Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is livid at the United States for allowing Kurdish forces to fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). And meanwhile, Turkey is still cracking down on the Kurds:
Turkish police detained 90 people on Tuesday over suspected links to outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) rebels, the government said, and the main pro-Kurdish party decried the arrests as a politically motivated crackdown.
The operation across eight provinces was continuing, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The arrests come days after President Tayyip Erdogan warned he would replace any mayors elected in next year’s local elections if they were deemed to have links to terrorism.
Erdogan accuses the main pro-Kurdish party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), of links to the PKK. The HDP denies this and says it is unjustly targeted by the government.
More than 140 HDP members had been detained over several days, the party said on Sunday.
Ninety-four of 102 municipalities in Kurdish-majority cities and towns are now administered by trustees, rather than their elected mayors. Authorities removed those mayors, elected in the last municipal elections in 2014, in the security crackdown that followed an attempted military coup in 2016.
“Elections are nearing,” Erdogan said at a meeting of his AK Party (AKP) over the weekend, referring to the March 2019 local vote. “If those involved with terror come out of the ballot box, we shall appoint trustees without delay.”
One prominent HDP lawmaker, Garo Paylan, said the arrests were politically motivated, and were part of the AKP’s campaign strategy for the 2019 election….
The despotic Erdogan continues to insist that the HDP, the main means of political expression for Turkey’s 15 million Kurds, is itself tied to the PKK, a Kurdish military force based in northern Iraq and southern Turkey, that once sought independence, but has changed its aim to that of autonomy. Turkey, the United States, and Europe all consider the PKK to be a “terrorist” organization, despite the fact that it has changed its tactics and now no longer includes civilians in its targets, as it once did, but concentrates on attacking the Turkish military. Meanwhile, the HDP, which is the main Kurdish political party in Turkey, had considerable electoral success in the last elections, held in 2014. Erdogan keeps claiming that there are links between that HDP and the PKK — the HDP stoutly rejects these claims — and therefore, when HDP candidates win in local elections, Erdogan has these local elected officials removed. As noted in the article above, “ninety-four of 102 municipalities in Kurdish-majority cities and towns are now administered by trustees, rather than by their elected mayors.” Kurds can vote in Turkey, but a successful HDP candidate will for now likely be replaced by the government’s “trustees.”
Erdogan’s rule has brought great economic and political difficulties to Turkey. His mass arrests of tens of thousands of Turkey’s most senior officers, politicians, journalists (Turkey has more journalists now in prison than does any other country), academics, lawyers, and businessmen, after the attempted coup of July 2016, with some jailed and fined, and with others losing their jobs or forced into exile, has weakened both Turkish society and its economy. He has managed to create a great rift with the E.U. over his rounding-up tens of thousands of his political enemies — few of them “gulenists” as he charged — after the 2016 coup. Turkey is further than ever from becoming accepted as a full member by the E.U. He has managed at the same time to create a deep diplomatic rift, which gives no sign of healing, with the United States, over his long refusal, finally reversed, to free Paster Andrew Brunson, an Evangelical Christian who lived in Turkey for two decades, ministering to a tiny church of some 25 congregants. Erdogan described Brunson, ludicrously, as a “gulenist” — that is, the follower of a Muslim cleric. But at the same time, Brunson was also accused of attempting to “Christianize” Turkey; if, after more than two decades, he managed to convert only 25 people, Erdogan had nothing to worry about.
Erdogan has further damaged relations with the United States by demanding that Fethulleh Gulen be extradited from Pennsylvania, which Washington refuses to do. Finally, in Syria, Turkish forces have been preoccupied not with fighting the Islamic State, but with fighting what has turned out to be the most effective local force against ISIS, and a close ally of the Americans, the Kurdish militias of northeast Syria. This has not been looked on kindly in Washington.
In gearing up for the next election, Erdogan has naturally tried to turn the Turkish electorate’s attention away from these political fiascos onto the putative Kurdish threat, and the supposed “terrorist” connection of the HKP to the PKK. This new emphasis unduly alarms Turkish voters about the intentions of the Kurds, even as it infuriates Kurdish ones. Erdogan must know that support for the HDP takes away, rather than gains, support for the PKK, but he doesn’t care. He refuses to distinguish them. Were he to succeed in eviscerating the electoral victories of the HDP, by deposing its successful candidates and replacing them with government-picked trustees, he would leave Turkish Kurds no other means for expressing their dissent than supporting, or even joining, the PKK. This would not be the first time that Erdogan, forever shooting himself in the foot, had brought about the very result he most feared. After the next elections 2019, he should accept the will of the voters, including Kurdish voters, and let the HDP winners take their offices. He might even preempt Kurdish demands, as a kinder, gentler Erdogan, now willing to give the Kurds more of the autonomy they seek. Why not give them, if they want, courses in the Kurdish language and culture in the schools, and increase economic support — both aid from the Turkish government and investments from abroad — equal to what non-Kurds have been receiving? This is the most sensible way to diminish support for the PKK.
