Category Archives: Turkey

Syrian Nights–And Days

Posted on May 12, 2013 by | Leave a comment

As I recall, it was just a few months–or years  ago-that war broke out in Syria and the killing fields began to fill up with bodies. President Bashar al-Assad returned to his policy of murdering anyone who dared to oppose his rule. People drifted into Syria from other areas of the Middle East, they were given arms by Saudi Arabis or Qatar or Kuwait and the killing accelerated. President Obama just wanted to see the  last American soldiers leave the Middle East–for good- and he stood down from killing. Yesterday, suicide bombers killed 28 in Turkey and that nation is angry and wants to kill someone, but really does not want to kill enough people to get their nation involved in the killing fields of Syria.

There will be protests, there will be accusation, some Republicans in Congress will demand American forces to be sent into Syria while other Republicans will denounce President Obama for getting involved. At this point in time, no one is certain as to who are the good or bad guys or the guys caught in the middle.

Now, if anyone wants to end the slaughter in Syria, hire someone to publish a book that contains blasphemy and we can all focus on that  key issue.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Mitt Romney, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, Syria, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Extenuating Circumstances?

Posted on April 27, 2013 by | Leave a comment

I regard self as a man of peace. After leaving the United States Army I decided not to use another weapon that might cause harm to a living person. But, every so often, a story captures my attention resulting in a thrust of anger and desire for vengeance against another human. Zarife Demiran, a wife and mother of children in Turkey was married to a man whose behavior was simply vile. He raped his wife, he beat his wife, he sold his wife to other men so they could enjoy sexual   pleasure. He also enjoyed beating up on the kids. One night, Zarife had enough, went to his bed while he was asleep and strangled the piece of shit. A court in Eskischa decided against the death penalty due to  “extenutating circumstances” and sentenced her to 15 years in prison.

Fortunately, a higher court cancelled the decision and set her free on grounds of self-defense. I have a hunch if the women was the one beating up on the guy and selling him to other men, the sentence would be freedom. Just another example of attitudes toward women. Fortunately, there were some men with common sense-and compassion.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Social Justice, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, World News

On Armenia And Turkey

Posted on April 27, 2013 by | Leave a comment

I am an American. Seventy years before my parents arrived in the United States of America a great war was fought to end slavery. Slavery was a horrible event in the history of my nation. I detest what it did both to those who were slaves and to the moral character of those who owned slaves. I am not proud of that aspect of my country’s past, but, I, had nothing to do with these horror. As a teacher I ensure students in my class know what happened to black skinned people, what happened to American Indians and to hatred and discrimination against Irish or Italian or Jewish people. For some reason, people in Turkey can not confront the fact that those living today had nothing to do with the Armenian massacre.

German educators today do an outstanding job ensuring that German youth understand the horror of the Holocaust. German youth are NOT responsible for the Holocaust, that was part of their nation’s past. It is time for Turkish people to move forward, acknowledge what happened and ensure that it never happens again.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Christianity, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, Joe Biden, john kerry, Liberals, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Alevi Still Alienated In Turkey

Posted on April 24, 2013 by | Leave a comment

The Alevi in Turkey have lived in a precarious position for many  years. They are people who seek friendship and collaboration with a wide variety of groups since  a primary goal is to create a world in which peace and harmony prevail. Okkes Sendiller, a Turkish nationalist is not well respected among many Alevi because it is believed he played a role in the Maras massacre of 1978 which claimed the lives of 150 Alevis. Sendiller was acquitted by a Turkish court but his name is still associated with violence among the Alevi. Ali Kenanoglu, of the Istanbul Alevi Association was fined for objecting to have Sendiller invited to discuss problems with Alevis in Turkey. Mr. Kenanglu commented: “it is like inviting Hitler to a Jewish meeting.”

The courts claim this comment insults the dignity of Mr. Sendiller. I live in the United States of America in which Republicans almost daily compare President Obama to a gorilla or a communist or a terrorist. Sorry, Mr. Sendiller, stay out of the United States if you want your dignity respected.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Say, “Im Sorry,” And Sky Does Not Fall

Posted on March 31, 2013 by | Leave a comment

The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents an image of toughness. It wants to make certain that Adolf Hitler gets its message that “never again” is still on top of the agenda. OK, so Hitler is dead, OK, so there is no German threat, but what about them damn Arabs?? Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu revealed there had been quiet diplomacy between his nation and Israel over the demand for an apology that arose when Israel soldiers killed Turkish citizens who were engaged in criminal activities to provide goods to those in Gaza. Instead of allowing these goods to enter Gaza, Bibi wanted to show the world he is one tough guy and has Israel troops assault civilians.

