[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Turkey and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Turkey Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week`s roundup to turkey@jadaliyya.com by Sunday night of every week.]
English
Graft Probe
Corruption Probe Might Grow to Rock Turkish Gov’t (1)-(2)-(3) Murat Yetkin comments on the three incidents that occurred on 16 and 17 December.
The Iran-Gold-Halkbank Triangle Uğur Gürses discusses the Iran-Gold-Halkbank triangle.
Iranian Gold Stars in Turkish Corruption Scandal The bribery and corruption upheaval rattling Turkey is shedding light on Iran’s schemes to bypass US-EU embargoes, Fehim Taştekin writes.
Enigmatic Turkish Cleric Poses Challenge to Erdoğan`s Might Hümeyra Pamuk writes that a rift with the Turkish cleric threatens to shake Erdoğan’s hold on power ahead of next year’s elections.
Turkey: Lecturing not Listening The Guardian, in its editorial, contends that Erdoğan and his party need to live with what they have created.
The End of Erdoğan? John Hannah asks whether the Erdoğan era is about to come to an end, fatally weakened by scandal and infighting.
Muslim Political Feud Erupts in Turkish Corruption Probe (1)-(2) Daniel Dombey writes that the AKP-Gülen Community battle has boiled over this week with the arrest of dozens of people in an anti-corruption investigation.
For First Time, Gülen Curses Purge of Police Officials in Emotional Speech Fethullah Gülen has severely cursed the government due to the number of police officials involved in the graft probe.
Economy Hit by Corruption Allegations Referring to Dombey’s analysis, Joost Lagendijk argues that the consequences of the graft probe could be devastating for the Turkish economy.
Double Jeopardy in Turkey Güven Sak points out that the Turkish economy is increasingly vulnerable due to the graft probe that started just before the Fed’s decision.
Turkey`s Political Civil War Claire Berlinski contends that the struggle is not about elections or democracy; rather, it is a struggle for control of the Turkish state itself.
Turbulent Times Nicole Pope argues that the graft probe has shaken the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government to the core and plunged Turkey into political uncertainty.
Toward a Crisis in Turkish-American Relations? İhsan Dağı writes that “this year, on two occasions, the AKP government chose to turn a domestic issue into an international one.”
The Crime of Investigating Corruption Orhan Kemal Cengiz draws attention to the fact that the police officers investigating graft were relieved of duty by the minister whose son is accused of bribery.
The Islamic Roots of the Conflict in Turkey Ömer Taşpınar points out that “the current conflict has deep historical, ideological, and even doctrinal roots.”
AKP: What Is Next? (1)-(2) İhsan Yılmaz argues that the prosecutors must be out of their minds, starting such an investigation against the very powerful government without any serious evidence.
Corrupt Politics (1)-(2) Emre Uslu examines the major impacts of the graft probe: a big blow for Turkey`s international image and for the government in the eyes of its constituencies.
Turkey’s Post-Revolutionary Civil War (1)-(2) Mustafa Akyol thinks that the title is a very good definition of the political war that is going on in Turkey these days.
What Happens Next? “Guns are fired; the bullets left the barrels; targets were hit,” Mümtazer Türköne writes.
Graft Probe Inflicts Irreparable Damage on Government Lale Kemal points out that “the government is using all its power to disrupt the investigation of corruption.”
Rotten? (1)-(2)-(3) Yavuz Baydar underlines that “these revelations pose an existential question for the AKP.”
Erdoğan`s Imagined Enemies The usual suspects and imaginary enemies of Turkey serve as scapegoats in Erdoğan`s strategy to ride out the scandal, says Abdullah Bozkurt.
Cops vs. Robbers Bülent Keneş asks: Why is it so hard to see certain people in Turkey exhibit the dignity and honor of the Tokyo governor?
Fighting Corruption and a Dilemma (1)-(2) Sedat Ergin guesses that one of the most significant outcomes of this incident is that it has shown that law is necessary for everyone.
Can AKP Survive Graft Probe? Yusuf Kanlı argues that the graft probe has placed Turkish secularists in a very awkward situation.
The 2014 Elections and a Suspicious Investigation Taha Özhan claims that the graft probe is a contention for tutelage.
So You Said "Tutelage"? Ekrem Dumanlı argues that “the rule is simple: those who see themselves as the ‘real owner of the state’ want to see everyone as slaves. And this is the real tutelage.”
