Turkish Forum

Category: Authors

  • Message to Ms Alev Wieland

    Message to Ms Alev Wieland

    Message to Ms Alev Wieland / Since the days of esteemed leaders such as Gunay Evinch and Ergun Kirlikovali

    Dear President Alev Wieland,

    As someone who cares deeply about the future of our youth and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent election as President of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA). Your leadership arrives at a pivotal moment, and it is already evident that your vision is both inspiring and unifying.

    Your message to the youth on May 19th, in commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, was both powerful and timely. It conveyed a clarity of purpose and sincerity that many of us have long hoped to hear in community. For the first time in many years, I believe ATAA has truly resonated with the younger generation a remarkable and vital achievement.

    Since the days of esteemed leaders such as Gunay Evinch  and Ergun Kirlikovali  Abimler, I have not witnessed such a compelling, embracing, inclusive and forward looking message from ATAA. Under your stewardship, I am optimistic about the dawn of a new era  at ATAA one that inspires engagement, fosters unity, and empowers Turkish-American youth to carry forward the legacy of  great Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with pride and purpose.

    Your call to innovate, to learn from our past, and to embrace the unique strengths of every individual was not only a tribute to Atatürk’s vision, but a living embodiment of it. As you so eloquently stated, “The future of our organization is in your hands.” This is more than a message it is a mission of love to all who may have an opinion different then ours , and I stand ready to support it alongside you, Ms. Wieland.

    May God grant you continued wisdom, strength, and good health as you embark on this important chapter. May the enduring principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk continue to illuminate your path and inspire all those under your leadership.

    With my warmest regards and deepest respect,

    Respectfully,

    Ibrahim Kurtulus
    Staten Island, New York

    Dr. Demirmen’e Hizmette Mükemmellik Ödülü
  • Armenians Think They are the Only Ones Who Lack Unity: That is not Correct

    Armenians Think They are the Only Ones Who Lack Unity: That is not Correct

    Armenians often lament that they are a divided nation, believing mistakenly that other people are far more united. This perception mirrors families who argue behind closed doors, while assuming that their neighbors live in harmony. It’s a classic case of “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.”

    However, internal divisions exist everywhere, including in Azerbaijan and Turkey. Azerbaijan’s jails are filled with protesters and dissidents who oppose the Aliyev regime. Meanwhile, Turkey has seen millions take to the streets of Istanbul and other cities, outraged by the politically motivated arrest of Istanbul’s popular Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered Imamoglu’s imprisonment, fearing he could be a formidable challenger in next year’s presidential elections.

    One of the most persistent Armenian misperceptions is the notion that Jews are totally united. In reality, Israeli political parties are deeply polarized and rival Jewish-American organizations often oppose each other. Years ago, I expressed my belief in Jewish unity in an editorial lamenting Armenian disunity, only to be corrected by Jewish Heritage newspaper publisher Herb Brin. He argued that the Jewish community experiences significant internal conflict, including lawsuits between leaders and violent episodes. A stark example is the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in Tel Aviv in 1995, not by a Palestinian, but by an Israeli Jew.

    Perhaps the most extreme case of Jewish disunity occurred in 2008, when a dozen ultra-orthodox rabbis met in New York City with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, just a day after he had denounced “Zionist murderers” at the United Nations. These rabbis believe that the state of Israel should be dismantled, adhering to the Torah’s prohibition against founding a Jewish state before the Messiah’s arrival. They even support Palestinian sovereignty over the Holy Land.

    During the meeting, the Iranian President described Zionism as a political movement “that seeks wealth and power” and expressed his desire that “God willing, it will be destroyed soon.” The group’s senior rabbi, Moshe Ber Beck, told Ahmadinejad: “That we have the honor and privilege to meet with such a distinguished person who understands the difference between Zionism and Judaism is for us a tremendously happy occasion.” After the meeting in a Manhattan hotel, Ahmadinejad posed for photographs with the rabbis.

