Turkey to its “grey list” last week, placing it under increased monitoring. This is not the first time Turkey was placed on the “grey list”, and in 2019 the FATF warned that unless Ankara improves its “serious shortcomings,” Turkey risked being added to the grey list once again. Toby Dershowitz and Aykan Erdemir join The Greek Current to explain why this is a significant step by the FATF, look at Turkey's history with the money laundering and terror financing watchdog, and demonstrate how this designation shows yet again that NATO member Turkey continues to offer a permissive jurisdiction for terror finance, sanctions evasion, and money laundering under President Erdogan's rule. Toby Dershowitz is the Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Strategy at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read the latest piece by Toby Dershowitz and Aykan Erdemir in The National Interest: Turkey Returns to Financial Action Task Force ‘Grey List'You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Erdogan, Biden to discuss Turkey's F-35 ouster in GlasgowErdogan says to discuss F-35 jets with Biden in GlasgowU.S. lawmakers express concern over reports of potential Turkey F-16 purchaseGreek, Chinese foreign ministers discuss economic tiesGreece woos investments on Chinese foreign minister's visit

Aykan Erdemir: Öngörülemez Bir Dış Politika Süreci Yaşıyoruz | Ezo Özer Ile Odak by Artı TV

The US House of Representatives passed a bill on September 23 with an amendment - introduced by Representative Dina Titus - that requires the secretary of state to submit a report assessing whether Turkey's Grey Wolves — a far-right militant group — meet the criteria to be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. If the Senate also passes this legislation, then the US would join allies like France, Germany, Italy and Austria in targeting the Grey Wolves, which is linked to the MHP, Turkish President Erdogan's far-right coalition partners. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, joins us to talk about the Grey Wolves and this latest legislation in the US Congress. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest policy brief for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies: Congress Joins European Allies in Targeting Erdogan's Far-Right PartnersYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: EU aims for deal with Turkey to stem migrant flows to CyprusGreece: After fires, experts sound alarm over grim climate future

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sees it as a success to secure a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he may well be walking into a trap, Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C., told Ahval's editor-in-chief Yavuz Baydar for the Hot Pursuit podcast series.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sees it as a success to secure a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he may well be walking into a trap, Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C., told Ahval's editor-in-chief Yavuz Baydar for the Hot Pursuit podcast series.

Demokrasileri Savunma Vakfı Türkiye Programı Direktörü Aykan Erdemir, Ahval Genel Yayın Yönetmeni Yavuz Baydar ile Sıcak Takip'te Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'ın New York ziyaretini ve 29 Eylül'de Soçi'de Rusya Devlet Başkanı Vladimir Putin ile gerçekleştireceği görüşmeyi değerlendirdi.

A constitutional court in Cape Verde has issued a recent ruling that would pave the way for the extradition of Alex Saab, a Colombian-born businessman indicted in 2019 for facilitating sanctions evasion and bribery schemes by the Maduro regime in Venezuela. His extradition from Cape Verde, combined with ongoing US efforts to extradite a Turkish money laundering suspect from Austria, could help expose a web of Iranian, Turkish, and Venezuelan illicit financial dealings. Aykan Erdemir joins our host Thanos Davelis to look at the connections between Turkey and Venezuela, Erdogan's defiance of US sanctions against Venezuela, and why these two extradition cases will be critical to follow moving forward.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker. He is also a frequent contributor to debates on illicit finance and sanctions evasion.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest policy briefs for the FDD: Businessman's Extradition to U.S. Could Expose Turkish-Venezuelan Collusion to Evade SanctionsU.S. Should Intensify Efforts to Extradite Turkish Money Laundering SuspectYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Cyprus recovers looted 18th century church doors from JapanPresident expects to attend working breakfast with Guterres and Tatar in New York

In this episode, Mark Melton speaks with Tugba Tanyeri-Erdemir and Aykan Erdemir about religious freedom issues in Turkey. In particular, they cover what reports from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) say about Turkey and how the Turkish government's restrictions on the Kurdish language affect religious minorities there. The Erdemirs also discuss the status of holy sites for religious minorities in Turkey, how they are sometimes restored, and the role they play in the community. Both also explain how Turkey uses “spectacles of tolerance” to demonstrate its acceptance of religious freedom, but these few benevolent acts cannot solve all of Turkey's religious freedom problems. Instead, they argue that the country needs to institutionalize equality and pluralism. Finally, Aykan analyzes how the situation in Afghanistan affects Turkey and its minorities.