Between Old and New Turkey Erdoğan`s third term in power increasingly brings to Şahin Alpay’s mind Lord Acton`s dictum, “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Crackdown Shatters AKP "Anti-Corruption" Taboo Kadri Gürsel argues that the anti-corruption operation has inflicted irreparable damage on the government`s reputation and legitimacy.
Pro-AKP Media Flop as Corruption Charges Swell The pro-AKP media fail to carry a credible message to combat corruption charges, Pınar Tremblay writes.
Pro-AKP Media Accuses Israel of Role in Turkish Corruption Scandal “To see an Israeli hand in every Turkish crisis has become a knee-jerk reaction, even in crises that are blatantly home grown,” Semih İdiz remarks.
Corruption Carried AK Party to Power, May Spell Party`s End Coverage on the graft probe by Today`s Zaman.
Gül May Be Winner in Turkey’s "Mother of All Battles" Henri Barkey claims that Abdullah Gül, the Turkish President, and Turkish democracy may be the winners in the latest AKP-Gülen escalation.
Turkish Journalists Caught in Cross Fire of AKP-Gülen Conflict Amberin Zaman contends that the graft probe has set to make journalist’s lives in Turkey even harder.
High Criminal Court Decisions about Kurdish Parliamentarians
Is There a Different Legal System for the Kurds? Orhan Kemal Cengiz comments on the denial of the imprisoned BDP deputies’ petitions for their release following Balbay’s release.
Why the Peace and Democracy Party Deputies Were not Released “Whatever the justification given for the release of Balbay was, the same applies to the BDP deputies,” says Markar Esayan.
Double Standards for Jailed Deputies Orhan Mitoğlu asks: “Does the law that is applied in Ankara function differently in Diyarbakır?”
US, Turkey to Rethink Syria Policies Cengiz Çandar argues that the United States and Turkey need to change their approaches to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party.
Kurds Reconciling? Doğu Ergil writes that “a new aura of reconciliation seems to be emerging among the Kurds of the Middle East.”
Can Turkey’s Kurds, Military Ever Reconcile? “A court case in Diyarbakir provides hope for the first time for reconciliation between the Turkish military and Kurdish citizens,” Tülin Daloğlu claims.
Armenian Genocide
2015! Gökhan Bacık points out that 2015 holds an important anniversary for Turkey and Armenia.
Davutoğlu: 1915 Deportation Was Inhuman Practice Markar Esayan reflects upon Davutoğlu’s words on the Armenian genocide: “We do not endorse deportation; it was an inhuman practice.”
Will Turks, Armenians Ever Reconcile? Mustafa Akyol argues that the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister to Yerevan could be a positive first step in Turkish-Armenian reconciliation.
Reasons to Hold Out Hope for Armenia, Turkey “While the history of tensions between Armenia and Turkey may augur bleak prospects for reconciliation, certain recent events may indicate otherwise,” Mensur Akgün claims.
Turkey and Armenia: What Next? Ömer Taşpınar propounds that “Ankara needs to think about Armenian-Turkish relations.”
Turkish
Graft Probe
Cemaat-hükümet savaşı (1)-(2)-(3)-(4) Ruşen Çakır analyzes the power struggle between the Gülen community and the AKP that has been exacerbated by the graft probe.
Yolsuzluk operasyonları ne anlama geliyor? (1)-(2) Cüneyt Özdemir argues that Turkey has come to the most critical turning point in its ninety-year history.
Yolsuzluk ve savaşları (1)-(2)-(3) Ali Bayramoğlu points out that the probe, unless otherwise proved, would lead to a decline in the power and legitimacy of the AKP government.
"Power corrupts" (1)-(2)-(3) Cengiz Çandar analyzes the graft probe and the AKP’s subsequent attempts to defuse it.
İsrailli savcı istiyorum Tamer Akçam criticizes the AKP’s embrace of “conspiracy theories” in order to deal with the graft probe.
Ahmet Şık: Bu savaşta artık geri dönüş yok Ahmet Şık’s seventeen tweets related to the graft probe.
Mirgün Cabas İle Herşey-Ahmet ŞIK Yorumluyor A television interview with Ahmet Şık about the ongoing war between the Gülen movement and the AKP.
