The Gatestone Institute: Turkey's Conquest-Fetish

The Fall of Constantinople - May, 1453 -

In the Gatestone Institute, Burak Bekdil writes:

"1071 is a very special year for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- and his Islamist ideologues. Erdogan often speaks about his "2071 targets," a reference to his vision of "Great Turkey," on the 1000^th anniversary of a battle that paved the Turks' way into where they still live.

"In 1071, the Seljuk Turks did not arrive in Anatolia from their native Central Asian steppes with flowers in their hands. Instead they were in full combat gear, fighting a series of wars against the Christian Byzantine [Eastern Roman] Empire and featuring a newfound Islamic zeal. The Battle of Manzikert in 1071 is widely seen as the moment when the Byzantines lost the war against the Turks: before the end of the century, the Turks were in control of the entire Anatolian peninsula." Read it all.

What Russia intends to do in Syria - Al Monitor

Why Moscow is preparing to return to Syria

Read it all.

Al Jazeera: Islam and Democracy - What's the Problem?

Al Jazeera asks two important questions?
"Can Muslim-majority countries strike a balance between faith and democracy?
Or, is there an irreconcilable tension between liberal values and Islamic beliefs?"

Read it all.

Human Rights in the Gulf States: What is happening to Christians?

"(T)he oil boom of the 1970s created a tremendous demand for foreign labor in the Persian Gulf rentier states. Un-surprisingly, the number of workers needed to drive the emerging economies of the Gulf states was bound to include significant numbers of Christians. There are now more than three and a half million expatriate Christians working in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, mostly Catholics from the Philippines, India, and Pakistan. As their numbers increased, the question of how—or whether—to allow them to openly practice their faith became a significant issue."

Read it all.

Human Rights in Turkey - Are they about to become more restrictive?

"The country (of Turkey) is being dragged into increasing levels of authoritarianism with few if any checks and balances. The opposition parties fail to impress the voters and show no sign of credibly challenging Islamist rule. An unresolved rift between a growing Kurdish population and a shrinking Turkish one has the potential to explode, especially as Kurds outside Turkey gain de facto independence. Meanwhile, a frightening number of Turks just do not seem to care that the representative, democratic republic bequeathed to them by Kemal Atatürk is becoming just one more relic in the junkyard of history."

Read it all.

France Plans to close up to 160 mosques.

France plans to close up to 160 mosques. I found this news on many sources, and have tried to find the original writer from whom it came.

Read it all.

One Palestinian Family against Israel: non-violent and non angry in a dispute over a farm.

This story from the BBC is an amazing tale of courage and character over ten years of court battles with the State of Israel.

For the Nasser family who lives by their beliefs of "We refuse to be enemies", the road to retain their land has been long and arduous.

Read it all.

Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Hajj: Why Iranians aren't going on the Hajj this year.

Bruce Riedel has written a fascinating article in El Monitor telling why Iranians are going to have a very hard time going on the Hajj this year.

"Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef is preparing to assure this year's hajj season of pilgrimage to Mecca is safe and not marred by a repeat of last year's bloody stampede. As Iran is a major source of Saudi concerns about hajj security, Riyadh is shutting out Iranians in a move that also suits its efforts to delegitimize Tehran."

Read it all.

Pakistan's Council on Family Values - Recommendations to force women into line.

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has proposed its own women protection bill, recommending ‘a light beating’ for the wife if she defies the husband.

Further recommendations on how to keep a woman observant of the Qur'an  in Pakistan's attempts to "normalize" relationships between men and their wives, illustrate the values the Council of Islamic Ideology seeks to impose upon family values.

Read it all.

A further quotation from the article" "The council has proposed that a husband should be allowed to ‘lightly’ beat his wife if she defies his commands and refuses to dress up as per his desires; turns down demand of intercourse without any religious excuse or does not take bath after intercourse or menstrual periods.

"It has suggested that a beating is also permissible if a woman does not observe Hijab; interacts with strangers; speaks loud enough that she can easily be heard by strangers; and provides monetary support to people without taking consent of her spouse.

"Available with The Express Tribune, a copy of the 163-page bill proposes several bans on women."

"The Muslim Way vs. the Western Way of Life" - Frontpage Magazine

This insightful article says that "Islam has the will to win, but not the way; The West has the way to win by not the way".

"In the ongoing struggle between Islam and the West, one important fact is regularly overlooked:  one civilization has the will to triumph, but not the way; the other has the way to triumph, but not the will.

