Monday, July 23, 2007

re: Turkey Chute   [Michael Rubin]

Mark, I agree that we need to respect the outcome of democracy, and time will tell how worried we should have been. But, I do think Claire Berlinski is being a bit superficial. One can take photos of rallies in Sultanbeili and see something that approaches Iran. But, too often the press and pundits have been arguing the Turkey case in terms of appearance only. The issue isn't head scarves vs. tank tops. Rather, the root of the anxiety involves two issues:

1 ) What will replace the check-and-balance which the military now performs as its influence declines? Or in other words, what procedures are in place if the ruling party no longer abides by the constitution? The EU is pushing for the end to military influence; I'd maintain that's a noble goal, but irresponsible if not accompanied by establishment of a civilian check-and-balance.

2 ) Does the AKP desire to change not the politics, but the system? Few journalists ask about what happened to the personnel in the banking board; attempts to stack the judiciary and the Higher Education Council; failure to implement Supreme Court rulings against the ruling party; etc.

Well, we will see. On November 16, 1978, while still in France, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini gave a press conference. The Guardian reported that he said, "I don’t want to have the power of government in my hand; I am not interested in personal power." Lots of Western-leaning Iranian women supported Khomeini, because they believed his promise that he was interested in democracy, not power. Needless to say, he lied. The same women regretted their support once Khomeini solidified his grip on power, but by that point, it was too late. Let's hope for the best; it may very well be a bumpy ride.

07/23 04:04 PMShare