Die vielfältigen Auswirkung eines politischen Mords

In diesem Artikel des Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM) kommentiert Sinan Ülgen, Vorsitzender des EDAM, die Ermordung des türkisch-armenischen Journalisten Hrant Dink.

The author argues that the assassination of Dink has been „a watershed event for Turkey“, which caused a „public outpouring of sorrow and sadness“. However, he also thinks that this event should be seen as an „opportunity to make a stand against the rise of a dangerous form of nationalism“. 

Ülgen goes on to explain that the current form of nationalism found in Turkey „is not only on the increase but is also changing course“ to a „more aggressive soul“.

Among the reasons for this he sees the rise of political Islam, but also the Turkish judiciary’s interpretation of article 301 of the Turkish penal code, which „limiting the freedom of expression“.

Nevertheless, Ülgen says that democratic forces in Turkey have become aware of the problem and are engaging in a „long-standing struggle to enhance the respect for liberal democratic values“.

The author also points out that the EU’s raising of the bar for Turkish membership and „anti-Turkish“ rhetoric by some European leaders actually „undermine the confidence of the Turkish population in reaching this goal“.

Ülgen concludes by urging „the time has come for Turks to strive to eradicate this ugly face of nationalism“, even though support from their American and European allies might be uncertain.

• Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM): On the Ripple Effects of a Political Murder (by Sinan Ülgen, Winter 2007)