Three years had not even passed after the military’s issuance of its e-memorandum before a nasty action plan, the “Cage” action plan and a plot to assassinate Bülent Arınç were added to the repertoire of Turkey’s trial with the military. Poyrazköy, Zir Valley and some other places were dug to discover an abundance of weapons and ammunition or just “pipes,” as some tended to describe them. Still, we are all inclined to make the bold assertion that the era of military coups has ended in Turkey. This sentence, which had been uttered by the people who came before us, is like those parents, in order to discipline their children, say, “My son never gets into any kind of mischief because he is a smart boy.”While continuing to claim that the era of military coups has ended in Turkey, a new coup plan was exposed during close surveillance of Arınç’s home. Two vehicles, claimed to be tracking judge Kadir Kayan, who is investigating this plan, turned out to be military vehicles by sheer coincidence. But the people inside the car were the military’s civilian personnel, such as plumbers, cooks, etc. In this case, there are two possible explanations: Either more than half of the vehicles driving in the streets of Ankara are military vehicles or judge Kayan, like Arınç and other politicians, is a magnet attracting the military. In other words, even if carrying plumbers, a military vehicle starts to track a judge whenever it sees one.
An explanation is one thing while believing it is another. The General Staff can explain everything, but question marks about its persuasiveness prevail. It is better to be convincing, isn’t it? If the opinion of the military is sought about every matter in Turkey and if decisions are made in line with their assessments, then we can really say that the era of military coups has ended. Some columnists openly say that “institutions must be consulted.” But it is no longer possible to maintain this status. Things are not the same. The civilian government and civilian communities want to exercise their legal rights and authorities and act within the confines of laws.
In order to stop being criticized in a Turkey like this, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) need to reorganize themselves according to the new Turkey. This institution, which used to shape itself according to the domestic and foreign enemy concept (but more so according to the domestic enemy) has no chance of escaping criticism.
The practice of covering up one game with another game, moving from one place to another and making new moves on the chessboard just to save the movement deals the biggest blow to the military’s reputation. This should not be overlooked. As long as the military remains in domestic politics and continues to exert influence over politics, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other political parties, it will continue to be a target.
As is known, Turkey is making very important moves in foreign policy. It has lifted visa requirements with many countries, and in particular with neighbors. We’re smoking peace pipes with many states that used to be our enemy. If Turkey cannot create the same kind of peaceful atmosphere inside the country, then it is impossible for the system to find a balance. The biggest obstacle in creating a peaceful atmosphere is the domestic enemy concept, which needs to be reconsidered and restructured. Otherwise problems will continue. According to the domestic enemy booklet used in the military today, 90 percent of the population is under the enemy category. Every problem in this country stems from the state’s practice of imposing an identity on the society. Turkey’s biggest cause of a deadlock is the phrase “either you abide by the identity we impose on your or you become a domestic enemy.”
When will Turkey stop living in this vicious cycle? Weren’t all unlawful methods tried during the Feb. 28, 1997 process?
Never before had power become so brazen when it became the ruling power. Didn’t they put everything on hold and try to restructure the entire society? But as we all saw, the result was nothing but a big failure. The army has one choice left in Turkey and that is to re-evaluate its enemy concept and become compatible with a country that has changed.
