Turkey’s leader is secular, mostly friendly to the US, and also unfortunately an autocrat. The natives are getting restless, and tired of being under an authoritarian’s thumb. The cartoon is dead on, as the demonstrations demanding reform will create a breeding ground for people who will promise one thing and will deliver something very different. Once again, the US has to be very careful who we arm and train, and will once again have to resist some very influential people who will want to rush in militarily.
Turkey has long been the only recognized “Muslim Democracy”. Years ago, ran into several situations, one a Korean telling of the Turks in Korea during the “police action”, and their brutality, the other a personal account of a Turkish officer training with us in the U.S.. He was offended by a bartender who wouldn’t sell him the waitress for the evening, and pulled a knife. Ended up cutting himself before putting it away, the “issue” was the bartender in “insulting” a Turk, had insulted every Turk who ever lived. A somewhat strange culture that isn’t really dependent upon Islam.
lol. Unfortunately, Asia Minor and the Turkish Straits are critically strategic squares on the geo-political chessboard and have been for thousands of years.Any great power hoping to defend its interests in the Middle East, Eastern Europe or west Asia must have some influence in Turkey. More the better. Like it or not.
ConserveGov almost 11 years ago
Should be no problem. It’s a religion of peace, right?
I Play One On TV almost 11 years ago
Turkey’s leader is secular, mostly friendly to the US, and also unfortunately an autocrat. The natives are getting restless, and tired of being under an authoritarian’s thumb. The cartoon is dead on, as the demonstrations demanding reform will create a breeding ground for people who will promise one thing and will deliver something very different. Once again, the US has to be very careful who we arm and train, and will once again have to resist some very influential people who will want to rush in militarily.
Dtroutma almost 11 years ago
Turkey has long been the only recognized “Muslim Democracy”. Years ago, ran into several situations, one a Korean telling of the Turks in Korea during the “police action”, and their brutality, the other a personal account of a Turkish officer training with us in the U.S.. He was offended by a bartender who wouldn’t sell him the waitress for the evening, and pulled a knife. Ended up cutting himself before putting it away, the “issue” was the bartender in “insulting” a Turk, had insulted every Turk who ever lived. A somewhat strange culture that isn’t really dependent upon Islam.
I Play One On TV almost 11 years ago
I appreciate your corrections. Thank you for your clarification.
msgreymare almost 11 years ago
Turkish warrior tradition demands that once you unsheath your knife, it must taste blood before being put away, even if the blood is your own.
corzak almost 11 years ago
lol. Unfortunately, Asia Minor and the Turkish Straits are critically strategic squares on the geo-political chessboard and have been for thousands of years.Any great power hoping to defend its interests in the Middle East, Eastern Europe or west Asia must have some influence in Turkey. More the better. Like it or not.
noktar Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Great artistic cartoon. Thanks Michael Ramirez. Love from Turkey.