Podcasts about turkish president

The Prime Minister's meeting with the Turkish President, a guide for surviving emergency situations, science ministers meeting in Warsaw, civil defense training for students, a grant to develop a new Alzheimer's drug, and much more!Thanks for tuning in!Let us know what you think and what we can improve on by emailing us at info@rorshok.com You can also contact us on Twitter & Instagram @rorshokpoland Like what you hear? Subscribe, share, and tell your buds.We want to get to know you! Please fill in this mini-survey: https://forms.gle/NV3h5jN13cRDp2r66Wanna avoid ads and help us financially? Follow the link: https://bit.ly/rorshok-donateOops! It looks like we made a mistake.In 7:48, the reader should have said, "fined."Sorry for the inconvenience!

Hamas willing to move ahead with Gaza deal "The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has signalled that a crisis threatening to unravel the Gaza ceasefire deal could be avoided despite uncertainty over the number of hostages due to be released on Saturday and disagreements over aid supplies. Hamas said it did not want the deal to collapse, though it rejected what it called the ""language of threats and intimidation"" from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump." Erdogan, Sharif pledge stronger Türkiye-Pakistan ties in Islamabad "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. Turkish President said during a joint news conference in Islamabad that the two countries agree to increase efforts to reach the target of $5 billion in trade volume. Erdogan underscored the importance of private-sector collaboration, encouraging Turkish investors to expand their activities in Pakistan." Trump offers F-35 jets, trade deal to India in talks with Modi "US President Donald Trump has offered to sell state-of-the-art fighter jets to India as he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to ramp up trade, rekindling a bond that defies the new US administration's punitive approach to much of the world. Trump, who hours before meeting Modi complained about Indian tariffs, agreed with Modi that the two countries would work together on a trade deal." Trump wants denuclearisation talks with Russia's Putin and China's Xi "US President Donald Trump has said he wants to hold talks with Russia and China on a mutual reduction in military spending, with a possible summit for the countries' leaders. Outlining his vision for a shake-up in the world order, Trump also said he would ""love"" to have Russia back in the G7, from which it was suspended in 2014 after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula. Trump also said he would consider a summit with Putin and China's Xi Jinping when things calm down." US inks plans for 'reciprocal tariffs' "US President Donald Trump has inked plans for sweeping ""reciprocal tariffs"" hitting both allies and competitors, in a dramatic escalation of an international trade war that economists warn could fuel inflation at home. Speaking in the Oval Office on Trump said he had decided to impose the reciprocal duties, telling reporters that US allies were often ""worse than enemies"" on trade issues. ""We had a very unfair system to us,"" Trump said in the Oval Office."

It all went down with lightning speed and took the world by surprise: the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime by a group of rebels united in their hatred of the brutal dictator. Abu Mohammed al Jolani, who has led this so-far successful rebellion, has been working to present to the world a pragmatic image. He has been associated since his youth with various jihadist groups but is suggesting that the new Syria will be a proper country where civilians may go about their lives peacefully. Olive branches have been sort of extended to the Kurds as well as Israel, but in very guarded language. After all, Turkish President Erdogan has been Jolani's main benefactor and supplier of weapons, and he is not known to be a silent, benign actor. No. If Erdogan is in the mix, it is because he wants something. And we already know that he wants to bomb the Kurds into submission. Because that is what he has been doing for the past week or so. So—something's gotta give. Syria is a complex pastiche of minorities—religious and ethnic—and many scores to settle. ISIS-aligned jihadists remain strong in sections of northern Syria, where thousands of former ISIS fighters and their families are imprisoned in primitive camps controlled by the Kurds. Russia has been driven from its Syrian bases. Iran has suddenly lost its land bridge through Syria to Lebanon, cutting off Hezballah supply routes. And the Biden administration just isn't getting too fussed about Turkey these days. It will leave that mess for President-elect Trump. The Biden White House is doing its darnedest to negotiate a deal for the release of the remaining 100 hostages in Hamas captivity. The stuff of an emotional and enduring legacy. To untangle it all we speak with Turkish expert (and expatriate) Sinan Ciddi, whose biography is featured below.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Sinan Ciddi is an expert on Turkish politics and an associate professor of National Security Studies at Marine Corps University (MCU). Prior to joining MCU, Sinan was the Executive Director of the Institute of Turkish Studies, based at Georgetown University (2011-2020). He continues to serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.Sinan is the author of Kemalism in Turkish Politics: The Republican People's Party: Secularism and Nationalism (Routledge, January 2009) a book which explains the electoral weakness of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party.He obtained his Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in 2007 in the field of Political Science. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

With Donald Trump on course to begin his second term as US president, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is eyeing renewed opportunities for collaboration – hoping to rekindle the close relationship the two shared during Trump's first presidency. Erdogan, who congratulated Trump as a "friend" on social media, sees this as a chance to reshape US-Turkey relations.During Biden's presidency, engagement was largely limited to foreign ministers – marking a stark contrast to the “strong leader-to-leader relationship” Erdogan and Trump had enjoyed, says analyst Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, of the German Marshall Fund in Ankara.Trump and President Erdogan met face to face about nine times, compared to only two "brief encounters" with Biden, he adds.ChemistryErdogan often speaks warmly of his dealings with Washington during Trump's first term in office."The chemistry is the same. Two charismatic leaders, two leaders who are unpredictable," notes Turkish presidential adviser Mesut Casin, a professor of international relations at Istanbul's Yeditepe University.He believes their personal rapport could set the stage for greater bilateral and regional cooperation, including efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.Erdogan has long sought to play a role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, given his close ties with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and, more controversially, with Vladimir Putin – a relationship that drew criticism and suspicion from some of Turkey's NATO partners."Trump will push for negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war. And I think that's something that Turkey has always preferred," predicts Asli Aydintasbas a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington.Turkey eyes US presidential race that stands to shake up mutual tiesYPG policyErdogan will also look to Trump for changes in US policy toward the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia that Ankara views as linked to the PKK, a group fighting the Turkish state.The YPG's alliance with Washington against the Islamic State has strained US-Turkey relations, with Biden resisting Erdogan's calls to end support for the group.Former Turkish diplomat Aydin Selcen predicts Erdogan will hope Trump might be open to a deal."Erdogan thinks that, like himself, Trump too is a pragmatic leader. So leaving aside principles or other such in brackets, the two sides can reach an agreement by giving and taking something between the two," says Selcen.UnpredictabilityWhile Trump has often spoken positively about Erdogan, he nonetheless remains unpredictable.“Can you rely on him?” asks Murat Aslan of SETA, a Turkish pro-government thinktank.Tensions between Turkey and Israel could also complicate relations.Erdogan has expressed hope that Trump will succeed where Biden failed in ending Israel's war on Hamas and Hezbollah, but with Trump's strong support for Israel and Erdogan's backing of Hamas, a clash could be looming."What happens if there is an escalation in the Middle East with the polarisation of Israel and Turkey, as it currently is, and the attitude of Trump, it's very clear that the Trump administration will threaten Turkey," says Aslan.With conflicts raging across the region, Erdogan views a new Trump presidency as an opportunity for Turkey and the region.But given the leaders' unpredictability, that opportunity doesn't come without risks.

Earlier this month Erdogan made a wild accusation that Israel was planning to wage war on, or target, Turkey. While these absurd claims are mainly seen as an effort by the Turkish President to appease his Islamist base and distract from the country's economic troubles, there is concern that to ignore such statements encourages further incitement. Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow for the Center for American Progress and a former senior staffer with responsibility for Turkey on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why Erdogan's claims, if left unchecked, risk stoking more hatred in Turkey and the region.In our discussion we also look into the Turkey-Hamas connection. This conversation was recorded before the news about the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who was an architect of the October 7 attacks.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan accuses Israel of wanting to wage war on Turkey despite robust trade tiesEU leaders set course for tougher policy to send back irregular migrantsGreece, Ukraine sign security agreement in Brussels

Pull the Pin Already (Ep 422): Just some average Veterans discussing the world we live in today. Our opinions are based on personal experience in and out of the military and are our own, not those of the military. What's your take on the opinions and concerns expressed during the show? Let us know by discussing your own views in the comments below. If you like what we have to say click the like button below and share this video with your friends. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for future episodes. Turkish President, Reduce Wasteful Spending, Palestinian Terrorists, Venezuelan Dictator **Subscribe on Rumble** https://rumble.com/register/PullThePinAlready/ www.pullthepinalready.com VIDEO CHANNELS Youtube www.youtube.com/channel/UCfUOkihz4MloQUyWWYypPGw Rumble https://rumble.com/c/PullThePinAlready Bitchute https://www.bitchute.com/accounts/referral/pullthepinalready/

Turkey's bid to join the BRICS trading group is the latest move in the Turkish President's delicate balancing act between Western and Eastern allies. The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Almaty, Kazakhstan, provided a platform for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in person.Their encounter was marked by a display of cordiality, with both leaders appearing at ease and Putin emphasizing the significance of their bilateral relationship.Active engagementPutin, standing alongside Erdogan, stated, "We continue to actively engage on crucial matters of international politics." He further added, "Our communication is constant, and our respective ministries and departments regularly share information and align our stances on key issues." Erdogan was observed nodding in agreement with these remarks. Turkey set on rebuilding bridges with China to improve trade How Turkey's support for Ukraine is a double-edged swordAccording to reports, a notable topic on the leaders' agenda was Turkey's aspiration to join BRICS, an economic alliance comprising Russia, China, and several nations from Asia, Africa, and South America. This potential membership represents a significant shift in Turkey's international alignments.Atilla Yesilada, a Turkey analyst at GlobalSource Partners, explains, "A core principle of BRICS is reducing the dollar's role in mutual trade, which aligns with Turkey's interests." He argues that BRICS membership complements Turkey's broader foreign policy objectives, stating, "The concept of a new platform fostering trade among geographically distant countries naturally appeals to Turkey and fits its foreign policy stance."Yesilada suggests that Turkey's BRICS bid serves an additional purpose: "It signals to Putin that Turkey intends to maintain and strengthen its growing commercial ties with Russia." This comes despite Putin's recent cautions to Turkey regarding its efforts to improve relations with its traditional Western allies.The Russian leader strongly supports Turkey's BRICS membership bid. Ceren Ergenc, a China specialist at the Centre for European Policy Studies, posits that Moscow views Turkey's potential BRICS membership as a strategic move to balance Beijing's increasing influence within the group.Turikey and BRICSPutin strongly supports Turkey's BRICS membership bid. Ceren Ergenc, a China specialist at the Centre for European Policy Studies, suggests this support is part of Moscow's strategy to counterbalance Beijing's growing influence within BRICS.Ergenc explains, "BRICS has become China's domain, with recent membership invitations primarily extended to countries China seeks closer ties with, effectively sidelining Russia and India as the group's other major powers."Turkey's pursuit of BRICS membership coincides with its stalled EU accession process, hampered by Turkey's non-compliance with the EU's Copenhagen Criteria on human rights. This impasse is reportedly affecting Turkey's trade relations with the EU. Atilla Yesilada, a Turkey analyst, notes, "Erdogan's frustration with the EU's lack of progress on Turkey's accession and customs union update contributed to the BRICS bid."However, Yesilada argues that Turkey's interest in BRICS transcends Erdogan's presidency, reflecting a broader foreign policy strategy. He states, "This aligns with Turkey's overarching policy goal, widely supported by the country's policy establishment, of maintaining independence from any single political bloc, be it Western or Eastern."As Erdogan prepares to attend the NATO summit in Washington, where he's expected to reaffirm Turkey's Western security commitments, analysts view the BRICS bid as a clear indication that Ankara is diversifying its international partnerships beyond its traditional Western allies.

