This is an old problem / issue, but one popping its head up at the worst possible time.
http://www.countytimes.com/articles/2011/12/21/news/doc4ef264d7b1e07161774492.txt
Turkey is one of America’s strongest Allies in NATO, and at one time wanted to be included in the EU. One of the goals of the EU was to “harmonize” laws so that you didn’t have to worry about which country you’re in to know what the laws are. That’s created some friction.
Todays’ blowup is based on the 100 year old genocide of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman empire during and after World War 1.
http://www.armenian-genocide.org/
France has now made it crime to deny that the Aremenian genocide happened, which Turkey has always refused to accept.
So fresh off working together to liberate the Libyan people from their government, France and Turkey are now at each others throats.
In this one, I see France as stupidly PC obdurate as Turkey is culpable.
Other headlines today…
Cyprus accuses Turkey of being regional bully (in an Israeli publication)
Turkey accuses France of genocide
Israel cancels contract with Turkey to supply drones
Turkey blocks web pages about Darwin and evolution to “protect the children”
US house votes to demand Turkey returns Christian churches to their “rightful owners”
Turkey increases gold reserves last month
Turkey condemns oppression of government of Syria
Turkey to follow WTO rules on blockade of French products
Turkey condemns bombings in Baghdad
(maybe they should send in troops to protect civilians!)
Turkey accuses France of Genocide
(the genocide of civilians during the French Revolution is well documented)
Turkey accuses PKK (Kurds) of involvement in drug trafficking
(don’t compete with Turkey’s drug business!)
Turkey condemns Israel for plans for new West Bank housing
Turkey names 2014 the Year of Iran
Turkey supports new Hamas / PLO agreement
Turkey to train military in Libya for NTC
Ghana, Turkey sign trade deal
Turkish bank pays off loans early
Turkey to continue buying oil from Iran
Turkey interested in buying Saab
Turkish steel mills to increase production
Turkey provides aid to North Cyprus tourism
Turkey / Ukraine agree to waive travel visas
Turkey looking to buy or start bank in Kosovo
US Secretary of Air Force visits NATO air base in Turkey
President of Cyprus urges Turkey to end Gunboat Diplomacy
Joe Biden praises success of Turkey’s economy (Dec 3rd)