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Turkey

Extra! Istanbul Hit By Another Terrorist Attack

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Hürriyet, June 29

"We Curse You," read Wednesday morning's front-page headline of Turkish daily Hürriyet, after a terrorist attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport killed dozens.

The latest toll stood at 36 people killed and 147 wounded after the Tuesday night attack, reportedly carried out by three suicide bombers. Hürriyet reports that one of the terrorists blew himself up outside the international arrivals terminal, while the other two attackers took advantage of the ensuing chaos to open up fire inside the terminal, before blowing themselves up as well.

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that they knew which terrorist organization was responsible of the attack based on the early signs, but that they still needed to confirm. Turkish media was reporting that authorities believe the Islamic terror group ISIS carried out the assault. It is the latest in a series of terrorist attacks in Turkey, some of which have been perpetrated by ISIS, and others by the Kurdish PKK organization.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attackers. "I hope that this attack will be a turning point, a milestone for the joint fight against terrorist organizations, especially in Western countries and all over the world," he said.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport, one of the busiest in the world, was closed immediately after the attacks for several hours, and flights were diverted to other cities. The customs control reopened Wednesday morning, and the airport is back in business ever since.

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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