President Erdogan sure does have a lot to say about the war in Gaza and he has made many demands from atop his ivory tower about how Israel should conduct themselves. There is only one problem..Turkey is currently engaged in their own crimes against humanity and the subjegation of their own citizens who happen to be Kurds. Yet Erdogan has the audacity to speak up from occupied Constantinople and talk about colonialism? In this episode, we take a look at the hpocrisy coming from Occupied Anatolia and offer a few insights of our own. (commercial at 8:20)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Erdogan's double standard on Hamas reflects his antisemitism and racism - Washington Times

Turkey's president Recep Tayyp Erdogan was in Iraq this Monday - his first official visit in years, where he signed a raft of deals to try and reset rocky relations. High on the agenda was the water issue, stemming from Turkey's construction of dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that reduced the supply downstream to Iraq.  

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's worst electoral defeat in nationwide municipal elections has changed Turkey's political landscape. However, the Opposition's victory came at an awkward time. Turkey's Western allies were looking to strengthen ties with the Turkish President.  Turkey's main opposition CHP (Republican People's Party) gains in nationwide local elections are a significant reversal of the party's fortunes after Erdogan's resounding reelection last May."After the opposition's loss in the May elections, everybody thought the opposition was in a state of despair," explains Can Selcuki, head of Istanbul polling firm Economics Research."But that doesn't seem to be the case, and it's a turning point for the Turkish political landscape."It's the first time since 1977 that CHP has managed to come out number one in the popular vote."Threat of authoritarianismWith much of the media under his control and the judiciary targeting dissent, critics claim Erdogan's grip on power is tightening.Addressing supporters on election night Ekrem Imamoglu, the re-elected CHP mayor for Istanbul who Erdogan personally tried to unseat, claimed his victory was a stand against the global threat of authoritarianism."Today is a pivotal moment not only for Istanbul, but for democracy itself. As we celebrate our victory, we send a message that will reverberate worldwide,” Imamoglu told thousands of jubilant supporters."Democracy's decline is now ending," continued the mayor, "Istanbul stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience of democratic values in the face of growing authoritarianism." Deepfake videos used in local elections in Turkey as Erdogan battles for Istanbul Turkey's embattled civil society fears worst as foreign funding dries u Prosecutor seeks prison terms for alleged PKK members on trial in ParisMuted reactionsDespite this,Turkey's Western allies' response to the CHP's resounding victory was muted."There were no congratulations extended, even to Turkey's democracy, let alone to the opposition itself," Sezin Oney, a commentator for Turkey's Politikyol news portal, said.“[This] is a big contrast compared to the May elections because right after the May elections, the Western leaders, one after the other, extended their congratulations to Erdogan."So there is a recognition that Erdogan is here to stay, and they don't want to make him cross. And given that there is the Ukraine war on one side and the Gaza war on the other, they want a stable Turkey.”Turkey's location, bordering the Middle East and Russia, makes Ankara a critical ally for Europe and the United States in international efforts to control migration and contain Russia.Ahead of the March polls, Erdogan had been engaged in rapprochement with his Western allies, with Washington even inviting the Turkish President for a summit in May.However, Erdogan could still pose a headache to his Western allies as he ramps up his nationalist rhetoric in the aftermath of his defeat."We are determined to show that terrorism has no place in the future of Türkiye and the region," Erdogan said Thursday. "With the recent elections, this determination has been further strengthened."Massive military offensiveMeanwhile, Erdogan has warned that his army is poised to launch a massive military offensive into Northern Iraq and Syria against the Kurdish group PKK, including affiliates that work with American forces in fighting the Islamic State.A crackdown on the PKK, analysts say, will play well with conservative nationalist voters. Those voters were the ones with which the opposition scored its biggest successes in Central Turkey – a region known as Anatolia - for the first time in a generation."CHP has never been successful in those places before. These are places that are considered to be religiously conservative, or at least conservative," Istar Gozaydin, a Turkish religion and state relations expert at Istanbul's Istinye University, said."And that's also valid for Central Anatolia. Central Anatolia is usually much more nationalist and much more religiously sensitive, but for the first time, they've been successful.”It is not the first time Erdogan has sought to play the nationalist card. After the 2015 general election in which the president's AK Party lost its parliamentary majority, Erdogan launched military operations against the PKK across Turkey's predominantly Kurdish region, leveling many city centres.Erdogan's action resulted in his AK Party taking power in a second election later that year.Fix the economy"I'm sure there's a temptation," said analyst Can Selcuki, "but the facts on the ground do not allow it. Erdogan needs to fix the economy."Turkey's near 70% inflation and 50% interest rates, were widely seen as key factors in AK Party's defeat. But analyst Sezin Oney of Turkey's Politikyol news portal says a new conflict could change the political rules of the game."The economy is a concern, but there is a war psyche, then he [Erdogan] might be propagating," Oney added..Some Turkish analysts say the opposition victory will be viewed privately as inconvenient by some of Turkey's Western allies coming at a time of growing cooperation with Erdogan, with the fear now that Erdogan's resounding defeat could make the Turkish leader unpredictable at a critical time in both the Middle East and Russia's war with Ukraine.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on November 16, 2023, Patrick talks with Middle East scholar Dr Can Erimtan about the Turkish President's strident comments condemning the Israeli regime and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. But Turkey has deep economic and geopolitical ties to Israel. Will Erdogan really walk the walk, or just talk the talk? All this and more. More From Dr Can: X/Twitter 21stcenturywire.com  TUNE-IN LIVE to TNT RADIO for the Patrick Henningsen Show every MON-FRI at 11AM-1PM (NEW YORK) | 4PM-6PM (LONDON) | 2AM-4AM (BRISBANE): https://tntradio.liv

Israel says it does not fire on hospitals but will do what it needs to if Hamas fires from them. Also: The White House says President Biden will meet the Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week to try to stabilise relations, and the Turkish President says he is prepared to change the constitution to resolve a judicial dispute.

: Kate Adie presents stories from Israel, Turkey, Switzerland, DRC and Indonesia Four weeks on from Hamas' deadly attack in Israel, details continue to emerge about the killing spree. Israelis are wrestling with the impact and the consequences - and the release by Hamas of a hostage video this week has added pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release. Paul Adams finds there's a pervasive sense of insecurity in the streets of Jerusalem, with violent incidents puncturing any veneer of calm. Victoria Craig spoke to people at a rally in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, where the Turkish President was vocal in his support for Hamas and unflinching in his criticism of Israel's offensive in Gaza. She reflects on how far this is a step change in Turkey's relationship with Israel. It's Peace Week in Geneva. Diplomats, aid workers and academics gather annually here to discuss ways to achieve peace. This year, as conflict rages in the Middle East and beyond, some are asking whether international organisations – and international law, are losing their relevance, says Imogen Foulkes. The east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is a region which has endured multiple crises – with many still unfolding. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham tracked the Congolese military as it tackled the most pressing challenge of fighting the rebel group, M23. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes; they're internally displaced or finding refuge in neighbouring countries. And some have taken longer-haul journeys to the other side of the world. Michelle Jana Chan discovered the Ukrainian community on the Indonesian island of Bali. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Bridget Harney Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman

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This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, September 6th, 2023. PUB MEMBERSHIP PLUG: Summer has been great here at CrossPolitic, and we want you to join us on this ride… First, we’re no longer calling it the Fight Laugh Feast club… it’s now called the Pub! Second, we are launching a new line of content, focused on family entertainment. We will have our new show “This America” and our exciting new “Rowdy Christian Guides” highlighting the practical guides to fun and godly life! Additionally, we will have the live streaming of our conferences, and our past conference talks, all bundled within our new polished Fight Laugh Feast App. Sign up today! Head on over to fightlaughfeast.com, and join the Pub! that’s fightlaughfeast.com. https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/putin-turkey-grain-deal/2023/09/04/id/1133111/ Putin Won't Renew Grain Deal Until the West Meets His Demands Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea amid the war won’t be restored until the West meets Moscow's demands on its own agricultural exports. Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlin’s demands as a ploy to advance its own interests. Still, Putin's remarks dashed hopes that his talks with the Turkish President could revive an agreement seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadn’t been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade, though it has shipped record amounts of wheat since last year. Putin reiterated those complaints Monday, while also telling reporters that if those commitments were honored, Russia could return to the deal “within days.” The Turkish President also expressed hope that a breakthrough could come soon. He said Turkey and the U.N. — which both brokered the original deal — have put together a new package of proposals to unblock the issue. “I believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time,” Erdogan said at the news conference held with Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi. Earlier, a German Foreign Minister lashed out, saying Putin's “game with the grain agreement is cynical.” A lot is riding on the negotiation. Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other goods that developing nations rely on. Data from the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, which organized shipments under the deal, show that 57% of the grain from Ukraine went to developing nations, with the top destination being China. Grain prices shot up after Russia pulled out of the deal but have since fallen back, indicating that there isn't a big crunch in the market for the moment. But failure to revive the agreement will have “drastic impacts” in countries such as Somalia and Egypt that rely heavily on Black Sea grain, according to Galip Dalay, an associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank in London. Russia may be hoping it can use its power over Ukraine’s Black Sea exports as a bargaining chip to reduce Western economic sanctions. https://dailycaller.com/2023/09/04/university-michigan-students-hotel-rooms-covid-19/ Major University will Kick Students out of Dorms if they Gev Covid-19 The University of Michigan (UM) is asking students who test positive for COVID-19 to get a hotel room in order to quarantine for five days, according to the university’s website. The university reminded students on Sept. 1 of the school’s rules surrounding COVID-19, suggesting if they are sick stay home, wear masks and get tested, according to the website. The university also asked students to create an “isolation plan” in case they contract COVID-19, noting that no students are allowed in the residence halls if they test positive. “This could include relocating to your permanent residence, staying with a nearby relative or friend, or finding a hotel space. Students in Michigan Housing must leave their residence halls during isolation, even if they are in a single room,” the website reads. The UM Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) is supposed to get in touch with the students within 24 hours to discuss the “care and isolation options,” according to the website. If a student must pay for a hotel room, the university did not clarify on the website whether or not they will compensate the student. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/05/oil-prices-mixed-on-receding-support-from-chinas-steps-to-recovery.html Oil prices settle at 10-month high as Saudi, Russia extend supply cuts Oil prices rose a dollar a barrel on Tuesday to their highest since November, after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended their voluntary supply cuts to the end of the year, worrying investors about potential shortages during peak winter demand. Brent crude futures rose by $1.04, or 1.2%, to settle at $90.04 a barrel, closing above the $90 mark for the first time since November 16, 2022. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude October futures gained $1.14, or 1.3%, to settle at $86.69 a barrel, also a 10-month high. Investors had expected Saudi Arabia and Russia to extend voluntary cuts into October, but the three-month extension was unexpected. Both Saudi Arabia and Russia said they would review the supply cuts monthly, and could modify them depending on market conditions. “With the production cut extended, we anticipate a market deficit of more than 1.5 million barrels per day in 4Q23,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo wrote in a note to clients. UBS now expects Brent crude to rise to $95 a barrel by year-end. Reflecting concerns about the short-term market supply, front month Brent and WTI contracts were also trading at their steepest premium since November to later-dated prices. This structure, called backwardation, indicates tightening supply for prompt deliveries. Also supporting oil prices on Tuesday, Goldman Sachs said it now sees the probability of a U.S. recession starting in the next 12 months at 15%, down from an earlier forecast of 20%. Along with the Saudi supply cuts, which began in July, prospects of the U.S. economy avoiding a hard recession have helped lift oil demand and prices in recent months. Both Brent and WTI futures have gained more than 20% since the end of June. In other news… have you guys been noticing Mcconell lately and his freezing episodes? https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/mcconnell-physician-says-no-evidence-seizures-stroke-second-freezing-episode McConnell physician says ‘no evidence’ of seizures or stroke after second freezing episode The attending physician of the Capitol is ruling out a seizure, stroke, or other movement disorder after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had difficulty speaking during a press conference in Kentucky last week. “My examination of you following your August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” Dr. Brian P. Monahan said in a new letter released by McConnell's office. “There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.” The incident occurred last Wednesday when a reporter in Covington, Kentucky, asked him about his political plans when his term is up in 2026. At first, the Senate Republican leader acknowledged the question but trailed off and stopped speaking. An aide stepped in and asked if he had heard the question. McConnell responded "yes" but continued to freeze. This prompted the aide to say, "We're going to need a minute." The senator appeared to regain his composure and then briefly answered two additional questions after aides stepped in to repeat questions from reporters and then led him away. In late July, the minority leader was briefly escorted from the Senate Republicans' weekly press conference after he froze in front of the cameras, the first such public incident. McConnell, 81, was hospitalized earlier this year after suffering a fall that required him to complete physical therapy. He experienced a concussion and a minor rib fracture that sidelined him from the Senate for nearly six weeks. Monahan last week attributed the most recent freezing episode to dehydration and lightheadedness related to his concussion but said he was "medically clear" to continue his duties as usual. The Republican leader's office also had attributed the two freezing moments to “lightheadedness." McConnell was previously hospitalized in 2019 after fracturing his shoulder from a fall on his patio at home. McConnell and the rest of the Senate returns to Washington Tuesday afternoon.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, September 6th, 2023. PUB MEMBERSHIP PLUG: Summer has been great here at CrossPolitic, and we want you to join us on this ride… First, we’re no longer calling it the Fight Laugh Feast club… it’s now called the Pub! Second, we are launching a new line of content, focused on family entertainment. We will have our new show “This America” and our exciting new “Rowdy Christian Guides” highlighting the practical guides to fun and godly life! Additionally, we will have the live streaming of our conferences, and our past conference talks, all bundled within our new polished Fight Laugh Feast App. Sign up today! Head on over to fightlaughfeast.com, and join the Pub! that’s fightlaughfeast.com. https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/putin-turkey-grain-deal/2023/09/04/id/1133111/ Putin Won't Renew Grain Deal Until the West Meets His Demands Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea amid the war won’t be restored until the West meets Moscow's demands on its own agricultural exports. Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlin’s demands as a ploy to advance its own interests. Still, Putin's remarks dashed hopes that his talks with the Turkish President could revive an agreement seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadn’t been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade, though it has shipped record amounts of wheat since last year. Putin reiterated those complaints Monday, while also telling reporters that if those commitments were honored, Russia could return to the deal “within days.” The Turkish President also expressed hope that a breakthrough could come soon. He said Turkey and the U.N. — which both brokered the original deal — have put together a new package of proposals to unblock the issue. “I believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time,” Erdogan said at the news conference held with Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi. Earlier, a German Foreign Minister lashed out, saying Putin's “game with the grain agreement is cynical.” A lot is riding on the negotiation. Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other goods that developing nations rely on. Data from the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, which organized shipments under the deal, show that 57% of the grain from Ukraine went to developing nations, with the top destination being China. Grain prices shot up after Russia pulled out of the deal but have since fallen back, indicating that there isn't a big crunch in the market for the moment. But failure to revive the agreement will have “drastic impacts” in countries such as Somalia and Egypt that rely heavily on Black Sea grain, according to Galip Dalay, an associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank in London. Russia may be hoping it can use its power over Ukraine’s Black Sea exports as a bargaining chip to reduce Western economic sanctions. https://dailycaller.com/2023/09/04/university-michigan-students-hotel-rooms-covid-19/ Major University will Kick Students out of Dorms if they Gev Covid-19 The University of Michigan (UM) is asking students who test positive for COVID-19 to get a hotel room in order to quarantine for five days, according to the university’s website. The university reminded students on Sept. 1 of the school’s rules surrounding COVID-19, suggesting if they are sick stay home, wear masks and get tested, according to the website. The university also asked students to create an “isolation plan” in case they contract COVID-19, noting that no students are allowed in the residence halls if they test positive. “This could include relocating to your permanent residence, staying with a nearby relative or friend, or finding a hotel space. Students in Michigan Housing must leave their residence halls during isolation, even if they are in a single room,” the website reads. The UM Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) is supposed to get in touch with the students within 24 hours to discuss the “care and isolation options,” according to the website. If a student must pay for a hotel room, the university did not clarify on the website whether or not they will compensate the student. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/05/oil-prices-mixed-on-receding-support-from-chinas-steps-to-recovery.html Oil prices settle at 10-month high as Saudi, Russia extend supply cuts Oil prices rose a dollar a barrel on Tuesday to their highest since November, after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended their voluntary supply cuts to the end of the year, worrying investors about potential shortages during peak winter demand. Brent crude futures rose by $1.04, or 1.2%, to settle at $90.04 a barrel, closing above the $90 mark for the first time since November 16, 2022. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude October futures gained $1.14, or 1.3%, to settle at $86.69 a barrel, also a 10-month high. Investors had expected Saudi Arabia and Russia to extend voluntary cuts into October, but the three-month extension was unexpected. Both Saudi Arabia and Russia said they would review the supply cuts monthly, and could modify them depending on market conditions. “With the production cut extended, we anticipate a market deficit of more than 1.5 million barrels per day in 4Q23,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo wrote in a note to clients. UBS now expects Brent crude to rise to $95 a barrel by year-end. Reflecting concerns about the short-term market supply, front month Brent and WTI contracts were also trading at their steepest premium since November to later-dated prices. This structure, called backwardation, indicates tightening supply for prompt deliveries. Also supporting oil prices on Tuesday, Goldman Sachs said it now sees the probability of a U.S. recession starting in the next 12 months at 15%, down from an earlier forecast of 20%. Along with the Saudi supply cuts, which began in July, prospects of the U.S. economy avoiding a hard recession have helped lift oil demand and prices in recent months. Both Brent and WTI futures have gained more than 20% since the end of June. In other news… have you guys been noticing Mcconell lately and his freezing episodes? https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/mcconnell-physician-says-no-evidence-seizures-stroke-second-freezing-episode McConnell physician says ‘no evidence’ of seizures or stroke after second freezing episode The attending physician of the Capitol is ruling out a seizure, stroke, or other movement disorder after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had difficulty speaking during a press conference in Kentucky last week. “My examination of you following your August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” Dr. Brian P. Monahan said in a new letter released by McConnell's office. “There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.” The incident occurred last Wednesday when a reporter in Covington, Kentucky, asked him about his political plans when his term is up in 2026. At first, the Senate Republican leader acknowledged the question but trailed off and stopped speaking. An aide stepped in and asked if he had heard the question. McConnell responded "yes" but continued to freeze. This prompted the aide to say, "We're going to need a minute." The senator appeared to regain his composure and then briefly answered two additional questions after aides stepped in to repeat questions from reporters and then led him away. In late July, the minority leader was briefly escorted from the Senate Republicans' weekly press conference after he froze in front of the cameras, the first such public incident. McConnell, 81, was hospitalized earlier this year after suffering a fall that required him to complete physical therapy. He experienced a concussion and a minor rib fracture that sidelined him from the Senate for nearly six weeks. Monahan last week attributed the most recent freezing episode to dehydration and lightheadedness related to his concussion but said he was "medically clear" to continue his duties as usual. The Republican leader's office also had attributed the two freezing moments to “lightheadedness." McConnell was previously hospitalized in 2019 after fracturing his shoulder from a fall on his patio at home. McConnell and the rest of the Senate returns to Washington Tuesday afternoon.

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on August 21st, 2023. You can hear more reports on our homepage radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio Play. Presenter: Dave RussellProducer: Kris Boswell

Wildfires continue to rage in Greece. The Turkish President says China's development poses no threat. And Thursday marks the 70th anniversary of the armistice on the Korean Peninsula.

Cody Combs gives a round-up of today's trends.

