Most recent articles by Thomas Seibert
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Turkey's Media and the NSU Trial in GermanyComparisons with the Situation at Home
Turkish media closely watched the opening of the NSU trial in Munich on Monday. Newspapers describe the feelings of the victims' families and the main defendant's attitude in court. Thomas Seibert reports from Istanbul
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Turkey's Syria PolicyAnkara's Achilles' Heel
The Syrian conflict is exposing the limitations of aspiring regional power Turkey, as the West repeatedly urges leaders in Ankara to exercise military restraint. Turkish public opinion is also putting the brakes on a possible intervention in neighbouring Syria. By Thomas Seibert
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Turkish Pianist and Composer Fazil SayUp in Court for Insulting Islam
Last week, the court case against the celebrated Turkish pianist and composer Fazil Say began in Istanbul. Say faces charges of spreading anti-Islamic comments via Twitter. Supporters and critics alike say that the case highlights Turkey's shortcomings in terms of freedom of expression. Thomas Seibert has the details
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Crisis between Turkey and SyriaThe Battleground Expands
Despite the shelling by Syria of the Turkish border village of Akcakale, Ankara is avoiding any direct military intervention in Syria without Western or Arab backing. The government has decided instead to work towards setting up safe zones for the opposition on Syrian territory, in an attempt to further destabilise the regime in Damascus. By Thomas Seibert in Istanbul
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Turkey's Election CampaignsIn Awe of Erdogan
Prime Minister Erdogan can look forward to the parliamentary elections on 12 June with composure: his Islamic AKP currently has between 45 and 50 percent support in the polls. The opposition appears uninspired and politically beleaguered. Details from Thomas Seibert in Istanbul