Dersimiz Tarih'te Yavuz Baydar'ın konuğu Aykan Erdemir.

Dersimiz Tarih'te Yavuz Baydar'ın konuğu Aykan Erdemir.

Earlier this year Turkey's President Erdogan had hoped to build leverage over the US, the EU, and NATO by reaching a deal with Washington, DC to take over and secure Kabul's international airport after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. That deal is all but dead after the Taliban took over Kabul. Turkey is continuing its dialogue with all the sides in Afghanistan, however, including the Taliban. Ankara has been in talks with the Taliban about providing technical help to operate Kabul airport after the Aug. 31 deadline for troops to leave Afghanistan. Dr. Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to break down what Turkey's potential engagement in Afghanistan might mean for Ankara and the West. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest op-ed in Balkan Insight: Turkey Turns to Taliban, But There is no More Airport Deal to SalvageRead his contribution on Turkey in the FDD's foreign policy tracker: FDD Biden Administration Foreign Policy Tracker - Late AugustYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:What might Turkey's enhanced engagement in Afghanistan mean for Ankara, NATO, and for the future of Afghanistan?Turkey cannot take new refugee ‘burden' from Afghanistan, says FMUS dropped from EU's coronavirus safe travel listUnvaccinated U.S. visitors could soon face new restrictions on travel to Europe.Greece-US alliance getting strongerGreece more secure with Biden as president

Photo:  Capo Kurdo - Kurdish Prince (From the Italian book 1876, Giro Mondo)کوردی: وێنەی میرێکی کوردی لە کتێبی مێژووی ئیتاڵی لە ساڵی ١٨٧٦ لەلایەن گیرۆ مۆندۆ. Erdogan crushed Kurdish democracy while chastising Tunisia for lack of democracy. Aykan Erdemir, Intl Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. @aykanerdemir

Photo:   Refugees in Turkey, long ago   Half a million Afghans in Turkey. What is to be done? @aykanerdemir   Aykan Erdemir, Intl Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. @aykanerdemir

Photo: Ankara:  Ulus Square in the night, 1940s Jeff Flake to Ankara; and what is to be done?  Aykan Erdemir, @ FDD  "Jeff Flake as ambassador to Turkey is a chance for my home country to heal," Aykan Erdemir, FDD Policy Brief https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/07/16/jeff-flake-to-turkey-chance-to-heal/

Turkey is seeking to play a vital role in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US forces by offering to provide security to Kabul's international airport, and has been holding talks with the US on logistic and financial support for the mission. Jake Sullivan, President Biden's national security adviser, said last week that the US and Turkey had agreed to a plan for the Turks to continue providing security at the airport. The issue of airport security is critical to the American diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. Experts Brad Bowman and Aykan Erdemir join The Greek Current to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and this potential deal between the US and Turkey. Bradley Bowman serves as senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he focuses on U.S. defense strategy and policy. He has previously served as a national security advisor to members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Turkey Commits to Securing Afghan Airport After Americans Leave, U.S. SaysTurkey Pushes for Role in Afghanistan After US Pullout Taliban takes control of 30 districts in past six weeksWhy Turkey wants to partner with Hungary to protect Kabul airportLibya conference sees hope on elections, foreign forcesLibya's foreign minister sees progress on removal of foreign mercenariesEU Mulls Billions in Migration Funds for Turkey as Tensions EaseEU considers 3.5 bln euro migrant funding for Turkey, diplomats say

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at long last met face to face with U.S President Joe Biden in the hopes of ironing out longstanding disagreements. Unfortunately for him, a limited meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit was doomed to be limited in what it could achieve, said Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundations for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C. “The vast structural disagreements in U.S-Turkish relations are too vast to be solved on the sidelines of a NATO summit,” Erdemir told Ahval News in a recent podcast.

