I happen to agree with Secretary Kerry in regard to the Russian missiles. It is adding a larger dynamic to the Syrian government that should it fall or fail will be added danger to the region. In the bigger picture, the missiles don't really stabilize the region.
June 02, 2013 - Updated 34 PKT
From Web Edition
ISTANBUL: Violent anti-government protests (click here) that have engulfed Istanbul were triggered by plans to redevelop iconic Taksim Square in the heart of the city, a project that will involve razing some 600 trees in an adjoining park.
The plan includes building a replica of military barracks from the Ottoman Empire to house a cultural centre, but residents fear the area will in fact become a shopping district.
The Istanbul municipality, controlled by the Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) that has ruled Turkey since 2002, embarked on the ambitious project in November.
The plan aims to create a pedestrian zone around Taksim square, a traditional venue for rallies and protests as well as a popular tourist spot.
Work is under way to divert traffic leading to the busy central square from several directions into a tunnel, which officials say will beautify the tourist zone and keep the exhaust and noise of the city's traffic congestion underground....
