The good, the bad and the Gülenists. The role of the Gülen Movement in Turkey’s coup attempt

Summary of Essay:

+ According to the Turkish government, the Gülenist movement is at the heart of the failed coup attempt of 15 July 2016. Fethullah Gülen, the movement's leader is a former ally of the Turkish president and one of the country's most powerful and influential forces.
+ With the help of the Turkish government, the Gülen movement successfully created a deep state within the Turkish bureaucracy and persecuted political enemies in show trials in 2008-2013.
+ The movement is opaque and secretive in the state bureaucracy. There is enough evidence linking followers of Gülen to the coup but evidence pointing to Fethullah Gülen himself remains scant.
+ Turkey’s extradition request for Fethullah Gülen will continue to create turbulence in Turkey’s relationship with Washington. For the US, this is a legal matter; for Ankara, a prerequisite for partnership.
+ The Turkish government has embarked on a massive purge to 'clean the state', involving tens of thousands of state employees, banks, and companies. In its quest to protect Turkish democracy by purging Gülenists, the Turkish government needs to make sure it does not destroy the frail democracy it is trying to save.

ESO: Background information: Erdogan at UN urges global action against Gülen ‘terrorist organisation' http://www.europeansources.info/record/erdogan-at-un-urges-global-action-against-gulen-terrorist-organisation/

ESO: Background information: Is Erdoğan becoming a Turkish dictator? http://www.europeansources.info/record/is-erdogan-becoming-a-turkish-dictator/

ESO: Background information: Turkish justice minister says second document sent to US demanding Gülen extradition http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkish-justice-minister-says-second-document-sent-to-us-demanding-gulen-extradition/

ESO: Background information: Turkish military claims to have taken control of the country / Coup attempt falters in Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkish-military-claims-to-have-taken-control-of-the-country-coup-attempt-falters-in-turkey/

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