We in the US are very lucky to be this side of the Atlantic. I feel sorry for Europe to be so close to that dangerous Turkey - especially when negotiating with Erdogan on what to do with some 2 million fleeing immigrants from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
3
These unwanted murders by terrorists is endless as long as Muslims don't understand their religion properly. Soon after this attack, another attack happened in Kabul. Afghanistan resulting in the killing of scores of people. It's they, who are supposed to realise and stop this genocide forever. No one else can do anything in this matter. I have been repeating the same time and again.
Only few hours back, an operation was supposed to have started in an army base in Washington D.C, Maryland. We don't know what's going on there except that something is going on as per NDTV, India. No one knows who is behind this attack and it's not the first time such attacks have taken place in army base there.
When I watched it in NDTV, I immediately switched on CNN but they were busy discussing about Istanbul attack.
Only few hours back, an operation was supposed to have started in an army base in Washington D.C, Maryland. We don't know what's going on there except that something is going on as per NDTV, India. No one knows who is behind this attack and it's not the first time such attacks have taken place in army base there.
When I watched it in NDTV, I immediately switched on CNN but they were busy discussing about Istanbul attack.
Author Mustafa Akyol presents a false choice, i.e. "The (Turkish) government needs to decide with which of these two terrorist forces it can negotiate. The Islamic State is not open to reason or diplomacy; the P.K.K. is".
Nations such as Israel which have long suffered from the scourge of terrorism know there can be no negotiation with terrorists. It is only self-delusion to think that one terrorist is more amenable to reason then another; in the end if they don't get what they want they are all still willing to continue murdering innocent people in the name of their grandiose "cause".
The Turks know this all too well. During the "two-year-old peace process between the government and the P.K.K." Mr. Akyol refers to, the PKK was busy restocking its secret arms depots in Turkey, infiltrating fighters into Turkey across the border from Iraq and Syria, and placing IED's under public roads and highways in anticipation of when the talks would break down. Because they knew that Turkey will never give up part of its internationally recognized sovereign territory to appease a minority which although it has 59 elected Kurdish members in the Turkish parliament, still chooses to support terrorism instead of using democratic means to secure change.
Before advocating negotiating with terrorists to attain security, Mr. Akyol should think about Benjamin Franklin's words: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety"
Nations such as Israel which have long suffered from the scourge of terrorism know there can be no negotiation with terrorists. It is only self-delusion to think that one terrorist is more amenable to reason then another; in the end if they don't get what they want they are all still willing to continue murdering innocent people in the name of their grandiose "cause".
The Turks know this all too well. During the "two-year-old peace process between the government and the P.K.K." Mr. Akyol refers to, the PKK was busy restocking its secret arms depots in Turkey, infiltrating fighters into Turkey across the border from Iraq and Syria, and placing IED's under public roads and highways in anticipation of when the talks would break down. Because they knew that Turkey will never give up part of its internationally recognized sovereign territory to appease a minority which although it has 59 elected Kurdish members in the Turkish parliament, still chooses to support terrorism instead of using democratic means to secure change.
Before advocating negotiating with terrorists to attain security, Mr. Akyol should think about Benjamin Franklin's words: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety"
4
What comes after the attack......many more.
Unfortunately for the people of Turkey, the government, under Erdogan is quickly losing credibility around the world. He cannot stop the Kurdish or ISIS movements - he will try, but at the expense of his own people. The religious strife will bring more violence in Turkey; there is no answer in sight at this time under such an authoritarian regime.
Unfortunately for the people of Turkey, the government, under Erdogan is quickly losing credibility around the world. He cannot stop the Kurdish or ISIS movements - he will try, but at the expense of his own people. The religious strife will bring more violence in Turkey; there is no answer in sight at this time under such an authoritarian regime.
3
Many of the "problems" that Turkey faces today could be resolved within a reasonable period of time if Mr. Erdogan and his entire family could be totally ELIMINATED from public life (by any means necessary) as soon as possible. HE IS "THE PROBLEM"!
5
A statement of the obvious: Make peace with the Kurds.
10
Easier said than done. Pride is a hard stream to cross, but with good will, bridges can be built.
2
it becomes clear that the problem with ISIS and Islamic extremism won't be resolved by American bombs, CIA or EU police. The only people who have the power to put a stop on this are Muslims themselves.
15
Turkey has always had a blind spot towards the Kurds. That comes from their historical experience in the 19th century when Europeans (especially Britain) financed independence movements against the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, the Ottoman Empire collapsed and modern Turkey was created after World War I. But, they still have a 'gut level' sensitivity to cultural autonomy (it's not just with Kurds but also with Armenians and Kazahks).
With the Kurds, there are more than 14 million living within Turkey though the number is uncertain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_population). Many Kurds, but certainly not all nor probably the majority, want a separate Kurdish nation.
The PKK have made things worse because they commit military acts against Turkey in the name of attempting to establish a Kurdish nation, and Turkey then retaliates which ends up killing innocent citizens. It's a vicious and self-fulfilling cycle of violence, not un-similar to the conflict between Israel and the Palestineans.
I agree with Akyol that Turkey must make amends with the PKK and with Kurdish leaders within Turkey. In fact, every rational person who is familiar with the situation says that. But, it's easier said than done. Every time Erdogan (or other Turkish leaders) have attempted to resolve their differences with the PKK, nationalist (and even some military) complain and push the leader back to a non-negotiating position. This does not lend itself to a peaceful solution.
With the Kurds, there are more than 14 million living within Turkey though the number is uncertain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdish_population). Many Kurds, but certainly not all nor probably the majority, want a separate Kurdish nation.
The PKK have made things worse because they commit military acts against Turkey in the name of attempting to establish a Kurdish nation, and Turkey then retaliates which ends up killing innocent citizens. It's a vicious and self-fulfilling cycle of violence, not un-similar to the conflict between Israel and the Palestineans.
I agree with Akyol that Turkey must make amends with the PKK and with Kurdish leaders within Turkey. In fact, every rational person who is familiar with the situation says that. But, it's easier said than done. Every time Erdogan (or other Turkish leaders) have attempted to resolve their differences with the PKK, nationalist (and even some military) complain and push the leader back to a non-negotiating position. This does not lend itself to a peaceful solution.
7
Mustafa Akyol writes: "Since last summer, the Islamic State has been condemning Ankara as the capital of an “apostate regime” that allies itself with “Crusaders.” The group’s Turkish-language magazine proclaimed: “O Istanbul, you have allowed disbelief in your avenues. You have filled your streets with sins, but surely you will be conquered.” "
This says it all. Is there any doubt that ISIS is motivated by their religious beliefs? Is there any doubt that there’s a link between ISIS’s motivations/actions and specific doctrines that are written in the “holy” texts? By now there should be no doubt.