    Turkish Americans, too, face deep divisions. Recently, a major dispute erupted between the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and Turkish Ambassador Sedat Onal. The ATAA, the largest Turkish-American organization with over 50 chapters throughout the United States, hosts an annual conference and gala that “brings together ATAA members, Turkish Americans, community leaders, and scholars from across the nation, Canada and Turkey,” according to ATAA’s website.

    This year’s conference and gala, held at the Westin Crystal Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, on May 2-3, 2025, was followed by ATAA’s General Assembly on May 4. A reception was held at the Capitol House Office Building, at the Education Subcommittee Hearing Room, in the evening of May 2. One of the panel discussions was titled, “Dealing with the Armenian Diaspora: Challenges that Turkish Americans Face!” The keynote speaker was Ergun Kirlikovali, ATAA’s Former President (2011-13) and current Trustee. Kirlikovali is a notorious genocide denier. Years ago, at a hearing held by a California State Assembly Committee on the Armenian Genocide, he made the appalling remark that “the fish in the Euphrates River were spitting Armenian eyes.”

    This year, a serious problem arose that caused a split between the Ambassador of Turkey Sedat Onal and the ATAA after it issued on March 19, 2025, a public statement announcing that it “strongly condemns and protests the unjust detainment of Ekrem Imamoglu, the democratically elected Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. This politically motivated action is a direct attack on democracy, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Turkish people.”

    Turkish ambassadors usually attend ATAA’s annual conference and deliver a keynote speech. However, Amb. Onal, following ATAA’s criticism of the Turkish government’s arrest of Mayor Imamoglu, cancelled his participation in the conference.

    On April 19, 2025, Ibrahim Kurtulus, a self-described Turkish “community activist,” in a letter to Amb. Onal, applauded his withdrawal from the ATAA’s conference. Kurtulus also criticized the ATAA for organizing and promoting an “anti-Turkey sentiment” which serves to “delegitimize Turkey’s standing on the international stage.”

    Within days of Kurtulus posting his letter on the website of the Turkish Forum, another Turkish-American by the name of Murat, expressing his disagreement with Kurtulus, responded in the Turkish Forum: “What an absurd letter. You are confusing interests of the state and the country with the interests of one-man rule, a regime no longer a full democracy, increasingly oppressing its people. The ambassador has simply become a tool of this one-man rule naturally, extending the divisive policies all the way across the ocean.”

    In conclusion, Armenians are not the only ones who experience internal divisions. However, given the existential threats facing Armenia, unity is more crucial now than ever before. As Marco Antonio de Dominis famously declared in the 17th century: “in essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty.”

  • Support for Pakistan

    Support for Pakistan

    Strong Support for Pakistan and a Call for Responsible Dialogue

    At this critical juncture, we unequivocally stand in solidarity with our brotherly nation of Pakistan, whose sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity must be safeguarded without compromise. The Turkish people bound by centuries of brotherhood, shared values, and mutual respect with the Pakistani nation will not remain silent or indifferent in the face of any threat or provocation aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.

    Let it be known clearly: any escalation or aggression directed against Pakistan would be viewed not only as an attack on a sovereign state but as an affront to the bonds of fraternity that unite our peoples. I know to well that Turkiye’s unwavering commitment to the defense of Pakistan’s legitimate rights and national interests remains resolute, and our hearts beat in unison with the people of Pakistan during these challenging times.

    Yet, in the spirit of diplomacy and regional stability, we remain hopeful that both Pakistan and India will demonstrate the wisdom, foresight, and courage to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at de-escalating tensions that have regrettably risen over the past several weeks. History teaches us that conflict serves only those with ulterior motives who seek to exploit division and turmoil for their own gain. True leadership lies not in the pursuit of confrontation but in the pursuit of peace.

    We call upon all responsible actors to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and destabilizing actions, and to prioritize channels of diplomacy, mutual respect, and constructive engagement. The path to lasting security in South Asia lies in dialogue, restraint, and cooperation not escalation.

    May wisdom prevail, and may the bonds of brotherhood and peace triumph over the forces of discord.