Erdogan could give signs of a welcome sobriety — no more wild charges — even before the next election period. He could stop talking about a “gulenist” conspiracy that few believe in. He could welcome back those who fled the country in the aftermath of the coup, and free any so-called “gulenists” still in jail, including those many journalists whose incarceration has been so embarrassing and so shameful. He could stop threatening a pan-islamic war on Israel, and a war in Europe between the “crescent and the cross.” And he should allow Pastor Andrew Brunson to return to Turkey and his tiny congregation, and to preach his message of peace, in peace.
mortimer says
Erdogan is a RACIST who has frequently made RACIAL SLURS against the Kurdish people.
The US would do well to create an independent KURDISTAN, then move all its NATO ASSETS, AIRFIELDS and EQUIPMENT into Kurdistan. To hell with Turkey.
Turkey is acting like a loose cannon. Time to play hardball with Turkey.
Terry Gain says
In an ideal world the Kurds of Turkey, norther Iraq and Syria would have their own country but creating an independent Kurdistan cannot be accomplished without a major war with Turkey, which might lead to another world war. So it is too risky. Unless Erdogan can be persuaded to do the gentlemanly thing, Turkey’s 15 million Kurds will have to choose between trying to achieve greater autonomy by opposing Erdogan or by an insurgency.
Erdogan strikes me as someone who as mad because of Islam as the mullahs in Iran.
Terry Gain says
It appears that strongman Erdogan may have caused Trump to blink. Turkey has no legitimate reason to invade Syria, but it will no longer be dissuaded by the presence of American troops.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/turkey-increases-military-deployment-syrian-border-181223093326924.html
cornelius says
I’m a supporter of the President, but I think his impulsiveness is getting worse. Telling Erdgogan over the phone “you can have it” (Syria)…telling Schumer “I’ll take responsibility for the shutdown”….
….these are not examples of statesmanship….or even of good politics.
Maybe it’s wise to walk away from Syria as things stand,….maybe not. But once again, the Kurds are abandoned to their unhappy fate…after serving as our boots on the ground in the war on ISIS.
I heard Dennis Miller recently opine that Trump’s inner voice is no different than his outer voice….while Hillary’s inner voice and her outer voice have never even met. Was a humorous way of pointing out how transparent Trump is…and how disingenuous Hillary is. But I believe sometimes, it’s better to hold your cards close to the vest. Trump was brilliant as he played China to remove North Korea from the equation leading up to the trade war. Is his Syria gambit just as brilliant? Or will it bite us in the ass?
VultureTX says
” PKK to be a “terrorist” organization, despite the fact that it has changed its tactics and now no longer includes civilians in its targets, as it once did, but concentrates on attacking the Turkish military. ”
except that is a LIE, go read the wiki for terrorism events https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_incidents
the PKK Kurdish terrorist still attack Turkish civilians and which is why Turkey will be able to launch a military offensive against Kurds in Syria. I hate Edrogan for his Gulenist BS but the Kurds managed to screw themselves by allowing terrorism in Turkey.
And this is likely exactly why Trump pulled his support in Syria. Factually all sides there are Terrorists.
Bezelel says
That’s always the problem in islamic conflicts, Who are the good guys? It’s always the lesser of two evils.
Georg says
About the only two good things going on in the ME are Israelis and Kurds so of course the region has a reflex to eradicate them. What a place.
somehistory says
A story in the MSN feed said erdo spoke with Trump on the phone and said Trump could trust him to take care of what remained of isis, if U.S. troops were withdrawn.
Prabh says
turanian turk turd tormenting AryaKurds who are returning to path of Zarathustra – good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
Kurdish language infinitely superior to jibberish of turkishtrash dialect.
May Kurds successfully defeat turki and simultaneously shed shackles of islam.
Lands of Zarathustra and Nanak must be ahimsically cleansed from the filth of pisslam. Condemnable turki responsible for vivisection of india 1947 and attempted vivisection of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
We choose ahimsa first – next step: Might of Hindu Arm – DurgaDevi di Jai!
Prabh
gravenimage says
The Kurds have been somewhat less savage than their neighbors of recent years, and they are certainly being persecuted–but most Kurds are indeed Muslim themselves.
Most Kurds are Sunni Muslims, and a minority are Shia Muslim–including some Alevis, a branch of Shia Islam.
Just a tiny minority of Kurds are Yezidi, Zoroastrian, Yarsan, Christian, or Jewish.