Beliefs about apostasy, paradise, blasphemy, martyrdom, “disbelief”, and conquest are simply toxic and fatal – to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Defeating ISIS and other Islamists requires winning a war of ideas.
This says it all. Is there any doubt that ISIS is motivated by their religious beliefs? Is there any doubt that there’s a link between ISIS’s motivations/actions and specific doctrines that are written in the “holy” texts? By now there should be no doubt.
Beliefs about apostasy, paradise, blasphemy, martyrdom, “disbelief”, and conquest are simply toxic and fatal – to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Defeating ISIS and other Islamists requires winning a war of ideas.
12
its time for Turkey to overcome its love of its fellow muslims and strike out at the current muslim threat ( to be followed by others, of course ) of ISIS......the Turks have a great military, borders with Syria and can help to defeat the threat.
The Kurds WILL have to have recognition......IF, for no other reason that they have shed their blood to fight ISIS......but that discussion IS for a future time.
NOW that ISIS has shown the Turks that being muslim is NOT enuf to protect you.....they should use their fine, tough armed forces to bring THIS current blight on the world to its natural conclusion.
The Kurds WILL have to have recognition......IF, for no other reason that they have shed their blood to fight ISIS......but that discussion IS for a future time.
NOW that ISIS has shown the Turks that being muslim is NOT enuf to protect you.....they should use their fine, tough armed forces to bring THIS current blight on the world to its natural conclusion.
2
Racipp Erdogan is doing a good job of destroying Kemal Ataturk's secular Turkey. The only moderate and prosperous nation amongst ALL Muslim nations. Erdogan, this Mullah in the disguise of Democracy is hell bent on Islamising Turkey and fulfill his own meglomania of becoming the next Sultan of Turkey and the next Caliph. He has boxed himself in to a place from where he can only leave in a box or in an exile. There is no other end for him.
6
Erdogan is getting a taste of his own medicine. if he wasn't so concentrated on turning turkey into an Islamic police state turkey might stand a better chance of dealing with ISIS and the flow of Islamic militants flowing through turkey into Syria.
8
What comes after the mayhem and hell ruling over Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Palestine ,Turkey and quickly approaching Jordan and Lebanon, though already there in Lebanon but in subdred form?
What comes after the totaldestabilization, deinstitutlization, of the Orient.Though planned and substantially executed by the USA and Israel ,seemingly discreetly, neither can answer the question.
If anything more and worst of the same.
The whole thing is the outgrowth of the on off but centuries old Arab-Muslim/Judo-Colonialist Christian alliance confrontation that started with the collapse of the Byzantine empire on Arab Muslin hands, the Arabization and Islamization of the region and has been flaring ever since most glarigly with the Crusades first and recently with the implantation of Israel in Palestine.
The said alliance has been hatching a New Middle East with Israel primo inter non pares which will only aggravate the situation and lead to hopelessness in both camps and indefinte conflict, wars and endless destruction and bloodshed.
Only a GRAND RECONCILLATION that deals with, and redresses, the major aggressions of the said alliance can hope to , if not end it, then relegate it to the past where it belonggs
What comes after the totaldestabilization, deinstitutlization, of the Orient.Though planned and substantially executed by the USA and Israel ,seemingly discreetly, neither can answer the question.
If anything more and worst of the same.
The whole thing is the outgrowth of the on off but centuries old Arab-Muslim/Judo-Colonialist Christian alliance confrontation that started with the collapse of the Byzantine empire on Arab Muslin hands, the Arabization and Islamization of the region and has been flaring ever since most glarigly with the Crusades first and recently with the implantation of Israel in Palestine.
The said alliance has been hatching a New Middle East with Israel primo inter non pares which will only aggravate the situation and lead to hopelessness in both camps and indefinte conflict, wars and endless destruction and bloodshed.
Only a GRAND RECONCILLATION that deals with, and redresses, the major aggressions of the said alliance can hope to , if not end it, then relegate it to the past where it belonggs
4
TOLD YA SO! Turkish Intelligence services warned the government that ISIS would seek revenge. Between the warning, lax control of the Syrian border, and brutalizing the Turkish people, Erdogan has reaped what he has sown. Turkish reconciliation with Israel and Russia (strange bedfellows indeed) are signs of just how desperate Erdogan has become. It's too soon to tell whether his brutal regime is too far gone for moderation. But the instability being what it is in the Mideast, I'd say that Erdogan is due for a comeuppance sooner rather than later. And a well-deserved one at that. Erdogan is a case study of what happens when you force severely repressive religious laws on a liberal secular society. Fortunately for the Turks, the moderates are strong enough to hold their own, as it seems that the mullahs and ayatollahs, while a strong force in the country, have not overcome the secular civil laws and society. As to airports, hardening the targets in Turkey will be challenging and costly, but not impossible. One first step would be to forbid private vehicles into the airport and to have screenings in parking lots where passengers will be screened. It's complicated, costly and causes great disruption. But the alternative is future slaughters.
2
No one wants to die or have their love ones be murdered. It is time, however, to acknowledge, that Al Oaeda and ISIS are no existential threat to America or the West. Only we are ourselves can give up our rights and values.
2
Exactly which Western nations have not been championing rapprochement with PKK, Mustafa Bey. Has not the Tall Man of Ankara been lashing out at the US, UK, France, Belgium, Germany for their refusal to to see that the PKK is the greatest threat? That they fixate on ISIS because they're Islamophobes?
1
I feel sorry for the Turks but I am more concerned about the Fear and Loathing Industrial Complex here in the USA.
From Press hype and rank speculation to "security professionals" who seem willing to give up every part of our only reason for existing as a nation to begin with the founding documents.
Benjamin Franklin had it right "Those who would give up their freedoms to purchase temporary peace deserve neither."
From Press hype and rank speculation to "security professionals" who seem willing to give up every part of our only reason for existing as a nation to begin with the founding documents.
Benjamin Franklin had it right "Those who would give up their freedoms to purchase temporary peace deserve neither."
5
The policies of Erdogan to use ISIS against Kurd nationalists, who proved to be the only effective force against ISIS, and removing Asad helped ISIS in a big way to consolidate their power and control in certain pockets of Syria and Iraq. Turkey government has clandestinely supported ISIS by allowing foreigners to enter into Syria through Turkey, carrying weapons and buying oil from iSIS that now unraveling. Mr.Erdogan is trying to revive the Osmania Caliphate and demolish Kamalist secular legacy by suppressing internally opposition, press and other liberal voice and becoming champion of Palestenian cause. It is the same policy that Pakistan has pursued for last two decades to control Afghanistan through Taliban and internally supported Islamic militant groups to fight in Kashmir but ultimately now suffering from same policies.Turkey instead of learning the lesson from Pakistan Erdogan seems to be impressed from Pakistan military policies and tried to apply same against Syria and to weaken Kurds same time
19
Well observed!