    I know to well that 90 Million Türkiye stands with Pakistan today and always.

    Ibrahim Kurtulus

    Community Activist 

  • Letter Responding to Congressman Gregory W. Meeks

    Letter Responding to Congressman Gregory W. Meeks

    US Congressman Gregory Meeks
    2310 Rayburn HOB
    Washington, DC  20515

    May 12, 2025 

    Re:   Rebuttal to Letter Regarding the Republic of Türkiye Dated May 7, 2025

    Dear Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks and Esteemed Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,

    This letter is submitted as a formal response to the assertions and interpretations presented in your correspondence dated May 7, 2025, concerning the Republic of Türkiye. We believe it is crucial to address several points raised in your letter to provide a more comprehensive and factually grounded understanding of the matters discussed.

    Firstly, we wish to respectfully note that the official name of our nation is the Republic of Türkiye. Consistent use of this appellation aligns with international protocol and reflects due respect for our national identity.

    Regarding the Aegean airspace, your letter outlines a perspective that warrants further clarification. While Greece claims a 10-nautical-mile airspace, international law typically recognizes sovereign airspace extending to the limits of territorial waters, often 6 nautical miles. Operations by Turkish aircraft between these 6 and 10 nautical mile limits occur within what is considered international airspace. It is pertinent to note that NATO radar systems, which neutrally monitor activity in the Aegean, have not substantiated claims of violations within this international airspace. Furthermore, the increasing militarization of Greek islands, in contravention of the stipulations set forth in the 1923 Lausanne and 1947 Paris Treaties, alongside maximalist Greek maritime claims, contributes significantly to regional tensions. We maintain that resolutions to such matters can only be effectively achieved through bilateral dialogue and negotiation, rather than unilateral accusations.

    The issue of Cyprus, as presented in your letter, also necessitates a more historically contextualized understanding. The difficulties on the island did not originate in 1974. Rather, they began in 1963 with the forceful removal of Turkish Cypriots from their constitutionally guaranteed positions within the government. Türkiye’s intervention in 1974 was undertaken as a legitimate action under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, a multilateral agreement that provided for intervention should either the Turkish Cypriot or Greek Cypriot community face an existential threat. It is a matter of public record that Nikos Sampson, the leader of the 1974 coup, himself acknowledged that his intent was the complete elimination of Turkish Cypriots, had Türkiye not intervened. Moreover, an Athens court ruling has affirmed the legality of Türkiye’s actions. The 2004 Annan Plan referendum further illustrates the Turkish Cypriot commitment to a peaceful resolution, with 65% of Turkish Cypriots voting in favor, while 85% of Greek Cypriots rejected the plan following a public address by the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Papadopoulos, on April 7, 2004, urging a “resounding ‘NO’.” To characterize the 1974 intervention solely as an “invasion” overlooks the treaty basis and the compelling circumstances that necessitated it. The presence of Turkish Peace Forces on the island remains a critical element for the security and well-being of the Turkish Cypriot community, serving as a deterrent against any recurrence of past atrocities.

    Regarding political opposition and human rights, the Republic of Türkiye recognizes that, like all democratic nations, its institutions are continually evolving. Nevertheless, your letter reflects a perspective that appears selectively critical and may overlook important context. Türkiye has upheld a multi-party electoral system for over seventy years, marked by peaceful transfers of power, an active civil society, and a vibrant media sector all functioning within a challenging regional landscape shaped by persistent threats from terrorist organizations such as the PKK and ISIS. Assertions of authoritarianism frequently fail to account for the broader constitutional, legal, and security context in which judicial proceedings occur. The detention or prosecution of political figures an occurrence not exclusive to Türkiye is a reality in many democratic systems, including the United States. For instance, on May 9, 2025, the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka, was arrested at an ICE detention facility during an unannounced oversight visit with members of Congress. He faces trespassing charges, which he contests as politically motivated. This underscores the importance of evaluating such incidents through the lens of legal due process rather than presuming political persecution.

