Atatürk Airport attack and terrorism as a global threat
Turkey has been targeted by various terrorist organizations and the trend is escalating. Measures to prevent attacks and efforts for normalization after attacks are rapidly taking place. The recent attack at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport is the latest in a chain of terrorist attacks in cities around the world. In a conference at the Council of Foreign Relations in the U.S., CIA head John Brennan warned that the United States might become a target for DAESH. Since Washington leads the international coalition against DAESH, thinks Brennan, the U.S. is a natural target for the terrorist organization. Brennan also pointed out that the realities of open societies enable terrorists to find means and tools for their attacks. In other words, to some extent it is impossible to prevent attacks, admitted Brennan. Taking the recent attacks in Paris and Brussels into account, every corner of the world is a target for terrorist consortiums formed by an alliance of terror groups.
Turkey has been struggling against terror since 1984, the beginning of the fight against the PKK, which has been supported by Western institutions and even countries. No matter that legally covered pro-PKK figures do not see the need to hide their sympathy and affiliation with terrorist networks, strong support was provided by key figures on the Western political scene. Recently, 32 vehicles loaded with explosives for suicide attacks were found in a southeastern town - a recent example showing the dimensions of the threat posed by the PKK.
Besides military and security measures, political and diplomatic measures are needed to combat terrorism. With the recent developments in Turkish foreign policy strategy, notably the normalization process with Israel and Russia, international support for terrorists might be broken, as well. The recent initiatives taken by Turkey to reconcile with Russia and Israel followed by additional steps with other countries might break the international plot against Ankara. The continuation of the deadlock in Syria is one of the major factors nurturing terrorism. The normalization process with Russia also paves the way for further cooperation to solve the Syrian chaos.
Leading states must cooperate in the fight against terrorism, as similar attacks are being committed around the world. Airport attacks in Brussels and Istanbul are examples of the common threat to societies. In an international environment where the European Union is shaken by the Brexit crisis, where Washington is preparing to welcome its new patron, where millions of refugees changed the balance of international principles, new alliances must be formed. Initially to better fight terrorism and for a better world with smaller risks. There is no place for romantic political discourse, since Turkey as well as the world in general are facing the biggest threat posed by terrorists.
Turkey has been struggling against terror since 1984, the beginning of the fight against the PKK, which has been supported by Western institutions and even countries. No matter that legally covered pro-PKK figures do not see the need to hide their sympathy and affiliation with terrorist networks, strong support was provided by key figures on the Western political scene. Recently, 32 vehicles loaded with explosives for suicide attacks were found in a southeastern town - a recent example showing the dimensions of the threat posed by the PKK.
Besides military and security measures, political and diplomatic measures are needed to combat terrorism. With the recent developments in Turkish foreign policy strategy, notably the normalization process with Israel and Russia, international support for terrorists might be broken, as well. The recent initiatives taken by Turkey to reconcile with Russia and Israel followed by additional steps with other countries might break the international plot against Ankara. The continuation of the deadlock in Syria is one of the major factors nurturing terrorism. The normalization process with Russia also paves the way for further cooperation to solve the Syrian chaos.
Leading states must cooperate in the fight against terrorism, as similar attacks are being committed around the world. Airport attacks in Brussels and Istanbul are examples of the common threat to societies. In an international environment where the European Union is shaken by the Brexit crisis, where Washington is preparing to welcome its new patron, where millions of refugees changed the balance of international principles, new alliances must be formed. Initially to better fight terrorism and for a better world with smaller risks. There is no place for romantic political discourse, since Turkey as well as the world in general are facing the biggest threat posed by terrorists.
Last Update: July 03, 2016 17:58