"Some who fear Islam do not seem to understand this.  They think that Islam is an irresistible force to be reckoned with; they see Muslim migrants as hordes of violent men invading Europe; they call on Western men to make a stand, resist the onslaught, save their women and children."

Read it all.

"How goes the Islamic State?" Combating Terrorism

"Over time though, it appears that the Islamic State itself has sought to restrict the dissemination of unauthorized information, aiming to ensure that as much of the information as possible that is broadcasted within its territories and to the outside world comes solely through its official channels.[1] Meanwhile, Islamic State crackdowns on perceived spies and unauthorized media activity may deter or prevent activist groups from obtaining documents. In these circumstances, this author has also sought to obtain internal documents from connections established through prior travel to northern Syria.

Some documents discussed in this paper are being published here for the first time and are attached at the end of this article.[a] Though the available documents can offer some very valuable insights into the internal workings of the Islamic State, it must be recognized that they cannot be thought to represent"

This article from Combating Terrorism Center is a valuable contribution to those who want to see an end to ISIS. Read it all.

The agony of the Israeli checkpoint for Palestians crossing over every day for their jobs. - El Monitor

The scene each day at the Bethlehem checkpoint is horrifying. Lucky Palestinians who have managed to obtain authorization to work in Israel — the “ticket to life,” they call it — undergo an exhausting, agonizing wait that can last five hours, even when they arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Read it all.

"Has the USA Found a new friend in Iraqi's Shiite militias?" - El Monitor

 US Consul General Steve Walker said, “The US recognizes the important contribution of the Popular Mobilization Units under the command of Prime Minister [Haider al-Abadi], and most of the Popular Mobilization troops came from the south. This is why I would like to express my condolences to the people of Basra and the south who have lost their loved ones or friends in the war against the Islamic State.”
Read it all.

"Can the Two State solution be revived between Israelis and Palestinians?" - El Monitor

Daoud Kuttab suggests that a two-state solution may be all but dead, absent a massive international diplomatic intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu's  “unconditional support” for expanded settlement construction in the West Bank, including in an area known as E1, would cut off the north and south of the West Bank from one another. “Palestinian officials have often repeated the statement that the two-state solution is dead or almost dead. The E1 settlement possibility is clearly one tangible case in which such a claim can be physically checked out and proven to be truly detrimental to the potential of an independent and interconnected Palestinian state,” Kuttab writes. Read it all.(Photo and text from El Monitor)

"One of the oldest Christian cities in the world - Najaf's forgotten Christian heritage" - El Monitor

Recent archaeological discoveries following archaeological explorations excavation in 2008 show that this conservative Islamic city so averse to churches is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. The remains of a worship center and a monastery are believed to be the oldest Christian monuments in Iraq, dating back to the year 270. (Photo and text from El Monitor)

"Erdogan takes authoritarian rule to a new level in fighting Kurdish separatists."

Turkey is fighting a two-front terrorist war. While early reports indicate that the Islamic State (IS) may be responsible for the bombing in Istanbul, the Turkish government has implicated Kurdish separatists as responsible for the murders in Ankara on March 13. Al-Monitor supports Turkey in defeating terrorists from any and all quarters, and expresses its deepest sympathy for the innocent victims of these inexcusable crimes. Read it all.

Istanbul Residents are retreating from public places after the bombing.

Around 11 a.m. March 19, there was a loud explosion on Istiklal Street in a central portion of the city of Istanbul. The attack claimed the lives of four people and a male suicide bomber, leaving more than 25 injured.  Two victims were American-Israeli dual citizens, an Israeli and an Iranian; five were tourists, part of an Israeli culinary tour group of 14 were injured. Most of the other wounded were Turks and foreign tourists. Read it all.

Is the arrest of a suspect in USA of concern for Turkey's politicians? Hint: It has to do with an accusation of corruption.

On March 19, an Iranian-Turkish gold trader was arrested. Does this bode well for those who want further clarifications regarding possible corruption at the highest levels of Turkish politics?

Read it all.

"ISIS attacks in Paris - Terrorists are evolving in the use of Technology" - NYT

Fighters who want to be invisible . . .

This New York Times article gives a detailed look at the evolution of ISIS technology in Europe, especially in Paris. It shows:
1) how sophisticated are the plans of terrorists to take down the west;
2) how difficult it is going to be to keep another such event from happening;
3) the tremendous courage of men and women who are keeping the peace and security of modern nations.

A Medieval mentality linked to up-to-the-minute technology is what security forces are up against.