Annual crime report in WA state shows robberies and homicides have surged. PRIME energy drinks could potentially harm kids and Sen. Chuck Schumer wants the FDA to investigate. Biden is meeting with the Turkish President at the NATO summit. // A checking of the texting. // Ukraine wants to join NATO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*) Türkiye agrees to move ahead with Sweden's NATO bid: Stoltenberg Türkiye has agreed to forward to parliament Sweden's bid to join the NATO military alliance, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said on the eve of a NATO summit in Vilnius. Türkiye's approval came after Stockholm agreed to establish a bilateral security mechanism with Ankara, Stoltenberg said. Sweden will also support Türkiye's EU process, visa liberalisation and efforts to update Customs Union, he added. He said NATO was establishing, for the first time, the post of Special Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. Sweden reiterated it will not support terrorist organisations YPG/PYD and FETO, a joint statement said after the meeting between Türkiye, Sweden, and the NATO chief. *) Key aid route to Syria closes as UN fails to extend authorisation A UN-brokered agreement that allows for the delivery of aid overland from Türkiye into Syria has expired after the United Nations Security Council failed to hold a vote to reauthorise it. The 15 members of the council had been trying for days to find a compromise to extend the deal, which since 2014 has allowed for food, water and medicine to be trucked to northwestern Syria. But the vote, first scheduled for Friday, was postponed to Monday - and then again to Tuesday morning, a source in the British mission to the UN, which holds the presidency of the Security Council, said. This means that as humanitarian convoys wrapped up their operations on Monday night, the future of the aid corridor was in doubt - it cannot resume operations until the United Nations reauthorises it. *) Turkish President, EU Council chief agree to 're-energise' ties Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, in Vilnius, Lithuania as he was visiting to attend a NATO leaders' summit. Michel on Twitter said they “explored opportunities ahead to bring EU-Türkiye cooperation back to the forefront & re-energise our relations." He added that the Council has asked the high representative, Josep Borell, and the European Commission to submit a report "with a view to proceed in a strategic & forward-looking manner." *) Last week hottest on record worldwide: UN The beginning of July has been the hottest week on record for the planet, according to early findings from the United Nations' weather agency, after a series of scorching days saw global temperature records tumble. "The world just had the hottest week on record, according to preliminary data," the World Meteorological Organization said in a statement on Monday, after the climate crisis and the early stages of the El Nino weather pattern drove the warmest June on record. It's the latest in a series of records halfway through a year that has already seen a drought in Spain and fierce heat waves in China as well the United States. *) Meta's Threads hits 100 million users as Twitter struggles The Threads app launched by Instagram as a rival to Twitter has signed up more than 100 million users in less than five days, data tracking websites said on Monday, smashing the record of AI tool ChatGPT for fastest-growing consumer app. While ChatGPT took two months to hit the 100 million user mark and video-sharing app TikTok took nine months, Instagram itself took two and a half years to reach that mark after its 2010 launch. Threads went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries late on Wednesday, though it is not available in Europe because parent company Meta is unsure how to navigate the European Union's data privacy legislation.

Turkey has made a u-turn and agreed to support Sweden's bid to join NATO. The region had previously spent months blocking Sweden's attempt to gain a membership, accusing it of hosting Kurdish militants. One News Europe correspondent Mei Heron says there must be something that got Turkey over the line that hasn't been disclosed. "There must be something more to it. Only two days ago, the Turkish President told the US president that he didn't think that Sweden was ready for NATO." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that President Erdogan has secured reelection, the Biden administration is stepping up its efforts to pressure the Turkish President to lift his veto over Sweden's accession to NATO. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken has publicly denied any link between Sweden's NATO accession and the delivery of F-16s, President Biden has suggested a quid pro quo. Expert Michael Rubin, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and a former Pentagon official, joins Thanos Davelis to explain why trading F-16s and F-16 upgrades to Turkey in exchange for Erdogan lifting his veto on Sweden would be a pyrrhic victory at best, undermining, not enhancing, NATO cohesion and capability.Read Michael Rubin's latest here: Will Joe Biden Destroy NATO By Appeasing Turkey On Sweden?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Biden says he and Erdogan talked about F-16s, Sweden's NATO bidTurkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces new cabinet‘If Greece were a stock, its value would be rising'

In this episode our host, Gareth Westwood, Head of Global Intelligence, joins Associate Analyst, Megan Sutcliffe, to discuss Turkey's latest election, Erdoğan's victory in the run-off and his 5th term as Turkish President.    Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sibyllic Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllinelt... Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siby... Follow us on YouTube:    / @sibyllinetv   For more information visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk E-mail us at: info@sibylline.co.uk

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won Sunday's run-off election, surviving the biggest challenge to his two decades in power. The victory cements his grip on Turkey, an important NATO member, despite mounting economic woes, skyrocketing inflation and poor response to February's devastating earthquake. Amna Nawaz discussed the impact of results with Gönül Tol and James Jeffery. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

AP correspondent Laurence Brooks reports on reaction to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's reelection as Turkish President.

Turkey's incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won a fifth term, extending his run in office into a third decade. 99 percent of the ballot boxes have been opened, and Erdogan won 52 per cent of the vote over the 48 per cent for his opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Erdogan is a divisive leader, having taken aim at a Kurdish prisoner and the entire LGBTQ community after calling for unity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, tells us Elon Musk's Twitter is making it harder for the internet to be open and free. Plus Shiona McCallum profiles Linda Yaccarino, the platform's new CEO, with insight from Claire Atkinson, of Insider, whose known her for 20 years. Also: Sam Murunga, from BBC Monitoring, in Nairobi, on why TikTok is in trouble in Senegal. And Ben Derico reports on why voice actors are worried about the threat to their profession from AI. (Photo: Supporters of Turkish President check their phone to look at early presidential election results in front of the Justice and development Party (AKP's) headquarters, 14 May, 2023. Credit: Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing his first serious political challenge in two decades. As the country heads for a run-off vote, can Erdogan keep his job? Join host Laura Kyle. Guests: Tarik Oguzlu - Professor of international relations at Istanbul Aydin University. Helin Sari Ertem - Associate Professor at Istanbul Medeniyet University.  Yusuf Alabarda - Columnist for Turkiye Gazetesi.

With Turkey amid hotly contested elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing for the first time a powerful independent media. But international rights groups watchdogs accuse Erdogan of seeking to silence critical journalism as he faces his most formidable reelection bid. Dokuz8 Haber broadcasts news programs and produces reports with its nationwide network of reporters. It is one of a growing number of independent media platforms using social media and the web to cover May's presidential elections. Media controlIn previous polls, one of President Erdogan's key advantages was his vice-like grip on media coverage but not anymore."It's a time of change in Turkey, and this is something that is reflected in the media," explains Gokhan Bicici, Dokuz8Haber editor-in-chief."There are new moves a powerful independent media is developing, such as the growth of news channels and the enlargement of their sphere of influence," continues Bicici."I can even say that in terms of the number of viewers on election day, the audience and the followers of independent organizations will be much more than mainstream media. Thus, the effort of the government to establish a monopoly failed; they lost," he concluded. Turkish President asks for forgiveness over earthquake rescue delaysBut the government-controlled media regulatory authority, RTUK, is stepping up its fines on independent media stations- prompting condemnation by twenty international media and freedom of expression watchdogs. "if there is a duty of regulation, this should not be weaponized against a critical TV station before these crucial elections," said Erol Onderoglu, Turkey representative for Paris-based Reporters without Borders.  "One of the most important and concerning feet of this problem is the weaponization of high audiovisual border, which is supposed to be independent of any kind of political interference, but which is precisely one of the weapon or crackdown tools under the hand of this government," added Onderoglu. As elections loom in Turkey, Erdogan pulls plug on opposition social media Partisanship chargesThe government denies the charge of partisanship. But for independent stations like Halk tv, it says fines are a part of doing business but warns the real threat is closure ahead of the May elections."In our broadcasts, they can always find a reason for a penalty, a sentence, an interview, or a statement. And that is why we are always on alert," explains Halk TV News Editor in Chief, Bengu Sap Babaeker.   "We are always in expectation. Managers and fellow journalists are responsible for keeping this channel open. We are responsible for preventing a penalty that will close this channel down," she added. A month from Turkey's elections, soaring inflation shakes up political loyaltiesDespite the risk of closure and fines, stations like Halk during February's deadly earthquake exposed government shortcomings, drawing large audiences. Analysts say such coverage has helped build independent media's reputation ahead of elections for fair but critical coverage."We're facing a renaissance of the Turkish media. It became evident in the earthquake period because we would not hear about the incapacity of the government had there not been the new voices of the media. They really did good reporting," observed Sezin Oney, a columnist at the Politikyol news portal. "Good reporting is enough in itself," continued Oney. "It doesn't have to be just voicing the opposition's narrative or giving a voice to opposition politicians. But it's just reflecting what's happening on the ground, and that's really important for the election night as well."New independent media tv channels have been launched in the run-up to the polls, with many reporters who've quit the industry returning to help cover an election that all sides claim is one of the most important in the Turkish republics' history.

Wongel Zelalem reports on Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan saying that his government will "teach America a lesson". --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/africandiasporanews/support

