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Independent perspectives on Turkey
By TFF Associates
Turkey is a NATO member, the second largest militarily. It hosts 50 nuclear weapons at a base about hundred kilometres from the Syrian border – ISIS territory. Each of these has a capacity 10 x the Hiroshima bomb. Great to have them there now, right?
It’s been secular, quite West-oriented, Muslim, European and modern. Different. Diverse. And has wanted to join the EU.
But it was told by Brexit Cameron that it may take more than 3000 years and by French warrior President Sarkozy that it just doesn’t belong.
However, the EU could use it and has paid it to get rid of its war-created refugee problem. The EU pledged its decency and humanity in relations with Turkey.
It’s a very close ally of the U.S. too, but with warming relations to Russia.
Then it falls apart in some kind of strange coup and in 5 days about 60,000 people are purged or arrested, 2300 institutions closed down. It’s one-man rule by decree.
More troubles and violence can be expected down the road. Who will be put in all these people’s place?
But no particular outcry, some ‘worries’ expressed but mostly endorsement of the dictatorial leader.
Imagine the headlines and the words Western politicians and human-rights cheerleaders would speak if it had been Russia or Iran.
No mention of suspension from NATO, or of sanctions.
Don’t worry too much: NATO protects freedom, human rights, democracy and peace as it always has. Oh really?
So of course, it’s stability and militarism before human rights, democracy and freedom. Particularly when a lot is at stake and the strongman is our strongman.
Or perhaps not so much longer?
Jan Oberg… read on
Turkey’s coup – another example of the West’s disintegration
Jonathan Power
Too many American nuclear bombs – also in Turkey
Jonathan Power
Unity with Europe is the answer to Turkey’s attempted coup
Richard Falk
Narrating Turkey at a time of national crisis
PressInfo # 383: Fearology and militarism
but the real enemy is us
TFF provides research and public education related to the basic UN Charter norm that “peace shall be established by peaceful means”.
We are always happy to hear from you or try to answer your questions.
Jan Oberg, TFF director
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