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Turkey's opposition strikes blow to Erdogan with Istanbul mayoral win

Not everything has to be delineated by identity politics cleanly each time.

Of course, but there still has to be a reason why there is the dislike. There was a poll I read once in the US where even Putin was rated higher than Erdogan, why? Especially among the US/European right wing they have always disliked him even more than other long term major leaders like Putin or Xi etc
 
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Are you talking about yourself? The notoriously Arab-obsessed troll that (when no Arab users are around) is pro-Arab and constantly mentions how Arabs have impacted Pakistan and the historical ties but anti-Arab when Arab users are present? That and not tolerating even objective facts (as I wrote in this thread) being mentioned (supported by facts as I provided even) without getting personal and crying wolf?

You can cry to the moderators all you want. I broke no rules and besides I have talked with all those moderators that you have tagged as recently as yesterday with one of them.

Understand that nobody is obliged to blindly support Erdogan or his policies nor does his policies in the Arab world frankly have anything to do with you nor are you aware of it. Nor is it illegal to highlight his populism, hypocrisy and opportunism. You can criticize Arab leaders but anyone who "dares" co criticize your beloved Erdogan or your beloved Iranian Mullah regime is a "troll". Give it a rest buddy.



There was a time when Erdogan was the darling of European media. Don't recall any other leader having so much goodwill. Later he lost most of it mostly due to his own wrong actions. Even within the Arab and Muslim world he was once looked at as a positive figure. Those days are long gone.


I don’t really support Erdogan as I believe he has wasted opportunities in a long reign in power, but it is pretty clear the West will do everything so as to put in their place any leader in the Middle East, Africa or Muslim world who plans a more neutral or independent approach (whether it is effective or not is a separate issue)

Any Arab citizen should witness the uncanny similarities with the US & European campaign against MBS which has largely been successful in the West to demonize him & Saudi as soon as they were on a path to greater development since the last few years
 
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Turkey’s President Was Just Rejected by His Own Hometown


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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suffered his biggest political defeat yet on Sunday night after his ruling AK Party lost control of Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul.

With almost all the votes counted, main opposition party candidate Ekrem Imamoglu had amassed a huge lead of more than 750,000 votes in the race to be Istanbul’s new mayor, a huge increase on the 13,000 vote lead he recorded in the original ballot in March


Erdogan and the AKP called for a re-run of that vote, citing irregularities, but the result on Sunday showed a decisive rejection of Erdogan in his hometown.

Erdogan conceded defeat on Twitter Sunday night, congratulating the winner.

“The national will was manifested today one more time. I congratulate Ekrem Imamoglu, who won the election, according to unofficial results.”



Erdogan, who previously said “whoever wins Istanbul, wins Turkey,” had thrown his weight behind Binali Yildirim, a founding member of the AKP and a former prime minister. But it was not enough to persuade an electorate who have grown disenchanted with Erdogan as a result of rising inflation and unemployment as a result of the economy dipping into recession.

“The elections broke down the common beliefs that Erdogan cannot be beaten by the ballot box, that he is a strategic genius, that he will always find a way to get elected,” Esra Özyürek, Associate Professor in Contemporary Turkish Studies at London School of Economics, told VICE News.

The result marks the end of 25 years of AKP control in the Turkish capital and could signal a threat to Erdogan’s 16-year rule.

“There is no doubt that Erdogan has hit a glass ceiling and his votes are declining. The message from the voters is clear — they have had enough with political pressures and economic mismanagement,” Asli Aydintasbas, a senior fellow with the European Council for Foreign Relations, told VICE News.


In his victory speech in front of thousands of supporters in Istanbul on Sunday night, Imamoglu said those who voted for him had “fixed democracy.” He also called for a different kind of leadership to the increasingly authoritarian style of leadership that Erdogan, who was initially seen as a reformer, has ushered in in recent years.

“We are opening up a new page in Istanbul,” Imamoglu said. “On this new page, there will be justice, equality, love. 16 million Istanbul residents refreshed our belief in democracy and confidence in justice.”

He also added that he was “ready to work in harmony” with Erdogan.

While Erdogan retains a large support base, he is becoming increasingly isolated as his inner circle defects. Both his predecessor as president and a former prime minister are preparing to launch breakaway parties, leaving Erdogan facing two choices: to double down on his authoritarian bent or go back to reforms and democracy.

“The latter would not only save the economy but also help increase his tenure — the question is, will he?,” Aydintasbas said. “Many argue that he no longer has cadres or the willpower to return to democracy. We just have to wait and see.”

Erdogan has shown in the past a willingness to adapt to a changing political climate, and he will have to do so again if he wants to remain in power, Özyürek said.

“Erdogan proved himself to be a very pragmatic leader. The only viable choice in front of him is to share his power and by doing so democratize and normalize the country. If he chooses the other option, which is further tightening his iron grip and escalating tensions, he will make his end only quicker.”


https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/3k3ez8/turkeys-president-was-just-rejected-by-his-own-hometown


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AKP's era is over; Erdogan is himself responsible for destroying his own party with his stupid dictatorship. He tried every trick to steal the election; even those supporting him voted against him this time.
 
