First time in Republic's history!
Those former soldiers who were planning a coup are arrested. I don't think many will be sentenced in the Ergenekon case and it really took a long time to start the next step but it is a good sign for sure...
July 02, 2008
July 01, 2008
Another anti-Ergenekon move
Latest Ergenekon arrests: two retired generals, journalist, ATO head
Paper soldiers
Jun 26th 2008 | ANKARA AND ISTANBUL
From The Economist print edition
A leaked document exposes the army’s campaign against the ruling party
ON THE evening of March 4th, a black Mercedes swept into the Ankara headquarters of Turkey’s land-forces command. It was carrying Osman Paksut, the second-highest judge on the constitutional court. His assignation with the land-forces commander, General Ilker Basbug, was meant to be secret—all the security cameras were cut off as he entered and left the building—for it came at a highly delicate moment. The secular opposition had just petitioned the court to overturn a law passed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to allow women to wear the Islamic-style headscarf at universities.
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Turkish police have detained two retired generals, a leading businessman and a senior journalist, hours ahead of the first hearing in a closure case against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Police escort journalist Mustafa Balbay, center, the Ankara representative of pro-secular Istanbul daily Cumhuriyet, before a medical check in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Turkish police detained 24 people including two retired military commanders Tuesday during raids against an alleged network of extreme nationalists accused of plotting to topple the government, according to media reports.
(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)A coup foiled in Turkey?
ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images
If you haven't been paying attention to Turkey, this news may come as a shock. Turkish police have arrested 24 people for allegedly plotting a coup against the government. Among the accused are two retired generals and the head of Ankara's chamber of commerce.
Article |Turkey and the army
Mavi Boncuk |Turkey and the armyPaper soldiers
Jun 26th 2008 | ANKARA AND ISTANBUL
From The Economist print edition
A leaked document exposes the army’s campaign against the ruling party
ON THE evening of March 4th, a black Mercedes swept into the Ankara headquarters of Turkey’s land-forces command. It was carrying Osman Paksut, the second-highest judge on the constitutional court. His assignation with the land-forces commander, General Ilker Basbug, was meant to be secret—all the security cameras were cut off as he entered and left the building—for it came at a highly delicate moment. The secular opposition had just petitioned the court to overturn a law passed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to allow women to wear the Islamic-style headscarf at universities.
"Turkish ruling party put on trial...
Turkish ruling party put on trial
Turkey's chief prosecutor presents his case for banning the ruling AK party to the constitutional court.Turkish party faces court battle for survival | U.S. | Reuters
June 27, 2008
"The CHP is a disgrace to social democracy..
The CHP is a disgrace to social democracy (1) by HALUK ÖZDALGA
The Republican People's Party (CHP) entered the autumn 2002 elections favored as the most likely winner, but instead finished a distant second, capturing about only half the seats won by the newly formed Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Continue reading ""The CHP is a disgrace to social democracy.." »
"American adjustments may have come too late and help too little ...
American adjustments may have come too late and help too little
In these hectic days, with the chief prosecutor and defenders of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) presenting their cases in the closure process, a slight change of tone can be detected in the rhetoric of Turkey's long-time ally and (as many take for granted) staunch supporter of democracy, the US.Gun views across the pond
As has been dominating the US headlines today, the US Supreme Court finally ruled that the individual right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment, though reasonable limitations can be applied. I was slightly surprised that the decision was split 5-4, considering the vast majority of the American people and politicians have been operating under this assumption for decades. It's unfortunate that every single decision has to become an ideological test instead of an application of some common sense. Even Barack Obama, who is loath to involve himself too intimately in this debate, has stated that he believes in an individual right guaranteed by the constitution.Continue reading ""American adjustments may have come too late and help too little ..." »
June 26, 2008
"Turkish press is senselessly digging democracy’s grave...
Turkish press is senselessly digging democracy’s grave
You may, as an outsider, be led to believe that the entire country is about to collapse into an abyss at any moment. This is what primitive, predictable psychological warfare does to you.Continue reading ""Turkish press is senselessly digging democracy’s grave..." »
June 24, 2008
"Bitter Feud Has Roots in History ...
