Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), has emerged as a crucial player in the country's upcoming election, potentially tipping the balance against two-decade ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The HDP's decision not to field a presidential candidate has allowed its supporters to vote for Erdogan's main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
The HDP's move is seen as a response to Erdogan's crackdown on the party, which began chipping away at his voter base. Former leader Selahattin Demirtas has been in prison for nearly seven years, and the party faces possible closure by a court due to suspected collusion with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and affiliated groups.
The HDP's decision not to participate in the election is viewed as a key factor in Erdogan's potential loss. Analysts say that the party's supporters are likely to vote for Kilicdaroglu, who represents the six-party Nation Alliance opposition bloc.
However, the HDP's position is precarious due to its history of persecution and court cases related to suspected ties to the PKK. The party has been accused by Erdogan's AK Party of being a tool for the PKK and has faced criticism from conservative Kurdish voters.
The HDP's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, acknowledged that his party understands what's at stake, not just for Turkey's Kurds but for all its minorities. "We are aware of our responsibility here... We know we are in a kingmaker position," he said.
Analysts warn that the opposition candidate may face difficulties from Erdogan's AK Party, which could use its influence in the media to discredit Kilicdaroglu and his supporters as being pro-PKK.
In related news, two women were arrested in Iran for failing to wear the hijab in public after a man threw a tub of yogurt at them. The Iranian government has vowed to respond to perceived threats against itself, including an Israeli airstrike near Damascus that killed two IRGC officers.
Meanwhile, China and Brazil have agreed to ditch the US dollar as an intermediary in trade, with Chinese state news outlet China Daily reporting on the move.
The HDP's move is seen as a response to Erdogan's crackdown on the party, which began chipping away at his voter base. Former leader Selahattin Demirtas has been in prison for nearly seven years, and the party faces possible closure by a court due to suspected collusion with the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and affiliated groups.
The HDP's decision not to participate in the election is viewed as a key factor in Erdogan's potential loss. Analysts say that the party's supporters are likely to vote for Kilicdaroglu, who represents the six-party Nation Alliance opposition bloc.
However, the HDP's position is precarious due to its history of persecution and court cases related to suspected ties to the PKK. The party has been accused by Erdogan's AK Party of being a tool for the PKK and has faced criticism from conservative Kurdish voters.
The HDP's leader, Hisyar Ozsoy, acknowledged that his party understands what's at stake, not just for Turkey's Kurds but for all its minorities. "We are aware of our responsibility here... We know we are in a kingmaker position," he said.
Analysts warn that the opposition candidate may face difficulties from Erdogan's AK Party, which could use its influence in the media to discredit Kilicdaroglu and his supporters as being pro-PKK.
In related news, two women were arrested in Iran for failing to wear the hijab in public after a man threw a tub of yogurt at them. The Iranian government has vowed to respond to perceived threats against itself, including an Israeli airstrike near Damascus that killed two IRGC officers.
Meanwhile, China and Brazil have agreed to ditch the US dollar as an intermediary in trade, with Chinese state news outlet China Daily reporting on the move.
. erdogan's been ruling for ages and it's like he thinks he's above the law. the hdp's decision not to run a candidate is actually kinda clever, gives them an out if things get too intense 
. but still, who's gonna hold him accountable? his supporters are always talking about 'motherland' this and 'islamic values' that... when's it gonna be enough? 
. and what's with all these weird news bits at the end? iran arresting women for not wearing a hijab is just straight out of a bad dictator film 
, meanwhile china and brazil are dumping the us dollar like it's nobodies business 
? The HDP not fielding a candidate might just be the push he needs to lose the election. But what about his supporters who are mad at him for being harsh on the Kurds and the opposition? Will they still vote for him or is the Nation Alliance bloc gaining momentum? 
I think Kilicdaroglu's chances of winning look pretty good, but it's not going to be a cakewalk. The HDP's precarious situation is making everyone nervous 
. I'm not sure what to make of all these trade agreements, but I guess it's somethin' we should be keepin' an eye on 
.
.
but i gotta say i'm a lil surprised about the ppl's democratic party not fielding a presidential candidate it's like they're saying 'you know what we're not gonna play by those rules' 
i wish the world could be more accepting of everyone's choices. and omg china and brazil ditching the us dollar is a BIG deal 
The HDP's decision not to field a presidential candidate could be a game-changer 
Erdogan's main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu might just take the lead 