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing his biggest electoral challenge in the May elections by the man dubbed the Turkish Gandhi. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, in a rare move, has united much of the opposition, but critics warn he faces formidable obstacles to end Erdogan's more than 20-year rule. Backed by six political parties drawn from across the political spectrum, Kilicdaroglu, leader of the country's main opposition CHP party, announced his presidential candidacy on 6 March. He promises sweeping reform, an end to the executive presidency, and a return to parliamentary democracy.'Rule with consensus'"Kilicdaroglu says 'I will not rule as one man; I will rule with consensus'. He's promising economic stability and a Turkey with human rights where everyone is represented equally," explains Halk TV News Editor in Chief Bengu Sap Babaeker"And we should remember that Kemal Kilicdaroglu has been in politics and in state bureaucracy for a very long time. Yet, despite this, there has been no accusation of corruption," added Babaeker.Seventy-four-year-old Kilicdaroglu brought his CHP party back from the dead. His 2017 400km "March for Justice" from Ankara to Istanbul over the jailing of government critics morphed into one of the first major mass movements against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule. Media dubbed Kilicdaroglu the Turkish Gandhi.Kilicdaroglu masterminded municipal election victories in four out of five of Turkey's largest cities, including Erdogan's political fortress Istanbul. But critics point out that the softly-spoken opposition leader, with his civil service background, lacks Erdogan's fiery charisma. As elections loom in Turkey, Erdogan pulls plug on opposition social mediaKilicdaroglu has lost four general elections against Erdogan's AKP Party and his candidacy faced opposition within his coalition alliance."He's not seen as the typical leader. He's not the strong yelling type," said political scientist Zeynep Alemdar of Istanbul's Okan University."He doesn't demonstrate the qualities of that masculine leadership people are very much after. And it's not just in Turkey. Look at Russia, look at Trump! People like that type of leadership. He's very humble, soft-spoken. We don't really see him angry," added Alemdar.Earthquakes and politicsHowever, February's deadly earthquakes are widely seen as a political game changer, with outrage over construction failings and allegations of a slow response by the state to the disaster.Kilicdaroglu was quickly on the scene, offering condolences to survivors, voicing widespread criticism over the government's slow response to the disaster, and pledging to bring those responsible for poorly constructed buildings that collapsed, killing so many. Kilicdaroglu, some analysts say, caught the mood of the country. Turkish President asks for forgiveness over earthquake rescue delays "Kilicdarolgu said that something is going wrong with this whole system, so we must start something new all together. We must change this country for the better once and for all," observed Sezin Oney, a columnist at the Politikyol news portal. "He had a personal catharsis. When he visited the earthquake sites he was shaken, visibly moved. And I think he made the personal decision that this is going to be [his] legacy," added Oney.Religion as an obstacleReligion could be another obstacle for Kilicdaroglu. He comes from the liberal Alevi Islamic sect – considered by some conservative Muslims as heretic.Alevis have faced centuries of discrimination in Turkey. But analysts suggest after 20 years under Erdogan's rule, dominated by religious tension, the electorate is now more interested in economic concerns than identity politics. Turkish Constitutional Court decision boosts Erdogan's election chancesAlemdar says the country, and young people in particular, has moved on and people are no longer looking at "what the other believes in".They have bigger concerns, such as rocketing inflation.  "The economy is in shambles, the currency crisis is there, debt is mounting," she added.With Kilicdaroglu's coalition of parties, including nationalists, Islamists, the left and right, he promises an end to political and ethnic polarisation in what is widely seen as the biggest challenge to Erdogan's rule.

International rights groups say independent Turkish media is under attack, with journalists facing fines and arrests over critical reporting of Erdogan's handling of last month's earthquake. The crackdown comes as the battle over control of the disaster narrative could prove key to determining the outcome of the May presidential polls. Local media like Jin news were at the forefront of reporting on February's deadly earthquakes, highlighting what critics claim was the government's and emergency services' slow response. Police attentionThe reporting drew unwanted attention from the police,"First, they prevented us from working; instead of reporting from the quake-hit area we were made to wait for two hours," explains Jin news reporter Sema Caglak. "The police took our press cards and then they took us to the police precinct. We were kept there for 3-4 hours and were asked why we came to the quake zone."The New York-based Human Rights Watch released a video condemning the arrest of several journalists covering the quake, who also had their equipment confiscated and destroyed in some cases. The government claim there is no systematic policy against the media, insisting that any actions by police against journalists were the result of individual officers working in a difficult situation. But independent tv stations like Halk TV, critical of the government's handling of the quake, were also targeted by heavy fines and temporary broadcasting bans for inciting public hatred. "In Turkey, more than 90% of the media is under government control," explains Halk TV News Editor in Chief Bengu Sap Babaeker. "So we knew that the fines would come because we were giving the voice of the people and the voice of the earthquake survivors.""But what we are really afraid of is being completely shut down," added Babaeker, "so there is self-censorship and extreme care in our reporting to try and avoid this." Latest tremor heaps misery on Turkish region reeling from earlier earthquake Turkey maintains cordial links with Russia on first anniversary of Ukraine war Turkish President asks for forgiveness over earthquake rescue delaysTargeting TV stationsInternational rights groups have condemned the penalites saying the fined tv stations were only engaged in critical reporting and that the penalties have more to do with looming elections. "We should underline that these fines are targeting these main critical TV stations before the elections, before the upcoming elections, which are supposed to take place on 14 of May," claims Erol Onderoglu, Turkey representative for the Paris-based Reporters without Borders. "So it is also a way to weaken financially weak critical media in Turkey. And, of course, by this, to control the discourse that the government tries to impose on public opinion," added Onderoglu.Prosecutors have started using newly introduced legislation criminalizing disinformation on social media, a crime that carries jail time.Reporters Without Borders reported that Turkish journalist Firat Bulut was arrested under the disinformation law while reporting on the earthquake. In a tweet, they are calling for his release. With looming presidential elections, journalists predict pressure will grow. "There is the reality, and we tried to show it through our reporting," said Jin news journalist Sema Caglak."The public who saw the reality no longer has faith in the state. From the first day of the quake until now, the question was, 'where is the government?'."I don't think the pressure of the government on the press will decrease, and I think it will become more difficult with the election process."Control of the quake narrative could be key to deciding the May presidential elections, which is why Halk TV News Babaeker says independent media poses such a threat to the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's dreams of re-election."The government wants to go to the elections on the grounds that this earthquake is an unprecedentedly large earthquake and that no country could cope with it. Despite this, the government claims miracles have been achieved," explained Babaeker."But the news we make telling the reality does not fit the atmosphere that the government wants to establish in Turkey on the way to the elections, which is very damaging to the narrative," Babaerker concluded.As the death toll passes, 50,000 dead, and millions more remain homeless; whether such terrible destruction was unavoidable or the result of government incompetence and corruption is a question that is likely to dominate the elections and their outcome. The battle for control of the quake narrative and the media's reporting will be key.

In a bid to quell rising anger over the handling of last month's deadly earthquakes, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week paid a visit to the south-eastern city of Adiyaman. He apologised and pledged a massive housing reconstruction project for survivors. In the aftermath of the 6 February deadly quakes, images across social media show survivors calling out: "Where is the state?" and "Where is help?"Anger and criticism have been growing over what many say was a slow response by the government and emergency services."It was mayhem," said Zeynep Alemdar, a political scientist at Istanbul's Okan University, describing the government's quake response."We are trying to get our heads around the enormity of the calamity," Alemdar told RFI."There are still places where they need tents. There are people who are still on the streets. All of us are just sad. We cannot believe that there are more than 40,000 dead and probably more will follow. Latest tremor heaps misery on Turkish region reeling from earlier earthquake"This is a calamity that is caused partly by the unaccountability, the corruption, the cronyism, and the way that these buildings are built," added Alemdar.With the government's response under fire in Istanbul, people mobilised to collect food, water, and urgently needed clothes, which were sent to the quake region within the first day. The main opposition CHP party coordinated the operation through its mayors in Turkey's largest cities like Istanbul and sent search and rescue teams.Out of touch"The president seemed to me that he didn't quite grasp the magnitude of the catastrophe," claimed Soli Ozel of Istanbul's Kadir Has University, suggesting that the opposition's speedy reaction made Erdogan appear out of touch."And the fact that everything emanates from the presidential palace meant that nobody could take initiatives, and saving face and rejecting blame seemed far more important than actually getting things done and saving lives.It also showed that the opposition is capable of getting things done contrary to claims by the government," added Ozel.During a visit to the quake region, Erdogan acknowledged initial shortcomings but hit out at criticism of the government and the Red Crescent, Turkey's equivalent to the Red Cross."When one comes out and asks: 'Where is Red Crescent? We haven't seen tents or food from them' ... You are immoral. You are dishonorable and you are despicable," the Turkish leader said, earning fresh condemnation across social media.With presidential elections on the horizon, Erdogan recalibrated his language during a visit to the devastated city of Adiyaman, asking for forgiveness and for the people to move on in a united fashion."Due to the devastating effect of the tremors and the bad weather, we were not able to work the way we wanted in Adiyaman for the first few days. I apologize for this," said Erdogan.Erdogan is also vowing to build more than 200,000 homes within a year for quake survivors.But the opposition claims the president is incapable of building safe homes, given so many buildings collapsed during the quakes, widely blamed on shoddy construction and lax regulations, most of which were built during his years in office. Country at a crossroadsWith the upcoming elections set to be held in the shadow of the Turkish republic's worst humanitarian crisis, the country is at a crossroads like no other."It's actually like a mirror where you see the hideous parts of your face," said Analyst Sezin Oney of the news portal Politikyol. "You understand that you cannot continue on like this anymore."You either have to change it, or you're going to be going under the rubble yourself one way or the other," added Oney. As elections loom in Turkey, Erdogan pulls plug on opposition social media"I think these elections will also be a referendum, not just about changing the system, but about the whole psychology and whole makeup of the country, the whole character of the country, and which direction to go."Even before the disaster, the Turkish president was struggling in the polls with nearly 100 percent inflation.But Erodgan is now calling for unity, claiming only he and his centralised rule can meet the challenge. As the opposition sees it, the magnitude of the disaster is a result of Erdogan's more than 20 years of mismanagement and corruption.Turkey is no stranger to acrimonious elections but analysts this year predict an unusually bitter one.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, February 8th, 2023. Rowdy Christian Merch Plug: If you’re a fan of CrossPolitic, or the Fight Laugh Feast Network, then surely, you know we have a merch store right? Rowdy Christian Merch is your one-stop-shop for everything CrossPolitc merchandise. We’ve got T-Shirts, hoodies, hats, but we’ve also got specialty items like backpacks, mugs, coffee, even airpod cases! Visit Rowdy Christian Merch at rowdychristian.com, and buy that next gift, or a little something for yourself. Again, that’s rowdychristian.com. An update on the situation in Turkey & Syria: https://www.theepochtimes.com/earthquake-death-toll-crosses-5000-as-turkey-experiences-285-aftershocks_5039212.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=partner&src_cmp=BonginoReport Earthquake Death Toll Passes 7,200 as Turkey Experiences 285 Aftershocks The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have exceeded 7,200, with thousands more injured, infrastructure crumbling, and rescue groups struggling to bring aid to the victims. In Turkey, at least 5,434 people are confirmed dead. In Syria, state news agency SANA reported at least 1,832 deaths. Combined, at least 7,266 people have died in Turkey and Syria. In total, at least 3,749 people are estimated to have been injured in Syria. Turkey’s injured are estimated to be over 30,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the death toll could rise to around 20,000 in the coming days. The first quake, with an epicenter in the Pazarcik district of Turkey’s southern Province, had a magnitude of 7.8. A second quake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same region nine hours later, worsening the situation. Turkey experienced 285 aftershocks. U.S. President Joe Biden “noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items,” a readout of Biden’s conversation with Turkish President on Jan. 6 said. The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation in Turkey. A video shared on Twitter shows innumerable buildings turned to rubble, with only a few tall buildings still standing. Another video shows a building crashing down while people run for safety. In Turkey’s southern region, which is home to some of the worst-hit cities, damaged roads and poor internet connections are hampering rescue attempts. In some places, freezing winter weather is also posing a challenge. Families were forced to sleep in cars lined up in the streets. Families wrapped themselves in blankets and gathered around fires to keep themselves warm. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD) is said to have deployed 13,740 search and rescue personnel as well as over 300,000 blankets, 100,000 beds, and 41,000 tents to the region. According to Organ Tatar, an official from AFAD, 5,775 buildings have been destroyed by the quake. “The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people … but we are working hard,” U.N. resident coordinator -told Reuters. The earthquake on Monday is Turkey’s deadliest since a quake of similar magnitude hit the country in 1999 and killed over 17,000 people. https://www.dailyfetched.com/massive-human-trafficking-bust-sees-368-arrested-131-rescued-in-california-2/ Massive Human Trafficking Bust Sees 368 Arrested, 131 Rescued in California Three hundred sixty-eight people have been arrested, and 131 victims rescued in large-scale human trafficking operation by a multi-agency task force in California. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore said: “We know that the sex trade is a prolific one that exists throughout this state and throughout our nation.” “It’s an ugly scar against this great country that exists too oftentimes in plain sight,” he added. Operation Reclaim and Rebuild occurred between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28 in nine counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino, Kiro7 reported. Various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies teamed up for the effort, including the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Victims of human trafficking, including ages ranging from 13 to 52, including children. Investigators worked with victim advocacy groups to provide resources “to help [victims] escape from this life-threatening environment,” he said. Investigators responded to advertisements offering sexual services and visited massage parlors suspected of being involved in sex trafficking. Among those arrested included pimps and panderers, Moore said. The victims, most of whom were kidnapped, face “threat of death” or coercion and are isolated from their former support to become dependent on the trafficker, Moore added. https://thepostmillennial.com/death-tourism-oregon-becomes-national-destination-for-assisted-suicide?utm_campaign=64487 'Death tourism': Oregon becomes national destination for assisted suicide Individuals residing in states that outlaw euthanasia, such as Texas, have started traveling to Oregon to gain assistance in their suicide, making the state the first "death tourism" destination in the US. According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Nicholas Gideonse, the director of End of Life Choices Oregon, recently admitted to assisting a man from Texas with Lou Gehrig's disease who came to the doctor's Portland clinic in achieving suicide and said that "for a small number of patients who otherwise qualify or are determined to go through that and who have the energy and the resources … it has started to happen." According to Oregon's official website, the state passed its Death with Dignity Act in 1997, "which allows terminally ill individuals to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose." The law enabled terminally ill patients expected to die within six months to request fatal drugs from doctors that the patient then takes and self-administers. In 2021, 238 people committed suicide via the program, and 383 doses of fatal drugs were prescribed by doctors. There was originally a restriction for people out-of-state but in 2021 Dr. Gideonse sued Oregon to lift the restriction, which was granted in 2022. Currently, if a resident from another state wants to go to Oregon for the fatal drugs, they are placed on a 15-day waiting period. In that time paperwork is processed and two doctors along with witnesses must sign off on the request for suicide by prescription. The expansion of Death with Dignity to out-of-staters is not yet law in Oregon but is expected to be codified this year with House Bill 2279. The law resembles Canada's state-sponsored euthanasia program known as medical assistance in dying (MAiD), originally intended for those with physical illnesses where death was a reasonable inevitability although it has been amended to allow those with mental health issues to apply. Dr. Gideonse's original lawsuit was over neighboring residents of Washington who wanted suicide drugs and has expanded to residents from further states, including those with strict laws against euthanasia. The executive director of the Patients Rights Action Fund, a group pushing back against Oregon's law, Matt Vallière, said "You end up in this Wild West scenario where people take the drugs back to their home states, and there are a lot more questions than there are answers about what would happen after that." Dr. Gideonse, who also has campaigned for legalizing psilocybin to treat depression, has connections with the Compassion & Choices group which "grew out of the 1980s right-to-die movement of the Hemlock Society and Jack Kevorkian — the pathologist and notorious 'Dr Death' who assisted scores of suicides and was ultimately convicted of murder," reports the Daily Mail. Tucker Carlson & Charles Camosy spoke on this very subject. https://rumble.com/v1adg4j-charles-camosy-on-the-way-assisted-suicide-is-increasingly-being-pushed.html - Play Video Classical Conversations Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. They provide a classical Christ-centered curriculum, local like-minded communities across the United States and in several countries, and they train parents who are striving to be great classical educators in the home. For more information and to get connected, please visit their website at ClassicalConversations.com. Again that’s ClassicalConversations.com. https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/this-study-could-be-scientific-nail-in-the-coffin-for-masks/ This Study Could Be 'Scientific Nail in the Coffin' for Masks One of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of masks found they do almost nothing to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. The study reviewed 78 randomized control trials—experiments that have long been considered "the gold standard" for medicine—which assessed the effectiveness of face masks against flu, COVID-19, and similar illnesses. It found that wearing masks "probably makes little or no difference" for the general public, no matter what kind of mask is used. Even N95 masks, considered the most effective at filtering airborne particles, showed no clear benefit for health care workers. The study was published on January 30 by the Cochrane Library, a world-renowned medical database that is famous for its high-quality evidence reviews. It comes as a battering ram to the recommendations of the U.S. public health establishment, which urged children as young as two to wear masks throughout the pandemic. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/person-stuck-on-the-side-of-downtown-phoenix-building-says-phoenix-fire-dept 'Pro-life Spiderman' taken into custody after scaling former Chase tower in Phoenix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcaLtpAM0fE - Play 0:00-1:22 And that’s your news for today…