This surely the most significant article on Turkey in the last few weeks!
In Turkey, Bitter Feud Has Roots in History - NYTimes.com
By SABRINA TAVERNISEPublished: June 22, 2008
ISTANBUL — As Turkey’s governing party braces for a high court ruling that could close it down and bar many of its members from politics, party officials like to talk about what they did that caused so much trouble. "
"Journalism and national interests...
Yusuf Kanlı: Journalism and national interests
Sometimes a discussion starts in Turkish society and naturally among journalists who are a part of that society: What are the limits of reporting? Are people working in the information sector, that is in the media, first journalists or Turks? If somehow a journalist gets hold of an “explosive” piece of news regarding national security or a matter related to a very important national interest, should s/he sit on that news and keep it to themselves, or should s/he act on an “I am a journalist first” understanding and run it, not bothering at all what repercussions it might produce? For example, I knew at least two days in advance of the 1983 proclamation of independence of the Turkish RepublicJune 21, 2008
"Armed Forces Party’s plan to straighten out society...
TÜSİAD’s constitutional convention move by MÜMTAZ’ER TÜRKÖNE
The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TÜSİAD) is one of the most renowned and respected interest groups in Turkey.Armed Forces Party’s plan to straighten out society by YASEMİN ÇONGAR
The ‘türbanists,' the Kemalists and liberals
With itFor many years now there have been political clashes between two groups that I have categorized -- perhaps somewhat incorrectly -- as the "türbanists" and the Kemalists.In democracies the military doesn't run the country, it serves the country.
Continue reading ""Armed Forces Party’s plan to straighten out society..." »
June 18, 2008
"Is Turkey Headed for a Coup?...
Is Turkey Headed for a Coup?
All Turks want is peace and prosperity, but they may soon have to stand up to the generals.
by
by
Grenville Byford
............So far, the Turks are not headed for the streets. What they really want is peace and quiet, and economic opportunity for themselves and their children, a prospect AK Party's successful stewardship of the Turkish economy has finally started to offer. They will not thank anyone for upsetting the apple cart. This, I suspect, is why we have yet to see the normally pugnacious Erdogan breathing fire and defiance. Reflecting his supporters' views, he would rather not put the last five years of progress at risk. The question is whether Turkey's secular establishment—its courts, bureaucracy, and generals—will cede at least some power gracefully, or decline to give an inch and chance the people's reaction.
The EU has made clear that the removal of a duly elected government, and therefore any constitution permitting it, is unacceptable in a nation seeking membership. The Bush administration is sitting on the fence. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, standing beside Turkey's AK Party Foreign Minister Ali Babacan earlier this month, said: "Turkey will, of course, resolve its issues through its democratic process." Sadly, there is nothing inevitable about it. Someone should ask Rice whether she supports Turkey having a "democratic process" at all...........
Turkey's judicial-political crisis , Kirsty Hughes
Turkey's political and democratic troubles are deepening. The country's domestic problems are grave enough, but an additional complicating factor is that few of its putative friends and partners abroad are able or wish to exert a positive influence on the direction of events.
Rand corporation designs four scenarios for Turkey's future
Faced with a difficult dilemma due to the ongoing closure case against the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, the United States should underscore its strong support for TurkishJune 17, 2008
"Newspapers forced to self-censor on Ergenekon coverage ...
