Anyone outside of the Erdogan shill network knows he is a hate monger, a megalomaniac and mass murderer without any moral restraint. The shame is how our govt. is manipulated by him.
105
Putin, Erdogan and Khameini are driven by paranoia, which they also exploit in order to stay in power. It is a kind self-fulfilling paranoia because they keep creating the conditions for their regimes' collapse. We should really worry about any of these countries descending into chaos, which will be catastrophic for the whole world. We shouldn't worry about them teaming up against the US, because they actually are much more suspicious of each other than they they proclaim to be about the West. It take one (paranoiac) to know one.
44
Obama has not had a Turkey policy since before Gezi. It's an unfortunate truth tied to his lack of a Syria policy and a Libya policy. He's done better than his predecessor in that region, but simply by keeping his disasters smaller.
18
Mr. Barkey has the right to defend himself -via NYT- of accusations leveled against him during the failed military coup in Turkey. However, two points must be taken into account.
First, in politics perception cannot be changed even when based on flimsy evidence.
It is no secret in many corners of the world that American scholars --particularly those working on think tanks in DC-- are considered suspect to have links with US security services.
Second, the so-called regime change policy of the Bush era has not been forgotten, particularly in the developing world including Turkey.
In this new era of the global war on terrorism, American scholars should be aware of the new geopolitical landscape while working overseas.
Doing scholar work overseas -particularly in the Middle East/Turkey -- can now be considered a hardship/dangerous job.
First, in politics perception cannot be changed even when based on flimsy evidence.
It is no secret in many corners of the world that American scholars --particularly those working on think tanks in DC-- are considered suspect to have links with US security services.
Second, the so-called regime change policy of the Bush era has not been forgotten, particularly in the developing world including Turkey.
In this new era of the global war on terrorism, American scholars should be aware of the new geopolitical landscape while working overseas.
Doing scholar work overseas -particularly in the Middle East/Turkey -- can now be considered a hardship/dangerous job.
52
I always doubted Turkey would ever exit NATO, no matter the euphoria the Russian MSM right after Erdogan stifled the CIA-planned coup with Russian intelligence. Now I'm certain Turkey will never exit NATO.
After the conquest/invasion of Jarabulus - against Russia's orders - it's obvious Erdogan is cautiously but decisively exploring the small space both titans of geopolitics in the region - USA and Russia - have left between them. He's seeking an independent stance, neither completely pro-USA, nor completely pro-Russia. Today, we can safely say he is still an American ally, but more an ally of the Southeastern Asian type: the type that uses a distant superpower (USA) as a leverage to negotiate with the neighbor superpower (China). It just happens that the key is now inverted: it's using the neighbor superpower (Russia) to leverage against the distant superpower (USA).
After the conquest/invasion of Jarabulus - against Russia's orders - it's obvious Erdogan is cautiously but decisively exploring the small space both titans of geopolitics in the region - USA and Russia - have left between them. He's seeking an independent stance, neither completely pro-USA, nor completely pro-Russia. Today, we can safely say he is still an American ally, but more an ally of the Southeastern Asian type: the type that uses a distant superpower (USA) as a leverage to negotiate with the neighbor superpower (China). It just happens that the key is now inverted: it's using the neighbor superpower (Russia) to leverage against the distant superpower (USA).
18
Turkey's democracy has been eroding under Mr.Erdogan. The clumsy coup has given him more ammunition to proceed against his enemies and against the Minority Turkish Kurds. Turkey's history of the past century with ethnic minorities Such as Armenians and Greeks has been disgraceful. America must not back off from supporting the Syrian Kurds seen by Turkey as an arch enemy like ISIS. The only way to ensure that the restive Turkish Kurds are humanely treated is by supporting the creation of an independent Kurdish nation comprising their homelands in Syria and Iraq.
30
Mr. Barkey why exactly was it so necessary to meet on a small island off the coast of Istanbul to conclude that Iran is has been behind every atrocity by mankind since Cyrus the Great established the Persian empire? Sir you could have published these accusations from the comfort of your study in a nice American suburb like everyone else.
23
Imagine what could happen if Turkey seized the airbase and its nukes (or attempted to). Would Obama have the guts to declare war? I support Mr. Obama but that's a scenario where diplomacy isn't going to work. We have to be prepared for the worst.
13
***Please do not publish the previous comment it contained irrelevant information.*** The commen below is the one I inteneded to post
The US should not turn the other cheek. This will be very wrong. This will only embolden him and unleash even more radicalization in Turkey. We should do what Putin did after Turkey shot the Russian plane. Putin then took a very harsh and compromising position- Erdogan then acted like a puppy, apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Can't we show a bit of a political backbone as well.
Dictators do not appreciate grace and moderation, they surely do not appreciate Obama’s meek and conciliatory approach.
The US should not turn the other cheek. This will be very wrong. This will only embolden him and unleash even more radicalization in Turkey. We should do what Putin did after Turkey shot the Russian plane. Putin then took a very harsh and compromising position- Erdogan then acted like a puppy, apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Can't we show a bit of a political backbone as well.
Dictators do not appreciate grace and moderation, they surely do not appreciate Obama’s meek and conciliatory approach.
23
The mission of the School of International and Public Affairs (SPIA) is to provide students with an excellent education based on a first-rate teaching, hands-on experience, and practical exposure to the political processes in the Washington DC, and Northern Virginia areas. The School offers two programs Master of Science in International Relations (MIR) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
US should not turn the other cheek. This will be very wrong. This will only embolden him and unleash even more radicalization in Turkey. We should do what Putin did after Turkey shot the Russian plane. Putin then took a very harsh and compromising position- Erdogan then acted like a puppy, apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Can't we show a bit of a political backbone as well.
