Day: April 5, 2024

ANKARA: Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said Thursday that he hopes to visit Gazans during Ramadan and have a fast-breaking dinner (iftar) together under the flag of a free Palestine. "You are guests at our table, and just as you have honored us with your presence, we hope to visit your tables in Gaza under the flag of a free Palestine in the upcoming Ramadan, and we will share iftar together," Kurtulmus said during a fast-breaking dinner at the Turkish Grand National Assembly hosting Gazan Muslims. Kurtulmus said Trkiye aims to alleviate the pain, show brotherhood, pray for martyred Gazan brothers, keep them in their memories and increase determination for the Palestinian cause. He also noted that the Gaza issue revealed great pains and human drama but also opened the door to new developments worldwide, pointing out that a great massacre is taking place in Gaza while a great example of resistance is also being demonstrated. "It is one of the most important epics of resistance in human history. ..We do not forget Ahed Tamimi standing up against Israeli soldiers when she was only 11 years old, her mujahideen and defiant attitude. Similarly, we do not forget the photograph of Muhammad al-Durrah being martyred by Israeli soldiers behind his father when he was 12 years old. 'You have experienced it firsthand, and there are still members of your family remaining there. The heroes of the Palestinian cause continue to grow, new heroes emerge, and from among the martyrs of Gaza, new heroes sprout, and the resistance continues to strengthen. Israel wanted to test the people of Palestine, especially Gazans, by bombing hospitals and dropping bombs on people waiting for aid,' he said. Kurtulmus also said the spirit behind this resistance was not understandable to Zionists and materialistic worldly people. "The father who kisses his child from under the rubble knows that our brothers in Palestine await the moment of victory after every martyr and struggle with this heart and courage. Otherwise, there is no ot her meaning to people in Gaza, who have no shelter, not even a wall to seek refuge, to have such a great spirit of resistance; being tested with hunger, deprivation and oppression." Kurtulmus stressed that interest in the Palestinian cause had increased significantly worldwide, noting that what happened in Palestine and especially in Gaza served as guidance for all humanity. He also said that despite the pressures from governments and their supportive attitudes toward Israel in many parts of the world, it was not an easy task for millions of people to go out and stand by the people of Gaza. "A human front has been established everywhere in the world that stands for justice, fairness, compassion and conscience. This human front is one of the most beautiful heralds of new quests for the establishment of a new world. Thus, millions of people who do not resemble us in their religions, languages, cultures and civilizations but who meet on the common ground of humanity have become the millions who embrace Gaza m ore than the silent majorities of the Muslim world. Hopefully, at the end of this test of patience, anguish, tolerance and submission, there is great good news." "First and foremost, to our Gazan brothers and sisters, and to all Palestinians and all Muslims, the good news that will come will hopefully be realized with the awakening of this human front; a sovereign, free Palestine State with the capital Jerusalem will be established, ensuring complete territorial integrity, and this Palestinian State will be recognized by the nations of the world in the shortest time possible," he noted. He also said that all of Israel's calculations had gone astray, and those who committed these massacres and oppression would not find any country to support them in the world anymore, noting that the establishment of the Palestinian state would take place soon. Kurtulmus concluded that since the beginning of Israel's attacks on Gaza, he had held meetings with many heads of state, presidents and parliament speakers from vari ous countries. "Almost everyone now sees that there is no way other than a two-state solution. The Palestinian state will definitely be established," he said. After his speech, Kurtulmus conversed with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and the Gazan guests. Source: Anadolu Agency

The highest electricity price rate for one megawatt-hour on Trkiye's day-ahead spot market for Saturday will be 2,688.99 Turkish liras at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), according to official figures on Friday. The lowest rate was set at 500 liras at 12 p.m. local time (0900 GMT), the data showed. The Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST) data for the trade volume for Saturday's electricity market shows a decrease of 10.9% to around 1.02 billion liras compared to Friday. The highest electricity price rate for one megawatt-hour for Friday was set at 2,599 liras at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), while the lowest rate was determined as 500 liras at 12 p.m. local time (0900 GMT). US$1 equals 31.99 liras at 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) on Friday. Source: Anadolu Agency

