WT actual F, Erdoğan?
The self-styled Sultan Erdoğan has reportedly clamped down on access to social media platforms in the regions devastated by the earthquakes, thereby depriving people of pretty much the only way that they can reach out for help. This was in response to criticism of the lack of response and assistance by the Turkish government.
I really don’t want to get into politics or foreign affairs in the context of this terrible humanitarian tragedy, but I can’t help but ask: is Turkey’s military might and strategic geographical location worth the EU and USA pandering to such a horrible and morally bankrupt government? Is it not now well past high time that Turkey be ostracised from the international community until it reforms its behaviour? Yes, it will cause even more financial pain to the people, but with inflation running at over 80% pa and laws being passed and enforced for clearly political reasons, would the common people even notice a difference?
Let me be clear - I am not suggesting we stop providing any and all assistance in responding to the current crisis. But when this is over, Erdoğan, we need to talk.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/02/08/twitter-restrictions-turkey-earthquake-aftermath/
Survivors gather next to a bonfire outside collapsed buildings in Kahramanmaras on Feb. 8, after their homes were destroyed in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the border region of Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6. (Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images)
