In Turkey, a potential new wave of Afghan refugees is creating a fresh surge of nativism that could attract more international criticism and increase the risk of violent protests in the country. As Taliban forces make gains in Afghanistan, Turkish politicians are sounding the alarm over the possibility of an even heavier refugee burden, while others are taking steps to discriminate against the already present refugees Turkey hosts. On July 27, the governor of Turkey’s eastern Van province said the region would reinforce its eastern border with Iran, the site of many illegal border crossings by Afghan refugees, with a 183-mile-long border wall in a bid to ensure that no new major waves of refugees flood Turkey. Meanwhile, in the northwest, the mayor of Bolu, a town outside of Istanbul, said he would push to increase water and waste fees up to ten times for foreigners -- a move that...
