In particular, the commanding generals of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have a greater responsibility in this regard. As human beings, they are in a difficult position from a psychological perspective. They feel both internal and external pressure. Why is their job the hardest?
First, they have never before found themselves in such a situation. They never imagined themselves in such a predicament. Also, the retired or active military officers who were detained or arrested are their fellow colleagues. They are each other’s neighbors. “Is there anything we can do?” they may be asking. There is pressure coming from their families, their relatives and their friends. All of this will necessarily depress and demoralize them.
Second, low-ranking officers may be loudly expressing that nothing is being done in response and that they cannot tolerate so much pressure on them. These reactions will certainly get high-ranking officers to think.
Third, groups, particularly those in the media, that have long provoked the military to take action, saying, “You are the real owners of this country” or “The republic has been entrusted to you,” are now stepping in to prove them right again. It is these groups that advertise the meeting of the generals and admirals as a move for “mass resignation.” It is also these groups that urge these generals and admirals to take action.
However, in addition to this, the General Staff has another position: They have to respect the rule of law. They have to assert that those who commit crimes must be punished. Everyone is currently watching their steps. Prosecutors of the republic are conducting searches and detaining people. They then refer them to courts. And the courts decide to arrest some of them. If there was no substantial evidence or documents, who would dare do this?
Yes, the commanding TSK generals have a tough job to do. For the first time, force commanders and army commanders are standing trial on charges of coup attempts. However, they must accept that no one can maintain their old positions in the new Turkey. No one can continue to see himself as “unaccountable.” No one can meddle with the national will or abolish Parliament. No one can arrest prime ministers, ministers or deputies. No one can issue orders to extraordinary courts to “try and punish them.” Obviously, no one can maintain the tutelary regime in a Turkey which is becoming stronger by the day in its region and rising to the position of a regional player.
The greatest treason involving our people and our country now is to think about issuing memorandums or overthrowing governments.
At this point, we should issue two warnings: One is to the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and its leader, Deniz Baykal. Their militarist stances, their plus royaliste que le roi attitude and their relentless coup provocations are really nasty and truly disgraceful in the name of politics and democracy. This is something more than a shame. A civilian organization cannot be like this. This is not love of one’s country. This is not politics. This is sheer political banditry. Whether you go to the mountains in revolt or you call on generals to overthrow the government, both are the same thing.
The second warning is about the style used in calling on the military to return to its original duty. It is really important and vital to expose coup attempts and plots of betrayal to the nation and democracy. The Taraf daily is really performing a historic task. They have ushered in a new era of a free and effective press. But style is equally important in doing all this. While dealing with the junta generals, the entire military should not be hurt.
Everyone who seeks greater democratization in Turkey should be careful to not lose focus. If we can maintain our position by not giving in to sentimentality, we will climb the democracy ladder faster.