1
This is a good analysis, but I would add to it that Turkey must join the west and both need to ratchet up the war to extinguish ISIS. ISIS has proved itself a regional and international destabilizing force, a Nazi-like scourge whose totalitarian ambitions are unprecedented in modern times. While hitting its command and control centres won't necessarily preclude isolated individuals from committing terror, destroying ISIS and preventing it from holding territory and weapons will help a lot to discourage and demoralize such incipient terror cells. You can theorize, as the NYT editorials and many op-ed writers love to do, all you want on what led up to the Istanbul airport atrocity and why. It doesn't matter.
The real cause is the people who did it and the people who controlled them, increasingly looking like an international ISIS (Islamist terror) operation as this BBC report suggests: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36670576
The NYT needs to tell readers how to destroy ISIS completely and quickly - it's a military problem foremost. The NYT doesn't need "experts", it needs to use common sense and knowledge of the issues and advise readers what should be done. That is its job.
And the same thing applies for Turkey internally viz Kurdish terror - they must root it out first and foremost. The Kurds have valid political complaints but no progress can occur and nothing will change as long as P.K.K. uses terror as a tactic.
First things first.
The real cause is the people who did it and the people who controlled them, increasingly looking like an international ISIS (Islamist terror) operation as this BBC report suggests: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36670576
The NYT needs to tell readers how to destroy ISIS completely and quickly - it's a military problem foremost. The NYT doesn't need "experts", it needs to use common sense and knowledge of the issues and advise readers what should be done. That is its job.
And the same thing applies for Turkey internally viz Kurdish terror - they must root it out first and foremost. The Kurds have valid political complaints but no progress can occur and nothing will change as long as P.K.K. uses terror as a tactic.
First things first.
1
A weak incoherent policy by our golf loving POTUS is responsible for the rise of ISIS. When Bush left office we saw purple thumbs and anti-war protestors. Now we have massacres in our homeland as well as overseas and our leadership grandstands about "gun violence." Al Qaeda mocks us by instructing its "lone wolves" to be sure to target non-minorities so that the foolish Americans get the message that they are indeed the targets of terrorism. Four more years of Hillary will be more of the same.
2
Simplistic and incorrect nonsense. Al Qaeda in Iraq and ISIS are the spawn of the Sunni insurgency that erupted the moment Bush overthrew Saddam. Purple fingers signified nothing except a changeover to Shiite oppression of Sunnis which promoted the growth of ISIS. You don't understand this and Trump certainly doesn't.
6
How quickly can we put bomb control in place.
I don't believe just pressing gun control will do to keep us safe.
I don't believe just pressing gun control will do to keep us safe.
2
Perhaps, the consensus that terror has a religion which can be named?
4
Whether it is ISIS or PKK whoever did this terrible attack in Istanbul, they do not belong to Islam and not even human being.
3
NATO planes protected US skies for months after 9-11 and pilots from Europe were thanked by Bush.
Time for NATO to step up and say enough violence and attacks on its members now that several NATO members have been attacked. Time for Turkey and Kurds in Syria and Iraq to join forces in fighting a common enemy. If Israel and Turkey could resume diplomatic relations last week at Obama's request, I am sure he can resolve the dilemma of attacks by Turkey on the Kurds.
A coalition of NATO with US and Turkey and the Kurds need to wipe out ISIS permanently even if done with ground troops and then rescue the civilians dying at the hands of Assad. They did it in Kosovo and the Russians were forced to stand down. They can do it here. Where's that authorization from Congress?
Time for NATO to step up and say enough violence and attacks on its members now that several NATO members have been attacked. Time for Turkey and Kurds in Syria and Iraq to join forces in fighting a common enemy. If Israel and Turkey could resume diplomatic relations last week at Obama's request, I am sure he can resolve the dilemma of attacks by Turkey on the Kurds.
A coalition of NATO with US and Turkey and the Kurds need to wipe out ISIS permanently even if done with ground troops and then rescue the civilians dying at the hands of Assad. They did it in Kosovo and the Russians were forced to stand down. They can do it here. Where's that authorization from Congress?
It is quite obvious from Iraq, Syria, and Libya, that the petty factionalism, tribalism and sectarianism, including ISIS, in the Moslem world can only be kept in check by ruthless authoritarianism. Bush lit the fuse in Iraq but Obama didn't learn the lesson in Libya and Syria. This part of the world must evolve on to the modern world on its own.
2
Dougl, isn't it ironic that the region of the world most dominated by the "religion of peace" can "only be kept in check by ruthless authoritarianism"? Isn't it ironic that a significant % of followers of the "religion of peace" have waged a longstanding and ongoing war/ jihad against such a large and diverse number of countries, religions and lifestyles around the world? Isn't it ironic that the vast majority of murders of Shia followers of the "religion of peace" are at the hands of Sunni followers of the "religion of peace"... and the vast majority of murders of Sunni followers of the "religion of peace" are at the hands of Shia followers of the "religion of peace". And Bush didn't light this fuse. This has been the history of the "religion of peace" for 1300 years. And isn't ironic that those who question the accuracy or validity of Islam being given the label "religion of peace" are the ones that get tagged with the label "intolerant". If the Islamic world wants to prove itself worthy of the label "religion of peace" then they have to take the initiative, and show success at living in peace with one another and with other religions and countries around the world. And if they can only accomplish that through ruthless authoritarian governments... then they forfeit the right to be referred to as a "religion of peace." Now we'll see if President Obama has the courage to give a speech in Cairo saying so.
5
Why is Akyol not in the paper every day? Or maybe twice each day and three times on the weekend. His one solution to innumerable problems in Turkey, Syria and Iraq comes down to two simple phrases: diminish Erdogan, elevate, arm and strongly support the Kurds in all four sectors of their middle eastern diaspora.
It is truly worth real tears that the Obama administration is a weak, feckless bunch lacking in courage, vision and skill when it comes to banging heads with the Turks and the Kurds and the Assads and the Shia in Baghdad. It is an area of American foreign and military operations that is truly shameful, toxic and deadly day after day.
Obama does not deserve his approval ratings. His current score helps Hillary against the unspeakable, but that is the only upside. Otherwise, the emperor is naked and very unattractive.
Please note, I voted for this guy twice and have rooted for him constantly until a couple years ago when his actions kept smothering the notion of a strong, secure, smart, deft and bold America.
It is truly worth real tears that the Obama administration is a weak, feckless bunch lacking in courage, vision and skill when it comes to banging heads with the Turks and the Kurds and the Assads and the Shia in Baghdad. It is an area of American foreign and military operations that is truly shameful, toxic and deadly day after day.
Obama does not deserve his approval ratings. His current score helps Hillary against the unspeakable, but that is the only upside. Otherwise, the emperor is naked and very unattractive.
