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Science and Technology
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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : WUSA9
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Turkey government 'manufactures' enemies, opposition tells AFP

Turkey's Government Accused of Fabricating Enemies to Suppress Opposition

In a nation where political tensions simmer beneath the surface of everyday life, Turkey's ruling administration under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stands accused of systematically manufacturing enemies out of its political opponents. This strategy, critics argue, is not merely a tactic for survival but a deliberate blueprint for consolidating power in a country that has long balanced on the edge of democracy and authoritarianism. Drawing from a web of legal maneuvers, media manipulation, and security crackdowns, the government has been portrayed as engineering narratives that paint dissenters as existential threats, thereby justifying sweeping measures to silence them. This phenomenon has drawn international scrutiny, raising questions about the erosion of democratic norms in a NATO member state and key regional player.

At the heart of these accusations lies a pattern that has intensified since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, which the government blamed on followers of Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric once allied with Erdogan but later branded a terrorist. In the aftermath, Turkey launched a massive purge, detaining tens of thousands, dismissing over 100,000 civil servants, and shuttering hundreds of media outlets and NGOs. Opponents claim this was less about justice and more about eliminating any potential rivals. "The coup became a gift from God," Erdogan famously remarked at the time, a statement that many interpret as an admission of opportunistic repression. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented cases where individuals with no ties to the coup were swept up in the net, labeled as "Gulenists" based on flimsy evidence such as bank records or school affiliations.

This manufacturing of enemies extends beyond the Gulen movement to encompass a broad spectrum of opposition figures, including Kurdish politicians, journalists, academics, and even ordinary citizens voicing discontent on social media. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), for instance, has been a prime target. Its former co-leader, Selahattin Demirtas, remains imprisoned since 2016 on charges of terrorism, despite rulings from the European Court of Human Rights calling for his release. The government's narrative frames the HDP not as a legitimate political entity advocating for minority rights but as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a militant group designated as terrorists by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. This conflation allows the state to dismantle the party through arrests and trusteeships, where elected mayors are replaced by government appointees. In the 2019 local elections, the HDP won several municipalities in the southeast, only to see many of their victories overturned on security pretexts, further alienating Turkey's Kurdish population and fueling cycles of unrest.

Media control plays a pivotal role in this strategy. Once a vibrant landscape with diverse voices, Turkey's press has been largely co-opted or silenced. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Turkey ranks among the world's top jailers of journalists, with dozens behind bars on charges like "spreading terrorist propaganda" or "insulting the president." State-aligned media outlets, often owned by conglomerates with government contracts, amplify official narratives, portraying opposition leaders as foreign agents or traitors. For example, during the 2023 presidential elections, opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu was smeared as a puppet of Western powers and even linked to terrorist groups in campaign ads. This disinformation campaign, bolstered by social media bots and trolls, creates an echo chamber where alternative viewpoints are drowned out, making it easier to delegitimize critics.

The judiciary, too, has been weaponized in this endeavor. Reforms under Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) have centralized control over the courts, with judges and prosecutors often appointed based on loyalty rather than merit. High-profile cases illustrate this: Philanthropist Osman Kavala has been detained since 2017 on charges related to the 2013 Gezi Park protests, accused of attempting to overthrow the government despite a lack of concrete evidence. His trial, merged with others in what critics call a "show trial," resulted in a life sentence in 2022, drawing condemnation from the Council of Europe. Similarly, Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People's Party (CHP), faces potential political bans over a conviction for insulting public officials—a charge stemming from his criticism of election authorities after his 2019 victory was initially annulled and then reaffirmed in a rerun.

Internationally, these actions have strained Turkey's relationships. The European Union has repeatedly criticized the decline in rule of law, conditioning accession talks and financial aid on reforms that Ankara has largely ignored. The U.S. has imposed sanctions over issues like the purchase of Russian S-400 missiles, but human rights concerns add another layer of friction. Yet, Erdogan's government deftly plays the nationalist card, framing external criticism as interference, which resonates with a domestic audience weary of perceived Western hypocrisy. This was evident in the response to the 2023 earthquakes, where opposition voices highlighting government negligence in building standards were quickly branded as divisive elements sowing chaos.

Economically, the strategy has ripple effects. Turkey's lira has plummeted amid unorthodox policies, and the suppression of dissent stifles innovation and foreign investment. Business leaders critical of the government, such as those in the TUSIAD association, face audits and investigations, creating a climate of fear that discourages open discourse. Meanwhile, the youth, a demographic increasingly disillusioned with the AKP's long rule, turn to social media for expression, only to encounter censorship and arrests under vague anti-terror laws.

Defenders of the government counter that these measures are necessary for national security in a volatile region. Turkey faces genuine threats from the PKK, ISIS remnants, and instability in neighboring Syria and Iraq. Erdogan portrays himself as a bulwark against chaos, pointing to military operations like those in northern Syria that have expanded Turkish influence while combating Kurdish militias. Supporters argue that opposition figures often cross lines into incitement, and that the purges have stabilized the state post-coup.

However, analysts warn that this approach risks long-term instability. By manufacturing enemies, the government alienates swaths of society, potentially radicalizing moderates and deepening divisions. The 2023 elections, where Erdogan secured a narrow victory amid economic woes, underscored this fragility; opposition alliances nearly toppled him, signaling that manufactured narratives can only hold for so long. As Turkey navigates its centennial in 2023, the question looms: Can a nation built on republican ideals withstand the weight of authoritarian drift?

The broader implications extend to global democracy. Turkey's model—blending electoral legitimacy with repressive tactics—has been emulated by leaders in Hungary, Poland, and beyond. It serves as a cautionary tale of how populism can erode institutions from within, turning political opposition into fabricated threats to justify unchecked power.

In conversations with exiled Turkish journalists and activists, a common theme emerges: resilience amid repression. "They call us enemies, but we're just citizens demanding accountability," one anonymous source told me. As the government tightens its grip, the opposition adapts, using international platforms and digital tools to keep their voices alive. Yet, the cost is high—families torn apart, careers ruined, and a society polarized.

Ultimately, the manufacturing of enemies in Turkey reflects a deeper struggle for the soul of the nation. Will it reclaim its democratic aspirations, or descend further into autocracy? The answer may define not just Turkey's future, but the trajectory of similar regimes worldwide. As one observer noted, "In trying to eliminate enemies, they've created a nation of suspects." This ongoing saga continues to unfold, with each arrest and trial adding another layer to a complex narrative of power, resistance, and the fragile line between security and tyranny. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full AFP Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/turkey-government-manufactures-enemies-opposition-023010318.html ]