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The article examines the social, economic and political consequences of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's enacting a new system of government that reduces the power of the parliament and dissolves many state institutions. Particular attention is also given to how Erdogan's increased power will impact the country's mass media and journalism industries.

The author reflects on a political crisis in the aftermath of various bombings, conflicts, and a coup d'état attempt in Turkey as of 2017, and it mentions the American government's support for Kurdish forces in Syria, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's anti-Western views. The Turkish government's opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is examined, along with the Islamic State terrorist group, a Turkish referendum, and the actions of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

The article looks at political and security conditions in Turkey in the context of the October 10, 2015, terrorist attack on a peace rally in Ankara, Turkey, and of the country's planned November 1, 2015, election.

The article looks at risks faced by Syrian refugees who have travelled to Turkey and are trying to get to Greece by boat across the Aegean Sea, reporting on the large number of attacks on such boats by anonymous pirates or commandos. It says some attackers steal money from the refugees, who it notes are often carrying their life savings with them, while other attackers disable the boats' engines, leaving them stranded. Possible involvement by the Turkish and/or Greek coast guards is cited.