Up till now, 6000 people have been captured for suspected involvement in the coup detat, 3000 soldiers have been imprisoned, and another 2700 court officials have been fired. It seems that Turkish government is determined to impose severe punishments to prevent possibilities of future coups.
This is not the first time military coup takes place in Turkey. In the last 50 years, Turkey has experienced myriad coup attempts, most noticeably are 4 attempts to overthrow the government in 1960, 1971, 1980, and 1997. The political instabilities and social chaos following these coups have exhausted the Turkish citizens and derided their beliefs in the legitimacy of military violent interventions in politics. This is one of the major reasons why the latest attempt failed so fast. The other 3 reasons include:
1. The support that Turkish citizens entrusted in president Erdogan, as represented by the large amount of people willing to take to the streets in support of the president against the coup attack.
2. Lack of unity in Military because of internal division due to religious orientation.
3. There seems to be uncertainty among the coup members that made them screw with the plan and gave in swiftly after some pressure.
Even though the attempt was short-lived, it could have a significant impact on Turkish temporary foreign policies with the US, NATO and the EU. There are 2 important aspects shaping this special dilemma in Turkish post-coup politics.
First of all Turkey, as the model leader of the Muslim, is an indispensible bridge for conversation between the West and the Muslim world. Turkey is one of a few Muslim majority democracies, posing a bright example for the co-existence of Islam and democracy. Turkey has been successful so far, not only in terms of military strength with NATO’s second largest army, but also in terms of economic development with GDP per capita recording 11524.51 USD in 2015. These are impressive accomplishments that earned respect for Turkey at international level, giving the country more influential voice and responsibility in maintaining regional stability.
Secondly, Turkey is an important military ally for the NATO in general and for the anti-terrorism mission specifically. Turkey is “a strong NATO ally and an important partner in International Coalition against ISIS” as said by NATO’s top military officer, U.S. Gen. Curtis Scapparotti, on CNN. Turkey also ranked 3rd among the main importers of American arms in 2015. The country also played a critical role in American mission in Syria with the Incirlik air base in Southern Turkey, without which the US air strike tasks would be impossible.
Because of these 2 important aspects, Turkey’s foreign policies with the US, NATO, and the EU will also be affected:
The alliance and cooperation between Turkey and the US and NATO have suffered from the coup. Right after coming back to power, President Erdogan had already accused Gulen, who is currently residing in the USA, of plotting the coup against him. This is a sign of distrust from Turkish President for the US government. Subsequently, Incirlik air base has ceased to operate, making it impossible for the US to launch air strikes.
As for the EU, crisis inside Turkey brings about serious concerns. Turkey has been the life-boat for the EU by receiving a large number of immigrants. Any internal issue inside Turkey will only increase the threat of Turkey rejection to take in more immigrants. Furthermore, the EU has started to raise concern about President Erdogan’s overreaction in capturing more than 6000 citizens, 3000 soldiers and 1700 court officials. As a result, the EU-Turkey relation has become more intense and sensitive than previously.
The final outcome still takes time to see. Especially with the recent accouchement of Wikileaks that it will reveal top secrets documents concerning the coup, the situation inside Turkey is turning more vulnerable than ever, degrading the country’s position in international relations.
By Linh Tong
