GPI Global Policy Institute

On July 11 the Global Policy Institute, in cooperation with the Turkish Heritage Organization, held an event aimed at reflecting on the attempted coup d’état in Turkey that took place in July 2016.

On July 15, 2016 elements of the Turkish military tried and failed to overthrow the legitimate government. The effort met strong popular resistance. Unarmed citizens spontaneously poured into the streets, confronting soldiers with heavy weapons, while loyal troops put an end to the coup. Many people died during these confrontations.

The GPI/THO panel discussion included Abraham Wagner, Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs & Senior Research Scholar, Columbia University; Mark Hall, Film Director and Producer of the documentary “Killing Ed”; and Mary Addi, Professional Educator. The Moderator was Deniz Karatas, Executive Director, Global Policy Institute. GPI President Paolo von Schirach and Elvir Klempic Executive Director of THO opened the event. Mr. Murat Guzel, one of the sponsors of the event, delivered introductory remarks.

All the panelists agreed that since this critical event in Turkey’s recent history, the country has witnessed profound changes within both its foreign and domestic politics. The panelists discussed how the coup attempt reshaped present day Turkey and the potential implications regarding U.S.-Turkey relations.

They also focused on the significant but largely overlooked influence of the movement founded by Fetullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher accused by Ankara to be the instigator of the failed coup who now lives in the US, in America. A Turkish government formal request for his extradition is still pending.

As the panelists explained, Gulen’s US followers over time managed to create a vast network of tax payers funded charter schools, many of them in the state of Texas, that have become fund raising sources for the movement, through the use of elaborate skimming techniques. According to Mr. Hall (he produced a documentary focused on Gulen’s influence) and Ms. Addi, (years ago she worked as a teacher in one of the Gulen operated schools), it seems that this penetration effort of the US public education system is a significant component of a broader strategy pursued by the movement to establish a strong foothold in many countries.