Turkish politicians and media were quick to blame the West for the failed July 15 coup. The idea that world powers have designs on Turkey has been around for over a century – and it’s not totally without basis.
In the weeks since the July 15 coup, Turkey’s government has cracked down domestically on the network led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Many officials and media outlets have taken things a step further, implicating the imam’s American hosts in the coup – an idea that has gained some traction.
The concern expressed by US and EU leaders about massive purges in three weeks after the coup has been interpreted in Turkey as a lack of support and only furthered conspiracy theories. It is not a new thing that some media outlets, politicians and segments of the population blame a nefarious and foreign “They” for meddling in Turkish affairs.
At any given point in recent history, Turkey has accused a dizzying array of international bodies … read more