Ezo Özer ile Odak | Aykan Erdemir: ABD Türkiyenin Zayıf Karnına Vurmaya Devam Edecek by Artı TV

Last week Reuters broke a story that Turkey had used its veto power within NATO to water down an official condemnation of Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko for forcing down a passenger plane flying from Greece to Lithuania to arrest Roman Protasevich, a dissident journalist that was on board. Lukashenko's actions drew criticism from around the world, and the EU introduced sanctions in response. Dr. Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to discuss his latest piece explaining Turkey's decision, and argues that Turkish President Erdogan's move to protect Russia's Belarusian ally is the latest case of collusion between Ankara and Moscow to undermine NATO.Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker. Read Aykan Erdemir's piece in The Globalist here: Turkey Undermines NATO, Yet AgainAnd his briefing for the FDD here: Erdogan Saves Putin's Belarusian Ally by Playing Spoiler Role Within NATOYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Turkey's persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bindNations look to train at Cyprus security centerFM, US Ambassador visit CYCLOPS training facility construction siteAthens irked at being left out of Libya meetGermany to host second Libya peace talks

Turkey's strongman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will try to use some "magic" to reset the relationship with U.S. President Joe Biden at their upcoming meeting in June. His “magic,” however, is unlikely to work at this time, Dr. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C., told Hot Pursuit. Erdemir said that the meeting between the leaders offers little chance to fix the structural problems in the relationship between the two countries. Both countries have a number of serious issues to resolve. While the U.S. administration asks Turkey to remove the Russian-made S-400 air defence missile system from Turkish soil, Ankara wants Washington to stop Syrian Kurds who seem to be a threat to Turkey’s own national security. The Biden administration will ask the Erdoğan government to improve on its human rights records and democratic standards while the Erdoğan government asks the U.S. government to lift sanctions on some of the weapons systems. What is more, the bilateral meeting will be held under the shadow of the Belarus crisis, Erdemir added. Diplomats have told Reuters, Ankara pushed for the scrapping of any mention of support for sanctions on Belarus and calls for the release of other political prisoners in Belarus after last week’s forced landing of a passenger plane and the subsequent arrest of a dissident journalist by Belarus. There is one topic that has a chance for both leaders to make some progress and for Erdoğan to gain ground, and that is Afghanistan, Erdemir added. Biden will withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan over the coming months, U.S. officials said previously, completing the military exit by the Sept. 11, 2021. Taliban attacks had drawn the United States into the region and its longest war. Turkey has presented itself as a key partner in Afghanistan and was set to host the peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S. government. However, the talk plans have collapsed. Erdemir said that beyond some potential agreement with regards to Afghanistan, there appears to be no easy way to salvage the relationship.

