For the past two years, the Turkish people have been bombarded with sensational revelations about alleged dirty tricks by elements of the military.
Some of the allegations, relating to a sinister "deep state" network known as Ergenekon, have already resulted in the arrest and trials of dozens of people, including retired generals.
But there have been further reports of military plots against the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan - backed by some convincing-looking documents - all reported in a two-year-old independent newspaper.
'No longer untouchable'
The latest alleges a plan drawn up seven years ago by the army to plant bombs in mosques and create enough chaos to justify a coup.
The paper has handed a new set of leaked documents to state prosecutors for further investigation - but the chief-of-staff of the armed forces, Gen Basbug, has now responded with an angry statement denying the possibility of such a plan.
"Our soldiers charge into battle crying out 'Allah, Allah'," he said, banging his fist on the table.
"How could such an army bomb a mosque? I curse these claims."
TOO BAD IF TRUE.
THE ARMY WAS THE LAST GUARANTOR OF SECULARISM OF THE TURKISH STATE.
NOW, THEY BRAG THAT THEY SCREAM ALLAH AS THEY GO INTO BATTLE!?!?
IT'S TIME TO EXPEL TURKEY FROM NATO.
This just points to the dysfunction inherent in the Islamic world, even in so-called secular states. Their army may well still be truly secular, but maybe they have to make such outrageous claims to insulate themselves and protect the institution. Either way, it's not good.
ReplyDeleteNice pick up. I saw nothing of this in the news.