GreekEmpress says
+1
People forget about the Kurds’ savagery towards the Armenians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Turks tolerated them and encouraged them to help commit atrocities .
gravenimage says
I haven’t forgotten about this, GreekEmpress–I’ve mentioned that here quite a number of times.
Still there is no doubt that the Kurds have been generally more decent than the surrounding Muslims to Infidels in the past couple of decades.
Ernie says
“Ahimsically cleansed from the filth of pisslam” , Prabh ?????!!!! AHIMSICALLY = WITHOUT ANY VIOLENCE . Prabh , I can’t agree with you ; pushing Islam out without violence is an impossibility . As a son of Bharata you should know that firsthand . Your proposal is delusional , unrealistic .
Guy Forester says
Erdogan the self appointed Caliph can do very little without US or Russian support. While I do wonder what Trump is up to now, I do support leaving Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We made a big enough mess and staying there to support one muslim despot over another makes no sense. Who did BHO think was going to step up to fill in the shoes of the Assad family? KSA? Iran? Look at HRC’s results in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. It got better for the Copts, Jews, and even the Muslims, didn’t it?
I still think that soon there will be a three way battle to see who is king of the poop pile between Turkey, Iran, and Russia. Erdogan seems to be pushing Greece and Cyprus for another “little” war. I hope the US and NATO will put a stop to that and let Erdogan see how things go with Russia and Iran. Good luck you petty despot.
Bezelel says
https://www.debka.com/trump-names-new-defense-secretary-outplays-erdogans-bluster-for-marching-on-syrian-kurds/
The whole episode is still playing out. It’s a good time to fact check.
Terry Gain says
Here’s an excellent article concerning Trump’s premature withdraw faux pas by an America soldier who fought alongside the Kurds against ISIS in northeast Syria.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-cost-of-betraying-syrias-kurds-11545350401?emailToken=c5c86ac0c7a875474cf4e0d392240e6a7tz8L3zhzNEDLuqAv7iwA7ExRwiigYIp0rBtO92ddKX3Qg+A0Ry392qYQgvIOUPAx3zOpLUvrjUzfZ5YUyNcxA%3D%3D&reflink=article_email_share
gravenimage says
Terry, you may be right that our pulling out of Syria has been premature.
gravenimage says
Hugh Fitzgerald: Erdogan Cracks Down on the Kurds
……………………..
No surprise here.
Bezelel says
Actually it should read , Erdogan wants to crack down on the Kurds. It’s election time in Turkey and he’s making extra noise. He wants to crack down on Israel too. Not your average NATO member.
Harold Armitage says
The USA has frequently supported terrorist organisations in the past (EG Contras in Nicoragua).
The pigeons have always come home to roost but dopey US politicians can’t see it.
Bezelel says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uv9JAsgk38
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2018/12/23/sunday-talks-senator-rand-paul-vs-margaret-brennan-on-syrian-withdrawal/#more-158091
Prabh says
Collective punishment is illegal and fundamentally antidharmic-unethical- immoral. (violates Geneva convention) –
– Each and every human being – person- is a microcosm of macrocosm – Kurdish peoples Homeland already exists in the Akash – (ether) (“pind-brahmand” – microcosm-macrocosm of multiverse as per Dharmic Shastras – Gurbani/Veda etc.) Big bang theory is not just reference to beginning of this (macrocosm) Milky Way Galaxy Universe: – big bang is also conception point of atman entering new body (microcosm of zygote)- GarbhDhan Sanskar (Ham Hindu Garv se)…
Who will be bold and brave to recognize Dharmic (nonMoslem) Kurdisthan? Who will be bold enough to recognize Sovereignty of Erstwhile Sikh Empire and Sovereign Sikh State (chide te Baj – from sparrow to Falcon of 10 Master Guru Govind Singh ji Maharaj) within Reunified Aryavarthasthan – Akhand Bharat – today’s whittled down Stalinist-islamist “india” is not what is destined to be Wonder that shall ever more be India: sonedichidi. Sri Aurobindo: India has not spoken Her last creative word yet.
Mme. Blavatsky has prophecied California is destined to be important region for most advanced Civilization yet to emerge upon Earth in the remote distant future.
Mother, motherland and Mother Tongue – nothing is sweeter. Realistically Only Ethnostates can protect protection to all three. Porous borders within Divine Ethnostates of Divine Light.
We need Dharmic Laws rooted in Yogic-Vedantic Timeless Truths – Socratic Truths.
Prabh108
Prabh says
correction: word ‘provide’ instead of “protect” in penultimate paragraph.
Prabh
Bezelel says
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2018/12/24/president-trump-and-turkish-president-recep-erdogan-this-should-be-interesting/#more-158096