Erdogan may forestall deterioration with 2021 election
Significance He also withdrew Turkey from a convention protecting women and sexual minorities, while the chief prosecutor filed a case to close the main Kurdish opposition party. These back-to-back moves caused shock waves at home and abroad, further tarnishing Turkey’s international image. Impacts The loss of investor confidence in the government’s handling of the economy will be profound and lasting, pushing it deeper into crisis. The government’s openly anti-feminist, anti-LGBT stance may contribute to further violence and abuse against women and sexual minorities. Fresh protests are likely and could turn violent, especially in the Kurdish provinces, where repression will be heavy-handed. Western responses will be limited, given Turkey’s importance: as a NATO member; in controlling EU migration; and for US Middle East policy.