by Ahmed E. Souaiaia*
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Syrian rebel killing Syrian soldiers |
It took law enforcement
agencies of the United States nearly three days to identify the perpetrators of
the recent terrorist bombing. It helped that the attack was in a modern city (Boston)
and during a marathon event. Security cameras, spectators, and TV and media
reporters on the scene helped gather evidence. Still, it took that much to
identify the attackers.
In contrast, it
took Turkish authorities just hours (if not minutes) to identify the
perpetrators of the recent terrorist attack in Reyhanlı. Reyhanli is a remote
town in the Hatay province, which borders Syria. The town did not have any
security cameras and it is virtually on the edge of a war zone. The province is
home to tens of thousands of refugees and thousands of Syrian rebels, many of
whom are known terrorists and they have killed many Syrian civilians and
bragged about it. Moreover, the attack occurred days after the announced start
of PKK fighters’ withdrawal after nearly 25 years of insurgency. Despite all these
circumstances, Turkish leaders immediately identified the attackers with
precision:
“The issue is
completely related to the regime in Syria, it has no relation whatsoever with
the opponents. When the result fully comes out, all will be publicized.
However, the issue is completely related with the regime. The regime is behind
this issue. This is obvious. But the regime of course has its extensions
in Turkey,” insisted Prime Minister Recep Erdoğan.
In my mind, the
only thing that is obvious is the following question: what is your secret, PM Erdoğan?
Can you teach the rest of the world how to catch criminals so fast?
Ostensibly, Turkey’s
leaders do not distinguish between theory and facts. It is a good working
theory that the Syrian regime might be behind the attack. But for the top political
leader of the country to make the accusation so fast is indeed extraordinary. There
is still a difference between what is “obvious” and what is “evident.” Prime Minister Erdoğan should know that and
wait until the investigation is complete.
What is also
obvious is that Turkey has taken the side of the rebels in Syria and Syrians
(many of whom are innocent civilians) have died because of the militarization
of the conflict in Syria. Many of the groups Turkey supports have carried out
terrorist acts against Syrian civilians. I, and many others, have said that Turkey
could become Pakistan if its leaders continue to support violent elements
in Syria. Turkish leaders should have insisted on a peaceful solution not on a military
one.
Erdoğan’s hasty
accusations discredit the investigative process, expose his biases, and weaken the rule of
law. Mixing his politics with the direction of a criminal investigation exposes
his authoritarian tendencies and his hubris. In a country such as Turkey, with many
religious and ethnic minorities, political leaders ought to be very careful
when making accusations before an independent, impartial, and transparent
investigation is concluded. Erdoğan’s statements risk the safety of the people
of Turkey and that of thousands of refugees in his country. Erdoğan is
increasingly sliding to a sectarian position that threatens peace within and
near his country and stifles civil society institutions.
______________________
* Prof. SOUAIAIA teaches at the University
of Iowa. Opinions are the author’s, speaking on matters of public interest; not
speaking for the university or any other organization with which he is
affiliated.
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