Introduction to the 2016 Turkish Coup
The 2016 Turkish coup attempt is a complex and multifaceted event that has sparked numerous analyses and conspiracy theories. The crisis was rooted in geopolitical tensions between Turkey and the United States, and the involvement of powerful figures within Turkey's military and intelligence services. In this article, we will delve into the events leading up to the coup, explore the theories surrounding it, and uncover the role of key players like Fethullah Gulen and Incirlik Air Base.
Who was Behind the Coup?
The 2016 Turkish coup attempt was orchestrated by a faction within the Turkish military, believed to be led by Fethullah Gulen, the exiled Turkish cleric who founded the Gülen Movement. The movement has long been accused of harboring a parallel state within Turkey, complete with its own schools, media, and intelligence operations. According to many sources, the movement's deep ties to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the dissatisfaction with Recep Tayyip Erdogan's political leadership formed the basis of the coup plot.
The Role of Fethullah Gulen
Fethullah Gulen and his followers have been viewed as a significant rival to Erdogan within Turkey. His influence extended beyond religious circles into education, media, and even elements of the military. The coup attempt was a direct challenge to the Turkish President's authority, and Gulen accused Erdogan of controlling the FET? (Fethullah Terror Organization) through secret communications.
Incirlik Air Base and the NATO Connection
The use of Incirlik Air Base, a NATO facility in Turkey, played a crucial role in the failed coup. According to various reports, the base hosted a significant portion of the U.S. military forces in the region, including multiple F-16 fighter jets and being a key part of the coalition's anti-ISIS operations. The presence of these assets provided the coup plotters with a tactical advantage, including the use of combat jets in the attempt to intimidate government supporters in the streets.
Incirlik Air Base, situated in Adana Province, has long been a source of contention between Turkey and the United States. The base serves as a strategic hub for U.S. military operations and is known to house both U.S. drones and assets associated with the "extraordinary rendition" program. These factors further complicate the understanding of the events and their implications for regional security and U.S.-Turkish relations.
Conspiracy Theories and Complications
The failure of the coup has been shrouded in various theories and conspiracy theories. One prominent theory suggested that the intelligence services and the General Staff were involved in the plot directly, acting as saboteurs to further their own interests. Another emerging theory posits that Russia played a role in saving Erdogan, with the involvement of their special forces (Spetsnaz).
The Moscow Connection
According to this theory, the Russian intelligence structures got wind of the coup attempt as early as nine months prior and developed a plan to protect Erdogan. The plan included shooting down his plane and then using ISIS terrorists to stage a coup with Fethullah Gulen as the replacement. However, the unexpected apology by Erdogan for the downing of a Russian jet two weeks before the coup led to a potential operation by Russian forces to save him.
Why the Coup Failed and How Erdogan Escaped
The coup attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, largely due to the timely actions of several key players in the Turkish military and intelligence services. The true nature of the coup attempt and its failure remains a subject of debate, with conflicting accounts from different sources.
President Erdogan denied receiving prior warnings from the intelligence services, stating that he only received the news at 10 P.M. of the 15th. He claimed that he had only 10-15 minutes before the coup plotters arrived, emphasizing the swift and secretive way the plan was executed. This timeline raises questions about the efficiency of the intelligence services and suggests a possible cover-up or divergence in information.
Further complicating the narrative, two of Erdogan's military advisors were arrested following the coup. It remains uncertain whether their role was to delay critical information or if they had firsthand knowledge and were involved in the plot. The discrepancy in the information provided by the intelligence services and the official response from Erdogan adds to the conspiracy theories surrounding the event.
Conclusion
The 2016 Turkish coup attempt remains a controversial episode in Turkish and international politics. The involvement of Fethullah Gulen, the use of Incirlik Air Base by the coup plotters, and the role of Russian forces in saving Erdogan have all contributed to a complex and multifaceted narrative. The failure of the coup and Erdogan's narrow escape continue to be subjects of extensive debate and analysis. As the geopolitical landscape of the region continues to evolve, understanding the true nature of this event will remain crucial for both domestic and international audiences.