To act, or not to act, that is the question for NATO

The 62nd Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly was held in Istanbul. More than 300 legislators from 28 NATO ally countries and associated member states came together to discuss global security issues in order to prevent violence and terrorism. The need for discussion and transparency for high-level decision-making bodies is important to create consensus, public support and applicability.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the meeting and reminded the delegates of the strategic role that Turkey plays in the world arena as a vital member for world peace.

Turkey's unique geopolitical position and economic impact within the region automatically gives Turkey the lead among its neighbors, which have long been suffering turbulent times.

The ongoing war in Syria has increased the plight of the Syrian people. Sadly the rising number of lost lives and refugees have been largely ignored by the international community, creating a greater burden on neighboring countries.

Turkey's security and stability are essential, as the fight against terrorism no longer remains a local issue. Terror groups have proven to be global threats for countries around the world. NATO's cooperation and support are necessary for the enhancement of peace and stability in all member countries.

NATO's founding principle is based on collective self-defense, which has been embodied in the crucial fifth clause of the 1949 Washington Treaty. It is stated in NATO's article five, "An armed attack on one or more (members) shall be considered an attack on all."

NATO must exercise its global alliance functionality and provide military co-operation to support their commitment to democracy and peace in all member countries. Turkey's security remains a challenge in the Middle East, with Syria and Iraq, two bordering neighbors, still places of war and political turmoil with existing conflict areas.

Terror groups such as Daesh, the PKK and the PKK's Syrian branch the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing the People's Protection Units (YPG) all remain threats to Turkey's security and stability, hence they are threats to global peace and security.

Despite the European Union's acknowledgement of the PKK being a terrorist group, the PKK remains active and visible in various European member state countries.

NATO must provide support and cooperate with member countries in order to ensure local and global security in the fight against terrorism. Peace and stability are essential all around.

NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Parliament in Ankara in September and witnessed the destruction caused by the failed coup attempt that took place on July 15, 2016.

He stated, "Democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law are NATO's core values." The failed coup attempt was carried out by a secret and evil terrorist group within the military. This terrorist group - the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) - used a secretive guise to infiltrate all segments of society and hold office in all positions within the public sphere. There was a false pretense of a somewhat religious cult leader who has been giving orders to his network, which has been operating in different countries around the world. The cult leader remains a resident in the U.S.

The date July 15, 2016 was a great turning point in Turkish political history where the masses took to the streets to support and fight for the respected democratic will of the Turkish people. The support of the Turkish people for the elected government that was holding office in Parliament was truly heroic, as average citizens took matters into their own hands and changed the course and the outcome of the failed military coup attempt. There was a courageous stand to defend the individual legal rights of Turkish citizens

Tanks drove into crowds and soldiers fired at unarmed civilians, murdering and maiming them in cold blood. Bombs were dropped by F-16 warplanes and helicopters as public buildings and Parliament were attacked. There were many injured casualties and 250 martyrs.

Members of FETÖ will be tried and hopefully be punished for treason.

The evil FETÖ consists of traitors who attacked the rule of law, democracy and the respected freedom and will of a people who elected their members of Parliament. It was an attack against the very ideals of citizenship, national values, freedom, democracy and humanity. The violence and terror will never be forgotten.

The Turkish people's love for freedom and respect for the votes in the ballot box have proven that the only way for a change in the members of Parliament is through democratic elections. The strength, bravery and will of the Turkish people will forever remain in history.

Now is the time, more than ever, for NATO to prove a worthwhile alliance in solidarity with Turkey's security and sovereignty.

* Istanbul-based freelance writer