Dictators do not appreciate grace and moderation, they surely do not appreciate Obama’s meek and conciliatory approach.
US should not turn the other cheek. This will be very wrong. This will only embolden him and unleash even more radicalization in Turkey. We should do what Putin did after Turkey shot the Russian plane. Putin then took a very harsh and compromising position- Erdogan then acted like a puppy, apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Can't we show a bit of a political backbone as well.
Dictators do not appreciate grace and moderation, they surely do not appreciate Obama’s meek and conciliatory approach.
4
It appears that the old Mongolian Golden Horde is reuniting with Erdogan, Putin, and the Ayatollah as the new Khans. I am sure they will make Genghis proud.
19
Odd, the author does sound like someone who might be part of plot. And the suggestion that Obama demand a stop to Turkish anti-American bashing? Maybe Obama might try that on Iran first and see what we got for the money returned- other than the release of hostages which had nothing to do with the changing hands of money . Oh, wait, then they changed their story.
12
american wants Syrian Kurd's to succeed and join Iraqi Kurd and then Turkey should be next to make a state Kurdistan"". Guess who will going to have bases there??"Turkey has understood the plan and they moved againt Syrian Kurds. let us what happen next
12
What the author does not want us to consider are the following:
The "Kurds" that the US supports in Syria (YPG) are extension of PKK, recognized as terrorist organization both by US and EU, which has been waging a brutal war against Turks to carve up south-eastern Turkey. Unlike these 'terrorist' Kurds Turkey has had good relations with Barzani-led Iraqi Kurds. Secondly, as the author acknowledges, the putschists in the Turkish army were mostly loyal to US-backed Gulen movement. Mr. Gulen's green card application was supported by ex-CIA directors (Google it). And civil members of this movement have been well positioned in government offices for many years to help out their brethren in the army in making the failed coup a success. Now ask yourself this: while the US is supporting/hosting Turkey's prime enemies what do you expect Turks to think? Focusing only on Erdogan's mistakes does not help us get the whole picture right.
The "Kurds" that the US supports in Syria (YPG) are extension of PKK, recognized as terrorist organization both by US and EU, which has been waging a brutal war against Turks to carve up south-eastern Turkey. Unlike these 'terrorist' Kurds Turkey has had good relations with Barzani-led Iraqi Kurds. Secondly, as the author acknowledges, the putschists in the Turkish army were mostly loyal to US-backed Gulen movement. Mr. Gulen's green card application was supported by ex-CIA directors (Google it). And civil members of this movement have been well positioned in government offices for many years to help out their brethren in the army in making the failed coup a success. Now ask yourself this: while the US is supporting/hosting Turkey's prime enemies what do you expect Turks to think? Focusing only on Erdogan's mistakes does not help us get the whole picture right.
22
Instead of accusing the United States of doing too much Erdogan should accuse it, correctly, of not doing anything at all.
The tyrant in Syria has killed 500,000 people, tortured children, used his warplanes to bomb his own cities, and continues to use chemical weapons against his own people in violation of the so called Agreement to give up all of his chemical weapons. America's response? Nothing. No safe zones that we can put in place so that some of the five million people who fled their barbaric dictator can have a safe haven within their country instead of destabilizing Jordan, Lebanon, and fleeing to Europe where the refugee crisis has caused the Brits to leave the European Union, and may cause the downfall of our best ally, Merkel, of Germany.
Our government has done nothing about Egypt, the recipient of the second largest amount of our foreign aid, from engaging in a coup and putting democratically elected officials in prison and sentencing several to death.
Our government has done nothing about trying to stabilize Libya after helping overthrow Ghadafi and caused that country to fall apart.
Before the coup ever took place our government kept silent about Erdogan's attack against freedom of speech and the press while he strengthened his dictatorship.
The Russians hack into our political parties and State voting appartus and we do nothing.
Erdogan should not blame the coup on America. America has been busy sleeping while chaos and disorder have reigned.
The tyrant in Syria has killed 500,000 people, tortured children, used his warplanes to bomb his own cities, and continues to use chemical weapons against his own people in violation of the so called Agreement to give up all of his chemical weapons. America's response? Nothing. No safe zones that we can put in place so that some of the five million people who fled their barbaric dictator can have a safe haven within their country instead of destabilizing Jordan, Lebanon, and fleeing to Europe where the refugee crisis has caused the Brits to leave the European Union, and may cause the downfall of our best ally, Merkel, of Germany.
Our government has done nothing about Egypt, the recipient of the second largest amount of our foreign aid, from engaging in a coup and putting democratically elected officials in prison and sentencing several to death.
Our government has done nothing about trying to stabilize Libya after helping overthrow Ghadafi and caused that country to fall apart.
Before the coup ever took place our government kept silent about Erdogan's attack against freedom of speech and the press while he strengthened his dictatorship.
The Russians hack into our political parties and State voting appartus and we do nothing.
Erdogan should not blame the coup on America. America has been busy sleeping while chaos and disorder have reigned.
16
At least you get to whine and complain on the NYT op-ed pages.
Where are the voices explaining official Turkish actions? Or do we let people like you, with real and imagined grievances against Turkish authorities be our "sources" at the NYT and elsewhere?
To you seemingly everything is 'about America!" If Turkey attacks Kurds on its border, who are threatening to lay the basis for a Kurdish state that could forever incite Kurds in Turkey and support/instigate and continue the violence and carnage Turkey regularly experiences, it must be because these particular groups are "American-backed." Any history there that you're aware of with regard to Kurds and Turkey?
And if you're worried about the "long-term consequences" of government propaganda, do you really need to look further than our very own USofA govt.?
