The media is downplaying, or simply ignoring a very serious and possibly dangerous situation in the Middle East. I’m not speaking about ISIS, the civil war in Iraq, or the sadness and deterioration of Syria. What is happening in Turkey could result in a war of indeterminable size in the region.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is amassing power in his country after a failed coup. Questions remain if he encouraged and even manufactured the failed uprising. He has long sought the institution of sharia law in his country, and force Turkey into becoming an Islamic State.

In 2013 protests began in Taksim Square with the purpose of saving the last vestige of “green” in Istanbul; Gezi Park. But the anger of Istanbul’s diverse population was angry about other matters as well. Erdogan had issued decrees forbidding the consumption of alcohol, and public displays of affection. These were the first steps in an attempt to institute sharia law.

Today, Erdogan is amassing complete power over his nation, and using the failed coup as a catalyst. Those in the region have long known that he intends to make Turkey an Islamic State, much the same as the goals of ISIS.

What would this mean for the region, for the Turks, and for the rest of the world? It could result in another, larger war in the Middle East.

Today Erdogan took control of the military. The few generals who now remain, are taking orders directly from their president. This will aid Erdogan’s intent to create his Islamic State. If he does succeed, ISIS and Al Qaeda will have safe passage through the nation. Erdogan is known for his hatred of the Turks in the north, and could begin ‘ethnic cleansing.’

Turkey is a member of NATO at the present, but that could all change if the strategic country becomes a nation run by extremists. It borders on Syria, Iraq, and Iran to the south. Turkey would likely become a Sunni nation, causing more tension between Sunnis and Shiites.

If Erdogan wins his battle with the diverse population of Turkey, civil war could begin. But now that he has taken control of the Army, the people have no ally. The war in Syria, combined with the efforts of ISIS in Northern Iraq, could create a larger war in the region; a war likely to involve the United States.

This all could happen very quickly. American forces could be at war before the election in November. Our next President could be inaugurated at the same time a war is being fought in the Middle East.

I had a question regarding a change of power during wartime; this is the answer. The Constitution calls for an election regardless of what situation our nation is involved in at the time.

My greatest fear could materialize. A buffoon by the name of Donald Trump could be in charge of our military, while his finger is on the nuclear trigger.

We can’t let that happen.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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