The trade volume on Trkiye's spot natural gas market showed an increase of about 23.92% to 24.71 million Turkish liras on Thursday, Trkiye's Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST) data showed on Friday. Total trade on Wednesday amounted to around 19.94 million liras. On Thursday's spot market, 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas cost 10,193.40 liras, while the cumulative natural gas trade volume amounted to around 2.43 million cubic meters. Trkiye received 103.72 million cubic meters of pipeline gas on Thursday. US$1 equals 31.99 liras at 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) on Friday. Source: Anadolu Agency

Oil prices reached their highest level since October 2023, supported by geopolitical tension fueling concerns about global supply disruptions. International benchmark Brent crude traded at $90.83 per barrel at 10.57 p.m. local time (0757 GMT), a 0.20% rise from the closing price of $90.65 per barrel in the previous trading session. The American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $86.58 per barrel at the same time, a 0.01% decline from the previous session that closed at $86.59 per barrel. Attacks in the Red Sea, one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments, continue to influence oil prices. As a show of support for Gaza, which has been under Israeli attack since October 7 of last year, the Houthis have begun pursuing cargo ships in the Red Sea that have connections to Israel. Concerns over disruptions to the world's supply chain are fueling price increases. The US destroyed an anti-ship missile launched by Yemen's Houthi group in the Red Sea, the United St ates Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday. 'CENTCOM is dedicated to protecting the freedom of navigation and making international waters safer and more secure for Coalition and merchant vessels,' it added. The leader of Yemen's Houthi group said Thursday that American and British airstrikes on his country since January have killed 37 people and injured 30 others. According to Abdulmelik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis, 90 ships belonging to Israel, the US and the UK have been targeted in the Red Sea, Oman Sea and Indian Ocean since November 2023. Because 65% of market participants predict that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in June, the US dollar is projected to weaken relative to other currencies. If this bears out, oil purchases are likely to be cheaper for other currency holders, and the ensuing surge in trading will bolster prices. Source: Anadolu Agency

