Posted on 07/15/2016 4:31:08 PM PDT by jazusamo
WASHINGTON -- A member of the Senate Intelligence Committee told CNN that the coup attempt in Turkey "came out of the blue" as the White House said the Islamist ruler of the country should be supported.
"This is a real surprise to all of us," Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) said as protesters began facing off with the Turkish military after they seized city centers and key points such as Ataturk airport in Istanbul. "An explosion like this was really unexpected."
The Turkish Armed Forces issued a statement saying they have "completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and the general security that was damaged."
"All international agreements are still valid. We hope that all of our good relationships with all countries will continue."
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was on vacation in southern Turkey when the coup began, issued a statement via Facetime on a cell phone from an unknown location urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest the military's action.
Cemal Hasimi, a senior advisor to Erdogan, told CNN by phone that the coup was staged by a "faction of the army that does not represent the army" and he claimed the government would regain control within 24 hours.
Risch predicted that the Turkish government was going to use the national police to counter the military, adding that "how widespread" coup support was in the military "we're not certain yet."
"Probably best judgment right now -- it is a full-blown military coup," he said.
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued an emergency message to citizens stressing that "shots have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, Bosphorous and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, are now closed."
"The Turkish Government states that elements of the Turkish army are attempting an uprising, security forces are taking action to contain it, and some buildings are under blockade," the message said. "We urge U.S. citizens to contact family and friends to let them know you are safe. We have seen reports that social media is blocked, but you can contact friends and family by email, telephone, or SMS. We encourage U.S. citizens to shelter in place and do not go the U.S. Embassy or Consulates at this time."
Risch noted that not only are there "a lot of American citizens in Turkey," but the U.S. Air Force's Incirlik base, which was shut down under Force Protection Delta.
Erdogan, stressed Risch, has "tried more and more to give the country more of a religious bent."
The "George Washington of Turkey, Ataturk, said what Turkey is going to be" and "charged the military as the guardian" of modern, secular, democratic Turkey, the senator added.
"We need to keep this country as an ally; that's important."
The White House said President Obama spoke with Secretary of State John Kerry, who was visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, "to discuss the events in Turkey."
"The president and secretary agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed," the statement said. "The secretary underscored that the State Department will continue to focus on the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Turkey."
"The president asked the secretary to continue to keep him updated as the situation unfolds."
Thanks for the heads up.
Which tactic do you prefer, beheading or suicide bombings?
What else are they supposed to do?
They already know this is a failed effort.
Dear (Queer?) Hussein and JF’nK: We have HAD IT with islamist gov’ts, like YOU!
Erdogan never admitted losing power, so a statement that he has resumed control is pointless. The battle field always sways back and forth with false claims. The real fighting begins when the sun rises again.
IF those two want it you can be assured it is the wrong thing to do.
That picture:
Erdogan saying, “Hands up!!! Don’t shoot!!!”
Yuck
I have been to Turkey several times on business. Coups are a way of life there. Zippy and M’seur le Kerry should butt out.
I have been to Turkey several times on business. Coups are a way of life there. Zippy and M’seur le Kerry should butt out.
Maybe someone will spill the beans about Erdogan and Obama supporting ISIS.
Latest Turkish Constitution 1982 according to Wikipedia:
The constitution is also criticised for giving the Turkish Armed Forces, who see themselves as the guardians of the secular and unitary nature of the Republic along with Atatürk’s reforms, too much influence in political affairs via the National Security Council.
Ataturk’s Constitution 1921 made Turkey secular and gave the military the right to get rid of a President who refused to keep the country secular. Looks like the latest 1982 Constitution follows that. Very good idea. He’s asked for assylum in the UK/ Germany said no.
Good riddance to very bad rubbish. I hope they can beat the Islamists back and control the government going forward. Obama is an idiot.
It ain’t over ‘till it’s over. The “rebels” now have nothing to lose by continuing the effort.
Yes, impossible unless you cheat.
Our intelligence and diplomatic community is right on top of things again I see.
Bump!
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