What worries me most is that if people with your outlook are driving academic gatherings about profound matters like "Iran's relations with its neighbors," then we have every reason to worry that there is no reason to expect any change in the short-sighted duplicitous actions of our government (here's another "long-term" for you) since the signing of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Or any change in the Sunni juggernaut to push Iran into a corner that is as irrelevant as possible.
BTW, maybe if Gulen didn't live in America & maybe if the EU had been more welcoming & less racist in its reception of Turkish membership, there'd be fewer Turkish "conspiracy" theories.
Where are the voices explaining official Turkish actions? Or do we let people like you, with real and imagined grievances against Turkish authorities be our "sources" at the NYT and elsewhere?
To you seemingly everything is 'about America!" If Turkey attacks Kurds on its border, who are threatening to lay the basis for a Kurdish state that could forever incite Kurds in Turkey and support/instigate and continue the violence and carnage Turkey regularly experiences, it must be because these particular groups are "American-backed." Any history there that you're aware of with regard to Kurds and Turkey?
And if you're worried about the "long-term consequences" of government propaganda, do you really need to look further than our very own USofA govt.?
What worries me most is that if people with your outlook are driving academic gatherings about profound matters like "Iran's relations with its neighbors," then we have every reason to worry that there is no reason to expect any change in the short-sighted duplicitous actions of our government (here's another "long-term" for you) since the signing of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Or any change in the Sunni juggernaut to push Iran into a corner that is as irrelevant as possible.
BTW, maybe if Gulen didn't live in America & maybe if the EU had been more welcoming & less racist in its reception of Turkish membership, there'd be fewer Turkish "conspiracy" theories.
22
As I've written many many times, the world is entering a "rule of man" vs. "rule of law" schism between two blocs. One by one, countries are making their choices. It seems Erdogan has been working on his choice for some time now.
He is now a mini Putin.
Here in this country, Trump is a Putin in waiting.
He is now a mini Putin.
Here in this country, Trump is a Putin in waiting.
35
I also was recently in Turkey - my perspective is different. I think Erdogan has become a demagogue in its truest form - pretending at democracy while reshuffling the field to consolidate his despotic power. I wouldn't even be surprised to learn he orchestrated the coup as it allowed his takeover to fall right into place. The $6B infusion from the EU to rid Europe of the refugee problem helped emboldened and enriched him. It is no accident that the US is now his target while Putin is embraced - he can't keep up the charade to do what he wants without realigning his allies. He and the precariousness of his warheads and military might makes Turkey among the most dangerous spots on the globe now. He plans to use that threat to his every advantage to become the leader of a far right anti-secular powerhouse.
57
There's friends, enemies, and a whole lot of acquaintances in most people's lives. I'd like to see this country get back to having a few friends, some obvious enemies and a whole lot more acquaintances. Call it isolationist if you will, but we influence best when we lecture, arm and bomb the least. Turkey is no friend. Saudi Arabia is no friend. Pakistan is no friend. Israel is not even a close friend, stirring the pot and giving us marching orders.
36
As the words does not any meaning in the Obama's administration....I wonder how long they think it's possible to be in "strategique partnership "whit an Erdogan which has for claire agenda to establish an autoritarian rulle base on "muslims brotherhood" which is the Sunnie variant of Irans shiit rules.He will break all ties with US when he is sur that with the help of US he has succeded with annihilating the Kurdish résistance as the last opposant of his wills in the Turkish legislatory.
6
I've been in Turkey twice during Erdogan's regime, once in the South and then in Istanbul. There I asked a man sitting next to me at a bus stop, "How do the Turks feel about America?' His response was, "We like Americans but we hate America." The hatred of America seems to permeate the air in Turkey. They are not our friends. We need to be disentangled from them.
21
Aha! Your own words convict you. Erdogan is the state.
4
The stupid clumsy failed coup attempt was a gift to Erdogan's authoritarian program. US foreign adventurism in the 1950s created a decades-long rolling disaster. If there was any US intelligence service involvement in the Turkish fiasco, those responsible should be shot, by us.
11
More like Erdogan orchestrated the coup himself.
19
Just the latest manifestation, of the catastrophe that is U.S. international relations under Secretaries of State Clinton and Kerry. Libya, Syria, Turkey, meddling in the Brexit vote (and supporting the losing side), debacle after debacle after debacle, with no successes anyone can identify.
8
Wow! It's amazing, truly amazing how much you clowns on the right blame Hillary for every ill in the world while at the same time stressing she was the most ineffectual SOS ever. Get over Hillary and help find real solutions to the worlds problems.
52
The author sounds surprised and maybe offended that the Turkish government would have immediately suspected of him and other Americans, but if we look at history US intervention has many times before been present in such foreign events...so if this time it appears that it is not the case let’s not judge the Turkish government why they would be suspicious.
9
Letting the cat out of the bag:
In a Twitter tweet from his own blog, Zig. Brzezinski wrote a precis of a new article he wrote for The American Interest magazine. He writes, “The US backing of the attempted coup against the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a grave mistake that could deliver a major blow to the US reputation.”
http://journal-neo.org/2016/08/31/top-usa-national-security-officials-ad....
In a Twitter tweet from his own blog, Zig. Brzezinski wrote a precis of a new article he wrote for The American Interest magazine. He writes, “The US backing of the attempted coup against the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a grave mistake that could deliver a major blow to the US reputation.”
http://journal-neo.org/2016/08/31/top-usa-national-security-officials-ad....
7
If Brezinski is right, then our administration is speaking with forked tongue. Any surprise then that Erdogan is "striking back!"