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, February 8th, 2023. Rowdy Christian Merch Plug: If you’re a fan of CrossPolitic, or the Fight Laugh Feast Network, then surely, you know we have a merch store right? Rowdy Christian Merch is your one-stop-shop for everything CrossPolitc merchandise. We’ve got T-Shirts, hoodies, hats, but we’ve also got specialty items like backpacks, mugs, coffee, even airpod cases! Visit Rowdy Christian Merch at rowdychristian.com, and buy that next gift, or a little something for yourself. Again, that’s rowdychristian.com. An update on the situation in Turkey & Syria: https://www.theepochtimes.com/earthquake-death-toll-crosses-5000-as-turkey-experiences-285-aftershocks_5039212.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=partner&src_cmp=BonginoReport Earthquake Death Toll Passes 7,200 as Turkey Experiences 285 Aftershocks The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have exceeded 7,200, with thousands more injured, infrastructure crumbling, and rescue groups struggling to bring aid to the victims. In Turkey, at least 5,434 people are confirmed dead. In Syria, state news agency SANA reported at least 1,832 deaths. Combined, at least 7,266 people have died in Turkey and Syria. In total, at least 3,749 people are estimated to have been injured in Syria. Turkey’s injured are estimated to be over 30,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the death toll could rise to around 20,000 in the coming days. The first quake, with an epicenter in the Pazarcik district of Turkey’s southern Province, had a magnitude of 7.8. A second quake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same region nine hours later, worsening the situation. Turkey experienced 285 aftershocks. U.S. President Joe Biden “noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items,” a readout of Biden’s conversation with Turkish President on Jan. 6 said. The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation in Turkey. A video shared on Twitter shows innumerable buildings turned to rubble, with only a few tall buildings still standing. Another video shows a building crashing down while people run for safety. In Turkey’s southern region, which is home to some of the worst-hit cities, damaged roads and poor internet connections are hampering rescue attempts. In some places, freezing winter weather is also posing a challenge. Families were forced to sleep in cars lined up in the streets. Families wrapped themselves in blankets and gathered around fires to keep themselves warm. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD) is said to have deployed 13,740 search and rescue personnel as well as over 300,000 blankets, 100,000 beds, and 41,000 tents to the region. According to Organ Tatar, an official from AFAD, 5,775 buildings have been destroyed by the quake. “The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people … but we are working hard,” U.N. resident coordinator -told Reuters. The earthquake on Monday is Turkey’s deadliest since a quake of similar magnitude hit the country in 1999 and killed over 17,000 people. https://www.dailyfetched.com/massive-human-trafficking-bust-sees-368-arrested-131-rescued-in-california-2/ Massive Human Trafficking Bust Sees 368 Arrested, 131 Rescued in California Three hundred sixty-eight people have been arrested, and 131 victims rescued in large-scale human trafficking operation by a multi-agency task force in California. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore said: “We know that the sex trade is a prolific one that exists throughout this state and throughout our nation.” “It’s an ugly scar against this great country that exists too oftentimes in plain sight,” he added. Operation Reclaim and Rebuild occurred between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28 in nine counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino, Kiro7 reported. Various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies teamed up for the effort, including the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Victims of human trafficking, including ages ranging from 13 to 52, including children. Investigators worked with victim advocacy groups to provide resources “to help [victims] escape from this life-threatening environment,” he said. Investigators responded to advertisements offering sexual services and visited massage parlors suspected of being involved in sex trafficking. Among those arrested included pimps and panderers, Moore said. The victims, most of whom were kidnapped, face “threat of death” or coercion and are isolated from their former support to become dependent on the trafficker, Moore added. https://thepostmillennial.com/death-tourism-oregon-becomes-national-destination-for-assisted-suicide?utm_campaign=64487 'Death tourism': Oregon becomes national destination for assisted suicide Individuals residing in states that outlaw euthanasia, such as Texas, have started traveling to Oregon to gain assistance in their suicide, making the state the first "death tourism" destination in the US. According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Nicholas Gideonse, the director of End of Life Choices Oregon, recently admitted to assisting a man from Texas with Lou Gehrig's disease who came to the doctor's Portland clinic in achieving suicide and said that "for a small number of patients who otherwise qualify or are determined to go through that and who have the energy and the resources … it has started to happen." According to Oregon's official website, the state passed its Death with Dignity Act in 1997, "which allows terminally ill individuals to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose." The law enabled terminally ill patients expected to die within six months to request fatal drugs from doctors that the patient then takes and self-administers. In 2021, 238 people committed suicide via the program, and 383 doses of fatal drugs were prescribed by doctors. There was originally a restriction for people out-of-state but in 2021 Dr. Gideonse sued Oregon to lift the restriction, which was granted in 2022. Currently, if a resident from another state wants to go to Oregon for the fatal drugs, they are placed on a 15-day waiting period. In that time paperwork is processed and two doctors along with witnesses must sign off on the request for suicide by prescription. The expansion of Death with Dignity to out-of-staters is not yet law in Oregon but is expected to be codified this year with House Bill 2279. The law resembles Canada's state-sponsored euthanasia program known as medical assistance in dying (MAiD), originally intended for those with physical illnesses where death was a reasonable inevitability although it has been amended to allow those with mental health issues to apply. Dr. Gideonse's original lawsuit was over neighboring residents of Washington who wanted suicide drugs and has expanded to residents from further states, including those with strict laws against euthanasia. The executive director of the Patients Rights Action Fund, a group pushing back against Oregon's law, Matt Vallière, said "You end up in this Wild West scenario where people take the drugs back to their home states, and there are a lot more questions than there are answers about what would happen after that." Dr. Gideonse, who also has campaigned for legalizing psilocybin to treat depression, has connections with the Compassion & Choices group which "grew out of the 1980s right-to-die movement of the Hemlock Society and Jack Kevorkian — the pathologist and notorious 'Dr Death' who assisted scores of suicides and was ultimately convicted of murder," reports the Daily Mail. Tucker Carlson & Charles Camosy spoke on this very subject. https://rumble.com/v1adg4j-charles-camosy-on-the-way-assisted-suicide-is-increasingly-being-pushed.html - Play Video Classical Conversations Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. They provide a classical Christ-centered curriculum, local like-minded communities across the United States and in several countries, and they train parents who are striving to be great classical educators in the home. For more information and to get connected, please visit their website at ClassicalConversations.com. Again that’s ClassicalConversations.com. https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/this-study-could-be-scientific-nail-in-the-coffin-for-masks/ This Study Could Be 'Scientific Nail in the Coffin' for Masks One of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of masks found they do almost nothing to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. The study reviewed 78 randomized control trials—experiments that have long been considered "the gold standard" for medicine—which assessed the effectiveness of face masks against flu, COVID-19, and similar illnesses. It found that wearing masks "probably makes little or no difference" for the general public, no matter what kind of mask is used. Even N95 masks, considered the most effective at filtering airborne particles, showed no clear benefit for health care workers. The study was published on January 30 by the Cochrane Library, a world-renowned medical database that is famous for its high-quality evidence reviews. It comes as a battering ram to the recommendations of the U.S. public health establishment, which urged children as young as two to wear masks throughout the pandemic. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/person-stuck-on-the-side-of-downtown-phoenix-building-says-phoenix-fire-dept 'Pro-life Spiderman' taken into custody after scaling former Chase tower in Phoenix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcaLtpAM0fE - Play 0:00-1:22 And that’s your news for today…

