For the past week, protests that initially began to contest a construction project in Istanbul’s Taksim Square have become violent, turning largely into anti-government protests. According to news reports, the protestors are opposed to the present Islamist, increasingly authoritarian regime led by Prime Minister Erdogan. Some are thus asking if this could develop into a “Turkish Spring”. The Blaze has a piece asking this very question. So here’s the million dollar question: If the riots and protests continue, how will the Obama administration respond? On one hand, the present administration has supported every previous revolution in numerous countries where secular authoritarian regimes had previously reigned and where more Islamist leaning governments have prevailed. In fact, if you walk through the Cairo airport, you will even see signs quoting President Obama, lauding the revolutionary spirit of the Egyptian youth.
On the other hand, the present authoritarian / Islamist PM Erdogan is one of Obama’s closest allies and friends in the region. So what will happen if the Turkish youth, tired of an increasingly restrictive and Islamist government harness the same revolutionary spirit as the Egyptian youth? Will Obama support them, or will he support a heavy handed government response? If the protests continue, we will find out soon enough. Within a week or two, we will know if the Turkish protestors have the passion and determination to hold their ground. If they do, we will also find out soon enough how the Erdogan government will respond to such dissent. Erdogan has vehemently criticized the heavy handed response of Syria’s Assad against the Sunni extremists in his nation. Will he be able to take his own advice if his own people rebel against his leadership? Next year, Erdogan is said to be considering running for President, allowing him to remain in government for up to seven more years. How he handles this present crisis may very well determine his ability to remain a political force in Turkey.
Next week, I head to Istanbul. And you can be sure that we will be looking into some of these questions first hand. Please remember myself, my small team, and our families in prayer as we travel. Check back here here for updates.
8 Responses
So true, Joel. Of all the recent uprisings, this is THE one to watch. This one won’t be about a secular government being replaced by Islamists- the hardliners already have their man in Erdogan. IMO, we ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
Hey, Joel, will be praying for travel mercies, and all of God’s richest blessings and you, your family, you team and their families, as you all travel to Istanbul. Wow, is God ever “over-actively” using your lives these days. Something powerful is “up His sleeve,” you can be sure!
Your brief remarks above about a possible “Turkish Spring,” I believe, is dead-on! I have been wondering how God planned to rattle Erdogan’s chains! This could be it.
I have been watching as he and Obummer have been “secretly” meeting, behind closed doors at the White House here lately. Interesting, how all the devastating storms hit America just after their rendezvous a few weeks ago. Only GOD knows what went on between Erdogan and Obummer, and I have a sneaking suspicion that it did not please God. The Holy One of Israel!!!
Speaking of Israel, these two best buds, keep their heads together constantly on back alley plans to destroy Israel. Again, could be the cause of the horrible storms hitting America. God’s only just begun, too!
Keep your powerful posts coming. They are loaded with prophecy from the Lord.
Blessings galore to you and yours as you serve our Master mightily!
jd<
Hitler was viewed as a peacemaker after signing the Munich declaration. History shows what happened afterwards.
I submit that Erdogan is keeping the seat warm for the Antichrist, so that the Antichrist can come in as a peacemaker.
praying for you and the team! The Lord is riding on a swift cloud.
im guessing that the protests will be quietly crushed. It might go on for a while, but it’ll be flash in the pan. He doesn’t seem like the type to crumble so easily.
As for Obama? A media blackout could be the answer. its what I would do if I were in his situation.
After all, most people are more clued up on David Beckham and Paris Hilton than yet another violent protest in – drum role- the Middle East. (home of the religion of peace 😉
http://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2013/06/03/un-nouvel-empire-ottoman-pour-tayip-erdogan_3422880_3232.html
You might want to check out this article from Le Monde. As its in French I’ll give you the headlines – Erdogan is actively planning to establish his own personal Islamic dictatorship before the 100 year anniversay of the Turkish republic in 2023. He has reformed the state so that he now controls the army, courts and police, as well as the media. Turkey imprisons more journalists than any other country. Unions are very quiet also.
He is reforming parliament so that he will have a massive majority of Islamic supporters before 2014 when he plans to become President. He is pushing through a constitutional reform to remove the office of PM and become president, with the power to dissolve parliament. he is planning to centralize all power into his own hands.
Dear Joel,
Could you please change the font color to dark black. It is very straining for the eyes with this color.
Thanks