Daily electricity consumption in Trkiye increased by 0.89% on Thursday compared to the previous day, totaling 856,635 megawatt-hours, according to official figures of Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS) on Friday. Hourly power consumption peaked at 39,361 megawatt-hours at 9 p.m. local time (1800 GMT), data from TEIAS showed. The country's electricity usage dropped to the lowest level of 29,870 megawatt-hours at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT). Electricity production amounted to 850,980 megawatt-hours on Thursday, marking a rise of 0.31% compared to Wednesday. Electricity production from hydroelectricity plants constituted 22.2% of total generation, while imported coal and lignite plants contributed 20.5% and 11.5%, respectively. On Wednesday, the country's electricity exports amounted to 3,229 megawatt-hours and imports totaled 8,887 megawatt-hours. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: As the United States shifts its attention towards a potential rematch between US President Joe Biden and former US President Donald Trump, speculation about the former president's return to the Oval Office is triggering inquiries into the course of US foreign policy. Beyond pondering the implications of a prospective new Trump administration, it is equally important to assess how the current government or establishment is strategizing for the possibility of Trump's return to power. 2 foreign policy extremes Following his win in the 2016 elections, many within the establishment hoped that Trump would gradually recognize the gravity of his newfound role and adopt a more presidential demeanor. They anticipated that under the influence of "pragmatic Republicans," he would temper his approach to governance, ensuring the nation remained on a stable course without veering too far off-track. However, Trump displayed an aggressive attitude that departed from traditional Republican norms. The former presid ent's foreign policy approach, dubbed the "America First" doctrine, significantly diverged from traditional US policies. Trump prioritized US interests over multilateral commitments and alliances. During his presidency, he renegotiated or withdrew from international agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris climate accord. He described the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the worst trade deal signed by the US and promised to renegotiate it. Additionally, he characterized NATO as obsolete, calling on NATO countries to finance their defense expenditures and fulfill their obligations. Paradoxically, Trump used confrontational rhetoric with traditional allies like NATO members while adopting a conciliatory tone towards countries like North Korea and Russia. Meanwhile, he threatened to terminate US participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), and withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, bringing more instability to Washington's relationship with Europe. The Democrats' main criticism was that Trump was leading the country towards greater isolation and eroding its role as a global leader. In contrast, under the Biden administration, the US has pursued a more strategic approach to international relations. By entangling Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, it has not only weakened its adversary economically but also reshaped global perceptions of Russia's military capabilities. NATO has experienced a resurgence, expanding its reach, and the "Russia crisis" in Europe, coupled with the Ukrainian conflict, has bolstered America's leadership among its allies. This underscores the importance and strength of the Western alliance, with the US at its helm. Additionally, the policy of ensnaring Russia in Ukraine mirrors a similar strategy aimed at containing China in Taiwan, fostering diplomatic and strategic containment efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. Is international politics preparing for another Trump era? In this context, the 2024 presidential election hold critical importance for the future of US foreign policy. If Trump is reelected, there are serious concerns about potential abrupt changes in policy direction under his administration, which could possibly destabilize the world order. In the event of a hypothetical return to power by Trump, Kyiv may receive diminished support, with Europe taking on a greater role in aiding Ukraine's defense and recovery efforts. A more stringent approach toward China, potentially involving increased tariffs and trade limitations, would likely be implemented, with a hands-off approach to any potential Chinese intervention in Taiwan. Israel might see expanded operational freedom in the Middle East. Additionally, there could be a shift towards direct military measures against cartels in Mexico, a focus of Trump's previous policies. Undoubtedly, within Washington's policy circles once branded "the swamp" by Trump himself, discussions of these potential scenarios are likely underway. As a precaution against the prospect of a Trump return to power, the U S foreign policy establishment is actively strategizing to address potential challenges. Institutions like the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Defense Department are engaging in scenario planning exercises to evaluate the potential ramifications of various policy outcomes in a hypothetical Trump administration. However, legally, the Biden administration may face obstacles in curbing Trump's policy pursuits following a potential electoral defeat, particularly if the House of Representatives stays in Republican hands after the election. Last year, Congress passed a bill preventing any president from independently withdrawing the US from NATO, potentially serving as a constraint on Trump. However, examining recent actions from Congress and the Biden administration, there's no specific legislation directly curbing Trump's foreign policy. Legal avenues to counter Trump have proven uncertain, with measures such as blocking his candidacy appearing less than effective. The most tangible asp ect highlighted in the current situation is the Biden administration's continued support for Ukraine, ensuring that Kyiv's hand is strengthened against Russia before an eventual Trump era. Under a pending $95 billion package, some $60 billion would be allocated to Ukraine. Given Trump's foreign policy stance, it's conceivable that not just the US establishment but also other nations have adjusted their policies accordingly. French President Emmanuel Macron's heightened focus on the Ukraine conflict and incidents like the recent terrorist attack in Moscow should be viewed in conjunction, as they carry significance in anticipating potential shifts in the global order. As the election results unfold on Nov. 5 and likely the days afterwards, the resilience and adaptability of US foreign policy institutions will undergo scrutiny, potentially shaping the trajectory of international relations for years to come. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), a state-run aid agency, organized Ramadan iftars, or fast-breaking dinners, in four western provinces of Afghanistan to serve marginalized groups. TIKA's Herat Program Coordination Office held 15 iftar programs for the disabled, patients and orphans as part of its Ramadan programs. 1,400 orphans attended the programs in orphanages in Herat, Nimruz, Farah and Badghis provinces. In total, 4,500 people were hosted in these organizations, including teachers, academics, and writers. Local administration and foreign mission staff, including government officials and representatives from various organizations, also attended the dinners. TIKA organizes such programs for downtrodden people in various parts of the country during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, to help the Muslim faithful break their fast at sunset. Source: Anadolu Agency