Newspapers forced to self-censor on Ergenekon coverage
Journalists and newspaper editors who want to cover in depth the course of an investigation into Ergenekon, a shady gang whose members allegedly perpetrated a number of attacks and bombings to create chaos that would eventually lead to the overthrowing of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, are increasingly hesitant about being bold in sharing details with their readers as prosecutors have immediately been launching investigations into virtually all news stories on the topic.EU: Protecting editorial independence, new report from Culture Committee
There is "considerable risk," warns a new report adopted by the EU's Culture and Education Committee, that private media's pursuit of profit could compromise its ability to act as a watchdog for democracy.Continue reading ""Newspapers forced to self-censor on Ergenekon coverage ..." »
June 16, 2008
"Senior judge’s strange relations raise eyebrows
Senior judge’s strange relations raise eyebrows
A secret meeting between a senior judge at the Constitutional Court and a top army commander at a politically critical time for Turkey that was uncovered by the Taraf daily last Friday has raised suspicions about the influence of the Turkish military on the court's rulings.Shadow over Constitutional Court
The Republican People's Party (CHP) had appealed to the Constitutional Court for the annulment of a constitutional amendment that allowed the wearing of the headscarf at institutions of higher education.AKP Defence (in Turkish and English)
The second defence is pending and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal has asserted that all of Turkey’s current problems stem from Abdullah Gül having been elected as president.When asked whether early elections may be held soon, Baykal said Turkey doesn’t need early elections. Baykal also said the Constitutional Court had not overstepped its authority last week when it annulled a package of constitutional amendments that would have allowed students to wear the Muslim headscarf at university.Continue reading ""Senior judge’s strange relations raise eyebrows" »
"Imam vs. teacher: Who really won?
Imam vs. teacher: Who really won?
Mustafa AKYOLŞerif Mardin, the neighborhood, and secularism
Ali Murat YEL
Turkish youth set for university exam
This Sunday around 1.6m Turkish teenagers will sit the university entrance exam, probably the most important rite of passage in a Turkish schoolchild's life.June 13, 2008
"Time to discuss Turkey’s problem with the judiciary...
Turkish PM says court is usurping parliament
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said the Constitutional Court must explain its decision to overturn a government-led reform allowing students to wear Muslim headscarves at university
From Top To Bottom: "Secularism Is Being Lost!" - "Islam Is Being Lost!" - "The Economy Is Lost!"
Source: Milliyet, Turkey, June 11, 2008 VIA
[Constitutional Court’s preventive regime change] Protecting democracy from the people by ŞABAN KARDAŞ
The Constitutional Court's decision annulling Parliament's amendments to the Turkish Constitution continues to penetrate into every aspect of Turkey's political scene.
Continue reading ""Time to discuss Turkey’s problem with the judiciary..." »
June 10, 2008
"Ankara criticised over Cyprus talks...
Ankara criticised over Cyprus talks
Hopes that Cyprus may be heading towards a peace deal that unites the Greek and Turkish communities are being undermined by "reactionary" statements from the Turkish...Unity hopes
Fresh impetus revives hopes for a Cyprus peace dealTurks merciless with Sarkozy
The English version of Turkey's newspaper Sabah subtly breaks the news of Laurence Ferrari's ascension to TF1: "Sarkozy promotes his ex-girlfriend".
Continue reading ""Ankara criticised over Cyprus talks..." »
June 09, 2008
"Constitutional Court overstepped its authority with headscarf ruling...
[CROSS READER] Constitutional Court overstepped its authority with headscarf ruling
Turkey's top court last week annulled a package of constitutional amendments that would lift the country's decades-old headscarf ban on university campuses -- a move that dealt a serious blow to the hopes of thousands of covered students who have for years dreamt of the day when they would be allowed to receive higher education without being required to take off their headscarves....Continue reading ""Constitutional Court overstepped its authority with headscarf ruling..." »
June 08, 2008
"Introducing the Kemalist Revolutionary Tribunal (aka the Consitutional Court)
Introducing the Kemalist Revolutionary Tribunal (aka the Consitutional Court)
Mustafa AKYOLWelcome to Juristocracy
The task of covering the cost of the disaster the Constitutional Court has triggered by annulling constitutional amendments approved by 411 deputies, who represent 80 percent of the Turkish nation, will not be easy at all.Court ruling is contrary to the law itself
The decision rendered Thursday afternoon by the Constitutional Court canceling constitutional amendments that would have given women who wear the headscarf the opportunity to receive a modern education at Turkish universities applies to everyone, but it is a decision that runs contrary to the law.Continue reading ""Introducing the Kemalist Revolutionary Tribunal (aka the Consitutional Court)" »
June 06, 2008
"Veiled tensions
Nobody is surprised any more and thus visible tension may not be as much as expected. This does not mean peace, of course. The chief of the Court talks of living together etc many anchormen in TV news teasingly smile when they report the news (Mehmet Ali Birand spotted), even some 'left-liberals' seem to be happy but long term divisions consolidate.... Now some say this is the law we have to respect but would they obey if the decision were different. I wonder some generals who declared trust to the Law, would do the same otherwise.. Anyway what the heck. I have some personal news to declare soon!
