Skip to main content

Turkey’s Loyalties Divided In Combatting Terrorism

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces the challenge of divided loyalties within the government and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in dealing with anti-terrorism legislation, writes Semih Idiz.
Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara February 12, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT) - RTR3DOGB

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan frequently accuses the West of failing to cooperate with Turkey against terrorism. He raised his voice again after the recent suicide bombing at the US Embassy in Ankara. Erdogan appears justified, too: the bomber, Ecevit Sanli, came to Turkey from Germany for the attack, entering the country via Greece. 

The German media has reported that Sanli wasn't under significant police scrutiny in Germany, despite his known record as an active member of the ultra-leftwing urban terrorist group the Revolutionary Peoples’ Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C).

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.