Why Happenings in Turkey Matter

        

(Photo: Tech. Sgt. William Gomez/Air Force)

   I know that many of you are wondering why I have not covered the tragedy in France, yet I am discussing the happenings in Turkey.  America is hearing plenty regarding the egregious attack on Nice which cost the lives of 84 people, 10 of them children, and injured 200. Many of these are still in critical condition. A lot of damage can be done with a nineteen ton refrigerator truck. Although my condolences go to France and the people of Nice, this is being covered by mainstream news. and the right information about Turkey may not be.

              Turkey is a member of NATO, and its Incirlik airbase is an important strategic location for us for operations which take place in the Middle East, especially against ISIS. It is a key staging area for attacks against the "so called Islamic State".  Instability in Turkey translates to fewer friends and less cooperation for us in the MIddle East. It also translates to more opportunities for ISIS.

               The coup yesterday was serious because it shakes stability of the region.  It's failure is also peculiar, despite the fact that Mr. Obama supports Erdogan.

              Today, one day after the failed coup attempt, news reports are indicating that Turkey has closed air space over its Incirlik Air Base effectively grounding US planes. All US military personnel are confined to the base.  Sadly, the stop in attacks against ISIS may allow the group to regroup.

             Furthermore, according to the Military Times, all US dependents currently in Turkey have been ordered to leave. This will impact at least seven hundred spouses and children.  I have also just heard that outside electricity to the Incirlik base has been cut.

              Please pray for stability for the region and safety for those embroiled in it. 


Update:  As of late July 17th, American operations at the Incirlik Air Base have resumed.

Turkey's Coup Has Failed

             

This is Friday night in Turkey.  This picture was taken by and is the property of REUTERS

 



       This is an update following yesterdays post concerning the coup in Turkey.  Both of the individuals I know in Turkey are safe.

                   According to BBC News, the coup in Turkey against Erdogan's government, has failed. More than 2800 soldiers including many high ranking have been arrested. One hundred and sixty one people have been killed and one thousand four hundred and forty have been injured. Erdogan is very likely to begin executing senior staff.   The official word is that the group that started the coup is unknown, however Erdogan rightly or wrongly believes a Muslim cleric Fethulah Gulen, a US based but powerful cleric is responsible. Others speculate that Russia thinks Erdogan has been in power too long.

                    Turkey is deeply divided and polarized over Erdogan's transformation of Turkey from a secular state to an Islamic one, and also over spillover from the Syrian war.  This is likely not to be the last coup in Turkey.

Prayers for Those in Turkey

 This post was written at 5 pm this date


  I have information from one of the people I know who is in the area that a coup is going on in Turkey.   There is shooting in the streets. Bank transactions are halted and ATMs don't work.  Aircraft and helicopters are in the sky.  Erdogan is attempting to flee by getting to and leaving from Attaturk Airport.   TRT Television is announcing a coup statement.  Soldiers are said to have taken the guns of the police.  The latest information is that Erdogan's party, the HQ AKP is surrounded.  Martial Law has been imposed and no one is permitted to leave Turkey.  The announcement from TRT television says, "
The President & government representatives have betrayed the country, created an autocracy, made legal system unworkable"

    The last entry I have received is that Erdogan has been detained.  Although this is said to be true, he is talking to CNN via telephone. He claims to be in Marmaris and he also claims still to be in control.

Although there is martial law, the borders are not yet closed. Erdogan is seeking asylum in Germany.  As of 6:30pm Eastern Standard time, his request has been denied.


UPDATE:    In the days which followed, none of the material posted above was found to be true, and yet it was announced.