Mistreatment of American Citizens by Turkish Officials

Orthodoxy Today ^ | 12/18/06 | Nick Larigakis

[Bokababe]

[samtheman]

The speech the convicted American smuggler made to the judge in his last court appearance in the movie Midnight Express summed it up best.

[Kolokotronis]

I know Nick; he's a good guy who works very hard for the well being of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

[monday]

Many people like to pretend that Turkey is an example of a Muslim country that is modern, civilized, democratic, etc. It's true that compared to most other Muslim countries they are, but they are still more Muslim than civilized. Muslims can't help but be antagonistic towards non Muslims of any sort. It is a major feature of their religion.

When Turkey allows freedom of religion, hands back the illegally seized northern half of Cypress, admits their guilt in the Armenian genocide, and expressly forbids participation of Islam in governmental matters, then I will reconsider. Until then Turkey is just another Islamic cess pool.

[oldenuff2no]

I lived in Turkey for 18 months and this story does not surprise me a bit.
I have a hundred stupid Turk stories.

[-=SoylentSquirrel=-]

I'd like to hear at least one of them!

[GOP Poet]

I am very pleased he wrote this letter and I am deeply sorry for this horrendous and possibly lethal treatment (walking through the streets unprotected). I guess if it was me, I wouldn't trust these people straight off. I wouldn't leave my coat behind for any reason even if the guide told me to, unless the person personally reassured me that if we were held up he would shield my body and keep me warm and even then NOT! Ridiculous to trust anyone regarding these sort of recommendation anywhere, even in America. It is called personal responsibility. Even in a 'spiritual' environment one should use common sense.

I would never assume things will go smoothly. In fact I generally assume quite the opposite and plan accordingly. If I was in Turkey, I would have expected the worse at every turn and prepared. Three hours early isn't a whole lot when one thinks about the gravity of this event and the challenges of being in a foreign country filled and ruled with Muslims and another set of rules and languages.

However. This still doesn't mean they should have tolerated ANY of the treatment and most especially with elderly folks (this is abusive and life threatening--the cold, the extended walking).

HELLO! These people are not our friends and Christ was persecuted on the cross. Christians fail to remember this persecution all the time. It is even stated in the bible that we will be persecuted. What is the surprise? I see it as a badge of honor. If I would have died in those streets it would have been for my Savior. They will always try to eliminate us at every possible turn. Time to WAKE UP!

[SENTINEL]

They should be grateful they returned with their heads. What were they thinking, going to the middle east in the middle of the war on terror ?

[SENTINEL]

They should be grateful they returned with their heads. What were they thinking, going to the middle east in the middle of the war on terror ?

[Clintonfatigued]

I remember the case that was filmed as "Midnight Express," about an American who, while not an innocent victim, didn't deserve what he got.

[GOP Poet]

He stated his case well and I commend his writing of the letter. Aside from his shock at this sort of treatment, he must have felt horrible for the treatment of the elderly especially. I know I would have. My mother is 76 and travels quite a bit in these foreign countries still (with travel groups), but I get very, very concerned as these things can naturally happen in other cultures even when there is no malicious intent. Although here it may very well could have been exactly as Nick stated and I am sure it was.

I am a bit confused though why they did not expect a certain amount of this, but if one hasn't dealt with these people before, I am sure there is no way of knowing.

Personally, I would have expected foul play and even some life threatening incidences prior to going, but I still would have gone.

[GOP Poet]

I get the sense after the Muslim's demanding the Pope's head, some people were expecting the KUB-I-AH welcome. NADA. I would have been relieved to have left alive and with all body parts in tact. But hey, I like to keep it simple when confronted with extended interaction with murders and deceivers.

[Natural Law]

In the interests of harmony and regional stability Sec. Rice will do exactly squat!

[GOP Poet]

What do you think she should do?

[SlowBoat407]

Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?

[Natural Law]

"What do you think she should do?"

The same think our State Department did when the Turks denied us the northern route into Iraq.....squat.

[GOP Poet]

LOL!

[GOP Poet]

Ah, funny how this stuff disappears from the consciousness when we just meekly say, "ok." I forgot all about that. Thanks for the reminder.

[Bokababe]

The Orthodox Christians in Turkey are treated like dhimmi, and those Christians who live there know this. But when American Christians go Turkey, especially for a Christian religious event (not just a vacation) and get treated like dhimmi, they are shocked and outraged -- as any of us would be.

Let's face it, in America, we are used to the idea that whether or not you decide to go to church on Sunday, is a matter of "whether or not you are in the mood", rather than someone actually preventing you from doing so or punishing you for making the effort. Sure, most of us hear about people getting killed for their Christian Faith elsewhere in the world, but we never think that it could be us or that anyone would treat us that way. "Damn it, we're Americans and our government stands behind us". "Beep", wrong answer. Fact is that our government doesn't give a rat's behind about us anymore, other than keeping us passive while they play their "game pieces" on a map of the world -- and Turkey is their "Park Place" on that game board, so none of us are allowed to touch Turkey. Turkey is to be treated with "reverence".

Your reminder re "Christians should expect to get persecuted, as our Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted" is a worthwile one -- especially to those who grew up on the kind of psycho-evangelism that promised you "big money and a new car, if only you accepted Jesus into you heart right now!"