BY CUNEYT ULSEVER
HURRIYET- By now we’re used to the fact that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is one of the most important political actors in Turkey, and 2003 was no different. However, one of the year’s most important themes was the conflict between politics and the military, as military intervention in politics fell to a minimum. In this period, the TSK was careful not to come into conflict with civilian leaders. Chief of General Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok made great contributions to this positive new development.
However, there were also certain anti-democratic signals, just as in years past. Particularly in August, certain military commanders up for retirement resisted leaving their posts. It would be untrue to say that the TSK quit civilian politics completely after August. There are still certain commanders who think they have the right to warn civilians as if they were barking orders. However, I must admit that the presence of voices making difficult the ‘definition of the TSK’s duty’ fell sharply.
In 2003, we entered an era in which fewer people than ever tried to play the ‘more-patriotic-than-thou’ card. The TSK made large efforts for this. I believe 2004 will usher in an age where everybody sticks to their own areas. This past year, marked by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), was the beginning of an era in which such institutions as the media and the TSK begin a process of close self-examination.