Read it an appreciate the work security forces are doing. Well worth the read. Read it all.

Conversions from Islam: Is there a way to count the numbers? An article from "New English Review"

Across the world, people are asking a question: "How many Muslims are leaving Islam?", and "How many former Muslims now embrace the Christian faith?"

This article from New English Review attempts to bring together many sources in a search for an accurate way to answer these questions. The statistics are sure to generate a lot of interest. Read more.

Migration into Europe: The Unforseen Crisis

Muslim Migration into Europe: Is this Eurabia? Read more.

Persecution against people of faith:

Obama bemoans the persecution of Christians in the Middle East Read it all.

Mosul - will there be Christians there in ten years? Read more.

12 years ago, there were a million Christians in Iraq and now only one quarter remain. Read more.

The pope made special prayers for these Christians in his Christmas message. Read more.

Israel: 10 emerging themes for 2016

The image of the Knesset is falling rapidly. Read more.

Does Bibi limit rights in Israel to those who are 'Israel all the way?' Read more.

A video with a prayer for Jews, Muslims and Christians living in Jerusalem: Watch the video here.

The cost of housing is a significant hurdle for young families in Israel. Read more.

Why some in Israel want the right to burn books and ban NGO's. Read more

Netanyahu: Iran is still intent on acquiring nuclear weapons: Read more.

What is happening between the USA and Israel? It is reported that Israel is keeping its drone data to itself - is this a threat to good relations? Read more.

France is threatening to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn't go along with the idea of a conference to ensure the two-state solution. Read more.

An Israeli gas pipeline to Turkey? What's the problem with that? Doesn't Israel need a future pipeline to send it's gas resources to market? Read more.

Who cares about the Israeli - Palestinian conflict these days? Does it matter any more? Read more.

Jordan: "The Brotherhood faces defections, something which is unprecedented"

Jordan - The Brotherhood faces defections - unprecedented.

King Abdullah: Jordan is at the point of exploding over tensions caused by 640,000 refugees coming to the country. An important article with telling photos from BBC. Read more.

Egypt's attempts to improve its society - Six examples.

Egypt's orphanages: Can the new initiative end the abuses?

Will Egypt's schools break social taboos about sex education? Read more.

The head of Egypt's Wafd party doesn't like what he sees. "Too much corruption", he says. Read more.

Egypt's parliament - will it be shown live on TV? Why are the sessions likely to be (what is called) "a circus"? Read more.

Can Egypt's parliament review more than 300 laws in just two weeks? Read more.

How will the conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the dam in Ethiopia be resolved? Read more.

Syria: Important insights into what is happening.

Christmas Bells falling silent in Syria - Was Obama correct in what he said?

Syria's civil wars explained. Read more.

Jordan's Syrian blacklist is blasted by Turkey and Saudi Arabia Read the article.

ISIL Massacre reported in Deir Az Zor - 80 killed and more than 300 abducted: Read more.

The "end-Game" in Syria could come with a government victory in Aleppo. Read more.
Aleppo, therefore, represents the failed promise of the terrorist and armed groups that have offered little more than Islamic law and criminality. Aleppo, which is mostly Sunni, was sold a sectarian bill of goods by the opposition. And it has been a disaster for the people of Aleppo. The Syrian government’s barrel bombs and relentless sieges added to an unbearable existence.
The tide may be turning. If the Syrian army, backed by its Iranian and Russian allies, retakes Aleppo, the city’s liberation will come by directly defeating terrorists and armed groups that are already deserting the battlefield. A government victory would be of a different order and have a different impact than the negotiated departures of besieged armed opposition forces in Homs and around Damascus. The people of Aleppo would experience a flat-out victory by the government and a defeat, and exodus, by the armed groups.

85% of Syrian refugees presently living in Turkey don't want to return to Syria. Read more.

How Canada can help Syria's neighbors: Read more.

Aegean Sea crossings rise 35 fold year-on year. And, 52,000 last July and 54,000 this January

The plight of refugees in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan is becoming unbearable. More are crossing the dangerous Aegean Sea in the winter, than during the calm summer waters of last July. The implications for Europe are disheartening: Unable to process such large numbers and with no place for this large number of refugees to be taken in adequately, European countries are on the verge of taking "self-protection" action. Read more.

Turkey: 10 events in the last two months and their crucial significance

Turkey is running out of USA dollars and nothing seems to be improving the situation.

