Failed Turkey coup

I was in Turkey during the failed coup attempt, and from the reaction of a majority of Turkish population it was obvious that the country’s authorities, media, political analysts, judiciary and the people believe that Fethullah Gülen and his hardcore followers in the Turkish military were behind the coup. This belief is based on the identities, relationships and the confessions of people behind the coup attempt.

As a Turkish American, I am heartened to know that the U.S. authorities will cooperate with Turkey in the probe into the failed coup attempt during which hundreds of innocent civilians, police officers and military officials were killed. Turkey is an important ally for the United States and NATO, and this alliance has stood for almost a century. Under the current leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan, that alliance has been strengthened by fighting terrorism and ISIS forces.

Gülen has established his residence in Pennsylvania, for the past 15 years. U.S. authorities haven’t taken significant action to investigate or extradite him despite several requests from Turkish authorities. giving the impression that the United States is providing support for him. Judicial cooperation between the two countries would reaffirm and strengthen the century-long bond.

This story was originally published July 25, 2016 at 10:42 PM with the headline "Failed Turkey coup."