THOUGHTS ON THE TURKISH COUP ATTEMPT FROM JEFF CARTER:
There are no black and white answers surrounding Turkey. Yes, the President is a strongman. There will be a lot more bloodshed in Turkey. Erdogan isn’t a prime example of a tolerant leader. But, last night on Twitter even the Kurds who he is bitter enemies with were speaking up for democracy. The Kurds didn’t support the coup. Erdogan’s political opponents didn’t support the coup. That tells you something I think. The Turks do value democracy. Democracy is messy sometimes.
Another very interesting thing that happened last night. The military took over broadcasters. Erdogan, who has tried to severely restrict Twitter and Facebook, took to Facebook Live to communicate to his supporters.
Again, it just makes me think the best way to fight and win against radical terrorists is through a powerful network, not hierarchy. The way we are fighting today via vertical silos that have trouble communicating is not a way to win.