Turkey's strongman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will try to use some "magic" to reset the relationship with U.S. President Joe Biden at their upcoming meeting in June. His “magic,” however, is unlikely to work at this time, Dr. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C., told Hot Pursuit.Erdemir said that the meeting between the leaders offers little chance to fix the structural problems in the relationship between the two countries. Both countries have a number of serious issues to resolve. While the U.S. administration asks Turkey to remove the Russian-made S-400 air defence missile system from Turkish soil, Ankara wants Washington to stop Syrian Kurds who seem to be a threat to Turkey’s own national security. The Biden administration will ask the Erdoğan government to improve on its human rights records and democratic standards while the Erdoğan government asks the U.S. government to lift sanctions on some of the weapons systems.What is more, the bilateral meeting will be held under the shadow of the Belarus crisis, Erdemir added. Diplomats have told Reuters, Ankara pushed for the scrapping of any mention of support for sanctions on Belarus and calls for the release of other political prisoners in Belarus after last week’s forced landing of a passenger plane and the subsequent arrest of a dissident journalist by Belarus.There is one topic that has a chance for both leaders to make some progress and for Erdoğan to gain ground, and that is Afghanistan, Erdemir added. Biden will withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan over the coming months, U.S. officials said previously, completing the military exit by the Sept. 11, 2021. Taliban attacks had drawn the United States into the region and its longest war. Turkey has presented itself as a key partner in Afghanistan and was set to host the peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S. government. However, the talk plans have collapsed. Erdemir said that beyond some potential agreement with regards to Afghanistan, there appears to be no easy way to salvage the relationship.

Ahval Genel Yayın Yönetmeni Yavuz Baydar, Sıcak Takip'te eski CHP Milletvekili ve Demokrasileri Savunma Vakfı Türkiye Direktörü Aykan Erdemir ile gündeme oturan Sedat Peker videolarından ABD-Türkiye ilişkilerindeki son duruma geniş yelpazede son durumu konuştu.

'Sedat Peker videoları bize Susurluk'tan daha vahim bir resim göstermekte' - Aykan Erdemir by Ahval

İlk bölümde "Harputlu bir Ermeni'den Atatürk'e mektup" başlıklı yazımızdan yola çıkarak ABD arşivlerinde mektubun yazarının izini süren Aykan Erdemir konuğumuz olacak. İkinci bölümde aşı patenti tartışmalarını ve ülkemizdeki aşı çalışmalarını virolog Selim Badur ile değerlendireceğiz. Son bölümde Geleneklerimiz yazı dizisinin bu haftaki yazarı Takuhi Köletavitoğlu ile Malatya Ermenileri'nin ritüellerine ve yakın tarihine uzanacağız.

İlk bölümde "Harputlu bir Ermeni'den Atatürk'e mektup" başlıklı yazımızdan yola çıkarak ABD arşivlerinde mektubun yazarının izini süren Aykan Erdemir konuğumuz olacak. İkinci bölümde aşı patenti tartışmalarını ve ülkemizdeki aşı çalışmalarını virolog Selim Badur ile değerlendireceğiz. Son bölümde Geleneklerimiz yazı dizisinin bu haftaki yazarı Takuhi Köletavitoğlu ile Malatya Ermenileri'nin ritüellerine ve yakın tarihine uzanacağız.

Since last Wednesday, three Turkish cryptocurrency exchanges have suspended operations in the country after the central bank announced restrictions on the use of cryptocurrencies, triggering a run on the exchanges. A number of Turks had turned to cryptocurrencies as a way to protect their savings from skyrocketing inflation and the weakening of the Turkish lira. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, joins The Greek Current to analyze these latest developments.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest policy briefing for the FDD here: Ankara's Crackdown Triggers Run on Turkish Cryptocurrency ExchangesRead his piece in Foreign Policy: Erdogan's Power Plays Turn to Profit MarginsYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Long day in Geneva, no sign of progressTurkish Cypriots insist on two state solutionPM: Vaccine hesitancy driving high death rateGreece surpasses 3 million mark in vaccines

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is not an outlier when it comes to reacting to the genocide recognition by the foreign powers including Turkey, said Dr. Aykan Erdemir, senior director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies (FDD) in Washington D.C. told Nervana Mahmoud for the Turkish Trends.