According to Davutoglu there was intense diplomatic pressure on Israel to apologize. John Kerry on a recent visit to Turkey discussed the issue and when President Obama came to Israel he persuaded Bibi that saying “I’m Sorry” does not lead to the sky falling. I understand that John McCain lacks any respect for  Obama’s diplomatic skills, but this is one example of how the black dude fostered peace. I doubt if John McCain could have accomplished this task of peace.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, Israel, john kerry, Judaism, Liberals, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Finally An Apology

Posted on March 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

When Benjamin Netanyahu became Prime Minister of Israel his nation enjoyed close ties with Turkey. In fact, Turkish and Israel military forces conducted joint exercises. Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman insulted the Turkish ambassador and then Israel armed units prevented a ship load of civilian goods to proceed to Gaza. In the process Israel soldiers killed civilians. The result was loss of Turkey as an ally and friend. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan demanded an apology, compensation for those injured or killed and easing of the Gaza blockade. Bibi Netanyahu refused all such requests, after all, he is the Bibi man.

President Obama was able to convince the Bibi man to  apologize by telephoning Erdogan and using the word,”apology.” Wow! the sky did not fall, terrorists did not blast away, all was quiet and serene. Finally, Bibi acted like a mensch. Perhaps, Israel politicians will finally grasp what Winston Churchill used to say: “Jaw, jaw, not war,war.”

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Saying I’m Sorry Is OK

Posted on March 23, 2013 by | Leave a comment

President Obama was not able to aid Israelis and Palestinians to resolve their differences but he was able to aid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end his childish behavior toward Turkey and apologize for the Gaza debacle.  An official on Air Force One said that Netanyahu had apologized to Prime Minister Recep Erdogan for the  murder of innocent Turkish people who were attempting to bring aid to inhabitants in Gaza in 2010. “On behalf of Israelis he apologized for any deaths” that occurred. He also promised to compensate families for loss of their relatives. Netanyahu also spoke with Erdogan who accepted the apology.

When Benjamin Netanyahu assumed the office of prime minister of Israel his nation had close ties with Turkey. Within two years his behavior led to the end of friendship including the end of joint military exercises by both armies.

For some reason the people of Israel prefer a prime minister who ends alliances!

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, Israel, john kerry, Judaism, Liberals, Middle East, Multicultural, Muslims, Politics, Religion, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Kerry Cautions Turkey

Posted on March 2, 2013 by | Leave a comment

John Kerry has undertaken his initial crack at working for peace in the Middle East and it is a beauty. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan  shot off his big mouth in a big way. He told the Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, “Just as with Zionism, anti-Semitism, and fascism, it has become necessary to view Islamophobia as a crime against humanity.” Prior  to this comment, there had been reports of efforts to restore Israel-Turkish relations, which once were close, but now are in chaos due to actions by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kerry has to persuade Erdogan to rethink his comments just as he must make  Netanyahu offer some apologies to Turkey.

1. Netanyahu must apologize for the death of Turkish citizens who were engaged in providing aid to inhabitants of Gaza. There is no evidence they were supplying military materials or aid.

2. Netanyahu must apologize for the inept stupid behavior of former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman who insulted the Turkish ambassador to his nation.

3. Erdogan must apologize for this ridiculous comparison with Fascism.

It also might aid if Netanyahu finally sat down with  President Abbas and preceded that meeting by announcing a freeze on new settlements in the West Bank.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Education, Human Rights, Islam, Israel, john kerry, Judaism, Liberals, Middle East, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, Turkey, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Turk Leader Claims Erdogan-DICTATOR

Posted on February 16, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Turkey has been a democratic nation for a decade, it has engaged in free elections and the Justice and Development Party undoubtedly  has support from a majority of voters. However, it is also clear that at least 40% of Turks do not desire Prime Minister Recep Erdogan as their  leader. Since assuming office he has crushed military leaders, jailed over 70 journalists and behaved like a pseudo dictator. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the opposition Republican People’s Party(CHP) insists Erdogan wants to change the Constitutioin in order to create an all-powerful president which he intends to become. “The prime minister is more and more authoritarian.. the sovereignty of fear is ubiquitous…universities cannot express their views, the labor unions are completely silent, the media is fearful.”

There is no question everything being claimed as reality is real. Even President Gul has warned about Erdogan’s quest for more and more power. Perhaps, if the European Union would accept Turkey as a member this drift toward authoritarian rule would be halted.

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Posted in Barack Obama, Conservatives, Education, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Islam, john kerry, Liberals, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Religion, Social Justice, Turkey, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

Keep God In Religion!

Posted on February 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Mehmet Gormez is Religious Affairs Directorate head which makes him an  important individual in the lives of Turkish people. Yesterday, in a meeting with religious leaders, he urged separation of church and state. “Matters included in citizenship books or those with political messages should not become subjects of prayers or preaching.” He wants an end to imposing religious values into the lives of citizens of the nation. “We need to turn mosques into natural social centers, and we need to initiate a mosque-centered education.” He went on to say,”we should accept all sects and their authenticity.. no sect should be forced to become the other.”

Amen!

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