4
Everything in Turkey is, or soon will be, out of control. Erdogan is just another tin-pot dictator, reliant on the support of islamic zealots to blame everything on something else. I believe the Armenian genocide was also the fault of America, and not the Turks.
7
Well, Dr. Barkey, as Ed Messe used to say: "If you haven't done anything wrong, you don't have anything to worry about!"
5
This is bad. Turkey under Erdogan is proving itself to be an unstable and dangerous ally almost in the same league as Pakistan. Kiss any chance of joining the EEC goodbye. They are making things far worse for themselves.
14
I have no special insight to offer on the current political situation in Turkey. However, as someone who has travelled in Turkey, who was warmly received wherever I went by a people as generous as they were proud, and who has studied some of their art and history, I hope the current crisis passes quickly (though I fear it will not). If there is an appropriate diplomatic path, I hope the Obama administration can act quickly to stabilize Turkish relations with the West, though conspiracy theories are notoriously hard to quell.
12
The anti U.S. sentiment was deliberately created by Erdogan and the Turkish government for the purpose of damping any U.S. response or protest to the very undemocratic rounding up and jailing of any and all opponents to the Erdogan regime. In fact the very fact of a coup it self is open to question as it has proved so very convenient for Erdogan to use as an excuse seize complete and total control of Turkish government. Erdogan is not a friend of the U.S. as he is far more interested in oppressing the Kurds and eliminating Assad then he is in the removal of ISIS.
72
" .. Iran, ... is an island of stability in .. a sea of turmoil ..." Jimmy Carter 31 December 1977 toasting the Shah in Tehran.
40 years too early, or spoke eternal truth? Iran at peace, not attacked anyone since Greco-Persian wars.
Our allies or foes - Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Saudis, Pakistan, Russia, either in internal conflict, or face external threats.
Iran at peace within itself and without. From Turkey to Tokyo, Iran is the only system without immediate hostile borders - Turkey has Russia, Israel has Arabs, Pakistan has India, China has Japan.
All because of us. Iran enemies to the north, west, and east were eliminated by us. 1980s USSR, 1990s Saddam, 2000s Talibans.
Rather that "death to America", Mullahs should be murmuring "long live America". We have done their bidding.
Time to pivot to Iran.
40 years too early, or spoke eternal truth? Iran at peace, not attacked anyone since Greco-Persian wars.
Our allies or foes - Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Saudis, Pakistan, Russia, either in internal conflict, or face external threats.
Iran at peace within itself and without. From Turkey to Tokyo, Iran is the only system without immediate hostile borders - Turkey has Russia, Israel has Arabs, Pakistan has India, China has Japan.
All because of us. Iran enemies to the north, west, and east were eliminated by us. 1980s USSR, 1990s Saddam, 2000s Talibans.
Rather that "death to America", Mullahs should be murmuring "long live America". We have done their bidding.
Time to pivot to Iran.
4
Any has knowledge about Turkish republic history particularly coupe d'état parts, clearly claim that Turkey has the most efficient Coupe experience in the military history.
Lets put in perspective, If Augusto Pinochet is 9/10 , Turkey's Generals Evren, Turun , Tagmac have stellar 10/10.
So what is the last one, 2/10.
It is obvious that Gulen movement has carried out, but Erdogan looks like the mastermind behind it. ( this will be proved only after if Gulen handed over Turkey and Turkey disclose all information in front of world press without censure) other wise Erdogan is the leader of coupe no doubt.
In Balkan middle east part of the world, there is sentiment since WWI, great powers meddles with these very independent nations ( according to them) , they never make any mistakes.
Greta power are always wanted to provoke these nations in to the political turmoil, just not letting them to be more powerful an prosperous etc.
Erdogan is playing antique book of WWI , going back to glorious Ottoman times, which Ottoman's last glory is about 15th century.
At this moment one can clearly say that Erdogan degraded Turkey the level of Pakistan, This will perpetuate his and his conservative religious agendas power decades to come.
Erdogan is become solely another Saddam, or Hafez Assad , nothing more.
Lets put in perspective, If Augusto Pinochet is 9/10 , Turkey's Generals Evren, Turun , Tagmac have stellar 10/10.
So what is the last one, 2/10.
It is obvious that Gulen movement has carried out, but Erdogan looks like the mastermind behind it. ( this will be proved only after if Gulen handed over Turkey and Turkey disclose all information in front of world press without censure) other wise Erdogan is the leader of coupe no doubt.
In Balkan middle east part of the world, there is sentiment since WWI, great powers meddles with these very independent nations ( according to them) , they never make any mistakes.
Greta power are always wanted to provoke these nations in to the political turmoil, just not letting them to be more powerful an prosperous etc.
Erdogan is playing antique book of WWI , going back to glorious Ottoman times, which Ottoman's last glory is about 15th century.
At this moment one can clearly say that Erdogan degraded Turkey the level of Pakistan, This will perpetuate his and his conservative religious agendas power decades to come.
Erdogan is become solely another Saddam, or Hafez Assad , nothing more.
8
The Turkey situation shows how democracy doesn't necessarily imply freedom, especially when the elected government is swayed by an intolerant religion. But, alas, democracy is likely to put an end to itself in Turkey, as Erdogan becomes more dictatorial.
It is dangerous for the US and Europe to have Turkey as an ally. Our allies the Kurds have taken territory from ISIS, which we have allowed Turkey to take back from them.
Meanwhile anti-American sentiment, stoked by the government rages. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the next major international crises would result from a Turkish annexation of the US base at Incirlik, complete with its 150 nuclear weapons. They cut off electricity to this base during the coup. Turkey is no longer an ally.
It is dangerous for the US and Europe to have Turkey as an ally. Our allies the Kurds have taken territory from ISIS, which we have allowed Turkey to take back from them.
