The abduction of some 80 Turkish citizens in Iraq - diplomats, their families, and truck drivers - by Islamic State (IS, formerly known as ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) militants and their affiliates symbolizes the major potential dangers of the current turmoil in the Middle East to Turkey’s security, economy, and trade relations, as well as to its regional influence. The ban imposed on the Turkish media regarding coverage of the hostage crisis, even if it would assist in the release of some of those abducted, does little to hide these negative ramifications.