Bir kültürel coğrafyanın can cekişmesi Nazan Üstündag points out that the crime committed against the public is why the government is collapsing.
İyot gibi açığa çıkan bir riyakârlık Ahmet Hakan argues that the AKP’s conspiracy theories are a big hypocrisy.
Bari bu pisliğe Gezi’yi bulaştırmayın Ahmet Hakan criticizes conspiracy theories that juxtapose the Gezi Park uprisings with the graft probe.
Asker dili konuşan Tayyip Erdoğan ve onun yanında saf tutan gazeteciler Hasan Cemal argues that Erdoğan speaks “the language of military” against the graft probe.
Başbakan`ın Başkanlığı`nda alınan kritik karar “Recent operations reveals the existence of an organization which acts a junta movement within the state,” writes Abdülkadir Selvi.
Yargıya müdahale daha tehlikeli Mümtaz`er Türköne argues that the AKP’s interventions are even more problematic than corruption, since they harm the rule of law.
Fetret devrine girdik Aslı Aydıntaşbaş argues that Turkey has entered a “stagnation period” with the graft probe.
Vesayet, siyaset, rezalet Nuray Mert points that there are many “secrets” within the state that society could not have known unless there were a struggle between power blocs.
Sanıklar değişir ama polisin yöntemleri hiç değişmez… İsmet Berkan criticizes the lack of transparency and rule of law in Turkey.
Yeni `kurtarıcı`mız: Paralel devlet “‘The deep state’ made an irreversible ‘attack.’ From now on, what is important is how Erdoğan wwill reply to this ‘attack,’” writes Oral Çalışlar.
Kürt cephesinden `operasyoncular`ın sicili Oral Çalışlar claims that the probe and ongoing war between the AKP and the Community would harm the peace process.
Cunta operasyonu ve önümüzdeki 3 ay Cem Kücük argues that Israel is behind the graft and corruption operations, aimed to discredit and defame Erdoğan.
İktidar-Cemaat çatışmasında ‘yeni aşama...’ “It is obvious that the Gülen community aims to own state power and institutions. Its equivalent in the Kurdish question is the continuation of ‘political genocide,’” Delil Karakocan argues.
Gülen`den yolsuzluk operasyonuna: Hırsızlığı Allah biliyor, rüşveti Allah biliyor (1)-(2)-(3) Fethullah Gülen’s comments on the graft probe.
Bir Başbakan`ı izledim, bir de Hocaefendi`yi… Hakan Aksay analyzes Erdoğan’s and Gülen’s speeches, and argues that they both consist of harsh comments and allegations.
Zaman`dan “Turkey is facing a very critical incident. The biggest operations against bribery, corruption, and money laundering are being conducted,” declares Zaman’s headline about operations.
En çok Hizmet`i vuracak (1)-(2) Before resigning from his newspaper, Ahmet Taşgetiren argues that the reputation of the Gülen movement would be most harmed by this probe.
Muz Cumhuriyeti Gültekin Avcı criticizes the AKP’s intervention in jurisdiction and police that conduct bribery-corruption operations.
Bu, çokuluslu bir operasyondur! İbrahim Karagül claims that the recent developments are part of a multinational operation that aims to collapse civil government in Turkey.
Operasyon ve yakın tehlike… Hüseyin Gülerce draws attention to the importance of the rule of law in operations.
Hakan Şükür`ün istifasi… “The resignation of Hakan Şükür is not a random resignation. It is the most serious incident that ruined the AKP’s reputation among religious groups,” claims Hüseyin Gülerce.
Hakan Şükür istifa mektubu Hakan Şükür, an AKP deputy close the Gülen Community, resigned from the AKP with a polemical letter of resignation just before the graft probe.
Zımba! Turan Alkan applauses Hakan Şükür’s resignation and calls on other deputies to take the same stance against the AKP’s attacks on the Gülen community.
Ne oldu AKP’ye? “The AKP and the Prime Minister made the biggest mistake of their political life; they tried to cover up the operations instead of dealing with them,” says İhsan Dağı.
Dilimde tüy bitene kadar… Fehmi Koru warns the AKP government not to give inappropriate responses to the graft probe.
Zor tercih, hem de bayağı zor… Fehmi Koru argues that addressing the graft probe in a transparent way would grant the AKP government a “moral superiority” and prevent it from losing votes in the next elections.