Your daily news in under three minutes.

This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily Newsbrief for Wednesday, February 8th, 2023. Rowdy Christian Merch Plug: If you’re a fan of CrossPolitic, or the Fight Laugh Feast Network, then surely, you know we have a merch store right? Rowdy Christian Merch is your one-stop-shop for everything CrossPolitc merchandise. We’ve got T-Shirts, hoodies, hats, but we’ve also got specialty items like backpacks, mugs, coffee, even airpod cases! Visit Rowdy Christian Merch at rowdychristian.com, and buy that next gift, or a little something for yourself. Again, that’s rowdychristian.com. An update on the situation in Turkey & Syria: https://www.theepochtimes.com/earthquake-death-toll-crosses-5000-as-turkey-experiences-285-aftershocks_5039212.html?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=BonginoReport&src_src=partner&src_cmp=BonginoReport Earthquake Death Toll Passes 7,200 as Turkey Experiences 285 Aftershocks The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have exceeded 7,200, with thousands more injured, infrastructure crumbling, and rescue groups struggling to bring aid to the victims. In Turkey, at least 5,434 people are confirmed dead. In Syria, state news agency SANA reported at least 1,832 deaths. Combined, at least 7,266 people have died in Turkey and Syria. In total, at least 3,749 people are estimated to have been injured in Syria. Turkey’s injured are estimated to be over 30,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the death toll could rise to around 20,000 in the coming days. The first quake, with an epicenter in the Pazarcik district of Turkey’s southern Province, had a magnitude of 7.8. A second quake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same region nine hours later, worsening the situation. Turkey experienced 285 aftershocks. U.S. President Joe Biden “noted that U.S. teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and coordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items,” a readout of Biden’s conversation with Turkish President on Jan. 6 said. The earthquakes have caused widespread devastation in Turkey. A video shared on Twitter shows innumerable buildings turned to rubble, with only a few tall buildings still standing. Another video shows a building crashing down while people run for safety. In Turkey’s southern region, which is home to some of the worst-hit cities, damaged roads and poor internet connections are hampering rescue attempts. In some places, freezing winter weather is also posing a challenge. Families were forced to sleep in cars lined up in the streets. Families wrapped themselves in blankets and gathered around fires to keep themselves warm. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey (AFAD) is said to have deployed 13,740 search and rescue personnel as well as over 300,000 blankets, 100,000 beds, and 41,000 tents to the region. According to Organ Tatar, an official from AFAD, 5,775 buildings have been destroyed by the quake. “The infrastructure is damaged, the roads that we used to use for humanitarian work are damaged, we have to be creative in how to get to the people … but we are working hard,” U.N. resident coordinator -told Reuters. The earthquake on Monday is Turkey’s deadliest since a quake of similar magnitude hit the country in 1999 and killed over 17,000 people. https://www.dailyfetched.com/massive-human-trafficking-bust-sees-368-arrested-131-rescued-in-california-2/ Massive Human Trafficking Bust Sees 368 Arrested, 131 Rescued in California Three hundred sixty-eight people have been arrested, and 131 victims rescued in large-scale human trafficking operation by a multi-agency task force in California. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore said: “We know that the sex trade is a prolific one that exists throughout this state and throughout our nation.” “It’s an ugly scar against this great country that exists too oftentimes in plain sight,” he added. Operation Reclaim and Rebuild occurred between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28 in nine counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino, Kiro7 reported. Various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies teamed up for the effort, including the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Victims of human trafficking, including ages ranging from 13 to 52, including children. Investigators worked with victim advocacy groups to provide resources “to help [victims] escape from this life-threatening environment,” he said. Investigators responded to advertisements offering sexual services and visited massage parlors suspected of being involved in sex trafficking. Among those arrested included pimps and panderers, Moore said. The victims, most of whom were kidnapped, face “threat of death” or coercion and are isolated from their former support to become dependent on the trafficker, Moore added. https://thepostmillennial.com/death-tourism-oregon-becomes-national-destination-for-assisted-suicide?utm_campaign=64487 'Death tourism': Oregon becomes national destination for assisted suicide Individuals residing in states that outlaw euthanasia, such as Texas, have started traveling to Oregon to gain assistance in their suicide, making the state the first "death tourism" destination in the US. According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Nicholas Gideonse, the director of End of Life Choices Oregon, recently admitted to assisting a man from Texas with Lou Gehrig's disease who came to the doctor's Portland clinic in achieving suicide and said that "for a small number of patients who otherwise qualify or are determined to go through that and who have the energy and the resources … it has started to happen." According to Oregon's official website, the state passed its Death with Dignity Act in 1997, "which allows terminally ill individuals to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose." The law enabled terminally ill patients expected to die within six months to request fatal drugs from doctors that the patient then takes and self-administers. In 2021, 238 people committed suicide via the program, and 383 doses of fatal drugs were prescribed by doctors. There was originally a restriction for people out-of-state but in 2021 Dr. Gideonse sued Oregon to lift the restriction, which was granted in 2022. Currently, if a resident from another state wants to go to Oregon for the fatal drugs, they are placed on a 15-day waiting period. In that time paperwork is processed and two doctors along with witnesses must sign off on the request for suicide by prescription. The expansion of Death with Dignity to out-of-staters is not yet law in Oregon but is expected to be codified this year with House Bill 2279. The law resembles Canada's state-sponsored euthanasia program known as medical assistance in dying (MAiD), originally intended for those with physical illnesses where death was a reasonable inevitability although it has been amended to allow those with mental health issues to apply. Dr. Gideonse's original lawsuit was over neighboring residents of Washington who wanted suicide drugs and has expanded to residents from further states, including those with strict laws against euthanasia. The executive director of the Patients Rights Action Fund, a group pushing back against Oregon's law, Matt Vallière, said "You end up in this Wild West scenario where people take the drugs back to their home states, and there are a lot more questions than there are answers about what would happen after that." Dr. Gideonse, who also has campaigned for legalizing psilocybin to treat depression, has connections with the Compassion & Choices group which "grew out of the 1980s right-to-die movement of the Hemlock Society and Jack Kevorkian — the pathologist and notorious 'Dr Death' who assisted scores of suicides and was ultimately convicted of murder," reports the Daily Mail. Tucker Carlson & Charles Camosy spoke on this very subject. https://rumble.com/v1adg4j-charles-camosy-on-the-way-assisted-suicide-is-increasingly-being-pushed.html - Play Video Classical Conversations Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. They provide a classical Christ-centered curriculum, local like-minded communities across the United States and in several countries, and they train parents who are striving to be great classical educators in the home. For more information and to get connected, please visit their website at ClassicalConversations.com. Again that’s ClassicalConversations.com. https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/this-study-could-be-scientific-nail-in-the-coffin-for-masks/ This Study Could Be 'Scientific Nail in the Coffin' for Masks One of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of masks found they do almost nothing to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. The study reviewed 78 randomized control trials—experiments that have long been considered "the gold standard" for medicine—which assessed the effectiveness of face masks against flu, COVID-19, and similar illnesses. It found that wearing masks "probably makes little or no difference" for the general public, no matter what kind of mask is used. Even N95 masks, considered the most effective at filtering airborne particles, showed no clear benefit for health care workers. The study was published on January 30 by the Cochrane Library, a world-renowned medical database that is famous for its high-quality evidence reviews. It comes as a battering ram to the recommendations of the U.S. public health establishment, which urged children as young as two to wear masks throughout the pandemic. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/person-stuck-on-the-side-of-downtown-phoenix-building-says-phoenix-fire-dept 'Pro-life Spiderman' taken into custody after scaling former Chase tower in Phoenix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcaLtpAM0fE - Play 0:00-1:22 And that’s your news for today…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hinted he could drop his threat to veto Finland's bid to join Nato, but he remains firmly opposed to Sweden joining the military alliance after Swedish authorities outraged Ankara by allowing demonstrators in Stockholm to burn a copy of the Koran. Members of parliament from Erdogan's AKP party cheered as he sought to place himself centre stage in deciding the fate of Sweden and Finland's efforts to join Nato.All existing members of the defence alliance have to agree to any enlargement.Erdogan, still smarting from last month's burning of a Koran by far-right protestors outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, says he's ready to use his Nato veto to make Sweden pay. "We are closely monitoring the developments regarding the expansion process of Nato. Sweden, do not bother to try at this point," said Erdogan."We will not say yes to your Nato application as long as you allow the ripping and burning of our holy book, the Koran, with your security officials around. We look positively at Finland but negatively at Sweden," declared the Turkish president, to rapturous applause from his deputies, who rose to their feet in support.Power playUntil now, Erdogan had threatened to veto both Finland and Sweden's Nato membership.But Finnish-Turkish relations got a boost last month, when Helsinki allowed the sale of specialized steel to Turkey's defense industry, ending Finland's military embargo on Ankara over human rights concerns. But even before the Koran burning, Ankara was outraged over another protest last month in Stockholm, where demonstrators hung an effigy of the Turkish leader from a lamppost.Ankara accuses the Swedish government of allowing its country to become a sanctuary for terrorist organizations fighting Turkey.As a result, Erdogan last week demanded that Sweden extradite 120 people whom Turkey considers terrorists. Swedish officials insist the extradition demands are a matter for the courts.  Erdogan calls Turkish general election for 14 May, one month early Turkish Constitutional Court decision boosts Erdogan's election chancesWith presidential elections expected to be held in May, Erdogan is seen as seeking to maximize the concessions from Nato to allow its enlargement."This issue can be handled in diplomatic corridors. But Erdogan prefers to make it public that he has the power," says Ilhan Uzgel, a political analyst at the Kisa Dalga news portal. "He is still a world leader. He bends the will of Nato and Nato-aspiring countries, even the United States. So, my guess is that he's going to use it until the elections."Erdogan is not concerned about his standing within Nato, according to Uzgel. Instead, he is focused on a domestic audience: "He is completely and utterly focused on winning the elections because he knows he is losing his constituency," the analyst says.Rallying the baseErdogan is seizing upon last month's Koran burning to rally his base of religious and nationalist voters ahead of presidential polls. Standing up to Nato also will play well with his supporters."It has to do with the sort of anti-Nato sentiment that's very closely related with the anti-Western and anti-American sentiment in Turkey, and the sort of perception that Nato has never really helped Turkey to fight with its own terrorism problem," said Senem Aydin Duzgit, an international relations professor at Sabanci University near Istanbul. Until now, Finland and Sweden have been committed to joining Nato together. Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto reiterated at the end of January that Finland remains hopeful both countries will be accepted into the alliance this year.  Turkey and Russia closer than ever despite Western sanctions Western countries join Ukraine in denouncing Russian 'dirty bomb' claimsBut with Erdogan increasingly balancing his relationship with the West against strong ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Nato will need to get used to a more assertive Turkey. "The dynamics have changed. Turkey no longer feels a strong and firm member of the Western camp or Nato alliance," said Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting scholar with the Washington-based Brookings Institution. "It is still [in]  Nato, but obviously also interested in having alternatives."Sweden and Finland have pencilled in Nato's next summit in July as the date for joining and securing themselves protection from any future Russian aggression.Still, given that there will be only around a month between the conclusion of Turkish elections and the July summit, they could be destined to wait a good deal longer – a prospect that could put a smile on Putin's face.

