Miscellaneous And Off Topic Subjects

[Ghengis Jon]

Erdogan claimed a 'parallel structure' has staged the coup. I read that this is a substantial portion of the army, not just a few disgruntled generals. I haven't seen any public declarations as to the reasons or basis of the coup. Its easy to say that its cuz Erdogan is an a-hole, but that description fits most high level politicians.

Update: According to the BBC, "The military group's statement on national broadcaster TRT, read by an announcer, said that democratic and secular rule of law had been eroded by the current government. There would be new constitution, it said.
A Turkish presidential source told Reuters news agency that the statement was not authorised by the army's command."

[Dr. Strangelove]

White House has come out in support of Erdogan

[Dr. Strangelove]

Clusterfuck? Probably not. The military which represents the secularist within Turkey, is the ONLY reason the US is basing out of Turkey and has been for decades. If Erdogan had his way, the US would have been booted during his 13 year term as he cuddled up with the Brotherhood. Erdogan's political drift toward Islam is what brought this about. Opponents of Assad in Syria are celebrating in the streets (or the ones Assad hasn't destroyed). This may be good for the ME, bad for ISIS, the Brotherhood and instability these people thrive on and incite.

Not sure this is completely accurate. Erdogan needs NATO/the US

[Ghengis Jon]

“I’m making a call out to my people. … Let us gather in our squares, at our airports as the people and let that minority group come upon as with their tanks and artillery and do whatever they wish to do,” Erdogan said.

True words of bravery spoken as he cowers in a secure, undisclosed location. How Cheney-esque.

[Ghengis Jon]

Bangladesh has done more in a week than Saudi Arabia has done in a generation.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36805657

[The Oracle]

"Lower" ranking officers have staged a revolt, ordering the army into the streets and at least 2 airbases to buzz the capital with jets. Erdogan has claimed the revolt was against senior officers and morphed into a coup. Erdogan is running, addressing the nation on an iphone video app Facetime. Martial law has been declared and Erodgan has asked the population to take to the streets in his support.

Not much else besides the usual chaos and conflicting news reports.

I get all that. Why did they revolt against Erdogan? Was he "elected"? Where is the conflict over there? Always thought Istanbul was a safe place

[Ghengis Jon]

Erdogan has consistantly shifted toward authoritaian, autocratic rule. Recent crackdowns on dissent (civilian, religious or military) of any type seems to be what has precipitated this move.

[The Oracle]

Ah, got it. Thanks. Seems to be a bit more though. Air Force firing at army, army firing at police, police firing at civilians?

[Da Geezer]

And the Turkish constitution, pretty unique among countries, vests in the military the role of maintaining a secular state.

Erdogan has been pushing Turkey toward an Islamist state. He said "Democracy is like a bus. You take it to your stop, and then you get off." It would be good for constitutional government if the coup succeeds, but the reports are that the coup has failed.

[Mike]

We really need the coup to be a success. Very disappointed that the WH is with Erdogan. I hope that's just public hedging until this thing plays out. If the coup fails, the Islamists get a huge win and Turkey bends toward Sharia.

[Dr. Strangelove]

There's been a creeping Islamism under Erdogan but Turkey's still just about the most secularist country in all the Middle East. They certainly aren't Iran or Saudi Arabia.

[Mike]

Yet.

[Ghengis Jon]

Looks like the coup is about over. 130 military personnel arrested with the miltary chief of staff still missing.

[Mike]

What a buzzkill.

[WM Wolverine]

It was more fun when the Middle East used to blow each other up instead of us.