Please note, I voted for this guy twice and have rooted for him constantly until a couple years ago when his actions kept smothering the notion of a strong, secure, smart, deft and bold America.
3
Perhaps because he was a Mehmet-come-lately to the idea. Long after all other reasonable observers had abandoned hope in the Great Islamid Democrat, Akyol refused to do so. Go back and read his Hurriyet Daily News and Al-Monitor columns for the past 6-7 years and watch him equivocate.
2
Turkey has followed the same explosive pattern as other Islamic countries in terms of population growth, having grown from 20 million in 1950 to almost 80 million today. You can easily see the manifestations of this growth when you fly into the Istanbul airport today as you fly over endless miles of faceless humanity crammed into the poverty-stricken ghetto neighborhoods of greater Istanbul, which likewise has exploded from 2 million to some 15 million (!!) in the same time period.
Well, guess what's going to happen with such population pressure? Turkey may *seem* more stable and developed than other Islamic countries, but under a thin veneer it is the same explosively demographic powderkeg as the other Islamic countries.
Erdogan is Turkey's Saddam Hussein, he's a necessary evil to keep this social pressure cooker from convulsively exploding like Iraq or Syria.
Well, guess what's going to happen with such population pressure? Turkey may *seem* more stable and developed than other Islamic countries, but under a thin veneer it is the same explosively demographic powderkeg as the other Islamic countries.
Erdogan is Turkey's Saddam Hussein, he's a necessary evil to keep this social pressure cooker from convulsively exploding like Iraq or Syria.
7
Iraq and Syria did not explode.
Iraq was set upon by a malevolent mickey mouse...Syria more deliberately by obama by arming the terrorists. Turkey, KSA and Qatar were willing catspaws.
Iraq was set upon by a malevolent mickey mouse...Syria more deliberately by obama by arming the terrorists. Turkey, KSA and Qatar were willing catspaws.
The article notes "Sources say that thanks to this warning [about a possible attack on Istanbul's airport], security had been heightened at the airport, perhaps preventing more deaths."
Given the number of casualties and the 43 deaths, one has to wonder, what, if anything, was done to increase security. If it was a massive effort, it was not very effective, which probably means terrorists can kill at will in Turkey and security is not much of a deterrent. That is not a very pleasant prospect. If the security increase was perfunctory, shame on the Turkish authorities.
Given the number of casualties and the 43 deaths, one has to wonder, what, if anything, was done to increase security. If it was a massive effort, it was not very effective, which probably means terrorists can kill at will in Turkey and security is not much of a deterrent. That is not a very pleasant prospect. If the security increase was perfunctory, shame on the Turkish authorities.
3
I was at this airport last month. I got off the subway, walked up a flight of stairs, down a hallway--and was in the main concourse. Never searched. I also saw a security guard at the Sultan Ahmet mosque using a wand security device, running it over people before they were allowed to enter. The battery pack was not even on the thing, but he was pretending it was working. I would doubt very much any report about "heightened security" or "warnings". But what can you expect? Turkey has allowed hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants to cross its borders to get to Greece--probably making money on them, but certainly not worried about their security. And thousands of ISIS wannabe killers have used the country as a staging ground. Am sure that Turks thought they were clever, soaking these people for bribes, smuggling fees, etc. This is what the "limitless immigration" that Erdogan has tried to stick the EU with really looks like. If you don't control your borders. Someone else will.
2
Trump campaign of hate and violence is responsible for this situation.
Turkey has recently also suffered terrorist attacks on its leader President Erdogan by vicious German stand up comics.
How can Turkey survive unless it comes up with a strategy to defeat both ISIS and these dangerous humorists.
Turkey has recently also suffered terrorist attacks on its leader President Erdogan by vicious German stand up comics.
How can Turkey survive unless it comes up with a strategy to defeat both ISIS and these dangerous humorists.
1
Turkey has played a nefarious role in the regions political turmoil and now its citizens have been forced to suffer the misjudgments of its leaders. Turkey led the way in supporting the civil war in Syria. They didn't do so out of any desire to spread democracy, only a desire to spread their own political influence and supplant the Saudi's who throw lots of money around, but have no operational capacity to exert influence.
Turkey allowed ISIS free passage over tis territory and opportunities for arms and resupply, as long as they were directed against the Assad government. But the alliances within the anti-Assad camp were always fragile and fragmented, with Al Nusra being supported by the Saudi's along with ISIS and a host of smaller units making up the US backed 'moderate jihadists'. The later continues to be a fiction of US policy.
But as the Kurds became critical to fighting ISIS while also advancing their own territorial aims all these alliances split up. Turkey attacked the Kurds who were supporting the US which was allowing, but not supporting Al Nusra, while the Saudi's were giving arms to everyone and Turks were smuggling oil from ISIS and selling it on the black market. The fact that this house of cards collapsed with an apparent ISIS attack against its former Turkish backers is not surprising given the conflicting interests at play. My condolences to the Turkish people that have been misled into this mindless power play and hope that others will not suffer.
Turkey allowed ISIS free passage over tis territory and opportunities for arms and resupply, as long as they were directed against the Assad government. But the alliances within the anti-Assad camp were always fragile and fragmented, with Al Nusra being supported by the Saudi's along with ISIS and a host of smaller units making up the US backed 'moderate jihadists'. The later continues to be a fiction of US policy.
But as the Kurds became critical to fighting ISIS while also advancing their own territorial aims all these alliances split up. Turkey attacked the Kurds who were supporting the US which was allowing, but not supporting Al Nusra, while the Saudi's were giving arms to everyone and Turks were smuggling oil from ISIS and selling it on the black market. The fact that this house of cards collapsed with an apparent ISIS attack against its former Turkish backers is not surprising given the conflicting interests at play. My condolences to the Turkish people that have been misled into this mindless power play and hope that others will not suffer.
9
So far as I read, we do not know who did these attacks
I offer nearby, that after all this time, and all these attacks and carnage, Islamic States cannot defend themselves against "their own" and THAT is the issue, threat detection, Mao's "fish in the sea"
(and of course our threat detection is much harder, but we are not even trying)
I offer nearby, that after all this time, and all these attacks and carnage, Islamic States cannot defend themselves against "their own" and THAT is the issue, threat detection, Mao's "fish in the sea"
(and of course our threat detection is much harder, but we are not even trying)
1
It will be business as usual with the Obama administration.
4
And exactly what do you expect them to do? This is not a US fight and we should keep out of it. We need to clean up our own radicals.
1
give the kurds the autonomy they deserve.
stop the daily belligerent overflights over the greek islands
kiss and make up with putin
close down all the tens of thousands of imam hatip religious schools that have opened over the last 30 years
will any of this happen? probably not...
stop the daily belligerent overflights over the greek islands
kiss and make up with putin
close down all the tens of thousands of imam hatip religious schools that have opened over the last 30 years
will any of this happen? probably not...