    In relation to Greece, it is noteworthy that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued several judgments highlighting human rights violations within Greece. For instance, in the case of A.R.E. v. Greece (Application No. 15783/21), published on January 7, 2025, the ECHR found Greece in violation of Articles 3, 5, and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to the expulsion of a Turkish national without a risk assessment or access to asylum, recognizing a “systematic practice of pushbacks” in the Evros region. Similarly, in Sh.D. and Others v. Greece and Other Countries (March 15, 2016), the ECHR ruled against Greece for the inhuman and degrading treatment of unaccompanied minors in the Idomeni refugee camp. Furthermore, in Hazisllari v. Greece (Application No. 41385/14), the Court found a violation of Article 6(1) due to the excessive length of criminal proceedings. Additionally, the ECHR has addressed restrictions on the ethnic Turkish minority in Western Thrace, particularly concerning freedom of association and expression, as well as issues related to religious rights and education. This context of ECHR rulings against Greece appears to have been omitted from your assessment.

    Your letter draws attention to legal proceedings especially to charged mayor of Istanbul imamoglu in Türkiye while seemingly overlooking comparable issues in other nations, including the United States. The cases of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, the detentions at Guantanamo Bay, and the use of extrajudicial drone strikes raise significant questions regarding democratic values. Similarly, the silence on corruption allegations against prominent figures in various Western countries suggests an inconsistency in the application of scrutiny.

    The “Blue Homeland” doctrine represents a defensive maritime strategy aimed at safeguarding Türkiye’s sovereign rights and continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Türkiye is not a signatory to UNCLOS, it maintains its right to explore natural resources in areas where a mutually agreed legal framework does not exist. The Memorandum of Understanding with Libya is a bilateral agreement between two sovereign states. Greece’s attempts to claim extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights based on islands near the Turkish coast are viewed as inequitable and not in accordance with customary international law.

    Regarding Hamas, President Erdoğan’s statements should be understood within the framework of regional diplomatic efforts. Türkiye has consistently advocated for a two-state solution and the protection of civilian lives. Türkiye condemned the October 7 attacks while also emphasizing the need for proportionality and the protection of innocent civilians. Türkiye’s engagement with the political wing of Hamas is a position shared by several other nations in the region and beyond. Indeed, there have been instances where Israel has sought Türkiye’s assistance in communicating with Hamas. Türkiye’s diplomatic capabilities have been demonstrated through its role in facilitating the release of hostages in the Gaza crisis, a contribution acknowledged by U.S. Ambassador Jeff Flake, and its mediation in the release of American citizen Brittney Griner in 2022. Furthermore, given Türkiye’s history of providing refuge for Jewish people for centuries, it is particularly concerning to hear accusations of antisemitism. President Erdoğan’s statements reflect Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, grounded in a two-state solution and respect for international humanitarian law. To equate support for Palestinian human rights with “support for terrorism” is a mischaracterization. 

    Türkiye has condemned the targeting of civilians and hostage-taking while also calling for the protection of Palestinian civilians amidst military actions. The assertion that Türkiye is “antisemitic” or “anti-Zionist” disregards Türkiye’s history of tolerance, its vibrant Jewish community, and its protection of Jewish heritage. It is also worth noting the documented instances of U.S. foreign aid being directed to entities with ties to terrorist organizations like ISIS, Hezbollah, PKK and others as brought to light in Gregg Roman’s testimony before the United States Congress House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee, a matter that warrants attention looks like you missed.

    The characterization of efforts to delegitimize Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s Türkiye and its democratically elected President, including through digital platforms and non-governmental organizations, as a deliberate assault on the nation’s sovereignty is a serious concern. This sustained effort to portray Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s Türkiye negatively undermines its rightful standing on the global stage.