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AKP's era is over; Erdogan is himself responsible for destroying his own party with his stupid dictatorship. He tried every trick to steal the election; even those supporting him voted against him this time.

why do you have so many problems? lost in this election. Maybe you will win in the future. The Turks did not vote for you. I am satisfied with my democracy. although the party I support loses. the opposition party is the people of this country. they will work for this country. congratulate the opposition party and its supporters. Everything for our country.
 
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Please don't compare Turkish "democracy" with actual Western democracy if you don't want to be a laughing stock. Even less so throughout history or even during the era of Erdogan.

There is free elections in Turkey for decades, today's parliament order by parties can confirm this.

I feel sad that an entire nation was hijacked by (your founding father) who imposed his French secularism (totally alien and foreign system to you) and combined that with some imaginary "Turkish nationalism" bordering semi-fascism where the majority of the population (non-Turks) had to adopt Turkish culture, 100 year old constructed Turkish surnames (less than 100 years ago there were no surnames in Turkey), their languages banned etc.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had fought in some fronts against the kuffar, some of them are seen under today's British-drawn flags, for protecting their identity, culture and faith despite treachery as seen in those flags. That makes him hero for Turks and muslims.

Obviously, you know nothing of Secularism/Laicism; no intention of inform-first-debate-later for an inferiority complex treatment over terms.

Turks have ruled mass lands with multiple ethnicities, cultures; today all of them live as who they are, unlike some who embrace English, French languages and cultures.

Turk identity starts from East Turkestan to Balkans in various environments and continents. It could be confusing for comparision by others.

Later to turn into a NATO satellite state (without choice or consulting the people as well) due to otherwise being swallowed up the USSR next door.

Any world map can confirm if Turkey needs them or they need Turkey more.
Funny how you miraculously forgot all the Central Asian (actual Turkic countries) being dictatorships ruled by the same people for 30+ years running. Some of the more insane example is Turkmenistan.

Turk countries in Central Asia are young; when ok, they follow the way Turkey has passed, just like in the president election in Kazakeli/hstan.

Yes, not all Arab countries are "democracies" and neither do they need to be as long as they are doing very well on most fronts which is the case of the GCC as an example. Less political freedom but otherwise better lives on every other front. I know what I would choose especially as Turkey has been ruled by numerous dictators, military dictators and now a guy like Erdogan who is as democratic as North Korea is a "peoples" republic.

When i look at the today's ME, even bother to say anything... just absurt and kinda insulting.


No country in the world jails more journalists and political prisoners yet we have Turks here giving lectures about "democracy".:lol:

Indonesia is lightyears ahead.

There is law in Turkey, equally enforced.
 
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why do you have so many problems? lost in this election. Maybe you will win in the future. The Turks did not vote for you. I am satisfied with my democracy. although the party I support loses. the opposition party is the people of this country. they will work for this country. congratulate the opposition party and its supporters. Everything for our country.
may be you dont understand. All parties want to do best for their citizens; Turkey is no different; Erdogan thought process is flawed by thinking he is the only candidate; AKP had so many good leaders internally but he got rid of them. This does not work long term. People of turkey are educated and knowledgeable.
 
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Are you talking about yourself? The notoriously Arab-obsessed troll that (when no Arab users are around) is pro-Arab and constantly mentions how Arabs have impacted Pakistan and the historical ties but anti-Arab when Arab users are present? That and not tolerating even objective facts (as I wrote in this thread) being mentioned (supported by facts as I provided even) without getting personal and crying wolf?

You can cry to the moderators all you want. I broke no rules and besides I have talked with all those moderators that you have tagged as recently as yesterday with one of them.

Understand that nobody is obliged to blindly support Erdogan or his policies nor does his policies in the Arab world frankly have anything to do with you nor are you aware of it. Nor is it illegal to highlight his populism, hypocrisy and opportunism. You can criticize Arab leaders but anyone who "dares" co criticize your beloved Erdogan or your beloved Iranian Mullah regime is a "troll". Give it a rest buddy.



There was a time when Erdogan was the darling of European media. Don't recall any other leader having so much goodwill. Later he lost most of it mostly due to his own wrong actions. Even within the Arab and Muslim world he was once looked at as a positive figure. Those days are long gone.





I must say , you express yourself very well ! ( On other topics i have read too ).


I also share your feelings about Erdogan. I distrust leaders that play to much on the religious card or the national pride card. Not to mention disregard to human rights and freedom.


I also don't like how he handles things. Here is just one example out of many to clear out what I mean :


Few months ago the Turks put on trial an American pastor under very dubious circumstances. Seriously , the man looked like he could not hurt a fly. Trump ,who was no doubt under pressure from the Evangelist church who are his main supporters , asked Erdogan for his release.

Normally such a matter between friendly countries is solved in a one minute phone call. But not with Erdogan. He started bursting out in all the media that he would not cave in , and that the courts in turkey work ac cording to the law , so he as president has no authority to interfere.

But after few weeks of sanctions from the Americans he was magically released .

