Turkish Coup Shocked

Friday night coup in Turkey was reported in Japan as resulted in failure. Japanese government immediately issued a statement that supported current regime led by President Recep Erdogan. Volatile political situation represented by that sudden resistance of Turkish military was argued to affect the fight against Islamic State, stationed in its neighbor countries, mainly Syria.

The coup reportedly caused 265 deaths, including 104 rebels and 161 innocent civilians. Turkish governmental authority took 2,839 officers and their men custody. It was a major blow on Erdogan administration, which had been grabbing military organization. Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the coup was plotted by a minor group in the military. Prime Minister Binaly Yildirim told that the coup left a blot on Turkish democracy and severe penalty would be on them.

As always, Japanese government was firstly focused on reconfirming no Japanese was involved in the case. Then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a comment that democracy in Turkey should be respected and expected early restoration of order and stability. There are 2,000 Japanese citizens in Turkey. After coming back from Mongol, where Asia-Europe Meeting was held, Abe analyzed information from Turkey in Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

Basic element behind the coup was despotic governance of President Erdogan. But, the coup could not achieve broad support of Turkish public. Although Turkish Army had been popular as protector for secular citizens, Erdogan laid firm civilian control, weakening influential power of the Army. The coup this time revealed internal insecurity of Turkey and Ergogan administration will face criticism on its inability of domestic control.

Instability in Turkey may affect anti-terrorism policy in Middle East. There occurred major terrorism in Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul late last month. With the blast plotted by Islamic State, 40 people were killed. The inability against containing terrorism may have caused internal rebel for attracting public sentiment against current administration.

Turkey is known as one of the emerging economies in the world. Consecutive terrorism may harm positive investment or tourism in Turkey. Japanese corporations would be more careful in business in the country, which has been positive partner of Japanese economy. Terrorism and internal insecurity slow down economic growth of Turkey, and possibly other countries.