13
Last 10 years on the imam hatips. Yes yes, Juan Cole and others will tell you that they were first opened after the 1980 coup, in response to leftist agitation and unrest. What they forget to mention is that most of them were closed down in the 90s and few remained when AKP came to power.
Don't believe me? Go read Tayyip's speeches where he brags about his accomplishment.
And forget about it anyway. He's pushing a bill for a new education system, a parallel, religious system answerable to the Saray only.
Don't believe me? Go read Tayyip's speeches where he brags about his accomplishment.
And forget about it anyway. He's pushing a bill for a new education system, a parallel, religious system answerable to the Saray only.
The day will come when religious-based violence will be seen as even more odious than violence provoked by personal hatred and rage. All religious violence is premeditated because even random acts emanate from a value system that contains an extra, vestigial if you will, step.
In a world where the ice caps are melting and the international 1% are scarfing up 90% of global resources, we have real issues that need to be addressed not by prayer but by collective action.
Do you believe in magic? Do you teach your children fairy tales as if they were true? Are there spirits looking over us right now? This is the sort of psychosis into which many children born healthy can be pushed. After we inculcate in them a credo that does not brook dissent, we stand back horrified when they are willing to kill in its defense.
Like many politicians, Erdogan is trying to have it both ways. He doesn't want the barbaric aspects of Islam, but he would like an obedient populace, and what creates obedience (one way or another) better than religious indoctrination? Ataturk, like Peter the Great, knew that looking to the West was the best chance to rescue a nation mired in depression and continual violence.
In Syria, the Shi'ites hate the Sunnis, and the Sunnis hate the Alawites (an offshoot of Shi'a). Does anyone see any hope of reconciliation as long as these people have possibly minor doctrinal differences to justify homicide?
Let's quit staring at the trees. There is a forest here.
In a world where the ice caps are melting and the international 1% are scarfing up 90% of global resources, we have real issues that need to be addressed not by prayer but by collective action.
Do you believe in magic? Do you teach your children fairy tales as if they were true? Are there spirits looking over us right now? This is the sort of psychosis into which many children born healthy can be pushed. After we inculcate in them a credo that does not brook dissent, we stand back horrified when they are willing to kill in its defense.
Like many politicians, Erdogan is trying to have it both ways. He doesn't want the barbaric aspects of Islam, but he would like an obedient populace, and what creates obedience (one way or another) better than religious indoctrination? Ataturk, like Peter the Great, knew that looking to the West was the best chance to rescue a nation mired in depression and continual violence.
In Syria, the Shi'ites hate the Sunnis, and the Sunnis hate the Alawites (an offshoot of Shi'a). Does anyone see any hope of reconciliation as long as these people have possibly minor doctrinal differences to justify homicide?
Let's quit staring at the trees. There is a forest here.
30
What comes after the Istanbul Attacks? More attacks.
5
This terrible attack showed to Turkish people that no one is safe nowhere. The only way for Turkey to sustain its security is to clean ISIS presence in both Syrian and Iraqi borders. Turkish Army is capable of exterminating such a threat and must act decisively in upcoming days. And Turkish army is the only effective military machine and Western ally in the region to reach the target of eliminating ISIS once and for all.
During this "possible" military incursion, PKK will either support Turkey's action by a unilateral ceasefire or their existance in Norhern Iraq and Syria will be targeted too. Reminder: ISIS is the primary threat to Kurds of Syria and Iraq also.
Thousands of people died in Turkey since July 2015 of when the PKK war started again. Using the words "rapproachement" and "friends" regarding Turkey - PKK relationship can best be described as "naive". It's a decades old problem and needs to be adressed by the people living in Turkey. Everybody here is too tired of PKK insurgency including millions of Kurdish citizens. Because it is the homes and lives of the Kurds being destroyed by this insurgency which is targeting not only Turkish security forces but the very existance of Kurdish population.
Being the spearhead military machine of the global fight against ISIS threat will inevitably strengthen current Turkish administration at home and abroad.
Keep in mind Turkey or any other country is entitled to realize and sustain its security by any means necessary.
During this "possible" military incursion, PKK will either support Turkey's action by a unilateral ceasefire or their existance in Norhern Iraq and Syria will be targeted too. Reminder: ISIS is the primary threat to Kurds of Syria and Iraq also.
Thousands of people died in Turkey since July 2015 of when the PKK war started again. Using the words "rapproachement" and "friends" regarding Turkey - PKK relationship can best be described as "naive". It's a decades old problem and needs to be adressed by the people living in Turkey. Everybody here is too tired of PKK insurgency including millions of Kurdish citizens. Because it is the homes and lives of the Kurds being destroyed by this insurgency which is targeting not only Turkish security forces but the very existance of Kurdish population.
Being the spearhead military machine of the global fight against ISIS threat will inevitably strengthen current Turkish administration at home and abroad.
Keep in mind Turkey or any other country is entitled to realize and sustain its security by any means necessary.
8
You write "everybody here is too tired of PKK insurgency including millions of Kurdish citizens. Because it is the homes and lives of the Kurds being destroyed by this insurgency which is targeting not only Turkish security forces but the very existance of Kurdish population." True, most Turks and Kurds are tired of the internal strife. But as Mr. Akyol notes, it is Erdogan's strident rejection of a negotiated solution with the Kurds, and the ongoing destruction of Kurdish homes and lives by Turkish security forces, that are the prime motivators of this PKK insurgency--not the other way around.
2
This essay is a nice piece of distraction. The airport terrorist attack has nothing to do with Turkey's human rights record. Muslim fanatics who hate Turkey just murdered a lot of innocent people.
6
What comes after? Turkey will continue to aid and abet ISIS.
Turkey will continue to murder its minority citizens.
Turkey will still make harming their minorities a more important activity than fighting terror.
Turkey is fast joining the list of terror states along with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Turkey will continue to murder its minority citizens.
Turkey will still make harming their minorities a more important activity than fighting terror.
Turkey is fast joining the list of terror states along with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
8
Mr. Akyol you have ignored the most effective single item that Erdogan can do to start repairing the fabric of Turkish Society; which is to seek a detente with the Gulens. Without their help and compromising with them nothing that you mentioned could be achieved. Is it not true that if Erdogan did not had a falling out with Gulen, police and military intelligence might have prevented some of the attacks that have happened in Turkey in the last one year?
2
Nope, as a matter of fact, followers of Gulen was a problem in police and judiciary, since they were ignoring the warnings of intelligence agency, MIT, for instance in the case of Reyhanli attack. Their presumption was that MIT was serving to Iran or some other evil. Because of that, although MIT has warned prosecutors about the attack, they have ignored it and thought that "it was just a distraction to keep them away from prosecuting other possible terror attacks". Here is the link to the news about it (turkish): http://onedio.com/haber/bocek-oslo-uludere-ayni-imza-259223 And another news, which the prosecutor is saying "MIT warned about Reyhanli 16 hours before the attack, they knew it!" as if it is a problem for an intelligence agency to know an attack before it occurs! http://t24.com.tr/haber/mit-tirlari-savcisi-mit-reyhanlidan-16-saat-once...