Turkey's conservative Muslim leaders bemoan the dangers of Christmas. Read more

Turkey seems greater regional influence, but wait! Now Saudi Arabia and Iran are squabbling in a dangerous region, where there are already too many wars. Read more.

Ankara's colorful mayor declares the USA Ambassador, "persona non grata". Read more.

What's behind the massive exodus of refugees from Turkey? answer: human smugglers. Read more.

Why Erdogan decided to shoot down a Russian jet. Read more.

What reporters saw in three Turkish trucks and why they are now in jail for telling you about it. Read more.

Turkey's dangerous ambitions. Another award-reading article by Burak Bekdil. Read more.

Turkey and Israel: A rickety handshake. Read more.

German Human Rights Chief: Turkey does not belong in the EU. Read more.

"EU has only two months to solve the Refugee Crisis at its borders" - Donald Tusk, EC President

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council has issued the starkest warning yet. The European Union has only two months left to figure out how to handle the refugee crisis. If there is no decision by the end of March, countries across Europe will begin to close their borders.
Read more.

The gap between Western Civilization and Islamic teachings and practice

The Logic behind Islamic Intolerance includes this comment: If, as Munajjid points out, a Muslim truly believes that Islam is the only true religion, and that Muhammad is its prophet, why would he allow that which is false (and thus corrupt, cancerous, misleading, etc.) to exist alongside it?  Such gestures of “tolerance” would be tantamount to a Muslim who “wants to equate between right and wrong,” as the sheikh correctly deplores.

Problems with Islam in France:

Are there "No go zones" in France? This is a burning political question and just talking about the situation of immigrants to zones around the large cities, especially Paris, is likely to get a very hot discussion going.

Is it wrong to favor the arrival of Christian refugees from places of war?

Raymond Ibrahim argues that Christian refugees need to be treated differently from Muslim-background refugees when considering them for arrival in the USA. Read more.

"The Battle for Libya's Oil" - El Jazeera

An important set of graphs and observations about the importance of oil to Libya sets the scene for political agitation in a nation gripped by the horrors of instability. Read more.

Pakistan Army Chief: "If Iran attackes Saudi Arabia, we'll wipe it off the map."

Not good news from Pakistan today. Things are beginning to get a little out of control, perhaps a bit exaggerated, but still, nobody likes to hear, "We are going to wipe your country off the map." No, that isn't Israel trembling in its boots; it's a threat from Pakistan against Iran.

The presenting issue? Iran doesn't care for Saudi Arabia's internal or external policies.
"Meanwhile, in the Sunni nation of Pakistan, the chief of the army announced that any threat to the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia would provoke a sharp response from Pakistan.
He said they would "wipe Iran off the map." Read more.

Fire Sparked by ISIL destroys over 2,000,000 barrels of oil in Libya- Huge Flames

The destructive power of ISIL knows no bounds. Now, huge storage tanks have been set on fire after attacks at two large depots in Libya. Read more.

"The Saudi-Iranian Crisis - What it means for Turkey" - Al Monitor

The crisis is real for Saudi Arabia and Iran, but the spill over into Turkey is going to have some very distinct "Turkish" flavors.
Read more.

"Tensions flare between Iran and Saudi Arabia over execution of cleric" - National Post

Just what was needed. Further reasons for increased tension in the Middle East.

"RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s execution Saturday of 47 prisoners, including an influential Shiite cleric, threatened to further damage Sunni-Shiite relations in a regional struggle playing out across the Middle East between the kingdom and its regional foe Iran."

Read more.

And Bahrain has cut diplomatic ties with Iran. Read more.

"Was the Arab Spring worth dying for?" - Al Jazeerah

A Tunisian vendor set himself on fire in protest against the injustices of the government and society, but especially because of police corruption. That was five years ago. How does his family feel about the self-sacrifice today, and the results achieved so far? Read more.

"Diyarbakir's Christians suffer in the margins of Turkey's war with PKK Separatists" - Al Monitor.

In Sur, Turkish special forces teams backed by tanks, helicopter gunships and armored personnel carriers have laid virtual siege to the district, which now lies in ruins.

The youths remain dug in, but over half of Sur’s residents have fled. And while their suffering has been well-documented, little has been said about the clutch of Christians who have been quietly toiling to resurrect Sur’s once vibrant multi-faith community. It was brutally destroyed in 1915, when Ottoman forces and their Kurdish collaborators slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Christians (most of them Armenians) and other non-Muslims in what many respected scholars call genocide.
Read more.