On Nov. 14, 2012, NATO deployed a missile defense system in Turkey in case of any possible chemical attack from Syria. Now, there are a total of six patriot missiles sites in southeastern Turkey, two each from Germany, the U.S. and the Netherlands.
Last week, the length of the missiles' deployment became a matter of debate. The German defense ministry spokesman noted that the possibility of a threat has been minimized after the Syrian government's chemical weapons stockpile was destroyed, but if necessary the duration could be extended.
Perhaps you are wondering why I have begun my article with this information. No, I am not going to write about foreign policy strategies or defense issues – I do not comment on matters which I have no expertise. My aim is to only get Daily Sabah readers think for a moment.
Is it not a mockery that a country like Turkey is engaged in such a discussion? Put yourself in the shoes of this country's people. This "straitjacket" should have already been torn apart and thrown out. Turkey is located in the heart of a very dynamic and multifaceted region. But we are still dependent on other nations even for a few defense missiles – which were designed in the Cold War period – against any threat posed by Syria or another country in the future. Missiles are either deployed or removed with NATO's approval. New Turkey does not want or accept the continuation of this status quo. Rather, it yearns for establishing its own defense system based on its independent preferences.
For many years, Turkish people were left no other choice than to accept the false cries of "independence" put forward in the official ideology. One reason for this was the existence of the Cold War while another was poverty – or perhaps the imprudent and submissive politics of the previous governments. These times have all come and gone. Old Turkey, which overlooked its Algerian fellows' declaration of independence not to offend its ally France, is now over.
Turkey, which turned its back on the massacres of children conducted on the other side of the border just because its allies did not consent, has ended.
From this point of view, the economic growth achieved in the AK Party's 12-year rule and the request of "independent international will," will predominate over Turkish politics, having the characteristics of a liquidation process. It is the liquidation of the West's outmoded principles and the old lies disseminated by state. These old lies hamper the development of a strong defense industry and prevent us from being an influential actor in regional politics. They also enable bankers and schemers to line their pockets, while the production industry continuously remains deficient.
So far, the Turkish citizens have had many other lies drilled into their minds. Terrorism being the only aspect of the Kurdish question and democracy meaning hardline secularism are only two examples. These liars did not mention that Marmaray, the third Istanbul airport and many other glaringly superfluous projects are unnecessary. This exposes the AK Party and its leader to threats, both domestic and international.
To tell the truth, the world's central powers struggle with Turkey's transition from its subordinate position with its growing economy and strong policies. There are those who strive to halt this march. The old guard wishes to return to a visionless Turkey.
And if I know something, it's that it is too late to go back, as the sleeping giant is now awake.
