Son anket; İstanbul'da sürpriz var | Adem Yavuz Arslan, A'dan Z'ye

Summary

The news commentary discusses current events in Turkey, analyzing political developments, the economy, and social issues. It examines the foiled bombing of a church in Istanbul, inequality and poverty under Erdogan's rule, opposition disunity, Putin's upcoming visit, the F16 deal with the US, and tensions with Iran. The host offers critical perspectives on these events, arguing the need for change in Turkey amid growing authoritarianism and a declining state.

Takeaways

• 😳 The church attack in Istanbul was prevented from becoming a larger massacre due to the attacker's gun jamming.
• 😤 Income inequality in Turkey has significantly worsened under AKP rule, with the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer.
• 👀 Putin plans to visit Turkey in February 2023, likely to support Erdogan before the elections.
• 😠 The US approved F-16 sales to Turkey but also sold F-35s to Greece in the same package.
• 😒 CHP continues to struggle with internal divisions while trying to choose candidates for upcoming elections.
• 🤔 A new poll shows Imamoglu leading in Istanbul, even if rival party CHP nominates a candidate.
• 😡 An ultra-nationalist group leader was filmed visiting a state dormitory with an armed entourage.
• 😕 The Gulf is heating up with US troops killed in drone strikes that Biden vows to retaliate for.
• 🧐 Emre Belözoğlu admitted footballers did not trust the supermarket cashier in the Terim fund scandal.
• 😌 Despite uproar over the Terim fund scandal, attention has already shifted just days later.

Q & A

What was the incident that happened at the church in Istanbul?

Two suspected ISIS militants armed with guns attempted to attack a church in Istanbul. Fortunately, their guns jammed and they were captured before harming anyone, although one person died of a heart attack.

How did the attackers manage to operate in Istanbul for so long?

The attackers brought the vehicle used in the attack from Poland a year ago and kept it hidden without using it. This shows they had an extensive logistics network that allowed them to operate in Istanbul for an extended period without detection.

What is the citizenship status of the attackers?

The attackers hold both Turkish citizenship and foreign citizenship. Obtaining Turkish citizenship has become very easy under the AKP government, with many criminal organization leaders from around the world acquiring it.

What does the incident say about the overall security environment in Turkey?

It shows major security gaps exist. Various terrorist groups have been able to establish extensive logistics networks and operate in Turkey without disruption despite the government's claims of fighting terrorism.

What risks does the hate speech promoted by the government pose?

The demonization of minority groups fuels hatred and intolerance, making them targets. This raises the risk of further attacks against minorities and foreign nationals residing in Turkey.

What was the outcome of the meeting to determine CHP's candidate for Izmir mayor?

The meeting ended with the selection of Cemil Tugay, the current mayor of Karşıyaka district in Izmir, as CHP's candidate for Izmir mayor.

What is the significance of Putin's upcoming visit to Turkey?

It is a significant show of support for Erdogan before the elections. Putin provided immense help to Erdogan during the 2018 presidential elections, so he may be aiming to aid him again ahead of the local elections.

What does the income distribution data show about AKP's economic performance?

The data shows the rich have gotten richer while the poor have gotten poorer under AKP rule, with income inequality reaching record levels. This contradicts their claims of pursuing justice and development.

What sparked the recent rise in tensions in the Middle East?

Iran-backed militants launched drone attacks targeting U.S. forces in Syria, killing 3 soldiers. This lead to threats of retaliation by Biden, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

What was Emre Belözoğlu's statement regarding the Fethullah Terim fund controversy?

As the technical director of Ankaragücü, Belözoğlu said they did not distrust the bank staff but were still defrauded, implying the footballers were innocent victims in the scandal.