Meanwhile anti-American sentiment, stoked by the government rages. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the next major international crises would result from a Turkish annexation of the US base at Incirlik, complete with its 150 nuclear weapons. They cut off electricity to this base during the coup. Turkey is no longer an ally.
45
The real problem is the Cold War decision to have Turkey as part of NATO. The old nuclear bombs are obsolete, but dangerous none the less. They are also one of the last links of Turkey to the West. " Nuclear bombs are a point of pride in Turkey, adding that Turkey sees them and the nuclear umbrella they represent as one of the "main benefits of being in NATO." Decisions about NATO's nuclear weapons have to be made by a unanimous vote by all 28 member states." The tricky deal is how to kick Turkey out of NATO and then vote to remove the weapons. You can be sure that Erdogan and Putin will have a discussion on this. http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/19/politics/us-nuclear-weapons-turkey-attempt...
5
Turkey started its relationship back with Russia. There is a reason for this. Turkey wants to checkmate US and go after Kurds in the name of ISIS raids. Russia wants Kurds to fail to counter US. For Russia they have 3 different enemies:ISIS, Syrian Rebels and Kurds.
Turkey and US have same enemies in ISIS, Syrian regime except Kurds. US back Kurds. My point is Obama and upcoming President should continue to push for anti-ISIS war and prioritize Kurds accordingly. Its a tough situation for US but using NATO we can influence the outcome and checkmate Mr Erdogan.
Turkey and US have same enemies in ISIS, Syrian regime except Kurds. US back Kurds. My point is Obama and upcoming President should continue to push for anti-ISIS war and prioritize Kurds accordingly. Its a tough situation for US but using NATO we can influence the outcome and checkmate Mr Erdogan.
14
Erdogan political circles are feverish about conspiracy theories.
According to them,
Gulen was chosen around 1950's by USA , at the moment Turkey and US become a member of NATO.
Then CIA carefully groomed to Gulen until late 1990's and catapulted to power with Erdogan, So according the this conspiracy, Erdogan was a honest Anatolian ( even though he has been spent most of his life in European side of Istanbul) man with no hidden agenda, but Gulen was an ambush predator.
When CIA push the button, Gulen triggered his government power to overthrow Erdogan in 17 December , but couldn't beat him. final scenario played out 15 July with a botched coupe.
Gulen is now Great Satan, Erdogan is innocent politician.
That is what they are selling their voter base.
Simply Gulen and Erdogan are the same satan halves, only they couldn't share the pie , who is going to suck billions of dollars from Turkey.
Meanwhile Erdogan is executing hidden plan and dismantling secular republic and converting the Turkey Pakistan style failed state
According to them,
Gulen was chosen around 1950's by USA , at the moment Turkey and US become a member of NATO.
Then CIA carefully groomed to Gulen until late 1990's and catapulted to power with Erdogan, So according the this conspiracy, Erdogan was a honest Anatolian ( even though he has been spent most of his life in European side of Istanbul) man with no hidden agenda, but Gulen was an ambush predator.
When CIA push the button, Gulen triggered his government power to overthrow Erdogan in 17 December , but couldn't beat him. final scenario played out 15 July with a botched coupe.
Gulen is now Great Satan, Erdogan is innocent politician.
That is what they are selling their voter base.
Simply Gulen and Erdogan are the same satan halves, only they couldn't share the pie , who is going to suck billions of dollars from Turkey.
Meanwhile Erdogan is executing hidden plan and dismantling secular republic and converting the Turkey Pakistan style failed state
16
Turkish citizens have lost jobs, academic positions, customers and much more in the U.S. and Europe for decades due to Armenians accusing them of something that took place in 1915. 1915 is before even their grandparents were born. Not one of you has stood up and said this much widespread ongoing personal vengeance and discrimination needs to stop. It looks to me like Erdogan orchestrated the coup himself to have an excuse to eliminate who would jump at the chance. Weasels will always be weasels and might will be right. What are you going to do? As Baris Manco said, "Such is our world; the just and the unjust are all mixed up." Topsy turvy. I give up.
2
Why is he blaming you? To distract his people from what he is doing to them and to stop rumors that he orchestrated the "coup" himself.
I am more concerned about Biden going to Turkey to mollify Endrogan. What is wrong with this country? Why do we feel we have to grovel to every theocratic nut around? We should be pulling our support and kicking him out of NATO!
I am more concerned about Biden going to Turkey to mollify Endrogan. What is wrong with this country? Why do we feel we have to grovel to every theocratic nut around? We should be pulling our support and kicking him out of NATO!
32
This is nothing new. Conspiracy theories have always flourished in the Middle East. The US has been blamed for every big event. We were even blamed for the seizure of the grand mosque in Mecca, which was clearly the work of extremists.
The difference today is the US is not actively countering them with our own propaganda. In fact, it's as though we've completely relinquished any role in the propaganda war being waged there. Of course, their conspiracy theories continue unabated.
Our absence has created a void, leaving us at their mercy. Not a good place at all.
The difference today is the US is not actively countering them with our own propaganda. In fact, it's as though we've completely relinquished any role in the propaganda war being waged there. Of course, their conspiracy theories continue unabated.
Our absence has created a void, leaving us at their mercy. Not a good place at all.
3
Among the several things that the US should *not* do is to roll the Iraqi and Syrian Kurds under the bus in order to mollify an increasingly hyperventilating Turkey. The Kurds are our only truly reliable ally against ISIS, the only entity successfully building its own nation in the wake of our misguided Iraq debacle still unfolding today.
