Erdogan Turkey

Erdogan is ramping up his pro-Hamas rhetoric ahead of Turkey’s local elections on March 31, according to M. Hakan Yavuz, a professor of political science at the University of Utah.

Erdogan, modern Turkey's most successful politician, has led the country for more than two decades.

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

The post was apparently intended to flatter South African President Cyril Ramaphosa but ended up causing upheaval for the allegedly bigoted wording chosen.

Turkey's Treasury said in a statement late on Monday that the Turkish financial system operated in full compliance with national laws and international obligations, monitored by several authorities.

"Israel is not only a murderer but also a thief," Erdogan said, according to Turkish state media, adding "We cannot let Israel occupy Gaza once again."

"If a ceasefire is reached, we will do whatever is necessary to compensate for the destruction caused by Israel," Erdogan told reporters.

The Kremlin said “despite the current regional and global challenges, the leaders reaffirmed their common will to further develop Russian-Turkish relations.” 

After objecting for a year to Sweden’s bid to join NATO, Turkey finally relented. But tensions are still high, with recent Quran burnings, Kurdish groups, and Turkey’s EU membership bid at the center

Homosexuality is not a crime in Turkey, but hostility to it is widespread and police crackdowns on Pride parades have become tougher over the years.