    Regarding the S-400 and F-35 issue, it is important to recall that Türkiye’s acquisition of the S-400 system occurred after a decade of the U.S.’s refusal to sell the Patriot missile system. Türkiye’s subsequent removal from the F-35 program, despite its financial and industrial contributions, was a measure that has impacted NATO’s southern flank. It is also relevant that other NATO members operate Russian-made S-300 systems, and that countries like India utilize the S-400 while receiving F-35s and other weaponry from the U.S., suggesting a double standard. The recent indications that the U.S. is encouraging Türkiye to rejoin the F-35 partnership underscore Türkiye’s crucial role within the defense supply chain and the NATO alliance, as noted by Ambassador Flake. Allegations of authoritarianism in Türkiye often overlook the country’s multi-party democracy, regular elections, active media, and strong civil society. Security measures taken after the 2016 coup attempt, orchestrated by the FETÖ terrorist organization which US is harboring its entire group , were implemented to safeguard the National Interest and Security of the republic. Perhaps you missed it But radial Islamism was stop in Turkiye. 

    The arrests of certain political figures must be understood within the legal framework of Turkish law and the available evidence under due process. Also, despite my unwavering commitment to freedom of the press and over 38 years of advocacy, I find it deeply concerning that not a single opinion piece highlighting the strategic importance of Türkiye a secular, Western-aligned NATO ally that stood alongside the United States in Korea and continues to oppose terrorism and global instability has been published in any major national newspaper in the United States. This raises a critical question: where is the true freedom of speech? It seems only those who criticize Türkiye are afforded the opportunity to be heard, while voices that emphasize its value and longstanding partnership with the West remain silenced and has NO right.

    Your portrayal of Türkiye’s efforts against the terrorist PKK also requires a more accurate understanding. For centuries, individuals of Kurdish background have lived peacefully in Anatolia. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU, has exploited regional instability to pursue its separatist agenda. The Turkish government has consistently implemented economic and social reforms in the southeastern region, and Kurds are well-represented across all sectors of Turkish society. Broadcasting and education in Kurdish are now permitted. The PKK is a terrorist organization, akin to ISIS, Al-Qaeda, or Hezbollah, and the narrative suggesting otherwise is outdated. The PKK is losing support within the region. Türkiye is an indispensable NATO ally, possessing the alliance’s second-largest standing army and securing its southern flank. Türkiye’s diverse diplomatic engagements are not contradictory to its NATO commitments but reflect the complexities of the current global landscape.

    In conclusion, I  believe the primary challenge lies not with Türkiye, but with potentially biased narratives and a limited strategic perspective. Undermining Türkiye weakens NATO. We respectfully urge you to adopt a more balanced viewpoint, respect Türkiye’s sovereignty, and engage in constructive dialogue. It is concerning if certain perspectives within Congress are driven by a desire to misrepresent Türkiye, possibly influenced by external factors that prioritize other national interests over the alliance’s cohesion and factual accuracy. Such biases can be detrimental to American interests. As members of Congress, we believe your efforts should be directed towards objectivity and serving the broader interests of the United States, rather than agendas that may inadvertently undermine opportunities for enhanced security, economic growth, and geopolitical stability. These campaigns against Türkiye serve to delegitimize the Turkish state and its people. I implore you to move beyond such biases and acknowledge the vital role Türkiye plays. Misinformation campaigns will not weaken the ties between the U.S. and Türkiye, which are rooted in mutual respect and strategic necessity.

    Respectfully,

    Ibrahim Kurtulus

    Community Activist

  • Response to US Based Communist Newspaper

    Response to US Based Communist Newspaper

    Workers Vanguard
    Liz Gorden -Director of Party Publication 
    Michael Davisson -Editor
    Cairo Turner – Assistant Editor 
    299 Broadway Suite 1618
    New York, NY 1007 
    May 5, 2025 

    Rebuttal to “Öcalan, Rojava: No to the Betrayal!” – A Dangerous Distortion of Truth and History

    To Editors,

    I write to express deep concern and firm objection to your article dated April 3, 2025, titled “Öcalan, Rojava: No to the Betrayal!”—a publication that grossly distorts historical facts, overlooks acts of terrorism, and engages in a broader campaign to delegitimize the Republic of Türkiye and its national security efforts. First, it is important to note that the country’s name is no longer “Turkey,” but officially “Türkiye,” as recognized by the United Nations. Continued refusal to use this name reflects a lack of basic journalistic respect toward the will of the Turkish people and government.

