BY SUKRU KUCUKSAHIN
HURRIYET- In his first domestic visit as president, Abdullah Gul traveled to the southeast, and in so doing attracted a great deal of attention. People asked why and when Gul decided to make the trip, and what impact it will have. As far as I can tell, the visit was entirely Gul's idea, and he made the decision before being elected. Three days before the final presidential vote, Gul explained the decision by saying that terrorism is the most pressing problem facing Turkey and that if elected, he would visit the places hurt the most by terrorism. He stated that the soldiers serving in the region and its residents, who have nothing to do with terrorism, are suffering the most from terrorism. He added that he would visit to understand their feelings and experiences and express his solidarity. In writing about July's general elections, I also noted how the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) got more votes from the southeast and what this means, so I place great importance on Gul's visit to the southeast.
During his visit Gul made sure to visit the garrisons that have lost the most soldiers. This was meant to show how he places importance on the military's fight with terrorism and express his support. Gul took pains to talk with a lot of soldiers in each military unit and listened to them carefully and even delayed his program. But the biggest delay took place at units along the border hills. In Karakas he lost track of the time. He was touched the most there during his tour and really felt what the soldiers are going through. He even said he wished he could stay for one more night. I got the impression Gul will pay more such visits to the region and I won't be surprise if he spends one night at one of those hill units.
From what he said after the visit, it seems Gul thinks he can reach his goals and that the people have placed their hopes in him. Now he will do what he must in line with what they asked and what he learned. They gave him many requests, and Presidential Palace officials have already started to sort through them. Afterwards, Gul will take action on the things he can do himself and forward the other requests to the proper institutions. For now, I want to address the people who expect a conflict between Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Solidarity among leaders is something Turkey 's center-right and left-wing parties are poor at, but the AKP excels at this. So these expectations are misplaced; these people are close to each other will take care not to have problems among themselves. Even if there are some, they will be discussed and resolved in unity.