It was a night of chaos and bloodshed, which kept not only Turkey but the entire region awake. A small section of the military, with the backing of disruptive forces, moved to seize power from a democratically elected government on Friday night. Troops sealed off the two bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul, airports were shut, access to social media networks were severed and normal was gradually coming to a halt. Amidst the unprecedented chaos and confusion, President Tayyip Erdogan announced calmly that his government was in complete control and the attempted coup would be put down. He called on his followers to take to the streets to defend his government and the response was overwhelming. Tens of thousands poured into the streets and in the morning, the world listened to the news that the Turkish government has crushed a coup attempt by sections of the army.
Turkey’s allies in the region stood by Erdogan. In a telephone call, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “congratulated (Erdogan) on the support of the people of Turkey on his rule against the failed military coup.”
The coup attempt was not only an attack on Erdogan, but an attack on democracy, on order and peace and Turkish values. In an unprecedented show of unity, all major parties represented in the parliament condemned the putsch and issued a joint declaration. Turks must be congratulated for their resolve and bravery in thwarting a coup with bare chests. It’s a lesson in active citizenry which other countries should learn from.
Turkey, an important Nato member, is a pillar of strength and stability and a key stabilising force in a region riven with conflict. Any bid to destabilise Turkey is a bid to further destabilise our region. The region needs Turkey and its positive interventions to emerge from the current crises and those trying to subvert democracy in the country are intent on pushing this region deeper into chaos.
Erdogan has blamed the US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen for the coup plot. A military faction close to Gulen is said to have carried out the putsch. Ankara is calling for the extradition of Gulen and the US Secretary of State John Kerry has said Washington will entertain any extradition request.
Turkey will emerge stronger from this crisis, and the President must invest more in the wellbeing of his people. Those who committed this act will not dare to attempt another, as Turks will not forgive their actions. In democracy, leaders are thrown out through the ballot, not coups.
It was a night of chaos and bloodshed, which kept not only Turkey but the entire region awake. A small section of the military, with the backing of disruptive forces, moved to seize power from a democratically elected government on Friday night. Troops sealed off the two bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul, airports were shut, access to social media networks were severed and normal was gradually coming to a halt. Amidst the unprecedented chaos and confusion, President Tayyip Erdogan announced calmly that his government was in complete control and the attempted coup would be put down. He called on his followers to take to the streets to defend his government and the response was overwhelming. Tens of thousands poured into the streets and in the morning, the world listened to the news that the Turkish government has crushed a coup attempt by sections of the army.
Turkey’s allies in the region stood by Erdogan. In a telephone call, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “congratulated (Erdogan) on the support of the people of Turkey on his rule against the failed military coup.”
The coup attempt was not only an attack on Erdogan, but an attack on democracy, on order and peace and Turkish values. In an unprecedented show of unity, all major parties represented in the parliament condemned the putsch and issued a joint declaration. Turks must be congratulated for their resolve and bravery in thwarting a coup with bare chests. It’s a lesson in active citizenry which other countries should learn from.
Turkey, an important Nato member, is a pillar of strength and stability and a key stabilising force in a region riven with conflict. Any bid to destabilise Turkey is a bid to further destabilise our region. The region needs Turkey and its positive interventions to emerge from the current crises and those trying to subvert democracy in the country are intent on pushing this region deeper into chaos.
Erdogan has blamed the US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen for the coup plot. A military faction close to Gulen is said to have carried out the putsch. Ankara is calling for the extradition of Gulen and the US Secretary of State John Kerry has said Washington will entertain any extradition request.
Turkey will emerge stronger from this crisis, and the President must invest more in the wellbeing of his people. Those who committed this act will not dare to attempt another, as Turks will not forgive their actions. In democracy, leaders are thrown out through the ballot, not coups.
