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Christiana’s Progress's avatar

Thank you for such an interesting interview and a non-US perspective from someone who obviously is an expert. Concerning that many things Trump is doing are out of the authoritarian playbook, but also concerned that much of what he’s doing isn’t from it. He appears to be more bent on vengeance and destruction than makes any sense. Which makes me feel like we are in the hands of an authoritarian madman, not a run of the mill authoritarian. He’s more nihilist than regular straight fascist.

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Kathy Smith's avatar

Kinda splitting hairs. . .just nuts! works for me

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JDV's avatar

There is only one fascist playbook, and it's similar to the organized crime playbook.

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Michelle Jordan's avatar

That was just mind blowing. So many parallels between Turkey and the U.S.. Thanks so much for interviewing this journalist. We have so much to learn from what happens in other places. She made references to Istanbul which is on the European side of the country the remainder is in West Asia. I naively thought Istanbul was a bit different from the remainder of the country. Turkey has been on my bucket list to travel to for quite a while now but I guess it will have to wait.

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Teresa Dunn's avatar

I traveled there in 2022 for my daughter's wedding and my brother lives there. I honestly think it would still be as safe as traveling in the US. And less likely to be shot as they don't all own guns. There is more unrest now because of the arrest but I think the protests are peaceful just as the ones we had on April 5. The people are very hospitable and there is a lot of security. My only warning would be not to take a taxi in Istanbul. They are infamous for not charging the correct fare especially to tourists. Its better to use Uber because then you know the price upfront.

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Ann Jamieson's avatar

Of all the places I've traveled in the world, Turkey is my favorite. And Istanbul is my favorite city. I could live there...except for Erdogan.

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Marti Roush's avatar

Thank you, Jenn and Asli. This information is so important. It's crucial to see the overall view of autocrats in action so that we can see our autocrat clearly. Turkey was such a lovely country with vibrant culture, and is a country of such lovely people. To see their repression is so painful.

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Lark Leonard's avatar

This was a very valuable discussion - thank you so much! Jen & Asli.

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Amanda S. STEVENS's avatar

Fascinating interview thank you

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