The Turks are a tough bunch. In Korea when the Turks were our allies , they were fearsome fighters, the bravest of the brave. Now after the death of Ataturk and his secular policy and attempt to Westernize Turkey and join the modern world Mr. Erdogan wants to go backwards and make Turkey a religious country. Can't have it both ways. Turkey has to get rid of Erdogan and continue Turkey's policy of joining the modern Western world of Democracy. They were on the right track until religion changed their politics.
55
You are absolutely correct, and it will happen. As I was told by a highly educated Turk when we visited that lovely country two years ago, "it has taken us 90 years to build a secular democracy and we are not going to let one tyrant take it away from us." It is a powder keg.
29
What about changing glasses. How can you fight Kurds, ISIS, turkish leftist, turkish rightist, other minorities if they dare to say something, then specific social groups like academia, media; even business if they oppose bad country preformance; numerous outside stakeholders while exporting the vision of Ottoman power.
There is no other way out but secular, democratic, regionalised country to arrive at. Even Great Britian could fell apart, but who cares. So change the glasses.
There is no other way out but secular, democratic, regionalised country to arrive at. Even Great Britian could fell apart, but who cares. So change the glasses.
2
Erdogan's growing intolerance toward dissent and predilection for repressing newspapers is becoming problematic. There is a growing unease about his apparent schizophrenia. He desires European recognition, while engaging in domestic repression, and gives the U.S.access to the Incirlik air base, while utilizing Sunni extremists as proxies to engage the Kurds. Those are are tricky balancing acts. The attack on the airport was a potentially devastating blow to the Turkish economy and will force a showdown with ISIS. If Turkey finally closes the Syrian border, it will further isolate ISIS and shrink its area of control, as U.S. air power continues its methodical destruction of ISIS infrastructure. The airport attack could be a significant turning point in ISIS' inevitable defeat
21
What was Daesh thinking? The Turks were completely happy to go after the Kurds instead of them, now all hell is going to break loose for them. Haven't they ever heard that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend?" The Kurds have been the most effective force in Syria against Daesh; the Turks bombed Kurds. Now, their bombs will have a different name on them, IS.
2
I'm no military strategist -- I don't even have an armchair -- but it seems to me that a couple of Turkish armored divisions, backed up by jets and gunships, could roll up ISIS in a few weeks and end the caliphate. It also seems to me that military adventures are always popular with authoritarian leaders facing political embarrassment.
So I wouldn't be surprised if Erdogan decided to go for broke and go for Raqqa.
So I wouldn't be surprised if Erdogan decided to go for broke and go for Raqqa.
6
Well the US army had a go in Iraq and Afghanistan + not just alone - they had a massive backing of COW countries too. They had to hightail ultimately.
Poor Erdo ... all lonely and reaching out to make peace now after his belligerence... Watch Turkey. Its tourism industry will have a new logo ... have a blast if he attempts any derring dos against the IS it nurtured...
Poor Erdo ... all lonely and reaching out to make peace now after his belligerence... Watch Turkey. Its tourism industry will have a new logo ... have a blast if he attempts any derring dos against the IS it nurtured...
The main problem with Erdogan/AKP has been that they are incompetent for public good. Not a single AKP policy, domestic/international, has worked out. The Turkish economy didn't do any better EM averages. The ROI for AKP's constituency has been constructions projects. In large-scale public projects, almost all biding are non-competitive, and in small-scale projects, inside information is shared prior to key official zoning decisions. The rest, including terror, international policy, EU policies, justice, education, etc. is all secondary to the AKP model. Cases in point: Russia and Israel. The oddest self-inflicted wounds - examples of shear incompetency-, and funniest ways to reconciliations - insults to the human intelligence. The Turkish public has voted for the AKP, only because they have no other viable options.
I disagree with the author. This won't change no matter what happens in Turkey. AKP's propaganda machines are ineffective, no one in Turkey buys now-outdated childish arguments. And all know that they are cheap, hired guns. The only thing Erdogan does is to complain about the problems, as if he is just a by-stander. You cannot make it up! No matter what, be it a terror act and an international policy mess-up, the AKP cronies will remain lull and watch out for lucrative construction projects, which was the first promise made by the new prime minister. And the rest of the country will protest to no end. I seriously doubt if Erdogan is in charge, or cares at all.
I disagree with the author. This won't change no matter what happens in Turkey. AKP's propaganda machines are ineffective, no one in Turkey buys now-outdated childish arguments. And all know that they are cheap, hired guns. The only thing Erdogan does is to complain about the problems, as if he is just a by-stander. You cannot make it up! No matter what, be it a terror act and an international policy mess-up, the AKP cronies will remain lull and watch out for lucrative construction projects, which was the first promise made by the new prime minister. And the rest of the country will protest to no end. I seriously doubt if Erdogan is in charge, or cares at all.
Lets not forget that ISIS arose directly from American Machiavellian and predatory policies in the region and not Turkish ones. The US second invasion of Iraq created the monster Zarqawi and Wahhabism was a fringe fanatical movement in Islam defeated by the Ottoman State until it came back into power under the auspices of British and now American imperialism. Obama betrayed the Arab Spring despite Turkish warnings with the Saudi, Israeli, and UAE orchestrated anti-democratic coup in Egypt and his cynical abandonment of the doctors, teacher, and pharmacist who rose up enmasse against the genocidal Assad regime. Obama wanted to contain the bloodletting in Syria and the Assad regime used proxies like the PKK as well as allowed ISIS to form in order to derail the mainstream Syrian revolution. 9/11 and the current ISIS attacks are the bitter fruit of Western Imperialism in the Muslim world and a prime example of what Macolm X called "The chickens coming home to roost".
4
Casting blame, even correctly, does not fix a problem. The Turks were right in repeatedly telling the G.W. Bush administration that the only outcome of our invasion of Iraq would be bad. We screwed up royally in that part of the world. But like the sign in the curio shop says, "you break it you own it."
3
Your suggestions seem reasonable and necessary; Erdogan has subverted Turkey's strength by attacking the Kurds, the very group fighting courageously its common enemy, the Islamic State. Stupidity to prevail, especially now that ISIS is all out to spread terror, would be a self-inflicted wound, open and painful, reluctant to heal.
4
Apparently the allies--nations, kurds and others--fighting against ISIS have been killing Jihadists and taking-back territory. Perhaps we will see more and more attacks, away from the military zones, since that is the only strategy that gives the terrorists an advantage. Maybe it helps in their recruitment efforts, as well.