Not long ago, the Erdogan government unilaterally abandoned peaceful negotiation with its Kurdish minority, gratuitously damaging the anti-ISIS alliance. To reward such behavior by bending to its dual demands of extraditing Fethullah Gulen in the absence of evidence against him or by betraying our only known friend in the Middle East would be self-defeating, not to mention gravely immoral.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Not long ago, the Erdogan government unilaterally abandoned peaceful negotiation with its Kurdish minority, gratuitously damaging the anti-ISIS alliance. To reward such behavior by bending to its dual demands of extraditing Fethullah Gulen in the absence of evidence against him or by betraying our only known friend in the Middle East would be self-defeating, not to mention gravely immoral.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
111
What is it with people continually demanding that the President -- no matter who that might be -- solve their problems? How can a US President, for example, "change the attitude" of all Turks everywhere?
38
There is no question that Erdogan and his cronies are problematic for democracy and modernity in Turkey, and they clearly don't know what they have been doing in the Middle East and elsewhere. And his propaganda machinery is completely shameless and brutal.
But, as a reference to its title, this article does not clearly state that Henri Barkey didn't play a role in the coup - as being an "academic" is the only defense (without real denial) that the reader gets here. Actually, here some serious warnings are made against Turkey, which makes one even more suspicious about possibilities.
Kurds fighting against ISIS in the ME is a complete fairy tale. Even they do, they are clearly ineffective as the ISIS expansion clearly indicates. Syria fights ISIS, Russia fights ISIS, Iran fights ISIS, Kurds fight ISIS, Turks fight ISIS, the US fights ISIS .... Is ISIS the new uber power?
But, as a reference to its title, this article does not clearly state that Henri Barkey didn't play a role in the coup - as being an "academic" is the only defense (without real denial) that the reader gets here. Actually, here some serious warnings are made against Turkey, which makes one even more suspicious about possibilities.
Kurds fighting against ISIS in the ME is a complete fairy tale. Even they do, they are clearly ineffective as the ISIS expansion clearly indicates. Syria fights ISIS, Russia fights ISIS, Iran fights ISIS, Kurds fight ISIS, Turks fight ISIS, the US fights ISIS .... Is ISIS the new uber power?
7
Well, are we prepared to protect the US air base and its 200? nukes in case the Turks totally lose their minds? I hope so. I hope they have plans to make sure that no one thinks they can mess with us to that extent, or pull off a student occupation like they did in Iran that "surprised" us at the embassy.
I remember thinking after Benghazi that our people were not good at assessing reality and preparing for it. Our actions there reminded me of a chess player on his second bottle of wine at a NYC park, who always had it covered and never saw the moves coming at him... Or some equally silly metaphor...
We may lose the base but it should be on our terms... And not an eventual hand off of military intelligence to Turkey's new friend Putin...
I remember thinking after Benghazi that our people were not good at assessing reality and preparing for it. Our actions there reminded me of a chess player on his second bottle of wine at a NYC park, who always had it covered and never saw the moves coming at him... Or some equally silly metaphor...
We may lose the base but it should be on our terms... And not an eventual hand off of military intelligence to Turkey's new friend Putin...
30
Nukes? and you think the Turks have lost their minds?
Re: Benghazi.
The State Department people in Libya requested additional security for the Benghazi consulate, particularly because they wanted it to be as much a legitimate Department consulate as CIA station.
State Department officials in Washington -- far below Secretary Clinton's level -- refused additional funds to strengthen the buildings.
USG personnel on the ground knew what they needed.
I imagine they know pretty much what the score is now in Turkey, too.
It would be fun to hear their candid views.
Wikileaks to the rescue?
The State Department people in Libya requested additional security for the Benghazi consulate, particularly because they wanted it to be as much a legitimate Department consulate as CIA station.
State Department officials in Washington -- far below Secretary Clinton's level -- refused additional funds to strengthen the buildings.
USG personnel on the ground knew what they needed.
I imagine they know pretty much what the score is now in Turkey, too.
It would be fun to hear their candid views.
Wikileaks to the rescue?
6
There are existing nukes on the Incirlik air base. We need to protect them. Reread the comment you replied to.
2
As a former Fulbright scholar and teacher in Turkey at two state universities, I am afraid to return to the country which I had grown to love over five years. I am sad about the fearful dictatorship which has emerged recently.
85
Either the US has no clue whatsoever it is doing in the ME, looking at the past 100 years, or it knows exactly what it is doing which seems to have constant instability. Why else would US support, arm, finance, and personally direct Turkey's archenemy - the YPG (PKK) - in Syria against every single Turkish interest and security? It's either sheer incompetence or a very well calculated business as usual. After 5 years, if US, Russia, UK, France, Germany, Iran, Assad, Kurds, and all their proxies - with all their might and power - cannot even contain ISIS, one has to wonder if that is really the goal. Especially in light of Kurds' land consolidation of a 3rd of Syria and their premature declaration of a state "Rojava". (even declared on WikiPedia)
Is this another example of nation building, at the expense of nation destroying and ethnic cleansing and selling out allies, or just sheer stupidity? Seems like sheer stupidity.
Is this another example of nation building, at the expense of nation destroying and ethnic cleansing and selling out allies, or just sheer stupidity? Seems like sheer stupidity.
14
Maybe if Tukey took care of the Islamic state instead of serving as their main supply base and reinforcement route, the US wouldnt have touse their "enemies". Maybe if it used its army to fight Isis instead of sitting around plotting against the government the US wouldn't have to use their rivals either.
9
Anti American ism is endemic in the rest of the world. Turns out when a country wins a century lots of people are jealous.
15
It's not jealousy, its the fact that in order to "win the century" we trampled over lots of countries, their people, co-oped their resources and of course the lives lost of innocent civilians. Gee I wish they would start teaching history again!