Over the weekend, Turkey's President Erdogan sacked the country's central bank governor, and pulled out of the Istanbul Convention, a treaty to protect women. These moves stunned financial markets and Western allies, with the Turkish lira falling more than 8% against the U.S. dollar on Monday. The move raises concerns about a return to unconventional monetary policies favored by Erdogan as the economy struggles with inflation and currency instability. Dr. Aykan Erdemir joins The Greek Current to analyze these latest developments in Turkey. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's Central Bank Chooses the Wrong Kind of HeterodoxyAs global markets and allies reel, Turkey's Erdogan looks inwardEU leaders to tell Turkey that trade talks can go ahead, draft statement saysCyprus rejects EU draft on Turkey which seeks to deepen trade tiesBiden to join EU leaders' video conference in bid to rebuild tiesIn Brussels, Blinken offers boost for NATO, cooperation on Afghanistan

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is currently being squeezed by Turkey and Russia, both of which see the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians as an extension of Western influence that threatens their respective political ambitions. Dr. Aykan Erdemir and John Lechner join the Greek Current to talk about Russia's campaign of disinformation against Patriarch Bartholomew, why Turkey's President Erdogan is joining this Russian campaign, and the threat it poses to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's survival. We also look at what steps the West should take to counter Putin and Erdogan's moves. Dr. Aykan Erdemir is the senior director of the Turkey program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.John Lechner is a former financial analyst and is now a graduate student at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He writes on the politics and languages of the former Soviet Union, Turkey and Africa.Read Dr. Aykan Erdemir and John Lechner's article in Balkan Insight: Russia-Turkey Pincer Movement Threatens Ecumenical Patriarchate's SurvivalYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Woman who set herself on fire in Lesbos refugee camp charged with arsonRefugee Who Set Herself on Fire in Greece Is Charged With Arson‘Sun, taxes and tech”: Why digital nomads should come to Greece

US-Turkey tensions flared following the death of 13 Turkish soldiers, police, and civilians who perished during a Turkish offensive against PKK Kurdish militants in Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkish President Erdogan slammed the US State Department's initial condemnation of the deaths before Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a swift clarification during his call with Foreign Minister Cavusoglu on Monday. The death toll, and the manner in which the men were killed, has also impacted Turkish domestic politics. Meanwhile, Erdogan vowed to expand cross-border operations against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, joins us to analyze these developments.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister ÇavuşoğluBlinken walks back State Department ambiguity over Turkish hostages killed in IraqDeaths of Soldiers and Policemen Held by Kurdish Guerrillas Roil Turkish PoliticsKurdish opposition swept up in Turkish arrests after Iraq killingsTurkey vows to expand anti-PKK operations in northern IraqIn Athens, rare snow blankets Acropolis, halts vaccinationsPM urges public to avoid unnecessary outingsCyprus and Israel agree on green passportsPost-Covid tourism hopes buoyed by deal between Greece, Cyprus and Israel

The Islamic State terror group was largely defeated through a coordinated international effort almost two years ago. A recent unclassified report by the US Treasury Department, however, points out that its networks appear to still have access to an estimated $100 million in cash reserves, adding that the Islamic State's remnants in Syria continue to receive streams of cash from “logistical hubs” in neighboring Turkey. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, joins The Greek Current to analyze this Treasury Department report.Read Aykan Erdemir's latest brief here: Treasury Report Highlights Turkey as Islamic State's Logistical HubYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here: Greece to repay €3.1 bln to the IMF earlyErdogan says will not let Turkish university protests swellTurkey's Erdogan describes student protesters as terrorists

A town in northeast Syria is increasingly becoming a battleground between Turkish-backed groups and US-backed forces amid fears of a new large-scale Turkish offensive. We look at the situation in Syria with Dr. Aykan Erdemir, and also break down President elect Joe Biden's announcement to appoint Brett McGurk to a senior role at the NSC managing the Middle East and North Africa.Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, discusses the situation on the ground in Syria along with Turkey and Russia's role, and analyzes the impact Brett McGurk's appointment will have on the region.You can read the articles we discuss on The Daily Roundup here: Fighting Continues Over Flashpoint Town in Northern SyriaBiden to Tap More Former Obama Officials for Top National Security JobsBiden to pick Brett McGurk for top White House Middle East roleDemocrats Take Control Of Senate With Twin Georgia VictoriesMeet the senators who will be in charge if Dems win the SenateCapitol Secured After Pro-Trump Mob Breaches BuildingEU Commission approves Moderna coronavirus vaccineEU approves Moderna jab amid tensions over slow rollout of vaccines 

