Is NATO and CIA behind Turkey's failed coup, why Turkey purges NATO military envoys?
The question of whether NATO and the CIA were behind Turkey's failed coup attempt in 2016 is complex and involves various perspectives. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Allegations and Perspectives
-
Turkish Government's Narrative: The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has consistently blamed the Gülen movement for the coup attempt. However, some international observers and intelligence agencies have questioned this narrative, suggesting that the coup might have been staged or manipulated by Erdogan himself to consolidate power4.
-
CIA and Western Intelligence: There are reports that the CIA and other Western intelligence agencies have expressed skepticism about the Turkish government's account of the coup. Some sources suggest that these agencies believe the coup could have been a false flag operation designed to strengthen Erdogan's control over Turkey4.
-
NATO Involvement: There is no direct evidence that NATO was involved in the coup attempt. However, Turkey's purge of NATO military envoys following the coup has raised questions about the relationship between Turkey and NATO. This purge was part of a broader effort by Turkey to remove perceived opponents from its military and other institutions2.
Purge of NATO Military Envoys
-
Reasons for Purge: The purge of NATO military envoys was part of a larger campaign by the Turkish government to remove individuals suspected of being loyal to the Gülen movement or opposed to Erdogan's rule. This included recalling and dismissing hundreds of military personnel serving at NATO2.
-
Impact on Turkey-NATO Relations: The purge and subsequent dismissals have strained Turkey's relations with NATO. Many of those fired were among the most experienced and well-trained officers in the Turkish military, leading to concerns about the impact on Turkey's military capabilities and its role within NATO2.
Conclusion
While there is no concrete evidence that NATO or the CIA directly supported the coup attempt, the Turkish government's narrative has been questioned by some international observers. The purge of NATO military envoys reflects Turkey's internal political dynamics and its efforts to consolidate power, rather than any direct involvement by NATO in the coup.