10
Iran. Viet-Nam. Chile. Af-pak. Iraq. Libya. Ukraine. Regime change.
Erdogan should be worried.
Erdogan should be worried.
3
We have played the Kurds like Lucy and the football for 75 years, luring them in to support our goals and then selling them out to Iran, Turkey and Syria over time. We should reverse course and fully support the Kurds and support their goals of an independent Kurdistan in the territories they live in and control. They are strong allies against ISIS while the rest of the neighborhood plays the typical double game against the interests of the US and the Kurds.
132
It still looks to me like Erdogan orchestrated the "coup"
2500 judges dismissed in retaliation!
Come on now.
2500 judges dismissed in retaliation!
Come on now.
122
It would certainly have played into his hands, allowing him to purge hundreds of those he perceived as threats to his authority--his dictatorship? Ataturk is rolling in his grave!
12
I hope Turkey has the infrastructure, democratic policies and backbone in place for AFTER President Erdogan is gone.
19
It's an old played out playbook.
When in trouble domestically, blame the U.S.A.
Putin, Hugo Chavez, Khomeini, Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping, etc...
All dictators and authoritarian thugs need to for their own survival.
When in trouble domestically, blame the U.S.A.
Putin, Hugo Chavez, Khomeini, Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping, etc...
All dictators and authoritarian thugs need to for their own survival.
117
We used to be prepared for this play. Obama doesn't seem to care.
3
It is argued that US involvement makes no sense. That it contradicts the policy of wanting stable democratic partners. However, while policies of different organizations in the US establishment will often intersect and try to converge on a common goal, they will not always line up perfectly. This will often lead to activities that are poorly coordinated with US foreign policy.
After the Iranian revolution and after the hostage crisis, Iran was declared a state sponsor of terrorism. An arms embargo, freezing of assets and restriction of commerce followed. Saddam was supplied with arms and intelligence against Iran. America and Iran were at each others throat. Would the US supply arms to Iran? Crazy thought. Yet they did, with the Iran–Contra scandal. Policy wise it did not make sense. It was not even legal. Nevertheless some "boys" in the vast depths of the establishment were playing their games and conducting "Operation A" for no other reason then supporting "Operation B" (most involved individuals were either pardoned, given immunities or had their convictions overturned).
The argument that this would need to make sense does not hold. One needs to look at the finger prints. And they are all over the place. Not to mention the huge red arrow with flashing neon lights pointing directly to Pennsylvania, with enough visible strings attached from Langley.
Someone has a new "Bay of Pigs" at their hands. And feigning ignorance and asking for evidence can only go so far.
After the Iranian revolution and after the hostage crisis, Iran was declared a state sponsor of terrorism. An arms embargo, freezing of assets and restriction of commerce followed. Saddam was supplied with arms and intelligence against Iran. America and Iran were at each others throat. Would the US supply arms to Iran? Crazy thought. Yet they did, with the Iran–Contra scandal. Policy wise it did not make sense. It was not even legal. Nevertheless some "boys" in the vast depths of the establishment were playing their games and conducting "Operation A" for no other reason then supporting "Operation B" (most involved individuals were either pardoned, given immunities or had their convictions overturned).
The argument that this would need to make sense does not hold. One needs to look at the finger prints. And they are all over the place. Not to mention the huge red arrow with flashing neon lights pointing directly to Pennsylvania, with enough visible strings attached from Langley.
Someone has a new "Bay of Pigs" at their hands. And feigning ignorance and asking for evidence can only go so far.
6
Yeah, exactly what is the evidence?
9
"Evidence is irrelevant! Here, let me tell you about my latest conspiracy theory."
If this is an example of the "thinking" going on in Turkey right now, we should all be afraid.
If this is an example of the "thinking" going on in Turkey right now, we should all be afraid.
6
That's right. We should start purging everybody who thinks differently, imprison anyone with a different political orientation and not caring at all about any kind of proof or even basic sense of decency. Since we're here we should start ( again unfortunately ) killing indigenous population that pretends freedom and self determination in its own land. Did I portray exactly the current Turkish " Democracy " ?!
4
It looks like another big fuse has been lit. Not calling out Erdogan for his actions to save the base is just what he is hoping. He hopes we stand by and do nothing why he is literally getting away with murder.
Very difficult situation with long lasting effects already taking place.
Very difficult situation with long lasting effects already taking place.
42
1953. Iran. Gen Zahedi. US Advisors. Coup.
Why should Turks not be suspicious?
Why should Turks not be suspicious?
17
The problem is that they cannot distinguish between previous governments and the Obama Administration, which is not prone to coups, or haven't you noticed? When you are suspicious of everyone regardless of their actions, your suspicion becomes meaningless.
22
The Turks have accused Dr. Barkey of being CIA. He has also studied and written sympathetically about the Kurds.
The latter is apparently enough for the Turks to prove the former.
The latter is apparently enough for the Turks to prove the former.
97
If this keeps up, someone will have to come up with a new name for the bird we call turkey. It's native to North America in any event.
4
I understand that when Europeans first saw the turkey bird they thought it might be related to the peacock. The Hebrew word for peacock is a word very similar to the English "turkey". Many conversos were on Colombus's ships and were fluent in Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic.
2
"What made this failed effort remarkable was the putschists’ extreme brutality against civilians who resisted or happened to be in their way. Some 240 people were killed."
It is refreshing and constructive to get away from the offensive claim that the entire thing was faked by Erdogan. That incited Turks, who'd lived it.
The US response to the coup was slow in coming, and did not condemn it until it failed.