On Monday the United States announced it is imposing sanctions on Turkey for its purchase and acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. This is the first time the US has targeted a NATO ally through the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, and HALC's Executive Director Endy Zemenides join The Greek Current to analyze this breaking development. You can read the articles we discuss on The Daily Roundup here: U.S. sanctions Turkey over purchase of Russian S-400 missile systemUS State Department statement: The United States Sanctions Turkey Under CAATSA 231ANCA, HALC, IDC WELCOME INITIAL US SANCTIONS ON TURKEYUK and EU restart trade talks after leaders' callEU sees ‘narrow path' to Brexit deal in coming daysBrexit trade deal possible within days after Johnson concession, says EU‘Obvious' decrease in new hospital admissions, says health expertPeople won't get to choose what Covid vaccine they get

Dr. Aykan Erdemir - the co-author of the piece “Turkish Bank Rulings Should Be A Wakeup Call For Global Financial Institutions” - joins us to analyze two recent milestone court rulings in the Southern District of New York against Turkish banks Halkbank and Kuveyt Turk Bank, how these cases highlight Turkey's terrorism and illicit finance problems, and more.Read Dr. Aykan Erdermir's latest piece here: Turkish bank rulings should be a wakeup call for global financial institutionsYou can read the articles we discuss on The Daily Roundup here: Turkey's Finance Minister Resigns Amid Pressures of Sliding EconomyTurkish lira rebounds after Erdogan's son-in-law quits finance ministryAuthorities report a record-breaking 41 Covid-19 deathsArmenia leader orders end to fighting over Nagorno-KarabakhArmenia PM signs deal to end war with Azerbaijan and RussiaAzerbaijan admits shooting down Russian helicopter in Armenia

On Sunday, Ersin Tatar, a rightwing hardliner backed by Ankara, won a closely contested Turkish Cypriot leadership election beating incumbent Mustafa Akinci in a runoff. The election was marred by Turkey's heavy-handed meddling in favor of Tatar. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Turkey program and a former member of the Turkish Parliament, joins us to analyze the results of the election, and what the outcome means for reunification talks and Turkish President Erdogan's policy of escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean.You can read the articles we discuss on The Daily Roundup here:Aykan Erdemir's report on Erdogan's meddling in Turkish Cypriot electionsAnastasiades, Tatar to meet next weekGreece Seeks Arms Embargo, Halt to EU-Turkey Customs UnionAlbania, Greece take maritime dispute to international courtUS pitches Greece on a frigate co-production deal

A Biden interview in which he clearly calls Turkey's President Erdogan an “autocrat” resurfaced this weekend, sparking a backlash in Turkey. Dr. Aykan Erdemir, the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker, analyzes the reaction to this video and discusses what a Biden presidency would mean for US-Turkey relations. You can read the articles we discuss on The Daily Roundup here:Biden video sparks backlash in TurkeyJoe Biden will be America's most Pro-Kurdish PresidentTurkey is now threatening Joe BidenNicosia, Athens set tone for Turkey responseCyprus says willing to engage on defining maritime zonesEU must step up response to Turkey's ‘aggression'Zoran Zaev to lead North Macedonia's government againNorth Macedonia's pro-Western parties reach coalition deal

