On-Going Military Coup in Turkey

[Gass3268]

From the Guardian:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Crumpets]

Apparently the Army COS has been taken hostage? https://twitter.com/MahirZeynalov/status/754053004773523457

The question is whether we're talking about a bunch of colonels (perhaps some junior generals), or senior generals being involved.

I don't know how the Turkish military is organized, but does the fact that this coup appears to be taking place simultaneously in Istanbul and Ankara imply that it must go at least reasonably high up the chain of command?

[Silent Hunter]

Well, that puts paid to any accelerated EU membership...

This appears to be a full blown coup. I know some Turks, I hope they're OK.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Well, that puts paid to any accelerated EU membership...

It's not like Turkey had a real shot before.

[RogueBeaver]

Erdogan being taken to secure location by loyalists. https://twitter.com/BNONews/status/754055478506905600

[Angel of Death]

Could there be a relationship with the recent diplomatic turnabouts with respect to Russia and Syria?

[Crumpets]

For a bit of levity, here's what The Young Turks are covering right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a48o2S1cPoo

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Could there be a relationship with the recent diplomatic turnabouts with respect to Russia and Syria?

I've heard about possible U.S. involvement, but don't have a source.

[RogueBeaver]

Erdogan making a statement soon. Also, a reporter just posted the city where Erdogan's "Secure" location is.

[Beet]

As much as I don't like Erdogan, the elected president should be respected. I guess this would be the first coup since 1997, and more violent than that one.

[RogueBeaver]

Pentagon had no idea, NBC says. https://twitter.com/MattMackowiak/status/754057282778914816

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

As much as I don't like Erdogan, the elected president should be respected.

Normally I'd agree, but one can argue that via his authoritatian methods Erdogan lost a democratic legitimacy.

[parochial boy]

Woah, I only flew out from Istanbul this afternoon, my boss is stuck there right now.

Did not see this coming.

[RogueBeaver]

Martial law declared. https://twitter.com/canokar/status/754059484373417984

[jaichind]

*TURKEY'S STATE-RUN TRT TV READS OUT STATEMENT FROM ARMY GROUP

[jaichind]

*ERDOGAN ON HIS WAY TO ATATURK AIRPORT: ANADOLU

[Crumpets]

*ERDOGAN ON HIS WAY TO ATATURK AIRPORT: ANADOLU

"On his way" or "being taken to?"

[jaichind]

TRY drops 4.6%

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

FWIW, while I firmly oppose any type of military action against a democratically elected Government, I really don't have enough sympathy for Erdogan-no friend of democracy himself-to be outraged. This will make for some good TV, though. The constant reporting of the same developments about Trump and Pence or Nice was getting stale. What a news day!

[Antonio the Sixth]

I heard reports that Erdogan was arrested. Any possibility it's true?

[RogueBeaver]

Ataturk airport is closed. So what happens when he gets there?

[Angel of Death]

Surely I'm not the only one troubled by Kerry's initial statement, in particular the lack of even a token mention of how democracy and the constitutional order of a country such as this should be respected?

[jaichind]

*TURKEY PRESIDENT'S OFFICE SAYS TRT STATEMENT FROM ILLEGAL GRP

So it seems Prez office still not taken over by military

[Antonio the Sixth]

Surely I'm not the only one troubled by Kerry's initial statement, in particular the lack of even a token mention of how democracy and the constitutional order of a country such as this should be respected?

I wouldn't be too shocked if the US had a hand in this. Wouldn't be the first time.

[Simfan34]

Fingers crossed for it to succeed. Erdogan needs to be removed.

Are you a liberal or a democrat?