A message to the United States government and the international community to take concrete measures to ensure that President Erdogan is held accountable for his continued violation of international law and human rights was sent by the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Menendez. - Μήνυμα προς την κυβέρνηση των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών αλλά και τη διεθνή κοινότητα για τη λήψη συγκεκριμένων μέτρων που θα διασφαλίσουν ότι ο πρόεδρος Ερντογάν θα λογοδοτήσει για τη συνεχόμενη παραβίαση του Διεθνούς Δικαίου και των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, απέστειλε ο πρόεδρος της Επιτροπής Εξωτερικών Σχέσεων της αμερικανικής Γερουσίας, Ρόμπερτ Μενέντεζ.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned about the dangers of heavy fighting near a nuclear power plant in Ukraine's south. He made the warning during a meeting with this Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lviv. The plant has been under Russian military control since March. UN chief Antonio Guterres said any damage to the plant would be suicide. President Erdogan, on his first visit to Ukraine since Russia's attack in late February, reiterated Türkiye's support for Ukraine's sovereignty. He also said that the three leaders covered the possibility of transforming a recent grain deal, into wider peace talks. Guests: Ferhat Pirincci Professor at Uludag University Eugene Chausovsky Senior Analyst at Newsline Institute

Russia and Ukraine, un the presence of the Turkish President and the UN Secretary General, signed a landmark agreement to open Ukraine's Black Sea ports for grain exports, raising hopes of easing the international food crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - Россия и Украина  при посредничестве президента Турции и в присутствии генерального секретаря ООН подписали знаменательное соглашение об открытии украинских черноморских портов для экспорта зерна, что дает надежду на уменьшение масштабов международного продовольственного кризиса, усугубленного российским вторжением в Украину.

The Turkish President promised not to see the Greek Prime Minister again. Reason for these remarks by Tayyip Erdogan was allegedly the speech of Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the American Congress. At the same time, tensions are bulding on the borders between Greece and Turkey. - Να μην ξαναδεί τον Έλληνα Πρωθυπουργό υποσχέθηκε ο Τούρκος Πρόεδρος. Αφορμή του μένους που εξέφρασε ο Ταγίπ Ερντογάν ήταν η ομιλία του Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη στο Αμερικανικό κογκρέσο. Την ίδια ώρα εντείνονται οι εντάσεις στα σύνορα με την Τουρκία.  

In this bulletin: Labor leader Anthony Albanese to become the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. Scott Morrison to step down as leader of the Liberal Party. Penny Wong will become the new Leader of the Government in the Senate and federal Foreign Affairs Minister. The Greens are declaring a "Greens-slide" in the lower house. Turkish President has held talks with Finland and Sweden over their bid to join NATO. - 22 травня 2022-го року. Бюлетень SBS новин українською мовою.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met for the first time since 2017. President Erdogan and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman also met separately. The discussions took place as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia look to mend their ties after years of regional strife, including the embargo of Qatar and the Libyan conflict. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istabul in 2018 also strained relations. So, are both countries prepared to strengthen their ties? And how is the region affected by a realigning Middle East in which the US is less involved? Guests: Vehbi Baysan Assistan Professor at Ibn Haldun University Ali Bakeer Assistant Professor at Qatar University

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met for the first time since 2017. President Erdogan and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman also met separately. The discussions took place as Turkiye and Saudi Arabia look to mend their ties after years of regional strife, including the embargo of Qatar and the Libyan conflict. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istabul in 2018 also strained relations. So, are both countries prepared to strengthen their ties? And how is the region affected by a realigning Middle East in which the US is less involved? Guests: Vehbi Baysan Assistan Professor at Ibn Haldun University Ali Bakeer Assistant Professor at Qatar University

The arrival in a Turkish port of two superyachts belonging to a Russian oligarch is drawing attention to Ankara's policy of refusing to impose sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. There are concerns that Turkey is becoming a safe haven for those seeking to circumvent sanctions.  The arrival of vessels belonging to millionaire Roman Abramovich is adding to suspicions that Turkey could become a refuge for sanctioned oligarchs and their wealth.  Despite Abramovich being targeted by sanctions by both the European Union and Britain, Turkey has so far refused to penalize Russians. There are reports in the Turkish media that Abramovich plans to use Turkey as a base, or planning to buy a Turkish football team. Abramovich invested heavily in London's Chelsea soccer club before British authorities seized control after the oligarch was placed on a sanctioned list. MPs seize control of Chelsea after British government sanctions owner Abramovich Timothy Ash of Bluejay Asset Management says Turkey will face growing scrutiny from its Western allies.  "There has been some focus on reflagging Russian aircraft as Turkish aircraft. There are strong trading and banking relationships between Russia and Turkey. Some media attention on a lot of Russians trying to set up new bank accounts in Turkey, presumably to try to get around some of the problems they are probably encountering," Ash told RFI.  "There has also been concern that Russian companies and entities trying to export or trade with Russia are repackaging themselves as Turkish entities," Ash continues. "I would imagine western governments, including the US, will be talking with their Turkish counterparts and trying to encourage them not to break sanctions. But there is a recognition of Turkey's relatively weak financial position," he concluded.   Iran case "There is a lot of news, unsubstantiated in my view, that oligarchs are parking their money in Turkey," analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners told RFI.  "Turkey has extensive business links, no matter how you define it, with Russia," added Yesilada. "A lot of people hoped that Turkey would become a proxy financial center or intermediary for Russia. I wouldn't put it past the current regime to try to repeat the Reza Zarrab incident - 40 billion dollars of money whitewashed to Iran," he continued.  Reza Zarrab is a Turkish-Iranian businessman who pleaded guilty in 2017 in a New York court to massive charges of violating sanctions against Iran. A senior executive of the Turkish state-owned investment bank Halkbank was convicted and jailed under the same investigation. Halkbank itself is also facing trial on Iranian sanction busting charges.  Ankara insists it is fulfilling its international obligations in enforcing United Nations sanctions. "If you mean whether these oligarchs can do any business in Turkey, then of course, if it is legal and not against international law, I will consider it," said Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Peace brokering Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan argues that financial and economic measures against Moscow are counterproductive. Erdogan claims his country's refusal to join sanctions enables it to be an honest broker in efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. The Turkish President has close ties with both his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, having hosted three days of talks between the warring parties in late March.    The Dutch Prime Minister Paul Rutte recently visited Ankara, becoming the fourth European leader to travel to Turkey since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Rutte appeared to play down any concerns over Turkey's opposition to Russian sanctions at a joint press conference.  EU nations expel dozens of Russian diplomats suspected of spying  "Yes, of course, we would very much favor for Turkey to implement all the sanctions, but I think we also have to be happy with the fact that Turkey is playing now its diplomatic role and its leadership role in trying to end the conflict," said Rutte. With Erdogan appearing to play a prominent role in peace efforts, analysts say Turkey is likely to get - at least in public - the benefit of the doubt over its stance on sanctions. Some analysts say that means more Russian superyachts and their owners could be heading to Turkish marinas earlier than usual, ahead of the traditional summer season. 

Episode #62 Kunta turns 40 and the show shows its more mature side. Nah, actually the show still leans heavily against Trump. Kunta takes this week to key in on Syria. Pelosi gets a zinger that even I can't deny. It's rare that someone has a better quip than Trump. But her “bring the troops home” come-back was priceless. Speaking of priceless, this letter to the Turkish President was ridiculous. So ridiculous that the president of turkey is said to have balled it up and thrown it away. Meanwhile they put a pause on bombing the Kurds. Not a cease fire. So, now there is now a whistle blower working on Trump’s side? Allegedly, he is saying that his boss at CNN has been forcing his journalists to lean very heavy against Trump and many employees are upset. Bringing The Troops Home…To Saudi Arabia #BOBS062