Military coup was Gülenists' last shot, say experts

Hüseyin Gülerce (columnist for Star daily)

This resembles the coup attempts of Dec. 17/25 (2013). I think they did not dare do this without receiving some encouragement from within the United States. The state must in a resolute way, start the process of purging them from all spheres and networks.

Erem Şentürk (Diriliş Postası daily editor-in-chief)

They were cornered and attacked with esoteric motivation, considering Gülen a semi-divine person. They have tasted blood and armed conflict, and therefore will continue to perpetrate such events like the "lone wolves" of the DAESH and PKK terrorist organizations.

Adil Gür (President of A&G research company)

They did not dare face the looming decisions at the upcoming Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) convention. The event is of historic importance as it shows for the first time that people own the democracy, and paid the price.

Ufuk Ulutaş (Foreign Policy Director at the SETA Foundation)

They relied on their numbers of people. It resembles the Egyptian coup in 2013, but they failed to calculate the people's massive resistance. They are like modern-day assassins. Following this incident, those who cooperate with them in any arena must pay the heaviest price. The U.S. should make an effort to extradite Gülen.

Adem Sözüer (Dean of Istanbul University's Law Faculty)

This should not be considered solely as a coup, but as a terrorist crime in which civilians were killed and state institutions were bombed, and also as a crime against humanity. From now on, all supporters must be called to account. We should find not just those who pulled the trigger behind the scenes, but those who made them pull the trigger. The ruling party as well as the opposition must support the process towards democracy and the rule of law.

Birol Akgün (Director of the Institute of Strategic Thinking)

There has been concrete progress towards the purging of the economic and social spheres, and the military was an ace in the hole. A raison d'etre has emerged. The coup process has not yet been completed. People must remain on the streets to prevent the coup plotters from completing their jobs. The National Intelligence Agency (MİT) and the Military should remain on alert.