Skip to main content

Why Turkish media is upset with CNN, WaPo

Many Turkish media outlets have responded harshly to a scholarly analysis on The Washington Post forecasting another coup in Turkey and an interview on CNN International of a Turkish military officer who some claim participated in the coup attempt.
A general view of the exterior of the Washington Post Company headquarters in Washington, March 30, 2012. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS MEDIA) - RTR304SI

Turkish media publishers don’t seem to believe in coincidences. As their reactions to a Washington Post article and a news story on CNN International show, many journalists think nefarious elements in the United States are plotting another coup in Turkey.

A Jan. 31 Washington Post article, penned by data scientist Andreas Beger and Duke University political science professor Michael Ward, discussed a forecast model that measures the likelihood of “irregular leadership changes, including coups.” According to Beger and Ward, their model shows Turkey coming in fifth (out of a total of 161 countries) most likely to experience a coup in 2017 — trailing Burundi, Thailand, Central African Republic and Chad. The article appeared on the Post’s “Monkey Cage” blog, which shares political scientists’ research with the public to build “an informed audience.”

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.