Germany: Friction With Turkey Leads to Rethinking of Policy

Diplomatic rancor is on full display as Germany and Turkey are no closer to bridging the widening rift between them. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel announced a significant overhaul of policy toward Turkey July 20, in response to the detention of six human rights activists suspected of terrorist activities, including a German national, Peter Steudtner. Gabriel issued a firm warning against German citizens traveling to Turkey, saying the German government could no longer guarantee their safety. Steudtner remains in custody without any formal charges made against him and has been denied access to the German Consulate. Gabriel also announced he could no longer envision talks on expanding the European customs union to include Turkey and issued a review of state guarantees on German corporate exports to Turkey along with pre-accession funds....