Tommy in trouble with far right.

[Vinty]

Turkey is more of a rigged democracy. Isrrael is a democracy

Is that a serious comment.

 

[fillyboy]

Is that a serious comment.

Sounds accurate, jailing the opposition is a little Putinesque.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Is that a serious comment.

I quote

" As of late 2025, Turkey is a democracy, but it is widely described by analysts and organizations as a "flawed," "hybrid," or "competitive authoritarian" regime due to significant democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. While competitive elections still take place, government crackdowns have substantially eroded civil liberties, the rule of law, and institutional checks and balances.
Key indicators of democratic erosion
Intimidation of political opponents: Opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have been increasingly targeted, with recent events drawing international concern. In March 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a major political rival to President Erdoğan, was arrested on what many critics saw as politically motivated charges, sparking mass protests.
Diminished judicial independence: The executive branch has progressively consolidated control over the judiciary, leading to biased court decisions and politically motivated prosecutions. The jailing of critics, journalists, and human rights defenders, often on terrorism-related charges, has been extensively documented.
Suppression of freedom of expression: The government has used anti-terrorism laws to target and imprison journalists, shutter media outlets, and restrict online platforms, including social media during protests. Self-censorship is widespread due to fear of government reprisals.
Constitutional changes: A 2017 referendum replaced Turkey's parliamentary system with a highly centralized executive presidential system. This change removed key checks and balances by concentrating significant power in the hands of the president.
Flaws in electoral fairness: While opposition parties, such as the Republican People's Party (CHP), have won important local elections—including a landslide victory in March 2024—the electoral playing field is not level. The governing party dominates media coverage and uses state resources to its advantage.
The continuing role of elections
Despite these profound issues, elections in Turkey remain an important part of the political landscape.
Active opposition and high turnout: Both the opposition and pro-government bases continue to engage in elections, with voter turnout remaining very high. This suggests that the ballot box is still a meaningful arena for political contestation in the eyes of the public.
Significant local victories: Recent victories by the opposition in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara demonstrate that electoral outcomes can still defy the ruling party, offering some hope for democratic resilience.
International concerns
International bodies and human rights organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about Turkey's democratic trajectory.
The European Union has noted that recent developments go against the core principles of the accession process, but geopolitical considerations, such as Turkey's role in migration, security, and energy, limit the political and economic leverage that can be applied.
Human Rights Watch noted in its 2024 report that judicial interference has worsened and that the government continues to ignore rulings from the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Democracy in Turkey | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank
22 May 2024 — Democracy in Turkey. Explaining the history of democracy in Turkey, prospects for its future trajectory and the key factors behind the current crisis...

 

[Vinty]

I suppose on what side of history you believe.

Its not that I remember but I believe that the Romans named Palestine a good time after Judea already existed.

Why did the Romans rename the region Syria Palestina, did they just pick the name out of thin air.

 

[Vinty]

I quote

" As of late 2025, Turkey is a democracy, but it is widely described by analysts and organizations as a "flawed," "hybrid," or "competitive authoritarian" regime due to significant democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. While competitive elections still take place, government crackdowns have substantially eroded civil liberties, the rule of law, and institutional checks and balances.
Key indicators of democratic erosion
Intimidation of political opponents: Opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have been increasingly targeted, with recent events drawing international concern. In March 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a major political rival to President Erdoğan, was arrested on what many critics saw as politically motivated charges, sparking mass protests.
Diminished judicial independence: The executive branch has progressively consolidated control over the judiciary, leading to biased court decisions and politically motivated prosecutions. The jailing of critics, journalists, and human rights defenders, often on terrorism-related charges, has been extensively documented.
Suppression of freedom of expression: The government has used anti-terrorism laws to target and imprison journalists, shutter media outlets, and restrict online platforms, including social media during protests. Self-censorship is widespread due to fear of government reprisals.
Constitutional changes: A 2017 referendum replaced Turkey's parliamentary system with a highly centralized executive presidential system. This change removed key checks and balances by concentrating significant power in the hands of the president.
Flaws in electoral fairness: While opposition parties, such as the Republican People's Party (CHP), have won important local elections—including a landslide victory in March 2024—the electoral playing field is not level. The governing party dominates media coverage and uses state resources to its advantage.
The continuing role of elections
Despite these profound issues, elections in Turkey remain an important part of the political landscape.
Active opposition and high turnout: Both the opposition and pro-government bases continue to engage in elections, with voter turnout remaining very high. This suggests that the ballot box is still a meaningful arena for political contestation in the eyes of the public.
Significant local victories: Recent victories by the opposition in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara demonstrate that electoral outcomes can still defy the ruling party, offering some hope for democratic resilience.
International concerns
International bodies and human rights organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about Turkey's democratic trajectory.
The European Union has noted that recent developments go against the core principles of the accession process, but geopolitical considerations, such as Turkey's role in migration, security, and energy, limit the political and economic leverage that can be applied.
Human Rights Watch noted in its 2024 report that judicial interference has worsened and that the government continues to ignore rulings from the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Democracy in Turkey | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank
22 May 2024 — Democracy in Turkey. Explaining the history of democracy in Turkey, prospects for its future trajectory and the key factors behind the current crisis...