Turkish President Erdogan joined worshipers on Friday for the first Muslim prayers in 86 years inside Hagia Sophia after Turkey changed its status from a museum into a mosque. Tugba Tanyeri Erdemir and Aykan Erdemir join us to discuss these developments and their implications for the Hagia Sophia and Turkey's minorities.Tugba Tanyeri Erdemir is a Research Associate at the University of Pittsburg in the Department of Anthropology with an extensive background in cultural heritage preservation.Aykan Erdemir is the Director of the Turkey Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Turkish lawmaker.You can read the articles we discuss on the Daily Roundup here:Turkish Government's Hagia Sophia Rhetoric Adds Insult to InjuryTugba Tanyeri Erdemir's Twitter thread on the preservation of Hagia SophiaTugba Tanyeri Erdemir's Twitter thread on today's prayers at Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia opens as a mosque for Muslim prayersTension near Kastellorizo ‘heading towards de-escalation,' says national security advisorFirefighters battle blazes in Grammatiko and KechriesGreece wildfires rage out of control

Aykan Erdemir of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies talks about how the Hagia Sophia. It's not just about the conversion of a museum to a mosque, but rather about the restriction on Christian rights in Turkey. Kathryn Freeman on thinking Christian and racial injustice in pop culture.

Aykan Erdemir of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies talks about how the Hagia Sophia. It's not just about the conversion of a museum to a mosque, but rather about the restriction on Christian rights in Turkey. Kathryn Freeman on thinking Christian and racial injustice in pop culture.

Acton Institute's Ben Johnson looks at the fight over whether the House's impeachment inquiry is legally valid, plus NYC's attack on free speech. Aykan Erdemir of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies talks about how Turkey's incursion into Syria is meant to displace a fledgling democracy.

Acton Institute's Ben Johnson looks at the fight over whether the House's impeachment inquiry is legally valid, plus NYC's attack on free speech. Aykan Erdemir of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies talks about how Turkey's incursion into Syria is meant to displace a fledgling democracy.

"Whoever wins Istanbul, wins Turkey", said President Erdogan. On Sunday, June 23, President Erdogan's chosen candidate was defeated - again - in a rerun of Istanbul's mayoral election by Ekrem Imamoglu who won by a landslide. Aykan Erdemir, former member of Turkish Parliament and Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joins The Greek Current to discuss the seismic Istanbul result and what Ekrem Imamoglu's crushing victory means for Erdogan's future.

Roundtable with Dr. Aykan Erdemir on Turkey, Russia and more

Analyzing the latest news about Turkey, HALC advocacy successes and more. Interview with former member of Turkish parliament Aykan Erdemir.

Not so long ago, Turkey appeared to be the model: a Muslim-majority nation that was becoming free, democratic and prosperous; a NATO ally; a friend of America and Europe. Today, all of that is very much in doubt. To discuss Turkey's trajectory in the aftermath of elections that have strengthened the hand of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, FDD president and Foreign Podicy host Clifford D. May is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman, FDD senior fellow Aykan Erdemir and FDD research analyst Merve Tahiroglu. Episode resources: Erdogan's Re-election Win Gives Him Vastly Expanded Powers in Turkey  – Carlotta Gall; The New York Times Turkish Elections: A Win That Cannot Be Stolen  – Aykan Erdemir; FDD Policy Brief Erdogan's Hostage Diplomacy: Why We Need a Transatlantic Response  – Aykan Erdemir and Eric S. Edelman; The Globalist Erdogan's Hostage Diplomacy: Western Nationals in Turkish Prisons  – Aykan Erdemir and Eric S. Edelman; FDD Research

It was likely the largest sanctions-evasion scheme in modern history, involving top state officials from both Ankara and Tehran. While the U.S. was attempting to use economic pressure in response to revelations regarding Tehran's illicit nuclear weapons program, Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab and banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla facilitated an illicit oil-for-gold scheme that enriched Iran to the tune of over $100 billion. Foreign Podicy host Cliff May is joined by Jonathan Schanzer, Aykan Erdemir and Merve Tahiroglu, who were involved in FDD's extensive role in the case, to unravel the story and discuss its many implications. Listeners can find and subscribe to Foreign Podicy via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and SoundCloud. To request more information or to provide feedback for the “Foreign Podicy” team, email: foreignpodicy@defenddemocracy.org