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."
He doesn't like bringing his bong downstairs to the main floor or into crowded rooms.
US had no idea was coming.
With all due respect, Mr. Kerry, don’t you have a climate to save from change somewhere?
I don’t really see any reason for you to talk about anything other than the greatest threat we face.
Stop wasting our precious time.
So true...Sadly, it’s not gonna happen.
What happened to “We came, we saw, he died”?
To hell with the Islamists and their enablers - in ALL countries.
When Obama picks a side you know that side is Evil
Erdogan wanted to turn Turkey into a strict Islamic country. Small wonder why the Turkish military is doing this....
Wasn’t sure who to support on this until now. GO COUP!!!
Straight men don’t huddle like that.
I don’t buy it. I have hopes to see Erdogan’s corpse in the news very soon.
These fools Kerry et al are going to give an inlet for IsIs to take all the aturk military hardware.
Istanbul is anti-islamic in general. It is the islamic savages from the interior who overlord everyone, I believe.
Amen!
Obama must fell terrible with his World falling apart
Of course 0 and kerri are supporting the islamist jihadi govn of Erdogan. Hopefully the military will purge Erdogan.
An accurate portrayal of the Turkish Constitution.
Erdogan has tried repeatedly in the last few years to amend that provision out of the Turkish Constitution, and has failed to accomplish that amendment.
In Turkey, a Military Coup is NOT an unconstitutional act if the Military performs it to protect the Republic.
The Western Enemedia suppress this fact to demonize the Military and support Erdogan and the Islamic terrorist civilian Turkish government.
The failure of this coup will be a geostrategic disaster of unbelievable scope.
Erdogan is in charge of A Cell Phone
CIA once again making a fine case for its $15 billion budget.
Obama has a bad batting average for who we should and shouldn’t support in the ME. Libya was stable, he destroyed it. Iran hates us he supports them. He supported the ISIS rebellion in Syria. He stabs Israel in the back. He bows to the Saudi King who hates us. He abandoned the Iraqi government. Now we’re suppose to trust Obama’s judgement on Erdogan?
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