Kriminolojik ittifakın dosyalı ve kasetli kuvvetleri Mehmet Barlas argues that the graft probe is a criminologically supported political attack, which is conducted by a multinational alliance including the United States and Israel.
Yeni Türkiye mi demiştiniz Agos’ agenda consists of the bribery and corruption operations.
Siyaseti savunmak… “The only legitimate way to defend politics (`national will) is to address all sorts of allegations and to punish all perpetrators,” Alper Görmüş argues.
Erdoğan’ın galiba en zor sınavı Sedat Ergin points that Erdoğan is trying to pass the most difficult exam of his political life.
Yeni durum Murat Belge criticizes the AKP’s intervention into the jurisdiction that carries out the graft probe.
İsrail adına kendi hükümetine başkaldıranlar Hakan Albayrak argues that Israel and the United States are behind the graft operations.
AKP için tek çıkış yolu demokratikleşme olacaktır “The most effective way to prevent conspiracies and parallel state organizations is transparency and democratization,” says Muzaffer Ayata.
Cemaat mi tehlikeli hükümet mi? Mehmet Altan criticizes the lack of “separation of powers” in Turkey.
König, İmpeks, Denizbank, Satie, Refah olayları Ayşe Hür writes about the first bribery and corruption cases in the Ottoman and in early Republican years.
Muz cumhuriyeti değil, büyük hırsızların cumhuriyeti “The corruption operation is not carried out in order to fight with corruption. It is a power struggle,” Fikret Başkaya writes.
High Criminal Court Decisions about Kurdish Parliamentarians
Yargının tavrının Türkçesi Addressing the recent trials of imprisoned Kurdish parliamentarians, Ergun Babahan argues that the “constant blacks” of Turkey are Kurds, leftists, and Alevis.
Başım(ız) belada! Eyüp Can considers the High Criminal Court’s refusal of imprisoned Kurdish parliamentarians’ demand for release as a “law scandal.”
Diyarbakır`dan herkese vurulan kelepçe Ali Topuz argues that what is imprisoned in Diyarbakir High Criminal Court are not only Kurdish politicians, but also the Constitutional Court’s decision, the rule of law, and the whole of society.
İki yüzlü ‘hukuk’... Ömer Ağın draws attention that the same law that applies to Mustafa Balbay—the CHP’s deputy who was recently released—does not apply to Kurdish deputies.
Karasu: Balbay CHP, Cemaat görüşmesi sonrasında serbest bırakıldı An interview with Mustafa Karasu, KCK executive committee member, about the release of Mustafa Balbay and the refusal of imprisoned Kurdish parliamentarians’ demand for release.
Şırnak Massacre
Eski Şırnak Valisi: Asker çok insan öldürdü; Ankara`ya anlattım, ilgilenmedi! An interview with ex-governor of Şırnak, Mustafa Malay, about the Şırnak massacre.
Katliamlar diyarı Şırnak Mahmut Alınak, the HEP deputy of Şırnak in 1992, comments on Mustafa Malay’s interview.
Şırnak Valisi’nden ifşaat: Asker, yaşlı insanları da, çocukları da öldürdü! Hasan Cemal comments on Mustafa Malay’s interview and the Şırnak massacre.
Kürdistan için bağırıp Roboski’ye susanlara Murat Sabuncu writes about the use of the term “Kurdistan,” and argues that we should not struggle for mere words but for peace.
Other Pertinent Pieces
PKK-KDP mutabakatı Günay Aslan argues that "the Rojava agreement" between the PKK and the KDP is the most important development of the last week.
"Hayata Dönüş`ün Gerçek Bilânçosu; 122 Ölümdür" Alper Turgut comments on the “Return to Life Operation,” which resulted in the deaths of 122 prisoners during the death fasts in 2000.
`İnsanlar ulusal sınırları aşan bir politika tahayyül ediyorlar` Ömer Madra’s interview with Susan Buck-Morss on contemporary politics in Turkey and in the Middle East.
Published on Jadaliyya
İsmail Beşikçi and the Reality of Kurdistan
Towards the End of a Dream? The Erdoğan-Gülen Fallout and Islamic Liberalism’s Descent
Beşikçi ve Kürdistan’ın gerçekliği
Lubunca and the History of Istanbul Slang