And of course, those who like to intone that "the regime is all but lost" or that "that's what happens when you hand out too many freedoms" were not a moment too late in taking their place on stage for the aftermath. It is quite possible to see Türk's recent move as being aimed at triggering a reaction from the nerve endings of the state. The DTP tends to respond to any moves made by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) by making the atmosphere even tenser. Rather than trying to be a part of the solution, by approaching the administration's proposed solutions with open arms, the DTP continues to "carry logs" over to the fire tended by the state's "strict supporters." The reaction of many Turkish media groups to Türk's move -- a reaction characterized by comments along the lines of "the regime is being lost" -- seems to confirm our suspicions on this matter. In football, they call this kind of play a "fill it up and then empty it out" move. Türk's Kurdish words spoken in Parliament do not in fact work to destroy the regime but instead actually strengthen it. Of course, in terms of timing and style, Türk's actions appear to be both provocative and politically calculated in nature. The DTP, in the matter of trying to find a solution to the Kurdish situation, is acting without good intentions. They are resolute in their unwillingness to give up on tension building and a general style that strikes at the nerve centers of the country. Rather than trying to bring about a happier way of life for Kurds in this country, the DTP seems to embrace the stance of "you'd better give us some political protection credit if you want to see this problem solved." They are waging a struggle for existence in the political arena, using the political poverty of Kurds as their weapon.
Türk's most recent maneuver also shows that there are some very serious repercussions to the AK Party's policies in the Southeast, particularly in Diyarbakır. Ultimately, the DTP aims to break the strong winds that currently blow behind the AK Party's back in the Southeast.
It is necessary to underscore once more at this point that there is no problematic aspect to people speaking in their own native tongues. This kind of freedom is the greatest security any regime can enjoy. On the other hand, the greatest danger to a regime is the kind of statehood that wanders around banning things with a large stick in its hands. Style of action and intent are very important here. Are you trying to solve a problem, or are you inciting provocation to ensure that an existing problem doesn't go away?
The other day, I watched once more the film "Beyaz Melek," directed by Mahsun Kırmızıgül. As you may recall, this film offers up images of the Southeast and of Kurds to which we may not be accustomed.
And in truth, there is so much that these really hospitable, respectful, altruistic people have to say about the problems of the modern age in which we live. But what, conversely, is the image of the Kurds in the public eye? The Turkish Southeast is talked about in terms of its conflicts, its fallen soldiers, its protests, its chaos. These are images that fall in full contrast to the real truth, of course. And it is the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that bears the main share of the blame in the creation of this image, is it not? And does the DTP not work to support this image?
What the DTP needs to see and understand is that this nation is embracing freedom more and more every day. Everyone understands that for people to speak their native tongue is the greatest and most natural right that anyone could have. No one puts any premium on the ban-supporters or the regime-protectors of this nation. What everyone needs to understand at this point is that terror and tension have only worked in the favor of organizations like Ergenekon for the past 30 years. They don't want to see the iron bars that entrap us lifted, and the excuse they give is terror. If you are really sincere in wanting to solve the problems of the Southeast, then you need to be aware of this and pass up these provocative stances.
