Point of Concern: What is it?
"Point of Concern" is to be a monthly addition to my blog with a focus on current events that are unfortunately not captivating the majority of the media. This is where I will attempt to summarize the events and the causes behind them and a place for you to leave your input in the comments. Share your knowledge and your opinions here and perhaps we can grow together.
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With the 24th anniversary of Tiananmen Square recently passing, the times of political turmoil that would hopefully be solved today only seem to be on the rise. Events such as the Arab Spring or the Occupy movement are pushing the boundaries of public dissent in hope of change. Turkey's recent social movement revolves around unhappiness with their Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a cultural background riddled with tension between secularists and religious activists.
The Background
Despite the distance between us, this conflict is not one to be ignored by the United States. Turkey has been a strong U.S. ally since their Western reforms of the late 1800s and early 1900s under Atatürk. Turkey, which connects Europe to the Middle East was for the most part Islamic. Under the Ottoman Empire, Sharia law ruled the land, but with the rise of the new republic of Turkey came a move of reformation byAtatürk. Turkey became more secular than ever and with it came influence of the West. Citizens of Turkey were told how to dress, forced to learn the English alphabet, and were encouraged to give up their religion. Atatürk's reforms not only established a working parliament but his move towards westernization helped grow Turkey's economy.
Enter the Present
Today's protests are an acumulation of a country on the verge of a social and religious revival. Islamification is spreading across Turkey with citizenry polarized between the church and the state. For years secularists were in control of the parliament but around 1970 the trends were changing. A religious revival started sweeping over the country and through years of struggle, they came to power. Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) are not the traditional religious revolutionists of the 70s or 80s."Political Islamists have not changed their rigid agenda of creating a society on Islamist rules, but only their methods and assets. It is a common perception that contemporary religious revival in Islam is targeting not only the society but also the state institutions which is the case in Turkey in the last decade" (Akayya).
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Erdoğan is now serving his third term and at his limit but under his rule the law has been changed to allow him to run again after sitting out for one election term. Erdoğan is one of the most powerful leaders Turkey has seen in decades and a fear of a looming dictatorship may have Turks worried to the point of action. Questions of freedom of speech have arisen as journalists are coming forward standing up against their censorship.
The protests began over the demolishing of Gezi Park built as a salute to Atatürk's reforms. These protests were not a religious dissonance but were focused on the last green space available in the commercial district. The proposed plan would destroy the park and replace it with an Ottoman style barracks and shopping mall. The violent reaction from police caused local labor unions to join the fight and now the streets are filled with protesters both peaceful and nonpeaceful. Despite their methods of dissent, their message seems to be the same. The people of Turkey want a true liberal democracy. Erdoğan's use of power with borderline authoritarian tactics seem to be the main cause of protests and what started as a small reachout against construction has turned into a rallying call for reform.
Why the U.S. should care about Turkey
The United States has had close relations with Turkey since their Western reforms. Today Turkey is responsible for training Syrian rebels in secret training camps providing support against Syria's
Ba'athist Party. A replacement of government officials could see the end of trainings and the move towards islamification means the possibility for radicals to take seats of power. Not only destroying any last hope for Syrian rebels but putting US relations on a thin line.
Ba'athist Party. A replacement of government officials could see the end of trainings and the move towards islamification means the possibility for radicals to take seats of power. Not only destroying any last hope for Syrian rebels but putting US relations on a thin line.
In addition, Turkey has been seeking entrance to NATO for years now and could be a powerful ally in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Relations over this subject have to be dealt with carefully and it is important for us to give support for a liberal democracy without ruining our relations with Erdoğan and his AKP. Once again, the United States is pinned in a Catch-22 of foreign policy where each action taken could mean drastic repercussions. For now it may be wise to sit back and watch, but without any engagement, Turkey may become even more authoritative under the pressures of the protests.
What do you guys think? Are these protests called for? Do you think reform is possible? Leave your comments below!
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