You know things are grim when you have to address your nation from a web cam. A Pakistani/American friend of mine was visiting his family in Pakistan during a military coup. I asked if he was scared? His family were more western minded nationalist with military ties. He said they were all very happy and relieved. They had a little party. Pretty strange when a coup fill you with joy.
This may be the only time I have ever welcomed a military coup. Someone had to stop the radicalization of Erdogan's religious insanity. Looks like the military have stepped in and let him know enough is enough. I hope they keep the shooting to a minimum.
Part of the Military's job in Turkey is to defend the legacy of Ataturk who worked his ass off to make Turkey a Secular nation. The Military takes over once a generation or so when the country starts to be come too Islamic. I wonder if the guys with all the stars on their sleeves looked at Nice yesterday and thought "Oh shit, those guys are going to want blood, better make them look elsewhere for a while." That or they really want to be a part of the EU and Erdogan is the sand in the gears.
no it isn't that crazy. Turkey is a known hub between the Middle East and the Western world. Time will tell of the ramifications, as this coup is still unfolding. But this is a huge event, a tipping point in either direction concerning radical insurgency. I would put gold on Russia being involved with this. it is more than just a coincidence between the tragedy that happened in Nice yesterday and what is happening now.
BBC Article Really interesting, and with reports of gunshots I wish the Turkish people the best getting through this.
Michael Rubin is saying he called it in Newsweek: http://www.newsweek.com/will-there-be-coup-against-erdogan-turkey-439181 edit: CBC is also posting this for context: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/turkey-refugees-erdogan-davutoglu-1.3587599