Proving both that Erdogan is making baseless ego boosting declarations that he cant keep and that his legal system is anything but independent and is well below what you would call " normal standards of justice "

So what has he achieved by that ? Who could have come out great as a good friend and ally that does all he can to maintain good diplomatic relations with a friendly nation. That is what normal leaders do.

But instead he was forced to release him , to loose face , suffered sanctions , and humiliated his won legal system.

And there are so many examples like that , seems like a pattern of behavior.


Any way , that is what i wanted to share , i will follow your posts in other threads , they seem an interesting read.


peace



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No surprise here. A Hindu w Israeli flags.

Erdogan, IK, or any strong Muslim leader is a threat to you guys.

No surprise here. A Hindu w Israeli flags.

Erdogan, IK, or any strong Muslim leader is a threat to you guys.



The Hindu flag exists only in your imagination. And much " thanks " for implying that my opinion is biased casue of my nationality , you have a " nice " day too ...

As for his relations with my country , don't even get me started on that.

If you remember when Obama first got elected Turkey was the first country he visited.

Back than Erdogan seemed as a role model for a modern democrat Muslim leader who would have good influence on other countries in the middle east. He was even considered as a possible mediator in the Israel- Palestinian conflict.

He certainly ruined his image since than ...

As for the Israel- Palestinian conflict . All he did was to misuse it for his own selfish propaganda purposes , while his contribution to advance any sort of solution was exactly = Zero.


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I also share your feelings about Erdogan. I distrust leaders that play to much on the religious card or the national pride card. Not to mention disregard to human rights and freedom.


I also don't like how he handles things.



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That sounds awful like another leader in the Middle East who has been divisive, allied himself with the most extreme voices in society and also refused to abide by numerous UN resolutions over the years, doesn’t it remind you of anyone?
 
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@Al Watan Al Arabi and @KediKesenFare kindly stop the dick measuring competition...

Whatever each's country is....You have to realize it is not of your contribution so why are you trying to sweep the credits for yourself?

Secondly, on this forum we respect our members...So kindly refrain from BS and dont make me come on this thread again...I will close it coz I really dont see any form of "discussion" only dick measuring!

I distrust leaders that play to much on the religious card or the national pride card. Not to mention disregard to human rights and freedom.
I was really hoping Your PM was going to be addressed with such sentiments :(
 
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@Al Watan Al Arabi and @KediKesenFare kindly stop the dick measuring competition...

Whatever each's country is....You have to realize it is not of your contribution so why are you trying to sweep the credits for yourself?

Secondly, on this forum we respect our members...So kindly refrain from BS and dont make me come on this thread again...I will close it coz I really dont see any form of "discussion" only dick measuring!


I was really hoping Your PM wasi going to be addressed with such sentiments :(
You don't need to single me out. An entire board is fed up with his 'Arabs greatest nation of all'-contributions. Besides, I just reacted to him. You can look it up. His comparison between Saudi Arabia (a nation with no election) and Turkey is purposely ridiculous in every imaginable way. There can't be no dick measuring because Saudis simply have no election. He also called Atatürk a dictator. He's pretentious, he is anti-Shia and he is an ignorant racist who looks up gene studies to decide whether you belong to your own nation / region or not. I mean, according to his standards you're just an Indian in denial. Read his postings, please, and you'll see how incredibly racist he is.
 
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You don't need to single me out. An entire board is fed up with his 'Arabs greatest nation of all'-contributions. Besides, I just reacted to him. You can look it up. His comparison between Saudi Arabia (a nation with no election) and Turkey is purposely ridiculous in every imaginable way. There can't be no dick measuring because Saudis simply have no election. He also called Atatürk a dictator. He's pretentious, he is anti-Shia and he is an ignorant racist who looks up gene studies to decide whether you belong to your own nation / region or not. I mean, according to his standards you're just an Indian in denial. Read his postings, please, and you'll see how incredibly racist he is.

A few anti-Arab trolls. Other than that, nobody else. Rather the opposite in fact.

Nobody made any comparisons. My posts are clear for everyone to read and no rules were broken and I provided evidence and references of every claim. Unlike you. I stand by everything that I wrote.

Ataturk was indeed a dictator and not elected democratically. That is an objective fact.

Anti-Shia only in your imagination. How can I be anti Shia when Shia Islam originates in Hijaz and millions of Arabs, including Saudi Arabians, are Shia.

I am anti-Iranian Mullah regime and anti Wilayat al-Faqih. Has nothing to do with Shia Islam.

Saying that most of you Turks are Turkified (objective and factual statement, something that DNA tests also proof) is also a factual statement and was a reaction to your trolling. Nothing "racist" about it either. Unless a fact is "racism".

Instead of blabbering about unfunded and absurd nonsense, when not being able to counter my posts as can be seen in this thread, you are only able to project baseless nonsense.

My turn.

You are a hateful Kurd, anti-Arab, anti-Sunni and a clueless and ignorant racist and fascist who openly talks about "Turkifying" millions of Syrians (lol). A liar at that too. See, that was incredibly easy.

Anyway I have nothing to add in this thread that was not already written.
 
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