Turkey’s Drama with Washington and the West
Picture this: President Tayyip Erdogan steps up on the stage in Eskisehir, looks the crowd in the eye, and drops a bombshell—he just told the foreign ministry to give the U.S. ambassador and nine other Western envoys the “persona non grata” label. In plain English: “You’re no longer welcome in Turkey.”
What’s the story behind this sudden spat?
It all stems from the case of Osman Kavala, a generous philanthropist who’s spent the last four years behind bars. Kavala’s been accused of cash‑playing for protests in 2013 and supposedly staging a coup in 2016—charges he flat‑out denies.
Ambassadors demand a “swift” release
On October 18, a snubbed huddle of embassy ambassadors from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand and the U.S. publicly called for Kavala’s prompt release. They sent a joint message seemingly pointing fingers at the Turkish government. Turkey, however, labeled that statement as “irresponsible.”
Erdogan’s reaction
During his Eskisehir speech, Erdogan said: “I’ve already handed the job to my foreign minister. These 10 ambassadors must be declared “persona non grata” right away. Your job is to sort this out.” He added a poetic twist—if these envoys don’t “know and understand Turkey,” they’ll “leave.” The crowd erupted.
What’s going on in Washington?
Both the U.S. and French embassies didn’t comment right away, but a State Department spokesperson said they were “aware of the reports and looking for clarity” from Ankara’s Foreign Ministry.
Erdogan also hinted at an upcoming summit. He plans to sit down with President Joe Biden during the G20 meeting in Rome next weekend. Diplomats say that a direct expulsion could throw a spanner into a very bon‑bon agenda of global meetings.
Track the diplomatic fallout
A diplomatic insider mentioned that no concrete orders had yet been sent to the foreign embassies. He said Turkey might decide on this at Monday’s cabinet meeting—so the big decision could still be on the table.
Norway’s embassy outright denied receiving any future expulsion notice: “Our ambassador committed no offense,” said Trude Maaseide, Norway’s spokesperson. She also called on Turkey to stay true to democratic norms and the European Human Rights Convention.
Bottom line
So, the big question remains: Will Turkey hold its promises and keep the ambassadors, or will it test the limits of its relations with the West? The upcoming G20 gathering and the UN climate summit in Glasgow could be the deal‑makers or the damper of the situation, and all eyes will be on how Ankara’s next move plays out.
‘Authoritarian drift’
Turkey’s Diplomatic Drama: A User’s Guide to the Kavala Saga
Did you hear that the Turkish government just accused Osman Kavala of being a “bandit” in a move that feels straight out of a political soap opera?
What’s the Back‑story?
- Last year, Kavala was cleared of the rough 2013 protest charges.
But this year, the verdict got hit with a 180‑degree spin and the new case tied him to a coup attempt. - Rights activists say this is the latest chapter in Erdogan’s push‑down of dissent.
They’re waving red flags and saying “we’re watching closely.” - Six EU-minded nations, including Germany and France, joined forces to expel ten Turkish ambassadors—doubling down on a message that Turkey might be sliding into authoritarianism.
Europe’s Quick Take
- David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, took to Twitter: “The expulsion of ten ambassadors is a sign of the authoritarian drift of the Turkish government. We will not be intimidated. Freedom for Osman Kavala.”
- In Denmark, foreign minister Jeppe Kofod replied that his ministry hadn’t officially been notified, but they’re talking to their European buddies.
- A German Foreign Ministry source hinted the 10 countries were coordinating their next steps.
Kavala’s Current Stand‑by
- On Friday, he declared he wouldn’t sit for the trial anymore, citing the impossibility of a fair hearing after Erdogan’s recent comments.
- Erdogan himself threw out a warning, calling those ambassadors “bandits, murderers and terrorists” and insisting they should not release such “criminals” back home.
International Human‑Rights Voice
- The European Court of Human Rights has been shouting for Kavala’s release since 2022, claiming no credible evidence links him to any crime and that his detention was a “weapon of silence.”
- They’ve echoed that sentiment in a similar verdict for Selahattin Demirtas, the former HDP leader currently a five‑year cell‑in‑jail veteran.
Next Moves
- If Turkey doesn’t budge on releasing Kavala, the Council of Europe is ready to launch infringement proceedings.
- The forthcoming trial date? November 26—so it’s a “late‑season drama” for sure.
Why It Matters
When an entire continent’s diplomats pull a tail‑whipping move against Ankara, it’s like a high‑stakes negotiation where the stakes are freedom, fairness, and the future tone of a whole nation.