Veiled tensions
Turkey faces difficult times after headscarf rulingFears for Turkish ruling party as court overturns headscarf law | World news | The Guardian
No problem with religious freedom for the majority?
Despite the fierce reaction shown by secularist factions to recent statements made by Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, the truth is that in our nation, whether you are talking about the Sunnis or the Alevis, there are some quite serious problems where religious freedoms are concerned.June 05, 2008
Today, anytime now: "Eyes turn toward top court's decision on headscarf
Eyes turn toward top court's decision on headscarf
While the country remains focused on the top court's final decision on the headscarf amendment, a top EU court rejected Tuesday the appeal of two headscarf-wearing Turkish teachers who wereHead scarf ruling looms in Turkey - International Herald Tribune
ANKARA: The Turkish Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its verdict Thursday on an opposition move to keep head scarves off campuses, in a ruling that could have serious implications for the future of the government."Continue reading "Today, anytime now: "Eyes turn toward top court's decision on headscarf" »
June 02, 2008
"You have to hand it to the Turks
You have to hand it to the Turks
By Patricia H. Kushlis
At least the Turkish Government is trying to bring about a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Syrians – or at least prevent another hot war from breaking out to its south on some not-to-distant broiling summer’s day.
Sure, it’s in the Turkish interest to see that neighborhood quarrels are patched up – or the protagonists, at minimum, kept under wraps. The Ottomans, the ancestors of today’s Turks, controlled this region until less than a century ago and understood its fractious peoples and their needs all too well.
In the case of the Israelis and the Syrians, the Turks retain good enough relationships and leverage with both to bring them to the negotiating table – or more accurately to mediate between them indirectly after eight years of a void. And to do so secretly out of the media’s glaring eye. This is all to the good.
June 01, 2008
CHP: self-humiliator
Now it seems that there may be not any intelligence battle at this context. CHP general secretary Mr. Sav forgets to stop the call made by Vakit correspondent and the latter records his call that was taking place with a governor... There are also some Facebook groups that teases him. Let's teach him how to use cell phone...
Red: No. Green: Yes. Red: No. Green: Yes. Red: No. Green: Yes. Red: No. Green: Yes....
Republican Geriatrics Party versus neo-imams
I have been planning to write on the discussions surrounding our great political sociologist Şerif Mardin's recent statements about how the republican elite and ideology has failed to fill the moral gap in the public sphere supposedly left by Islam's forced departure.Declaration battles
Just a week ago, you read in this column that Turkey's destiny is in the hands of 11 judges. However, while talking about Turkey, one should make careful deductions, because every single day brings with it new and important developments.May 30, 2008
Why bother listening CHP?
There are certainly some domestic intelligence battles going on. These are not available to this humble blogger and academician. So from what I can only observe: why someone bothers CHP who is in shambles anyway?
One big conspiratorial statement: Some officials inside the party could be fantasizing for a coup. Well, they are notarious about it. They did it before anyway. They happily served the coup in 1960.
Hmmm i have to think about it more. Less conspiratorial statement could be CHP is bitching just after a huge government proposal on Southeast. There must be more discussion if this proposal will really work but CHP cannot cope with it anyway. So they play the victim.
How can CHP claim that this was ordered by AKP? What if this cannot be proven. Our glorious law official will sue CHP for the libel?
