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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAftermath of Turkey coup attempt will be bloody and repressive
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/16/aftermath-of-turkish-coup-attempt-will-be-bloody-and-repressive<snip>
Turkey is no stranger to military coups, it has undergone four since 1960. Its powerful military has historically regarded itself as the protector of the modern Turkish state and the vision of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It has also devoted itself to Atatürks nationalistic and secularist vision, as well as bringing order to the country. The constitutional, historical and cultural basis for its actions has generated resentment and hostility. The army has often abused its powers and has a history of repression and human rights abuses.
When Erdoğan came to power in 2002, one of his immediate priorities was to counter the military. He pursued closer ties with the EU and sought to expand his influence within the countrys institutions. In 2008, the military was severely weakened by Erdoğan in what became known as the Ergenekon affair, a series of trials in which military officers, journalists and politicians were accused of forming a clandestine organisation that plotted against the civilian government. It resulted in prison sentences for senior military members and weakened, if not ended, the militarys capacity to conduct coups as it had done in the past.
Attempted coup in Turkey: what we know so far
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In other words, Erdoğan set himself up for another clash with the military, but few expected it to come so soon or in the form of an attempted coup. The most astonishing thing about Fridays events was that the coup was even contemplated by military factions, given Erdoğans grip on the country. Fridays coup attempt was by far Turkeys least effective. The military did not control the media and lacked sufficient support both within its ranks and on the streets. It also signified that Erdoğans divide-and-rule policies have worked; that he has tamed Turkeys once-feared military.
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However, it should not have been surprising that a move to oust Erdoğan has occurred. In recent years, Erdoğan has alienated rivals and exacerbated Turkeys instability for his personal gain. He has exploited ethnic and sectarian tensions, restarted a domestic war with the Kurds and sought to divide the population to garner greater constitutional powers. Erdogans dangerous games has brought levels of violence and instability not seen in Turkey for decades.
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Aftermath of Turkey coup attempt will be bloody and repressive (Original Post)
malaise
Jul 2016
OP
Duckhunter935
(16,974 posts)1. He is now just making himself all but a dictator
Jailing the press and any opposition.
malaise
(268,932 posts)2. Poor fool
He won't know when the real coup hits him.
Rex
(65,616 posts)3. Sounds like Egypt. Military dictators just cannot let go of power so easily.
I guess that is why Kim in NK kills one off ever year just to keep the other brass in line. Dictatorships, they really do suck as advertised.
So Turkey elected this guy, is there any kind of no-confidence vote or do we go straight to martial law?
One more mess