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Recommending allying with terrorists intent on carving out huge blocs of Turkish territory and Turkish people (along with that of seemingly every conflict riven country in the Middle East, each with a large Kurdish population), seems a strange approach to fighting ISIS terrorism.
Yes, Turkey can't fight everyone. But using Kurdish terrorists against ISIS should be viewed as mere battlefield convenience (temporary and limited in scope). Many examples, including our history with the Taliban in Afghanistan, show that "using" terrorists often means those same terrorists soon come after us. No one is good at "using" terrorists. No reason to expect Turkey can be either.
Yes, Turkey can't fight everyone. But using Kurdish terrorists against ISIS should be viewed as mere battlefield convenience (temporary and limited in scope). Many examples, including our history with the Taliban in Afghanistan, show that "using" terrorists often means those same terrorists soon come after us. No one is good at "using" terrorists. No reason to expect Turkey can be either.
6
So interesting as to how many of your editorial writers have answers to every problem imaginable. So fun to blame the victim. Crazy men and women historically have done lots of damage because?? they are frustrated and taking out their anger or they want power or they want to prove themselves,, keep the list going... Religious wars are rather fascinating.. esp. as religion is supposed to teach peace. The radical Muslimism _ or Sunni or whatever it is is frankly a travesty.. but then do we have to have religion, or could we just behave according a basic set of ethics and rules about how we behave towards each other. The situation in Turkey is very sad and intended to destabilize and cause criticism of the government?? maybe? Success!!
Just report the news,, and skip all of the opinion already.. Condolences to the friends and families of the murdered and wounded people. It was terrible.. and sad.....
Just report the news,, and skip all of the opinion already.. Condolences to the friends and families of the murdered and wounded people. It was terrible.. and sad.....
2
Mr. Akyol, was a staunch ally of Erdogan and his islamist policies until a few years ago. I watched him for many years argue with his secular opponents live on Turkish TVs how adulterating the secular principles of the republic would bring more freedom and democracy to the people. And Erdogan has been following this very path that he had been describing. Erdogan just drove a little faster and more reckless than Mr. Akyol hoped him to.
3
Turkey let Isis recruits and arms pass freely from Turkey into Syria, and purchased oil that gave Isis revenue, to combat Assad and also Iran. Now they find that you can get bit when petting the snake. And they picked the fight with the Kurds with viscious attacks, and now they don't like the results. We'll see how long the realpolitiking lasts. Sounds like cutting his losses (with Israel and Putin) so he can concentrate on.... what- annhilating the Kurds? Becoming Emperor for Life Erdogan? Scary that he is getting realistic again.
3
Most of the ISIS fighters arrived in Syria by passing through Turkey. It would appear that at least for a time Turkey viewed any and all Sunni fighters going to Syria as a helpful attack against the Assad government. When you invite terrorists to pass through your territory when you encourage evil to come live among you; should you be surprised when they turn on you?
41
Good point. And, least we forget, the U.S. helped the Taliban during their war with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. That certainly came back to 'bite us', didn't it? Moral: Your enemy's enemy is not your friend (or, commonly known as 'Don't make pacts with the devil').
1
For Turkey, the solutions will take time. As long as Erdogan will not control his pride, authoritarian tendencies, anger, impulsive paranoia, solutions will be illusive.
Continuing obsession with the Kurds will destroy Turkey from inside and it will keep the country from closer ties to Europe. Dealing realistically with the Armenian issue may also help.
Continuing obsession with the Kurds will destroy Turkey from inside and it will keep the country from closer ties to Europe. Dealing realistically with the Armenian issue may also help.
35
There is an ugly truth about deaths from terrorism that political leaders around the world will not acknowledge. Those deaths don't matter very much, except in so far as they might affect public opinion.
The death of 50 people or even 100 people does not, by itself, change the geopolitical picture. Turkey's position in the Middle East does not change even if it has to suffer two or three terrorist attacks per year.
But reconciling with Kurdish nationalists, you might be going down the road of redrawing Turkey's borders. That affects Turkey's regional power, and thereby the power of its leaders. Power IS something political leaders pay a lot attention to.
This means Mr. Akyol's rational suggestion of Ankara reaching some kind of rapprochement with PKK to combat ISIS will unlikely be unheeded. Erdogan only needs to do enough against ISIS so public opinion does not turn so much against him it threatens his power. But giving PKK legitimacy or breathing room threatens Turkey's power? I suspect it won't just be Islamists like Erdogan who are against it, but also secular, nationalistic Attaturkists.
The death of 50 people or even 100 people does not, by itself, change the geopolitical picture. Turkey's position in the Middle East does not change even if it has to suffer two or three terrorist attacks per year.
But reconciling with Kurdish nationalists, you might be going down the road of redrawing Turkey's borders. That affects Turkey's regional power, and thereby the power of its leaders. Power IS something political leaders pay a lot attention to.
This means Mr. Akyol's rational suggestion of Ankara reaching some kind of rapprochement with PKK to combat ISIS will unlikely be unheeded. Erdogan only needs to do enough against ISIS so public opinion does not turn so much against him it threatens his power. But giving PKK legitimacy or breathing room threatens Turkey's power? I suspect it won't just be Islamists like Erdogan who are against it, but also secular, nationalistic Attaturkists.
9
Mustafa Akyol's book “Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty,” sounds more like a plaintive cry for help rather than a workable manifesto for the future.
Pious Muslims believe that there can be NO separation between mosque and state. The more pious the state – the preamble to Pakistan's constitution, for example, starts with "Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone..." – the more extreme interpretations of Islam thrive in the state.
Even the slightest nod to Islam, as in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, leads to eruptions of violence.
It is true that Islam is a great and glorious example of man's quest for god but what's to be done about the way it's currently manifested in parts of the world?
Pious Muslims believe that there can be NO separation between mosque and state. The more pious the state – the preamble to Pakistan's constitution, for example, starts with "Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone..." – the more extreme interpretations of Islam thrive in the state.
Even the slightest nod to Islam, as in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, leads to eruptions of violence.
It is true that Islam is a great and glorious example of man's quest for god but what's to be done about the way it's currently manifested in parts of the world?
37
And in the US it's "in God we trust". I don't really see the difference.
5
"In God We Trust" has been the official motto of the US since 1956 and, yes, has appeared on coins (since 1864) and paper currency (since 1957).
It is not, however, in the constitution of the US, which explicitly forbids the establishment of a state sponsored religion (First Amendment, Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause) –
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
Do you see the difference now?
It is not, however, in the constitution of the US, which explicitly forbids the establishment of a state sponsored religion (First Amendment, Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause) –
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
Do you see the difference now?