Rethinking the CHP’s bugging allegations
Allegations made by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) that the telephone of its secretary-general had been wiretapped by the state’s secret service and the content of conversations disclosed to the daily Vakit have been the subject of much discussion in Turkey. A number of writers have suggested approaching the issue from a different angle.Earlier on Wednesday, CHP leader Deniz Baykal claimed that security forces bugged Sav's office and serviced excepts of his conversations to Daily Vakit, a Turkish newspaper. The dialogue that took place between Sav and a governor last Friday, was published word by word in the headlines of a newspaper on Monday. But Serdar Arseven, the journalist of Daily Vakit, who prepared the news, said he reached the records of the talks from a source who he calls "a friend" from opposition CHP, also "thanked" the friend. CHP leader Baykal said they would carry the issue to the Parliament floor in their speeches and also give a censure motion about PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the General Assembly on the issue. MP Sav had angered many people in Turkey by saying "unfit remarks" about Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to a person who wants to go to pilgrimage in Mecca, and requests his help.
Gov't proposes joint committee to investigate bugging incident
The government yesterday offered the Republican People's Party, or CHP, to establish a joint parliamentary commission to investigate the incident over the alleged tapping of the mainMay 28, 2008
"AK Party and YouTube share the same fate
AK Party and YouTube share the same fate
How interesting it is that this wave of bans on the Internet emerging from the Turkish courts comes at the same time that the court case aimed at seeing the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) shut down is on the agenda. It appears that it is the same mindset involved in both of these arenas!What is happening in Turkey?
Turkish politics is on the brink of a new era as whatever the outcome of the Constitutional Court's ruling on the Justice and Development Party (AKP), a new political landscape will emerge after the changes enforced, argues Senem Aydin Düzgit in a 22 May commentary for the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).Conceptualizing Turkey right: Post-Islamism vs. neo-secularism
Pinar K. TREMBLAYDoes the West care?
Does the West care about democracy in Turkey? The answer is, surely, yes. Both the EU and the US would certainly like to see democracy consolidated in Turkey.The new ‘reactionaries’ of modern Turkey
It has become clear that some representatives of state institutions are the new reactionaries of modern Turkey. They resist change at the expense of not only democracy and rule of law but also of their own legitimacy. A judiciary that loses its impartiality is suicidal.Continue reading ""AK Party and YouTube share the same fate" »
May 24, 2008
"Judiciary’s political war
Judiciary’s political war by MÜMTAZ’ER TÜRKÖNE
Professor Sami Selçuk is a former chairman the Supreme Court of Appeals, which has become a party to current discussions.Did top court’s statement aim to influence closure case?
Reactions are mounting in opposition to a statement released by the Supreme Court of Appeals Board of Chairmen. The statement, released on Wednesday, contained severe criticism of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, including accusations of bringing the judiciary under its control.May 22, 2008
"EU Recommendations
EU Recommendations for Turkey II
In a 17-page document entitled “46th Meeting of the EC-Turkey Association Council: Position of the European Union,” the EU takes a critical position on the judiciary, Cyprus, the Kurdish question, freedom of expression, military-civilian relations, religious freedom (for religious minorities), Iraq and the reform process. Although pointing out the limited progress achieved in political reforms in 2007, the draft notes the government’s declared intention to carry on reforms. The draft says the EU “follows” the closure cases and hopes for the verdict to be in line with European Court of Human Rights principles and the guidelines established by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. Brussels draws attention to the closure cases in two different sections — freedom of association and assembly, and political criteria.
EU warns Turkey not to slip on reform path
The European Commission warned membership-hopeful Turkey yesterday not to slip back in its reform process, saying it could not afford “another wasted year.” Speaking in the EuropeanLagendijk's comments, a leftist and pro-EU party
Do you know Joost Lagendijk, the man who stirred up such hatred after being accused of "getting involved in Turkey's domestic business"?May 20, 2008
"Turkey: Not a country for old men
My blogger friend Hans' last column in Turkish Daily News:
Turkey: Not a country for old men
Hans A.H.C. de WIT
Politics is all about business and spin; all about negotiation and bargaining. Until, that is, you get what you want. And then you must communicate with other groups, like people who didn't vote for you. So, you act on a fine line of ethics: You are the leader of a political party which won the elections but not the heart, souls and minds of all Turks.
