The Refugee Deal Continues Europe's History of Dirty Dealing With Turkey

Last week, European Union leaders announced a new deal with Turkey. It was hotly anticipated for a number of reasons: Would it "solve" Europe's refugee crisis? To what extent would the EU give in to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's demands? The deal seeks to repatriate refugees back to Turkey, which would become a "safe country."

How exactly the deal will be implemented remains to be seen, and what it actually means for the right to asylum in the EU will need to be discussed. But the deal has further repercussions that EU leaders either do not want to see or -- more probable -- cynically factor in as part of doing business. But let's be clear: this deal is making a mockery of alleged European values, and it further empowers Erdogan, who has become increasingly authoritarian.

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