The plot, with the code name “Sledgehammer” and originally called a “scenario” by the military, has led to a nationwide outcry because it includes plans to bomb mosques in İstanbul. Speaking to reporters, an angry Başbuğ lashed out at those who exposed the plot and denounced the allegations directed at the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). “How on earth could the TSK plan to bomb mosques? This is unjust. The TSK has limits to its patience. I denounce these claims,” he said. The chief of General Staff also noted that the armed forces would never approve a change of political power in the country through undemocratic means. Given the past record of the TSK’s anti-democratic actions, many found Başbuğ’s statements unconvincing and called on him to take concrete steps that will ensure the TSK’s commitment to democracy.Unconvinced by Başbuğ’s statements, Yeni Şafak’s Ali Bayramoğlu thinks it is still a good development that Başbuğ had to acknowledge governments are brought to power and removed from power by the public. Nevertheless, he says it is not enough, adding that the right thing would be Başbuğ launching a cleansing process within the TSK and announcing this to the public instead of defending the military. “This is the way to ensure credibility,” notes Bayramoğlu, telling Başbuğ that things cannot go on by threatening journalists and democrats or pointing the finger at them. “We are rapidly proceeding toward the end of the military problem,” he adds.
Star’s İbrahim Kiras thinks it is very wrong for Başbuğ to see the circles that believe in the authenticity of the “Sledgehammer” plan and other similar plans as the “enemy.” Calling on Başbuğ to try to understand these people, he says: “Even if the plots are proved to be fake, we will never have complete relief because even if the texts of the coup plans are fake, we are not in a position to say that their content is wrong since there are indications confirming their authenticity,” says Kiras, referring to numerous TSK attempts to stage a coup in the country. “Due to these [the military interventions in the country thus far], many people cannot say the TSK cannot have devised such a plot,” he says. In his view, the General Staff should take some “credible” steps regarding its commitment to democracy if it wants to eliminate its “pro-coup image” in the country.
Bugün’s Erhan Başyurt wonders what Başbuğ’s reaction would be if the investigation into the “Sledgehammer” plot reveals that such a plan exists. “Why does he make an immediate judgment before waiting for the end of the investigation?” he asks. Başyurt also voices discomfort over Başbuğ saying that the TSK’s patience has a limit and asks: “What does this mean? Is there any alternative to legal struggle? And what will happen if the limits of the TSK’s patience are exceeded?”