    The narrative advanced in your article dangerously whitewashes the role of the PKK terrorist and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG, both of which are internationally recognized terrorist organizations. Since 1984, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 45,000 individuals many of them innocent civilians, including women, children, teachers, many Kurds and doctors. This fact is not conjecture but a matter of record supported by the United States, the European Union, and many transatlantic institutions all of which have officially designated the PKK as a terrorist organization.

    The PKK and YPG: Terrorism, Not Liberation, your romanticized portrayal of Abdullah Öcalan and the so-called “Rojava revolution” completely omits the violent and extremist foundations of the PKK and YPG. These groups are not freedom fighters; they are terrorist factions who have resorted to narcotics trafficking, human and children smuggling, the sexual exploitation of young girls, boys  and women, and organized violence to fund and further their objectives.

    These are not characteristics of democratic movements but hallmarks of transnational terrorism.

    The PKK’s Syrian wing, the YPG, shares the same strategic leadership and ideological alignment. The link between the two is not a Turkish fabrication it is a matter of documented intelligence. In June 2016, the Turkish Armed Forces recovered U.S. made anti-tank missiles in the hands of PKK fighters during operations near the Syrian border, confirming the transfer of Western supplied arms from the YPG to the PKK. This development has put Türkiye  under direct threat by weapons funded by the American taxpayer.

    How is it justifiable that U.S. and EU forces would support, arm, and legitimize a terrorist organization like the PKK/YPG, which seeks to create an ethnically exclusive state carved from the sovereign territory of Türkiye? Would the United States tolerate such a force on its southern border with Mexico? Would Israel remain passive if faced with cross-border attacks from a militant group in Lebanon? Are you a supporter of baby killers  and Terrorist  Ms. Liz Gorden, Mr. Michael Davisson, are you Ms. Cairo Turner?

    The Smear Campaign Against Türkiye, your communist newspaper article attempts to conflate Türkiye’s anti-terrorism operations with an attack on the Kurdish identity a misleading and irresponsible narrative. For more than 1000 years, Kurds and Turks  have lived in peaceful coexistence on the Anatolian peninsula. Today, Turkish citizens of Kurdish origin serve as ministers, judges, members of parliament, generals, and even as past presidents and prime ministers. There is no ethnic apartheid in Türkiye only a determined response to violent separatism masquerading as Kurdish representation.

    To paint Türkiye as an enemy of the Kurds is not only inaccurate but malicious. The Republic of Türkiye has invested billions in its southeastern regions where Kurds predominantly live, launching major infrastructure and social programs such as the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP). Kurdish language instruction, cultural expression, and media are freely allowed. There is no state imposed limitation on Kurdish identity or culture only on those who weaponize it for extremist political purposes. Your communist paper has become another weapon in the international campaign to de-legitimize the Turkish state and the Turkish people.

    Just incase you missed  the PKK/YPG  No Different Than ISIS or Al-Qaeda, November 17th ,ASALA, ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) , Atomwaffen Division (U.S./Germany), The Base (U.S.), Revolutionary Cells (Germany) if not worst. The PKK and its affiliates have used the post-Gulf War instability and the Syrian Civil War to further their separatist agenda through violence. Much like ISIS or Al-Qaeda or all above, the PKK seeks to undermine sovereign states by force, exploiting ethnic grievances and the chaos of war. Öcalan’s vision lauded in your article is one of militant Marxism, enforced ethnic purity, and the dismemberment of Türkiye which looks like your paper supports. That vision has no place in a democratic, pluralistic, and sovereign world order.

    Even Amnesty International, not known for pro-government leanings, has documented human rights abuses and war crimes committed by the YPG/PKK in Syria, including forced displacement and recruitment of child soldiers. That your publication elevates such actors to the status of “revolutionaries” is not only revisionist, it is morally bankrupt.