Any chance of the abridged version of your post.
You have to remember that there a lot elderly folk on this forum and their time is precious, every minute counts.
They might conclude that the time it would take to read your post , could be more usefully expended on making a cup of tea and reading the newspaper.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Any chance of the abridged version of your post.
You have to remember that there a lot elderly folk on this forum and their time is precious, every minute counts.
They might conclude that the time it would take to read your post , could be more usefully expended on making a cup of tea and reading the newspaper.

I was stuck for time.

 

[fillyboy]

Why did the Romans rename the region Syria Palestina, did they just pick the name out of thin air.

Because it's derived from the word Phillistine who were traditional enemies of the Jews, it was a further way for the Romans to rub salt in the wounds.

 

[morqthana]

Israel is a very diverse country. Possible one of the most diverse countries in the world.

Not too keen on Arabs though, are they.

 

[morqthana]

Most people would of had grand parents if not their parents born in a different land.

This forum has Israel-supporting members who would deport people from this country if they have parents or grandparents born in a different land.

 

[morqthana]

your lot'.

your lot'.

?

Anyone who thinks that what Israel is doing in Palestine is wrong.

i.e. most of the world.

 

[morqthana]

I just get twitchy when people start comparing one side of the divide with Nazis. We don't need that.

Maybe you should stop regarding that side of the divide as "Jews" and start, correctly, regarding it as "the State of Israel".

Because within the latter there are definitely people seeking a final solution to the Palestinian problem.

The incendiary rhetoric deployed by Israeli leaders

Israeli leaders have referred to Palestinians as beasts and called for a second Nakba, the reoccupation of Gaza and the use of nuclear weapons

www.middleeasteye.net

 

[morqthana]

Since when has Gaza and the West Bank been in Israel and why on earth would they want or apply for Israeli citizenship?

Israel thinks the West Bank has been Israel since 1967.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Not too keen on Arabs though, are they.

Not the ones that try to harm Jews.


Arabs and Jews got on with their businesses side by side as well as living next door to each other.

Lets not forget Arabs do serve in parliament and the IDF.

I dare say these relationships are not the same and have been strained since October 7.

 

[Odds]

I quote

" As of late 2025, Turkey is a democracy, but it is widely described by analysts and organizations as a "flawed," "hybrid," or "competitive authoritarian" regime due to significant democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. While competitive elections still take place, government crackdowns have substantially eroded civil liberties, the rule of law, and institutional checks and balances.
Key indicators of democratic erosion
Intimidation of political opponents: Opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have been increasingly targeted, with recent events drawing international concern. In March 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a major political rival to President Erdoğan, was arrested on what many critics saw as politically motivated charges, sparking mass protests.
Diminished judicial independence: The executive branch has progressively consolidated control over the judiciary, leading to biased court decisions and politically motivated prosecutions. The jailing of critics, journalists, and human rights defenders, often on terrorism-related charges, has been extensively documented.
Suppression of freedom of expression: The government has used anti-terrorism laws to target and imprison journalists, shutter media outlets, and restrict online platforms, including social media during protests. Self-censorship is widespread due to fear of government reprisals.
Constitutional changes: A 2017 referendum replaced Turkey's parliamentary system with a highly centralized executive presidential system. This change removed key checks and balances by concentrating significant power in the hands of the president.
Flaws in electoral fairness: While opposition parties, such as the Republican People's Party (CHP), have won important local elections—including a landslide victory in March 2024—the electoral playing field is not level. The governing party dominates media coverage and uses state resources to its advantage.
The continuing role of elections
Despite these profound issues, elections in Turkey remain an important part of the political landscape.
Active opposition and high turnout: Both the opposition and pro-government bases continue to engage in elections, with voter turnout remaining very high. This suggests that the ballot box is still a meaningful arena for political contestation in the eyes of the public.
Significant local victories: Recent victories by the opposition in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara demonstrate that electoral outcomes can still defy the ruling party, offering some hope for democratic resilience.
International concerns
International bodies and human rights organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about Turkey's democratic trajectory.
The European Union has noted that recent developments go against the core principles of the accession process, but geopolitical considerations, such as Turkey's role in migration, security, and energy, limit the political and economic leverage that can be applied.
Human Rights Watch noted in its 2024 report that judicial interference has worsened and that the government continues to ignore rulings from the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Democracy in Turkey | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank
22 May 2024 — Democracy in Turkey. Explaining the history of democracy in Turkey, prospects for its future trajectory and the key factors behind the current crisis...

All v. interesting i'm sure but the fact remains Turkey isn't noted as a middle eastern country.

 

[Elsa TLC]

All v. interesting i'm sure but the fact remains Turkey isn't noted as a middle eastern country.

Im not sure it matters how we describe a country north of Israel thats capable of doing it harm.
Its still their neighbour, as are the the other loosely democratic country's around it.