Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Briefing Room

Factual

David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Briefing Room: Should we worry about Turkey?

briefing-room_13-417_e_richard-fenton-smith.jpg

13/04/2017

Should we worry about Turkey?

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Should we worry about Turkey?

What does Turkey's referendum mean for the UK's foreign policy?

What Turkey's referendum means for the UK's foreign policy, with David Aaronovich.

What does Turkey's referendum mean for the UK's foreign policy?

The UK has long seen Turkey as a bastion of stability in the Middle East: a Muslim-majority democracy, a NATO member and ally against so-called Islamic State; a physical and ideological bridge between east and west; and a fascinating and pleasant place to take our families on holiday.

That stability is increasingly in doubt. A series of bloody terror attacks has made many holidaymakers think twice about Turkey. More fundamentally, Turks are in the midst of a bitter referendum campaign that could change how they're ruled. On the face of it, they should be united about Sunday's constitutional referendum. 

Most agree the current constitution, drafted by on the orders of the military following a coup in 1980, needs change. Yet the two sides have literally been throwing punches. 

Leading campaigners have been physically attacked; there's been a brawl in parliament. The Yes camp, led by the government, has painted its opponents as terrorists. The No camp say it's a power grab by the increasingly authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

"The wrong choices have the potential to deliver catastrophe well beyond Turkey's borders," a UK parliamentary report found recently. "Turkey's democracy and democratic culture are under severe pressure."

In this edition, David Aaronovich hears from:

Chris Morris, the BBC's long-time Turkey watcher

Ziya Meral, Resident Fellow, the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research

Firdevs Robinson, Turkish journalist and broadcaster

Gulnur Aybet, senior advisor to President Erdogan

Producer: Neal Razzell.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Briefing Room

Should we worry about Turkey?

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4