We’ve talked with Mr. Soli Ozel, a faculty member at
Kadir Has University and a columnist at Haberturk newspaper about West’s
attitude following the failed coup attempt on July 15th; Turkey’s detente with Russia; and the issue of
Gulen’s extradition which directly affects the relationship between Turkey and
the U.S.
Were you expecting a coup attempt? When you look back
today, were there any indicators?
When you look back, you find what you’re looking for.
According to what I’ve learned afterwards, this was not such an unexpected
incident for Ankara. But personally, I wasn’t expecting a coup. I didn’t think
that the Gulenists were this strong within the army.
How do you see the West’s approach to the coup
attempt? Can we call it a lack of empathy?
I personally think so. On October 10th terrorist attack, the ambassadors got together and
placed flowers at the scene of attack. That was the right thing to do. They
acted similarly after the attack on the Ataturk Airport. On June 15th, -whether you like the ruling party or not-
Turkey’s Parliament was bombed. And while the Parliament building was still
under attack, all the political parties of this country convened at that very
building. The President of EP could have at least taken this into consideration
and taken a stance, accordingly. Or, an EU representative could have come here
to tell us, “You have weathered a great storm.” Or even further speak before
the parliament and say, “Turkish democracy have gone through the hoop. We
admire your courage. Now that there is such unity and solidarity, let there be
no more tension. Build a decent democracy, strive to fully apply the principles
of the rule of law.” However, as much as I can see, the first part of this,
came very short. Maybe it’s because the coup was rapidly botched, or because of
the scenes on the streets right after the coup attempt or because of the state
of emergency which was declared afterwards. They should have shown solidarity
first and then criticize.
Before the coup attempt, the relationship between
Turkey and the EU and the U.S. was not at their best. After the coup attempt,
the first countries that showed support were Iran and Russia. Are we turning
our backs to the West? Is it possible to say we’re shifting our axis?
There has been so much talk of Turkey’s axis shifting
that you would think it is spinning now for years. Within the last 6 years,
there has been so much talk of a shift that this last one is only one of the
many. There’s no doubt, there are serious issues. However, things are working
with Europe. 5-6 days ago, the President signed the migrant deal and the deal
went into effect. The U.S. head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came to Turkey.
Turkey has more problems. Especially the issue of Gulen’s extradition to Turkey
will poison these relations further. I believe it’s not possible anymore for
the Americans to avoid this issue. Turkey has compiled a file and delivered it
to the authorities, we are told. Now, it’s necessary to talk with the Americans
more eloquently. Americans should take this issue more seriously. As for
Russia, I believe Turkey should ameliorate its relations with Russia. It’s
possible, but under these circumstances, it wouldn’t be an egalitarian
relationship.
Do you think the U.S. will extradite Gulen or send him
to a third country?
For the time being, I have no clue, but this issue is
for sure a litmus test for Turkish-American relations.
Dani Rodrik, Professor of Economy at Harvard University
wrote a very pessimistic article about Turkey saying that in the best-case
scenario Turkey will turn into Malaysia and in the worst case into Afghanistan.
How do you foresee Turkey’s future?
Such encouraging options! I believe Turkey is at a
crossroads. Indeed, we always end up at crossroads. Our path depends on the
lessons we take from what has happened or where we want to go. One path to
choose is to move forward together, when almost all political groups and
fractions including the media, opposition parties take the right stance.
Another path is saying “I’ve gotten stronger; I can have it my own
way.” Even the state of emergency is a legal system, with rules,
procedures, limits. If you choose a path which violates the law, the outcome
will not be favorable. If you strive to abide by the law and keep the state of
emergency period as short as possible, then you take a step towards
normalization. As of now, which path will be chosen is not clear. I drew an
analogy recently. I compared Turkey to a patient who has just suffered a major
heart attack. I’m just hoping that this patient won’t be put on a stress test,
once again.
CHP and MHP were invited to the Democracy and Martyrs
Rally on August 7. HDP is always left out when it comes to such events…
I don’t find this right. Whether HDP will be included
in the system or not, or whether HDP’s constituents will be respected are
significant factors of the path chosen.
Karel Valansi Şalom Gazetesi 10 August 2016
http://www.salom.com.tr/SalomTurkey/haber-100143-soli_ozel_once_again_turkey_is_at_a_crossroads.html
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