1
This article makes great points. Turkey does need to be reasonable and accommodating to the Kurds and Erdogan needs to stop fomenting Islamism to keep people too authoritarian to oppose his dictatorial practices. But ISIS kind of treats everyone the same, regardless of how the society they operate in deals with internal sociopolitical pressures. France and Belgium have these same problems where Arabs are lower class people who live in segregated communities. The US has this same problem where Muslims are more educated than average and tend to have decent job opportunities as did the fellows in San Bernadino and Orlando. And Yazidi girls in Iraq have the biggest problem of all, and they didn't oppose anybody with drones or alliances with infidel nations. This is the bottom line: someone has to completely destroy ISIS. Maybe it will be the Turkish or the Kurds or the US or all of us together, but destroying ISIS the main thing that really matters here. Until then, there will be ISIS.
10
Turkey has not learnt the lessons of history from the mistakes of Pakistan, period
10
Yes, I'm sure that Mr. Akyol is right, but even if Mr. Erdogan and Turkey had no sins at all, ISIS would still find some reason to attack it, just as it finds reasons to attack every other state and every other people.
6
All civil government is anathema to the Islam of ISIS.
2
May be the real solution, Erdogan leave power.
It is obvious that Erdogan causing significant problem and his party is going to lost everything after him.
It is obvious that Erdogan causing significant problem and his party is going to lost everything after him.
3
Erdogan's imposition of religious conservatism has been widely attacked in the West. And there is little doubt that Erdogan has worn out his welcome among champions of democracy. But to blame his abandonment of secularism for this attack, which was likely motivated by ISIS's condemnation of Turkish apostasy, requires a rhetorical flare but not much common sense. The argument is that if Turkey becomes more secular that will tend to resolve the conflict with ISIS. There are lots of reasons to call for Turkish secularism. But as a strategy to overcome ISIS terrorism, it leaves something to be desired.
4
I agree; ISIS, with its truly bizarre vision of Islam, will see Turkey as heretical whatever Turkey does. Turkey must secularize, but not because this will secure it against Muslim fanatics.
Meanwhile, Kurdish rapprochement is absolutely needed. Turkey can't fight both ISIS and the Kurds at the same time, at the same place. That way lies madness and lots and lots of death.
Meanwhile, Kurdish rapprochement is absolutely needed. Turkey can't fight both ISIS and the Kurds at the same time, at the same place. That way lies madness and lots and lots of death.
5
While he is at it, Erdogan can apologize to the Armenians, get Turkish troops out of Cyprus and negotiate with the Greeks, and stop Turks from buying oil from ISIS and being a conduit for supplying ISIS. Oh, yes, hating the secular Assad government is not useful.
10
Rapprochement with the PKK might be more rational, but human beings don't do rational very well. It seems the one thing the old school secular Attaturkists and the Islamists can agree on is hatred for Kurds and a commitment to stamp out Kurdish separatism. Recent events in the Syrian Civil War suggests, given the option of carrying out operations against ISIS, against Al-Assad, or against Kurds, the Turkish military would rather focus on Kurds.
11
After nearly 1500 years, you would think they would have learned their lesson by now, that if you play with fire you'll get burned.
There is only one right step forward for Islamic countries like Turkey -- respect democracy -- meaning, care for your people -- meaning, stop aiding and funding terrorism around the world.
There is only one right step forward for Islamic countries like Turkey -- respect democracy -- meaning, care for your people -- meaning, stop aiding and funding terrorism around the world.
24
As the author obliquely indicates Turkey's first problem is Erdogan's continued dismantling of Democracy and Freedom to make himself a Putin-like dictator, building himself a ridiculous palace and killing Turkey's chances of joining the EU. Then, with a reasonable government, a fair Kurdish settlement can be reached, so Turkey will no longer have a three-front war.
65
Thoughtful article. I consider the greatest source of instability in Turkey to be the instinctual drive for 100%. 100% secularism, or 100% AKP domination, or 100% Turkishness, or 100% Kurdish independence or self-governance, or 100% domination in the region.
6
Great article. Fighting against your own citizens is a war that is always lost eventually, always.
20
How many times does mankind have to discover the toxic relationship between politics and religion. Both are belief based and frequently find each other in mortal conflict. Look at ISIS in which religion and its tenants is implicit in its political world view and the US where political correctness, although now somewhat debased, at least keeps the discussion open and options on the table.
Through his efforts Erdogan is apparently shifting the Turkish society from a political base to a religious one which is bad news for everyone involved because the latter is based on the past and incapable of adapting to the inevitable future.
Through his efforts Erdogan is apparently shifting the Turkish society from a political base to a religious one which is bad news for everyone involved because the latter is based on the past and incapable of adapting to the inevitable future.
73
It's easier to control an observant religious population than one that is secular.
The emperors of Rome capitalized on this concept once they legitimatized Christianity and encouraged the Church Fathers to domesticate their flock.
The Saud family recognized it and embraced the Wahhabis as its spiritual partner.
Erdogan would love for all of Turkey's citizens to behave like good little Muslims, because Islam commands that they obey any observant leader, no matter what his excesses.
The emperors of Rome capitalized on this concept once they legitimatized Christianity and encouraged the Church Fathers to domesticate their flock.
The Saud family recognized it and embraced the Wahhabis as its spiritual partner.
Erdogan would love for all of Turkey's citizens to behave like good little Muslims, because Islam commands that they obey any observant leader, no matter what his excesses.
6
This conflict has nothing to do with religion. 'Islam' is just a label that the terrorists slap on themselves as if to justify their violence. The vast majority of people in Turkey are Muslims who do not support violence nor using Islam as a cover for violence (and, for that matter, the vast majority of people in the Middle East abhor violence).
I lived in Turkey at a time when there political radicals committing acts of violence, but not under an Islamic label but under a radical (Communist, Socialist, even Fascist) label. The violence comes from angry people. The slogans are an attempt by them to justify their anger. Don't mix the two up.
I lived in Turkey at a time when there political radicals committing acts of violence, but not under an Islamic label but under a radical (Communist, Socialist, even Fascist) label. The violence comes from angry people. The slogans are an attempt by them to justify their anger. Don't mix the two up.
Since just about every country in the world is not perfect, there is always some basis for "blame" to be attached to the country that is the target of terrorism.
For someone to point out such imperfection is beyond lame.
How about a column that throws "blame" on the terrorists?
For someone to point out such imperfection is beyond lame.
How about a column that throws "blame" on the terrorists?
13
The author is a respected Turkish journalist. I would consider his editorial to be thoughtful self-analysis.
47
Agreed.
There isn't enough Muslim "front" or Muslim response to what occurred in turkey...I don't understand why the Mislim leaders don't respond to this attack their own people from within their religion....attack on children and innocent.
There isn't enough Muslim "front" or Muslim response to what occurred in turkey...I don't understand why the Mislim leaders don't respond to this attack their own people from within their religion....attack on children and innocent.
6