Recep Tayyip Erdogan was conveniently out of the country when some of the military staged a coup in Turkey. My question is, did he plan the entire event? In 2013 he attempted to establish sharia law. Is this all about forcing Turkey to become an ‘Islamic State?’
Since the failed coup, Erdogan has Detained 42 journalists; arrested or suspended 57,000 soldiers, police, judges and civil servants suspected of complicity in the coup; arrested 62 children for treason from a military school. They were jailed and not allowed to speak with their parents. He ordered the torture of detainees, according to Amnesty International.
Erdogan is now officially a dictator. His nation will remain under martial law for the remainder of his rule.
If he manages to create his Islamic State, ISIS will have a major ally in the region. Turkey will be removed from NATO, and ties with the United States will be severed.
Donald Trump will be pleased. He praised Erdogan for restoring order and quashing the rebellion.
Will this result in the United States waging another war in the region? Syria borders Turkey on the south, and ISIS is already heavily engaged in battle against the Assad regime.
Istanbul has long been known as one of the region’s most cosmopolitan cities. Multiple races, religions, and ethnicities permanently reside in the city. Will Erdogan engage in ethnic cleansing of the city?
Erdogan’s party gained control of the government in 2001. Prior to that date, the army maintained a secular rule. Eventually military powers who supported secularism were removed, and Erdogan replaced them with those who supported him and favored Islam.
In 2013 a protest erupted in Istanbul in Taksim Square. It began as a protest to save Gezi Park, but grew into revolt against new laws established by Erdogan. He had attempted to ban all drinking of alcohol, force women to renounce western style clothing, and forbade all forms of public affection.
After days of protest, the police moved against the crowd with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Order was eventually returned to Istanbul, and other cities which had joined in the protests.
If Erdogan does create his Islamic State, what will happen to the Kurds? It has never been a secret that he despises them. Will the United States be forced to defend them? And will Russia become involved. Putin supports the Assad regime in Syria, but will he support Erdogan?
Our election this November just became more important for the entire world. Our next president must have the experience, mental acuity, and temperament to lead the world if another war erupts in the region.
I don’t know the answer to my final question. If a major war breaks out within the next few months, will there be an election in November? Do our laws forbid changing the Commander in Chief during a time of war?
Frightening times. Will the world be faced with another dictator who seeks world domination?
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 