THE DEATHS of Turkish and foreign citizens at the Turkish International Airport (“Int’l leaders condemn ‘senseless killing of innocent civilians,’” News, 6/30/16) is highly condemnable. The long list of injured individuals is yet to be confirmed but highlights the scale of devastation incurred by this heinous terror attack. However, Turkey is also not free of allegations.
In a bid to remove Syrian President Bashar Assad from power, Turkey supports deadly local terror groups, providing them money and logistics. On the other hand, it is carrying out oppressive measures to subdue the Kurdish people of Turkey. Furthermore, Turkey is widely believed to be one of the biggest customers of crude oil from the deadly Islamic State terror outfits, thus providing vital financial support to the terror group for its own selfish needs. This dubious political stand is similar to that of global bad boy Pakistan’s; and like the latter, Turkey is being paid back by the same groups it has been arming and financing secretly.
All need to realize that supporting the evil to harm others always has a recoil, and at times it lashes back at the masterminds.
Turkey has been recently criticizing both Bangladesh and India on several issues, even as it has been involved in covert activities supporting regional terror groups. From the progressive modern democracy established by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey is turning into an authoritarian, security state under Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
No doubt, this is the reason Turkey has not been allowed to become a European Union member. Its dubious, negative political approach will only destroy peace, stability and the economy of the region, and will impact Turkish life and politics accordingly.
—SAIKAT KUMAR BASU, Apt 6-409, 43 Street South, Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4B3