Drones: The Future’s Normality

The year was 1960. A stealth high flying aircraft was detected in the skies over an empire’s territory. The alarm was duly sounded, the air defence troops were placed on full alert and activated their anti-aircraft system. Soon a missile was fired and hit the target.

The year was 2014. A remotely piloted stealth craft was detected over disputed territory. After the alarm had been sounded and the defence troops put on alert, the flying object was electronically intercepted, its controls were taken over, and the craft was made to touch down. Continue reading →

Tit For Tat: a Turkish Party in Germany

The scenario seems to be like this: President Erdoğan lets loose immigrants wave after wave; the European Union negotiates with him in a bid to have him stop the immigrants flood and contain them on Turkish soil; President Erdoğan demands that Turks be allowed to enter the EU without a visa and that Turkey be admitted to the Union as soon as possible; Brussels-slash-Berlin apparently agrees though the idea of having Turkey as a member state without it conforming its laws to European standards is not palatable; so the German Bundestag comes up with the idea of slapping Ankara in the face by passing a resolution that recognizes and thus brings to the world’s attention the annihilation of Armenians that took place a hundred years back as an act of genocide. In response to or in retaliation for which Ankara recalls its ambassador from Berlin, blocks a visit of German politicians to 250 German soldiers stationed at İncirlik Air Base, and threatens with the worsening of the bilateral relationship. And to top it all, a Turkish party is to be formed in Germany. Continue reading →

Ukrainian-U.S. military exercises begin near Lviv

International military exercises involving Ukraine and the United States (involves more than 1,800 servicemen from 13 countries), Rapid Trident 2016, have begun. The drills will last until July 8. Interfax-Ukraine

To Brexit or Regrexit? A dis-United Kingdom ponders turmoil of EU divorce

After Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, there is no indication that a so-called Brexit will happen soon. Because the referendum is not legally-binding, some politicians are suggesting a parliament vote before formally triggering Brexit. A petition on the UK government’s website on holding a second referendum has gained more than 3 million signatories in just two days. Reuters

Belarus: between international recognition and a Maidan scenario

Belarus the last pariah of Europe? Its leader, referred to as dictator, shunned by polite society? Its image tarnished in the media? No longer so. Alexander Lukashenko’s fortress has been laid siege to, has been bombarded and… emerged victorious. With flying colors. Minsk has hosted talks on Ukraine’s future, the sanctions have been lifted, and President Lukashenko has been readmitted both to the lay (Rome) and spiritual (the Vatican) European salons. Continue reading →

Free-travel, terror law disputes threaten EU-Turkey deal

German Interior Minister voiced skepticism about the EU-Turkey deal after Turkish President Erdogan rejected EU terms and conditions. Ankara was requested to loosen a controversial anti-terror law that has been used to target journalists and academics. Source: Deutsche Welle

EU-Turkey migrant deal is ‘botched job’, says Spain

Spain’s foreign minister described the EU’s deal with Turkey to stem the influx of migrants as a “botched job”. He was unhappy with leaving the solution to the crisis in the hands of a country outside the European Union. Source: France 24