Mindset of judge not fond of parties
Party closure has become a general custom of Turkish politics, with 24 political parties having been closed down so far. Two parties are currently facing closure cases: the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which received 47 percent (16.5 million votes) of the vote in the July 22, 2007 elections, and the Democratic Society Party (DTP), which received 4 percent (2 million votes) of the vote in the same elections. The choices of 18.5 million voters are now subject to a political ban.May 18, 2008
"Turkey's Courts Should Respect the Will of the People
Article | Turkey's Courts Should Respect the Will of the People
Mr. Parris, a retired career diplomat, was U.S. ambassador to Turkey 1997-2000. He is a counselor to the Brookings Institution's Turkey Project.Mavi Boncuk |
Turkey's Courts Should Respect the Will of the People By MARK R. PARRIS
May 17, 2008; Page A11
You'd hardly know it from the muted reaction in Washington or the nonexistent press coverage, but a key U.S. ally and one of the Middle East's most important democracies is sliding inexorably toward crisis. Turkey's constitutional court is currently considering arguments for closing down the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), and banning its top leadership from politics for threatening the secular nature of the Turkish state.
Why most 'educated' Turks are hopelessly illiberal?
Mustafa AKYOLContinue reading ""Turkey's Courts Should Respect the Will of the People" »
"Rehn and Lagendijk’s test with Turks; Cyprus; Queen's visit...
Rehn and Lagendijk’s test with Turks
Last week important reunions were held aiming to understand what is actually going on in Turkey and at finding ways to improve Turkey-EU relations.Headscarf Law Applies to All Religious Coverings, Judges Say
'Teachers in Baden-Wuerttemberg cannot wear a headscarf in classA law which prohibits Muslim women teachers from wearing headscarves in a German state's public schools also forbids Catholic nuns from wearing their veils in regular classrooms, judges said Wednesday."
Continue reading ""Rehn and Lagendijk’s test with Turks; Cyprus; Queen's visit..." »
May 17, 2008
Rapporteur favors rejecting Turk headscarf case
Rapporteur favors rejecting Turk headscarf case: TV | International | Reuters
Headscarves and Lawsuits
Spencer Boyer at The Root insists that “Turkey is vital to our national and international security interests,” and suggests that when the courts agreed to hear a case to ban ruling AK Party , it “set in motion a dangerous chain of events that could undo years of political and economic progress in Turkey. “"Continue reading "Rapporteur favors rejecting Turk headscarf case" »
May 16, 2008
"Hürriyet and its false news
Hürriyet and its false news
The difference between news based on lies and news that is wrong can be found in the intent and information held by those reporting the news.‘One glass of rakı'
The headline run by the Hürriyet daily the other day was not actually about alcoholic drinks."Turkey's tense situation raises EU's concerns
Turkey's tense situation raises EU's concerns
Recent threats made against the AKP government indicate that Turkey's political turmoil has intensified since 2007, writes Katinka Barysch of the Centre for European Reform in an April blog post.Continue reading ""Turkey's tense situation raises EU's concerns" »
May 15, 2008
"Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case
Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case
Ruşen ÇAKIR
Turkish businessmen urge gov't to focus on economy
Mehmet Yilmaz: Research on the "Average Turk"
I received the results of research conducted by Associate Professor Dr Hakan Yilmaz from Bosporus University from the editor-in-chief of Capital magazine, Sedef Seckin Buyuk."
Britain's Queen Elizabeth (front 2nd L) and Turkey's First Lady Hayrunnisa Gul (front L) listen to a verse of the Koran at the Green Mosque in Bursa May 14, 2008.
REUTERS/Riza Ozel/Pool (TURKEY)
Continue reading ""Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case" »