    Turkiye Under Siege, let us not forget that Türkiye has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States and the west through the Cold War, the Korean War, Kosova Etc., and countless joint military operations. American soldiers who served alongside Turkish forces in Korea can attest to the courage and commitment of our alliance. Yet today, some in the West are quick to forget this history, preferring to valorize terrorist entities under the false pretext of “liberation movements.”

    The use of the Kurdish issue as a political weapon against Türkiye is a cynical and dangerous campaign that only benefits those who seek to destabilize the region Iranian proxies, extremist groups, and arms traffickers among them. It does not serve the interests of peace or regional stability. Nor does it serve the interests of American or European taxpayers whose governments are being misled into funding such movements. Who are you funded by ? or by which group or country are you all funded by? 

    Let me be very clear, the Republic of Türkiye is not fighting Kurds; it is fighting terrorists. I urge your editorial board to reconsider the platform it provides to apologists of terrorism and to correct the misleading narrative that undermines a Turkiyes legitimate security concerns. In a region beset by chaos, Türkiye remains a pillar of stability and a reliable partner in the war against extremism.

    The American tax payers deserves to know: why is their government arming a terrorist group with taxpayer money is what you should be writing about, while turning its back on a proven democratic ally?

    Respectfully,

    Ibrahim Kurtulus 

    Community Activist 

  • “Deep Assassination: The Silencing of Halil Falyalı’s Accountant Cemil Önal and the Multi-Layered Intelligence War”

    “Deep Assassination: The Silencing of Halil Falyalı’s Accountant Cemil Önal and the Multi-Layered Intelligence War”

    On May 1, 2025, Cemil Önal—known as the accountant of Halil Falyalı—was assassinated at a hotel located within the Rijswijk Municipality near The Hague, Netherlands. Önal had previously provided a 120-page testimony and documents to the American foreign intelligence agency CIA and the Dutch Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD).[^1] He also gave an interview to Cypriot journalist Ayşeden Akın, in which he exposed illicit relationships within the power structures of Turkey and Northern Cyprus, causing widespread media coverage.[^2]

    This event is not merely an individual execution but should be interpreted as part of a multi-layered intelligence conflict and political reckoning. Önal was a key figure with direct and detailed knowledge—not merely as a witness—of the internal mechanisms of the Turkish Republic (TR) and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), including corrupt dealings involving numerous politicians, businessmen, and bureaucrats, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

    1. Security Failures and Institutional Responsibility

    According to media reports, the assassin fled the scene on foot, pointing to a serious lapse in security protocols.[^3] Despite receiving intelligence from Önal, both the CIA and AIVD failed to fulfill their duty to protect him. Allowing him to stay at an ordinary hotel without any security measures raises serious questions about institutional responsibility.

    1. The Role of Turkish Intelligence

    Public criticism has surfaced regarding Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), which reportedly tracked Önal for a significant period and coordinated its actions with the executive branch.[^4] Whether MIT had direct or indirect involvement in the assassination is a matter that must be scrutinized both legally and within the context of international law.

    1. International Dimension: Blackmail and Intelligence Equilibriums

    Allegedly, Önal possessed recordings and documents detailing the involvement of Erdoğan and his close circle in illicit and organized criminal activities.[^5] Should these records have fallen into the hands of Western intelligence agencies, Turkey could be exposed to blackmail and coercion on the international stage.[^6] Therefore, this assassination can also be interpreted as part of a multinational foreign policy maneuver rather than merely a targeted killing.

    1. The “Used and Discarded” Scenario: The Fate of a Whistleblower

    Following Önal’s death, widespread discussion has focused on the notion that Western intelligence services “used and discarded” him. He allegedly offered detailed cooperation to the CIA and AIVD in exchange for protection and asylum.[^7] However, these services may have either underestimated or deliberately ignored his requests. This highlights the fragile nature of the “interest-based protection” principle in intelligence relations.

