Turkey's Erdogan Accuses US-Based Gülen

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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Erdogan Blasts Gülen Again: US, Where’s the Extradition?

Turkey's President Erdogan is back at it, slamming the US over the continued presence of Fethullah Gülen, the exiled cleric he accuses of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt. It’s a familiar refrain from the Turkish leader, who has repeatedly called for Gülen’s extradition from the US. But the US has so far resisted, citing a lack of concrete evidence linking Gülen to the coup.

This latest round of accusations comes after Turkey requested Gülen's extradition for a fourth time, following the arrest of former Turkish intelligence chief Hakan Fidan. Erdogan claims the arrest is proof of a broader conspiracy, with Gülen pulling the strings from his Pennsylvania hideout.

**But here’s the thing: ** The US, and many international observers, are skeptical of Erdogan’s accusations. While Gülen is a controversial figure, his alleged involvement in the coup remains unproven. The US government has pointed to what they deem as insufficient evidence to justify extradition.

The whole situation is a bit of a mess, honestly. You’ve got Erdogan, who sees Gülen as a major threat to his power. Then you’ve got the US, caught in a difficult position. They don’t want to alienate Turkey, a key NATO ally, but they also don't want to be seen as bending to Erdogan's political pressure.

The Gülen saga has become a major point of friction in Turkish-US relations. It’s a stalemate that doesn't seem likely to end anytime soon. Erdogan's recent accusations are just the latest chapter in this ongoing saga. And with no end in sight, it’s hard to say how this will all play out.

**But one thing is clear: the US is in a tough spot. ** It’s gotta balance its relationship with Turkey with its commitment to due process and the rule of law. And that, my friends, is a tricky dance.