Just who is actually lying? Is it the prime minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan? Or, as he insists, is it his enemies trying to overthrow his democratically elected government?
The answer could have profound repercussions not only for Turks but also for NATO, the European Union and the entire Middle East.
What’s at stake in Turkey could have direct implications for the future of democracy and respect for the rule of law and human rights in that strategically important nation straddling Europe and the Middle East. Any breakdown in that country’s commitment to authentic democracy could have unpredictable consequences for the violence-plagued Middle East.
However, many Western governments, including the U.S., who once warmly praised Erdogan’s arrival on the scene, have been remarkably reticent concerning recent anti-democratic and questionable developments in Turkey, apparently not wishing to antagonize that pivotal nation and its Islamic-based government.
But it wasn’t supposed to be this way. When Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) came to power a decade ago, it was greeted by many Western leaders as evidence that a Muslim-based political party was not incompatible with Western concepts of democracy and the rule of law. The fact the AK party emphasized its total opposition to the endemic corruption embedded in neighbouring Middle East countries only increased Erdogan’s corruption-free image.
And for a while, the positive view of Erdogan’s government seemed borne out. The Turkish economic situation improved markedly, employment increased and Turkey played a positive role in regional affairs. Erdogan even attempted to assist Israel and Syria to reach an agreement on the Israeli occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights.
But despite these initially positive signs, negative undercurrents were surfacing, particularly signs Erdogan’s attitude towards democracy had limits. Many believed Erdogan’s actions were undermining Turkey’s secular nature, including measures restricting the sale of alcohol.
Many Turks became increasingly concerned over the imprisonment of Turkish journalists on specious grounds for allegedly violating security legislation.
Opposition to Erdogan’s perceived authoritarian policies suddenly took a violent turn last summer when his government moved to raze to the ground the most popular park in the heart of downtown Istanbul without public consultation.
That action led to large-scale anti-government demonstrations in Istanbul in which six people were killed, resulting in massive anti-government demonstrations.
Although the razing of the park created growing opposition to Erdogan, what galvanized the anti-government opposition even further was the December arrest of numerous individuals connected with the ruling party, accused of being involved in kickbacks arising from government contracts. Among those implicated were relatives of three ruling party cabinet ministers, along with Erdogan’s own son.
Despite the fact three ministers were forced to resign, one of whom publicly stated Erdogan should also have resigned, the prime minister predictably denounced the allegations as a plot by opponents and outside foreign interests attempting to overthrow his government. Erdogan’s claim was in line with previous statements he has made whenever his government is criticized for its actions.
However, opponents pointed out that the spectacular arrests were carried out by legal authorities following a thorough investigation.
Nevertheless, if there were any doubt regarding the validity of the charges against individuals associated with Erdogan’s ruling party, the fact Erdogan quickly removed hundreds of police officers and legal personnel carrying out the investigation only convinced many that the charges were well founded.
Now, in the latest twist, police surveillance tapes have surfaced which purportedly record Erdogan telling his son to conceal large sums of money.
As a result of this latest tape, Turkey’s opposition parties are now calling for Erdogan to resign.
Interestingly, the U.S. and most European governments have been remarkably discreet in voicing any serious concern about Erdogan’s lack of commitment to such basic things as the rule of law.
But will Turkish voters be willing to share such magnanimity during the forthcoming spring elections, especially if Erdogan attempts to get elected as the next president?
Harry Sterling, a former diplomat, is an Ottawa-based commentator. He served in Turkey.