There is no doubt that the US has a huge CIA presence in Turkey. It was a center of CIA intelligence gathering against the Soviet Union for the whole of the Cold War, and is now a center of CIA operations into Syria. The US was for those reasons always careful to monitor events in Turkey. There can be little doubt that the US had sources inside Turkey able to warn of this.
Worse, the Turkish military involved in the coup heavily featured Turkish officers residing in and acting from a main US base supporting the CIA actions in Syria. The physical co-location is striking.
Of course the Turks think the US was AGAIN involved in a regime change effort. It is doing that all over the middle east.
Maybe the US wasn't, but assuming a simple denial is enough won't cut it. No doubt Biden in his visit was trying to bring greater reassurance.
If the Turks put a focus on some academic, that is being polite, rather than making an issue of the CIA station chief or others whose identity are supposed to be kept secret. However, we all ought to know that is who they really suspect.
It is refreshing and constructive to get away from the offensive claim that the entire thing was faked by Erdogan. That incited Turks, who'd lived it.
The US response to the coup was slow in coming, and did not condemn it until it failed.
There is no doubt that the US has a huge CIA presence in Turkey. It was a center of CIA intelligence gathering against the Soviet Union for the whole of the Cold War, and is now a center of CIA operations into Syria. The US was for those reasons always careful to monitor events in Turkey. There can be little doubt that the US had sources inside Turkey able to warn of this.
Worse, the Turkish military involved in the coup heavily featured Turkish officers residing in and acting from a main US base supporting the CIA actions in Syria. The physical co-location is striking.
Of course the Turks think the US was AGAIN involved in a regime change effort. It is doing that all over the middle east.
Maybe the US wasn't, but assuming a simple denial is enough won't cut it. No doubt Biden in his visit was trying to bring greater reassurance.
If the Turks put a focus on some academic, that is being polite, rather than making an issue of the CIA station chief or others whose identity are supposed to be kept secret. However, we all ought to know that is who they really suspect.
30
This comment reminds me of the great scene in Z when just after the attack on the Yves Montand/pacifist leader, one of his aides tells another one before entering a car that when you can't blame anyone blame the CIA (or something to that effect). I have to admit that my first suspicion was to the CIA and then Mossad in a common effort to get rid of Ergogan.
However there are not many positive attributes that you can pin on Erdogan. He is clearly an autocrat and steadily "adjusting" the Turkish system permanently towards him and his party, etc. He is also an unreliable ally vz. fight against ISIS as Turkey will always focus on the Kurds and try to eradicate them. If Erdogan was half the politician and statesman he thinks he is he would end the Turks constant struggle against the Kurds and Armenians, and not try to change the secular order in Turkish society (while respecting religion).
If the CIA really did botch the coup attempt then the US will just have to reap the whirlwind.
However there are not many positive attributes that you can pin on Erdogan. He is clearly an autocrat and steadily "adjusting" the Turkish system permanently towards him and his party, etc. He is also an unreliable ally vz. fight against ISIS as Turkey will always focus on the Kurds and try to eradicate them. If Erdogan was half the politician and statesman he thinks he is he would end the Turks constant struggle against the Kurds and Armenians, and not try to change the secular order in Turkish society (while respecting religion).
If the CIA really did botch the coup attempt then the US will just have to reap the whirlwind.
15
It ain't polite to Mr. Barkey. Seriously Mark, how can you condone the actions of the the Turkish government in accusing innocent people?
58
Sometimes a zeal to be always at or near the top in responding to op-ed pieces leads to hasty and tendentious comments. This is one. What a pile of innuendo and conspiracy-mongering! Like a leftist version of screaming about "BENGHAZI!"
One needs to study the Turkish situation to see how much President Erdogan is becoming, no, has become an Islamist and neo-Ottoman copy of Vladimir Putin, a man of vainglory and resentments--living in a 1000-room palace that he just had built for himself, shutting down independent media and attempting to turn the parliament into a rubber stamp, eliminating secular society by means both overt and covert. He takes his narrow majorities in politics as license to impose what will amount to one-man rule. The huge number of political arrests or suspensions from employment show that "lists had been made" well in advance of need, and the failed coup was the pretext to finally put them all into effect.
The tone of the dominant pro-government media in state-owned and AKP press and television is hysterical, permanently aggrieved, full of conspiracy talk -- like RT, or the more scurrilous versions of news media that operate within Russia. Like Putin, Erdogan could shut this down with a word, but doesn't choose to.
This week the public prosecutor in Izmir stated seriously that Gulenism was a creation of the CIA -- just like Mormonism and Scientology were! This is the level of thinking of which the author of this op-ed has become a hapless target.
One needs to study the Turkish situation to see how much President Erdogan is becoming, no, has become an Islamist and neo-Ottoman copy of Vladimir Putin, a man of vainglory and resentments--living in a 1000-room palace that he just had built for himself, shutting down independent media and attempting to turn the parliament into a rubber stamp, eliminating secular society by means both overt and covert. He takes his narrow majorities in politics as license to impose what will amount to one-man rule. The huge number of political arrests or suspensions from employment show that "lists had been made" well in advance of need, and the failed coup was the pretext to finally put them all into effect.
The tone of the dominant pro-government media in state-owned and AKP press and television is hysterical, permanently aggrieved, full of conspiracy talk -- like RT, or the more scurrilous versions of news media that operate within Russia. Like Putin, Erdogan could shut this down with a word, but doesn't choose to.
This week the public prosecutor in Izmir stated seriously that Gulenism was a creation of the CIA -- just like Mormonism and Scientology were! This is the level of thinking of which the author of this op-ed has become a hapless target.
183
Blaming Erdogan/Turkey for creating chaos in 'middle east' is living in fools paradise!!!