    Informants are typically protected only as long as the information they provide is considered “valuable.” Once this information is utilized, the responsibility toward such individuals diminishes. This has been a recurrent tactic, notably employed by the KGB and CIA during the Cold War.[^8] Önal’s situation is a modern example of the “discarded witness syndrome.”

    1. Domestic Repercussions in Turkish Politics

    In the aftermath of Önal’s assassination, segments of the Turkish opposition and certain media outlets have begun questioning potential links between the incident and the ruling government. Reports suggesting that Önal’s records directly targeted President Erdoğan have triggered intense censorship and pressure campaigns.[^9]

    This leads to a critical question: If Önal indeed possessed incriminating material against Erdoğan and his inner circle, where are these documents now, and who has them? If they have been handed over to the CIA, AIVD, or other agencies, they could become instruments of future blackmail. Such a scenario might force Turkey into foreign policy concessions—similar to past cases involving NATO member states where intelligence assets were directly embedded in diplomatic maneuvers.[^10]

    1. An Unsolved Case or a “Held Card”?

    Turkey’s modern history is filled with assassinations that remained unsolved for years, only to resurface when political dynamics shifted. Önal’s death might similarly be a “held card”—deliberately shelved by those behind the operation for future strategic leverage. In such a case, the public may not learn the truth for a long time.

    More critical than identifying the direct perpetrators is uncovering the structures that allowed or facilitated the assassination. The media’s lack of coverage, the event’s near-invisibility on social media, and its portrayal as an “ordinary murder” all reinforce this suspicion.[^11]

    The Anatomy of a Trust Crisis

    Cemil Önal’s assassination is not only a personal tragedy but also a symptom of a deeper crisis involving intelligence agencies, transnational political interests, and Turkey’s internal power structure. Despite the short time since the incident, access to information has been restricted, the investigation lacks transparency, and international response has been minimal. This sends a deterrent message—not just to those currently involved, but also to any future whistleblowers considering cooperation with intelligence services.

    Still, several pressing questions remain unanswered:
    • Who was behind the assassination?
    • Why did agencies responsible for his protection fail to act?
    • Where are the documents Önal disclosed?
    • How might this murder affect Turkey’s future foreign policy?

    Conclusion

    The killing of Cemil Önal demands clarification on many fronts. This was not simply the silencing of a witness but an event that sheds light on the complex intersections of intelligence agencies, state structures, and international power balances. Ultimately, the key question remains:

    “Who benefits the most from this assassination?”

    Everyone concerned with this issue must engage in critical thinking, connecting the chain of events and conducting a thorough analysis.
    Only then can the true answer—perhaps more obvious than it seems—emerge.

    References:

    [^1]: “Key Witness Cemil Önal Killed in Rijswijk,” De Volkskrant, May 2, 2025.
    [^2]: Ayşeden Akın, “Interview with Cemil Önal: Deep State Relations Revealed Through Documents and Recordings,” Haber Kıbrıs, March 2025.
    [^3]: “Escape Footage After the Assassination Captured on CCTV,” NOS Nieuws, May 2, 2025.
    [^4]: Mehmet Yılmaz, “MIT’s Silence and Tracking of Cemil Önal,” BirGün, April 2025.
    [^5]: Hasan Bayraktar, The Deep State’s Tape Archive: The Cemil Önal File, Istanbul: Güncel Publishing, 2025.
    [^6]: Ayşe Kardaş, “The West’s New Weapon: Political Blackmail Documents,” International Security and Strategy Journal, Vol. 12, No. 1 (2025): 34–52.
    [^7]: “Leaked Documents on Cemil Önal’s Meetings with AIVD and CIA,” The Intercept, May 4, 2025.
    [^8]: Christopher Andrew, The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB, New York: Basic Books, 1999.
    [^9]: “Are the Recordings Targeting Erdoğan? Cemil Önal Assassination and Its Political Impacts,” BBC Turkish, May 3, 2025.
    [^10]: Robert Baer, See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA’s War on Terrorism, New York: Crown Publishers, 2002.
    [^11]: “Algorithms and Obscuration: Why the Cemil Önal Case Was Rendere